This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Messages - cudakidd53
3001
« on: September 29, 2014, 10:13:23 PM »
No Don, you are not wrong, and it's not Bigoted, it's intolerance of Behavior, BAD behavior. Reminds me of one of my favorite lines from Lonesome Dove, "I won't tolerant rude behavior in a man" after Captain Carl beats the crap outta a Calvary soldier beating on Newt for refusing to give-up his horse.
I've LONG felt that our treatment and rules for non-citizens should be directly reciprocal to those of their native lands for non-citizens there! The only exception to that MIGHT be an extension of BASIC human rights which isn't always a given, world-wide. Healthcare provision, welfare, social security, Constitutional provisions, employment etc. same-same as THEIR homeland for US if we were there visiting. NOTHING more, nothing less! An example of how it might work based upon reciprocal treatment: Mexican Nationals protesting our Government.....immediate arrest and expulsion from the country, no right to own property- only ability to "lease" with US right to cease lease and seize property at any time. No money to pay for healthcare......you don't get it! No welfare, no right to vote.......you get the picture! SUDDENLY, we wouldn't have half our problems, because ONLY those who want to assimilate and contribute would be here, the freeloaders would be GONE and we could concentrate upon those CITIZENS in need. VETERANS might actually be given more medical care than lip service about it. Politicians MIGHT shape up, because they couldn't IMPORT voters to keep themselves in office!
Nawwwww......too much common sense in something like that!
3002
« on: September 29, 2014, 09:03:12 PM »
You guys do realize what kind of truck that is, right? (it's a dodge)...or was there a different "beauty" in the pic somewhere? :pokeintheface hahahaha
Yep, a Dodge, as in Square-D.......as in when Don is operational, you "better Dodge, or he'll RAM you"......ROFLMAO and add "pokey guy"
3003
« on: September 28, 2014, 05:57:11 PM »
Now that's a must do session for Real Man event.......I've herd the name before
3004
« on: September 27, 2014, 10:12:11 PM »
At Mexican Resturant in Osceola, IA and find thus beauty parked by me- thought of all of you Real Men after Margaritas and Tamales! One of my dogs won making it a wonderful walk to the truck!
3005
« on: September 25, 2014, 06:53:37 PM »
Two dear friends from my "dog world" are in need: Jane, like a mother to me, has some form of lung cancer along with short term memory issues, just hospitalized this weekend.
Paul, just diagnosed with some form of Brain Cancer and is undergoing testing tomorrow. He's single so his support network is smaller, but has some very close friends.
Both are from Michigan- great people, salt if the earth type and genuine caring souls.
Thanks- Mike
3006
« on: September 25, 2014, 06:46:11 PM »
Great story- reminds me of all the things burned and blown-up from my youth!
3007
« on: September 24, 2014, 06:56:41 PM »
Brings me back to HS Football- all that plus curls and running...... I used to be 155, now I'm just pushing 52 (years) and several additional pounds. Gonna have to get off the couch now that I'm healed from the horse wreck.
Good stuff HC!
3008
« on: September 24, 2014, 03:39:20 PM »
Regarding Suicide:
I try and always remember that it’s not mine to take, I surrendered it to God at an early age. Beginning at an early age, I experienced loss of a sister, then a mother, then my core family structure due to a “Brady Bunch” episode gone badly with the introduction of a “step-monster” and her minions. Practice wife of 13 years decides it’s over and I lost my kids for almost 7 years……….the up and down rollercoaster of loss and recovery; tempered by fire so to speak.
I’ve never had to watch someone die next to me; I’ve never been forced to take a life. I have studied the black & white evidence photos of the train wreck that took my mother, and the colored ones of an single car accident that took the life of one of my students, while the student in the seat next to her survived. Colleagues and other students die of disease and self-inflicted trauma and pure accidents.
Through it all, I want to see the next sunrise and to taste the “revenge” of living well and succeeding in the face of adversity. I will not lie and state that the thought has never crossed my mind, during some of the darkest hours, but there is no sweeter way to say “F-you” to the inflicters of pain and misery than to rise up from the ashes of destruction and despair and to flourish in spite of it/them.
The Biblical illustration of the “heaping of coals” upon the heads of those who persecute you, was after the “practice wife” went out of her way to undermine my relationship with my older children who I went without seeing for 6 years, was when I wrote her a letter of recommendation to get a high paying job in the District that I worked in. As often as possible, I met nasty with kind, bit my tongue and lived on. My relationship with my current wife flourished and with the birth of my second daughter, my other children suddenly wanted “back in” to the picture. Fast forward 9 years and it’s all good- even socialize with the “practice wife” as a family including my “forever wife” and daughter. Some of the sweetest words I ever heard spoken, were by the “practice wife” when she finally admitted that she’d been wrong and screwed-up all those years ago, and I got to reply that if it weren’t for that happening, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
What’s the point to the entire story telling above: “though Christ, all things are possible” and “he is my strength and salvation”. “Not through works of righteousness which we (I) have done, but according to his mercy he has saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” –Titus 3:5
I cannot fathom how anyone could serve in the capacities that a Soldier or Officer of the Law do without the strength of The Lord behind you! May those of us who’ve not served, remember to reach out to those who have and still do, in the spirit of fellowship and true concern. God Bless you and all your brethern Blaine
3009
« on: September 23, 2014, 11:23:56 PM »
The Navy guys will be disappointed- "SUB'd" guys left out..........
3010
« on: September 22, 2014, 10:21:49 PM »
ALWAYS CHECK THE HITCH PIN! I pulled my trailer to storage this weekend without one somehow! Weight of the trailer, slight twist one way or another- who knows, but luckily I went slowly and God smiled upon me during the two mile trip!
3011
« on: September 22, 2014, 10:14:29 PM »
Bug-out via water- an avenue I'd not considered. Without owning a vessel difficult, but clearly an option to consider and/or plan as an alternative option. Being near the Great Lakes make it a viable alternative, traveling upon your water supply and a source of food at the same time!
3012
« on: September 22, 2014, 09:51:20 PM »
Thank you for the gracious offer Tate! I'd love to; 4 more years and I retire and those type of road trips in the fall will be my "reward" for 35 years of teaching. For now I'm focused on my last National Competition with my current dogs and then "rebuild" for the future Brittanys!
I respect and understand the fence riding of introspection and "Loving your neighbor as yourself" while trying to harken to the voice of The Lord and his word. I also have worked in public schools since 1985 and have been chest deep in the "new morality" and secular society- I've become a quick read of character and motivations of individuals and groups and unfortunately/fortunately been spot on 85% of the time or better. I actually look forward to being wrong, as my predictions usually run on the negative track. Because of this and previous life experiences, I make decisions quickly; not that I don't weigh different sides of issues before hand.....
I think that as with all things, The Lord will provide. Those who are right with him, but financially unable to "prepare" to the level of others will be delivered by Him, to settings/groups able to take them in where they will/can fulfill some vital role for the good of all. We all also need to remember and heed the montra that we never know when we may be "hosting" or in the presence of angels.
He speaks to us if/when our hearts and ears are open to hear, I believe that those messages will be loud and clear in those SHTF scenarios- such as in the cases we've previously mentioned -like Lot and his family, Noah and others.
God Bless-
Mike
3013
« on: September 22, 2014, 04:40:17 PM »
Metal prices are lowest I've seen in the year I've been purchasing and paying attention! Those waiting to purchase can thank me for the drop.....I purchased some silver last week on the way down in price. True to my pattern it's down further! Not worried, because its SHTF prep, but still funny how my record is unbroken! LOL!
3014
« on: September 22, 2014, 04:30:55 PM »
From the stand point of duty to Neighbors, I’d liken it to Sodom & Gomorrah or Noah and the Ark- the United States is not an area that has been deprived of access to scriptures and the teaching of the Bible. Self reliance and ethical behavior is not a new concept to this country, so those who fail to head the warnings and signs all around us are suffering from their own delusional rationalization that the lack of morality of this generation and country will not have consequences.
The Biblical stories of Cain and Able, and Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors are prime examples of right and wrong and the consequences of doing each. Even family will fall on opposite sides of right and wrong, good and evil and the hard choices that will have to be made. Extended families who are small in numbers, like minded and prepared will be key “units” with strong ties likely to better survive. Large extended families with many members will be weaker statistically, due to the likelihood of lack of homogeneous thought and morals- much like this country. Different levels of morality cause eroded value structures to develop and strife and infighting to fester- an up front, inflexible law structure and code of conduct will be paramount to a long term viability of any re-grouping of society. The Tribal (Family) structure that Don mentions is likely the way to survive. Think mid 1800’s Native American Tribal structure (Plains Indians in particular) - mobile, co-operative society, in which everyone able contributed based upon their “gifts” and all followed a tribal code of conduct.
Back to the Neighbor scenario- load-up and get out taking all that you can safely carry and don’t wait thru the night- leave ASAP. If you’re “tight” with another like minded family who’s prepared, get out together and head towards better pastures with a lower population, away from the oxygen thieves and socialists, dependent upon the labor and handouts of others. Take solace in the fact that your neighbors will most likely help themselves to whatever you left behind- again, your labors providing for those who refused to take care of themselves. Keep that in mind- be careful what you leave behind so that it cannot be used against you at a later date- think munitions and the like. You’ll also want to NOT look like the Beverly Hillbillies heading down the road. Pack as to draw little attention as possible. Truck caps serve a purpose- open beds may look cool, but easy in, also means easy out!
In a SHTF scenario- charity will get you killed. There will hopefully be plenty of time LATER to show compassion and charity to those more likely to survive and make positive contributions to the re-establishment of society.
3015
« on: September 22, 2014, 01:27:13 PM »
I envision mandals working the rudder pedals........did you ever fly with speakers strapped to the helo blasting "Flight of the Valkaries" ala Robert Duval in "Apocalypse Now"
3016
« on: September 19, 2014, 06:33:38 AM »
How much physical hard assets should one have on hand in a SHTF scenario?
For example, how much 90% silver coinage, how much 40% silver coinage, how much paper cash (worthless?) and how much gold & silver bullion?
Obviously, more is better, but what would or should be a comfortable amount?
3017
« on: September 19, 2014, 06:28:05 AM »
More than I had a year ago, but not enough!
I would imagine that 5,000 rifle rounds per caliber would be a comfortable level-
About 1000-2000 pistol per caliber would be good-
Probably 500-1000 shotgun rounds (defensive) and another similar amount of hunting rounds.
3018
« on: September 17, 2014, 04:43:59 PM »
This whole thing seems to be taking on a Wizard of Oz type flavor-
Tin man - rusty joints, especially starting with the knees..... I think it looks like the chain mail was made out of shinny candy wrappers :)
3019
« on: September 16, 2014, 10:56:10 PM »
Early in September, I'm in the parking lot talking with a colleague 15 mins. before the end of the school day and it starts raining. So I climb inside to wait it out; so I think. It starts pouring about as hard as I know it can rain- after 5 mins. I concede that I'm NOT going back in and leave heading for home a bit early on a Friday. No, I don't have a class last period, so there were no misguided youths left alone on my watch.
The whole way home, sheeple are driving like the concrete is about to dissolve beneath them, interstate becomes a rehearsal for SHTF scenarios. I do notice that some construction barrels have floated into the lanes somewhat, or a Prius owner got smart and left his bright orange battery mobile where it shorted out. Same size obstacles either way, so I easily make my way the 17 miles to home. Exit before mine, I see multi-colored lights indicating police action ahead........oh goody, all these drivers don't have TV evidently, and don't know that watching "Cops" is far more entertaining than watching it live alongside the roadway! I make out the outline of a Semi with trailer on the overpass above me laying flat on the driver's side; Now THAT had to be a change of shorts moment!
In my mind, it was going to be a perfect time to stop at Cabela's which is right off my exit, to make my standard "provision" stop. Discovering that power is out, traffic lights out, people have no clue how to drive when lights don't tell them what to do, I bale and head home to see what's the condition of the humble abode. Thankfully, we have power, and there's no obvious damage that I notice. Check the sides of the house, roof from the street and side yard, sight down the fence line on each side- I'm good! Get a text from neighbor- don't let out your dogs, fence is down.....what? Inside now, I look out to find the backside blown flat, posts snapped off yet still intact! Oh goody! I figure, I can lift it up and brace it......right! Who am I kidding!
Call insurance agent.....no answer.....classic! I answer the phone when they call, but can I ever get service from my supposed agent!? Luckily, I call the national claims number and get WONDERFUL service! Get the green light, take picture, save receipts and we'll settle up online when it's complete! Also get credit for MY labor since I'm doing it myself! Luckily, my brother is available to assist the next morning, LOWE's pulls my order over the phone for pick-up the next day, the rental place next to my house has what I need and open at 8am! Brother says he'll be there, but not before 9am.
Ok, why the rush? I've got 3 dogs, Brittanys who I hunt and Field Trial- no fence means I've got to WALK THEM...they'd escape from my wife and daughter, get hit by a car etc. and with one of them a National Champion, I can't allow any of the above scenarios to develop......well except the walking on a leash......ugh! I immediately pound stake-outs in the yard to tether the dogs for feeding and "business" until the fence is completed to the point they can't escape. Start pulling tools etc. for the morning and finish the plan of attack for the next day.
Up early, with a beautiful forecast for the next 4 days I make coffee, finish prepping things on my end until the rental place opens. When I get there- 5 mins. after opening, they're OUT of generators, which thankfully, I don't need. I survey my options and settle on a "Dingo" which is a walk behind TORO product with a bucket and auger head. They load it, hook it on a trailer and hook it to my truck and I'm put the door and home with my brother having just arrived. Off to the Lowe's which is 15 miles away- won't shop elsewhere due to politics of places like Home Depot - embracers of the "Rainbow" and the rest of the Liberal agenda!
Pickup the order while my brother picks-up other necessities like twice the screws the guy pulled as we'd have been dead in the water just putting up forms for pouring the posts! The Lowes boys sneer saying "looks like your making two trips".....They don't know that the Poehler boys have their PHDs......Pile it Higher and Deeper! We layer it all into his pickup with 28 bags of concrete and enough posts, pickets and stringers for 100 linear feet of Cedar, board on board fence!
Now upon arrival back at the house, the 8 year younger version of me scrambles to work digging posts while I fire-up the Dingo and work it down to the far end of the yard with my logging chain as we proceed to pull 10 concrete posts, most busted below grade. Even WITH power equipment, this takes serious time and effort, finishing pulling them around 12:30. We were treated to Portilo's Beef sandwiches and chocolate cake and cold beer by my wife as she shuttled my youngest daughter between church outings and a birthday party! We were OUT of beer, so you know work stoppage was a serious concern as my brother is a Union Plumber!
Working until 7pm, we got all of the posts braced plumb, 8" post tubes for the top 18", set in concrete with the tops crowned for drainage and all of the old concrete and posts humped to the curb. Rental equipment returned on time, and 10 bags of concrete left over and lumber unloaded inside the garage.
The next day, my wife is the lone helper on my crew.....now I LOVE MY WIFE, but we don't even hook-up the camper together! Let's just say that "back-up cameras" are a SERIOUS marital aide! Working together from 8am until 2pm things go wonderfully, we get almost all the runner boards cut and screwed in place, the outside boards on two sides of the 3 to repair, a gate built with all hardware in place! We stopped for a long lunch/dinner with my oldest daughter, her boyfriend and their puppy; truly enjoying our time. When they left that evening, my wife and I hauled ALL the scrapped panels to the curb, cleaned up the worksite and called it a night to return to the real jobs on Monday. After work the next day, I run home to return the dirt around the posts and concrete as rain was forecast the next day or two. Now everyone knows, when you dig a hole, somehow, the dirt multiplies.....it's a given! Well, SOMEHOW I return all the dirt to the new holes and I'm actually a bit SHORT!? Grab the potting soil to dress up the mess on the neighbors sides of the job and finish the outside of the fence, and half the inside, before sunset. The next day, it POURS settling the fill and washing away the mess etc. well fast forward to this evening and the fence is finally finished!
Reflecting back upon the entire experience, I cannot believe the number of BLESSINGS throughout this entire process! This is clearly, from The Lord......I'm amazed out how his handprints appeared at every turn of the process!
Timing- happens on a Friday, when I've got NOTHING planned for Sat./Sunday, and my brother is available to assit. Normally, traveling on weekends to Field Trial the dogs- so this was the only open weekend for two months! Micro burst could have easily damaged more of the house, instead, only a superficial structure, though essential to our daily lives with our dogs.
Instead of church (normally there when home), I spend a day working with my wife ENJOYING the process and each others company. Same enjoyable time spent with both my daughters, and the eldest's boyfriend and dog, while resting the aches of a 51 yr. old body not usually doing hard labor!
Supplies and equipment are available and waiting when I needed them , insurance gives the go ahead without "visit" so there's no delay! Brother is available and WILLING to assist at this drop of the hat!
I actually complete the process, without any major problems and even when something comes up, it's calmly resolved without anything "exciting" happening.
I was further blessed by being able to help a new neighbor by trimming their damaged tree, halfway up, like a Monkey with a chainsaw, finishing unharmed! I actually was thinking, if this slips, my guts are "at the chain" and it'll really make a mess! The guy wanted to pay me.....no, pay it forward.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your blessings and providence throughout this somewhat comical escapade! Your presence is awesome and I thank you for an enjoyable calamity of the smallest variety!
3020
« on: September 15, 2014, 10:24:21 PM »
Big D-
You have been blazing away on the keyboard! You have my permission to use any of my posts on any of your threads from the other site, here on the new site.
Sites taking shape nicely- great work Overwatch!
3021
« on: September 15, 2014, 09:49:04 PM »
Oh Boy! I don't spend enough time each morning to catch-up on this during my "3 S" time! Thanks, now I got HOMEWORK! :)
|
Show Posts