Just a bit of “Old School Reading’. Ocracoke N.C.

 

The Wreck of the Ariosto, by Philip Howard
Wreck of the Ariosto

It was December of 1899.  The U.S. Life Saving Station at Cedar Hammock, just a mile or so from Hatteras Inlet, on the north end of Ocracoke Island, had been in operation for sixteen years.  The station had been built to provide rescue services for mariners involved in shipping disasters along the coast.  For three hundred years numerous shipwrecks had occurred around Cape Hatteras, and over that time many a sailor died because those on shore had no equipment or training to attempt a rescue. 

In 1883 a dramatic change was made on Ocracoke.  James Howard was appointed the first keeper (or captain) of the new Cedar Hammock station.  Six surf men, all natives of the island, were hired, and training began.  Over the next sixteen years a number of schooners and other sailing vessels wrecked on Ocracoke's beach in stormy weather and high seas.  But most of the skippers and crew of those ships were delivered from watery graves because of the bravery and courage of the well-trained life savers.

Llate 1800s:

Not far from their fully equipped station, Keeper Howard and some of his crew had built modest homes.  Forsaking the comforts, conveniences, and community of Ocracoke village, the keeper and his surfmen brought wives, children, and other family members to their remote end of the island during their months of service (typically September to March, the period of severest weather). Keeper Howard and his wife, Zilphia, even had their grandchildren with them after their daughter, Lorena, died unexpectedly in her mid-30s.  Their father, Rev. L.O. Wyche, was a traveling Methodist preacher and was unable to take his children with him on his circuit. 

As Christmas approached in 1899, the small isolated community at Cedar Hammock, including more than a dozen children, looked forward to the holiday season. Native cedars and yaupons were cut and used to decorate windows and doors.  Red bows were tied on wreaths and trees.  Christmas songs were played on the Howards' parlor organ.  Stockings were hung by the fireplace in great anticipation of the coming holiday.  The surfmen and their families chose to pool their resources for a community-wide Christmas day celebration.  They would all gather in the station at mid-day on December 25 to share a festive dinner of roast goose, potatoes, collards, and pumpkin pie.   Each family would provide a portion of the meal.  James Hatton Wahab's wife, Martha Ann Howard Wahab, accepted the responsibility of baking the pies. 

On December 23, late in the afternoon, Hatton walked into the kitchen and discovered every level surface covered with pumpkin pies.  Martha Ann had baked, not just three or four pies for the two dozen or so people at Cedar Hammock.  She had baked enough pies for more than twice that many people.  "Whatever are you doing?" Hatton asked her.  "We can't possibly eat all those pies, Martha Ann!" 

"Well, Hatton," she replied, "you know I always like to be prepared.  I want to be sure to have enough pies in case any folks from over seas come to join us for Christmas dinner." 

Hatton just shrugged his shoulders and walked back outside.  He had been scanning the skies.  Dark, ominous storm clouds had been rolling in over the sound, and the wind was picking up.  He had come home to check on his family.  After his five children were safe inside he would help at the station.  The other families had the same concerns. 

Before long the children were all accounted for.  Some had been in the sound in their sail skiffs.  Two had ridden their ponies down the beach.  Others were in the yard, or in the house, playing games or singing along with the organ.  But now they were all safe inside. 

The wind was stronger now.  The surfmen struggled to haul boats out of the water, put their horses in the stable, tie down equipment, and close the shutters.  The surf was rough and the tide was already beginning to rise.

Inside, the children were fed their dinners and put to bed around eight o'clock.  The adults huddled around their fireplaces, trying to stay warm, and worrying about what the storm might bring.  Cold wind was whistling through cracks in the walls, around rattling windows, and under the doors.  They might lose some shingles from the roof, or maybe a banging shutter would blow off.  But they were most concerned about the rising tide.  If it came too high they would be forced to open the doors (and maybe even the windows) to let the cold Atlantic water inside before it could lift their houses off of their foundations and float them away.

As the night wore on and midnight approached the worried families at Cedar Hammock were unaware of the drama playing out a few miles south in the Atlantic Ocean.

The steel hulled, schooner-rigged, British steamship, Ariosto, with a crew of thirty, loaded with wheat, cotton, lumber, and cottonseed meal, was making its way north, intending to refuel in Norfolk before departing for Hamburg, Germany.  Peering through the mist, rain, and clouds, on a pitching and rolling vessel, the Ariosto's navigator spied a lighthouse.  At midnight he reported to his captain, R.R. Baines from Antwerp, that they were abreast of the Cape Hatteras light.  Captain Baines gave orders: "Steam straight ahead."  And then he retired to his cabin.  It was a fatal mistake.

The ship was not well out to sea, east of the dreaded shoals of Cape Hatteras, as the officers believed.  The navigator had actually seen the Ocracoke light, and the Ariosto was headed straight for the north end of Ocracoke.

About two in the morning of December 24, 1899 Captain Baines was rudely awakened by a sudden thud, a fearful shuddering of his entire vessel,  a precipitous list to starboard, and the ringing of the ship's bell.   Rushing to the deck, he leaned over the rails and saw nothing but wild, churning white water.   Thick, heavy weather enveloped the Ariosto, preventing visibility for more than a dozen yards.  He was convinced that they had run hard aground on the outer Diamond Shoals. Captain Baines ordered distress flares to be launched, but he had no hope that life savers from Hatteras could reach them in a storm such as this. 

Fearing that his boat would break apart (already the starboard life boats had been carried away), Captain Baines ordered all men in the remaining life boats.  The first boat touched the roiling waves and was immediately capsized.  All eleven men were thrown into the frigid December waters.  Fifteen sailors climbed into the second boat when a wave struck it and it broke apart. All fell into the Atlantic.  The captain and three others who had remained on the vessel were now stranded.  Two sailors from the overturned life boat managed to grab hold of some tackle thrown over the side of the boat, and were pulled back onto the deck. 

Painting of the Wreck of the Ariosto by Charlie Ahmen:

It was then that the crew from the Cedar Hammock station arrived on the scene.  Immediately keeper Howard raised the international signal, MK, "Remain on Your Ship!"  The Ariosto was several hundred yards off shore, only about two miles south of the station.  By now the ship was visible from shore, and the life savers were busy unloading their beach cart.  While designated surfmen set the crotch and buried the sand anchor others got the Lyle gun ready and released the line from the faking box.  As soon as possible Keeper Howard fired the first shot line to the stricken vessel.  It missed, but miraculously fell across a struggling sailor.  He wrapped the line around his arm before loosing consciousness.  The unconscious sailor was hauled up on the beach and given artificial respiration.  He revived.

Against all odds an exhausted sailor, seaman Elsing, managed to swim to shore.   Another struggling sailor was pulled out of the surf when the life savers made a human chain by clasping hands and wading into the numbingly cold, turbulent breakers. 

Eventually a shot line reached the Ariosto and the hawser was attached to a mast.  The traveling block and breeches buoy were sent to the vessel.  By late in the afternoon the five sailors and the captain (carrying his pet dog "Belgium") were brought safely ashore.   As Keeper Howard noted in his report, if all had remained on board all would have been saved.  As it was, twenty-one main drowned that Christmas Eve, 1899. 

The survivors were carried back to the station, given dry clothes, warmed by the fire, and provided with food and hot coffee. The work of the life savers was not over, however.  Their equipment had to be gathered up and repacked in the beach cart, then taken back to the station where the ponies were cared for. 

After that the drowned were carried from the incoming tide and buried in unmarked graves in the dunes near where they had washed up on the beach.  Rev. Wyche, who was spending the holidays with his children, was called on to provide Christian burials for the hapless sailors. 

That night eight sailors from the Ariosto were berthed in the station.  Captain Baines spent the night with Keeper and Mrs.Howard.

The next day, of course, was Christmas.  The nine survivors from the wreck of the Ariosto were included in the Cedar Hammock Christmas dinner celebration. 

When it came time for dessert, all were impressed that there was plenty of pie for everyone, for Martha Ann was prepared, and had anticipated having "folks from overseas" join them for Christmas dinner.

The Ariosto never broke apart.  Several days later, after the storm subsided, the captain and crew asked the surfmen to row them out to their ship in order to retrieve a few personal belongings.  Captain Baines insisted on bringing his caned platform rocking chair with him.  Once on shore he presented it to Keeper Howard as a token of gratitude for saving his life. 

Captain Baine's chair has been passed down in the family, and sits today in my living room, a silent reminder of the disaster of Christmas Eve, 1899.  And of the courage, bravery, and skill of the men of the U.S. Life Saving Service.

Captain Baines' Platform Rocker:

As Christmas approaches each year I decorate my home with a native cedar tree adorned with mini-lights.  I cut yaupon branches, thick with red berries, and decorate my table.  I put candles in the windows, and hang a cedar wreath (with bright red bow) on my front door.

In the evenings I like to sit in my recliner, next to a dancing fire in my cast iron stove, and read.  Not infrequently I'll nod off for ten or fifteen minutes.  I sometimes wake with a start, still somewhat drowsy, and glance towards Captain Baine's chair. That's when I'm sure I see the chair gently rocking back and forth.  I force myself awake, and when I look carefully the chair is still.   Nevertheless, I wonder, could it be that Captain Baines returns every year at Christmas?  Maybe he stops to visit my great-grandfather this time of year.  If so, I wonder what they chat about? 

Perhaps he returns to reminisce about the wreck of his ship, and his rescue....and to wish us all a very Happy Christmas!

 

 

The First Thanksgiving by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe

 

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

 

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, 
And sorry I could not travel both 
And be one traveler, long I stood 
And looked down one as far as I could 
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 

       
Then took the other, as just as fair, 
And having perhaps the better claim, 
Because it was grassy and wanted wear; 

Though as for that the passing there 
Had worn them really about the same,        
And both that morning equally lay 
In leaves no step had trodden black. 
Oh, I kept the first for another day! 

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 
I doubted if I should ever come back. 

      
I shall be telling this with a sigh 
Somewhere ages and ages hence: 

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— 
I took the one less traveled by, 
And that has made all the difference.

      
Robert Frost (1874–1963). 

At first cock-crow the ghosts must go…….

Back to their quiet graves below.

-Theodosia Garrison

One need not be a chamber to be haunted; One need not be a house; The brain has corridors surpassing Material place.

- Emily Dickinson

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.

-Shakespeare, "Macbeth"

When witches go riding, and black cats are seen/the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween.

Unknown……….??

Upon this land of buried and the dead…

Here lies the man,

Mr Johnny Yeast.

Forgive him, I say.

Fore he cannot rise.

A small request.

Just one line

                  

 

Male Breast Cancer Link……………

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost….

Amen 

 

 

In 2006 I sold some land, upon it sat a house of mine built by my Great grand father, W.S Mobley, I am named for him, and recall him somewhat.  Instead of letting the house be torn down, my contract allowed me to move the home. And yes, I did just that. Searching for some one who had “The Experience”, I came across a special man, his name? Howard Burnley.

Since 1978 his family had installed 2 septic tanks for me and a Swimming pool, in ground for my sisters family.

I had noticed a few years ago, someone in McDuffie County having purchased 15 acres of Blueberry plants and moving them. Little did me know, it was Mr.Burnley. He and his family live but 5 minutes from my property in East Georgia, about 2&1/2 hours from where me live for the past 31 years in Atlanta.

My sister called me this Sunday. Howard had a heart-attack, in Thomson, GA, off Gilpin Rd, pulled to the side, shut the vehicle down, and discovered deceased, sitting up-right with seat-belt on.

He leaves behind a widow, daughter, son and many grandchildren. Howard was 62, retired from the phone company a decade ago.

Me head is sad and hurts, but my heart rejoices. A man may have many he know, but for some, few friends……….for this I thank Howard.

Me blogged in 2006-2007 about the house move, and the unexpected kidnapping of his grandson, by his grandson’s X father, to Mexico City, Mexico. Thru the drama, his faith, church, and friends and the U.S. Marshalls in Texas were of major support. 

The last time we talked at length, on the site of me house relocation, we hugged, prayed and rejoiced as he and his wife drove to Atlanta to meet the Marshalls and his grandson, rescued, Safe and Sound. 

Please take a moment to see him as follows………….

***  *   *****  ****  **

Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.
Henry David Thoreau

Howard checking the location, after Church in Thomson, before clearing and such.

 

Howard’s best friend and constant companion…….

Shane, his grandson.

 

Do not hire a man who does your work for money,

but him who does it for love of it.
Quotation of Henry David Thoreau

 

http://www.myspace.com/swallowatthehollow
15 minutes from here in Alpharetta is SwollowattheHollow
Old timey B-B-Q joint in Roswell GA.  Been there over the past few decades.  Weekends are...."Singer-Songwriter" nights........15$
Tommy Talton and Randell Bramblett from Cowboy., have tickets for Saturday 10th this month.  All Acoustic music, and entertainment.  Most of the artist are from Nashville, they from Athens GA........a big time treat, food and sides are old school BBQ. Heck the place is more a shack than as dinner.........I'm THRILLED..........seen Randell many times, never seen the guitar player Tommy, but got all their stuff, starting with album, 5 Aside from the early 70's.  Musicians and the best of word-smiths
Tommy Talton, who also has played shows this year with other Capricorn alumni like Randall Bramblett and Bonnie Bramlett, says his days at the label were extremely memorable, especially the night the late Duane Allman dropped by the studio and added his slide guitar to the band's song "Please Be With Me."
"It was like somebody's living room, but it just happened to be a recording studio," he says. "People were always dropping in to our sessions and we'd drop in for other sessions ourselves, either just to stop by and listen, or to make a contribution to what was being recorded."
"Please Be With Me" has turned up on an episode of the NBC comedy "My Name is Earl," which pleases Talton, although awaits the ultimate payoff.
"Scott wrote that song, and he's been in contact with his publishing company about the performance royalties, but he hasn't heard anything yet about getting a check," says Talton, who adds he's not seen the "Earl" show in which the song was featured. "It's always fun to find mailbox money."
Still as active as ever in his profession, Talton muses on the twists and turns experienced and endured by musicians.
"My life is different from most," he says. "One day I'll be on the roof cleaning the gutters and the next day I'm in a limo riding to the Beacon Theatre. But it's cool with me - I sure have learned a lot.".

Postscript………………….It, was PERFECT!!!

 

Tradgy..........update 10-09-09. My friend Castro at work, USPS , Alpharetta GA.  His mother still lives in the Philippines. Her body has been discovered/recovered, he was informed of her death, October 8th, 2009.  It remains unclear the specifics, except she was a victum of flooding, or mudslides.. That is all for now. 

UPDATE ON THE 2nd TYPHOON .................

Parma has already dealt northern Philippines a harsh blow amidst devastating high winds and flooding rains since a late-week landfall upon northeastern Luzon Island. And the pounding is set to persist through at least midweek. Owing to weakening of steering winds in the area, Parma will be allowed to drift erratically as the storm's inundating rain keeps pelting northern Luzon.

As of Monday, rainfall dished out by the former typhoon has topped 30 inches in some areas such as Laoag City, northwestern Luzon. More than 2 feet of rain has swamped nearby Vigan. Depending upon how this tropical storm tracks during the next few days, additional rainfall could easily reach 1 to 3 feet in the areas already hit hardest by flooding rain; namely, in northwestern Luzon.

It is possible that the strong tropical storm will regain typhoon status. If so, damaging winds could strike northern Luzon and the smaller nearby islands.

Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews

***************

Here in Georgia we experienced a “minor” flood compared to the Philippines.

The following are articles, and first hand accounts of the past week and what is happening now with the Typhoons.

Rescuers plucking bodies from water

Evacuations with no where to Go

1st hand-picture……..Creekside beside Brookside

My friend Ria’s family floating supplies to sister and family , Sta Lucia , food to sister via Felix Avenue, only 1 raft.

Tragic………..

Military Helicopter, to the left of tree.

Marikian City

Cut off from relief, no drinking water, Ria’s cousin

 

Misery, and more Typhoon coming……….

These people have little or “nowhere to go”.

As Parma, the 2nd of two “SUPER TYPHOONS” approached the Philippines on Friday, President Gloria Arroyo declared a "state of calamity" throughout the island nation and ordered mass evacuations in six provinces.
Her declaration of emergency freed up funds to help the government respond to emergencies.
The commander of U.S. troops in the Pacific region, Admiral Timothy Keating, said two U.S. Navy ships with several hundred Marines on board are off the coast of Manila, ready to help.
Parma was expected to make conditions worse for nearly 700,000 people who had already been forced into emergency shelters by Typhoon Ketsana.
After plowing through the Philippines, Ketsana ripped across Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. It killed more than 290 people in the Philippines, nearly 100 in Vietnam and at least 14 in Cambodia. The Red Cross in Laos said 16 people have been killed and at least 100 others are missing.

PLEASE SAY A PRAYER, AND HELP IF YOU CAN…….

Also chatted with Raven, down to little or no food, feeding her Dogs boiled rice. Today she expect and hope neighbors come with some food and money to HELP!!!

A 3  year drought was followed this September by a over once than a 100 year flood.  Not to be dramatic, the flood was Extreme.  Atlanta is not a particular flood prone flood area.  All the more reason to be overwhelmed.  It, the flooding was/is Major indeed.

Train stranded , upper left.

..FLOOD WARNING EXTENDED UNTIL THURSDAY MORNING 09-24-09...THE FLOOD WARNING
CONTINUES FOR
THE BIG CREEK NEAR ALPHARETTA
* UNTIL THURSDAY MORNING.
* AT 600 AM TUESDAY THE STAGE WAS 11.5 FEET...AND STEADY.
* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND WILL CONTINUE.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 7.0 FEET.
* THE CREEK WILL REMAIN STEADY THEN FALL BY THIS AFTERNOON.
THE CREEK WILL FALL BELOW FLOOD STAGE THURSDAY MORNING.
* AT 12.0 FEET...MAJOR FLOODING BEGINS. BRIDGE ALONG KIMBALL BRIDGE
ROAD IS OVERTOPPED RESULTING IN CLOSURE OF KIMBALL BRIDGE ROAD.
FLOODING OF HOMES BEGINS ALONG AND NEAR BIG CREEK FROM CUMMING IN
FORSYTH COUNTY TO ALPHARETTA AND ROSWELL IN FULTON COUNTY.

FLOOD WARNING EXTENDED UNTIL WEDNESDAY EVENING...THE FLOOD WARNING
CONTINUES FOR
THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NEAR VININGS AT PACES FERRY...
* UNTIL WEDNESDAY EVENING.
* AT 10AM TUESDAY THE STAGE WAS 24.8 FEET AND FALLING.
* MAJOR FLOODING WILL CONTINUE.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 14.0 FEET.
* THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY TOMORROW
AFTERNOON.
* AT 23.0 FEET...EXTENSIVE FLOODING OCCURS. THE 100 YEAR FLOOD IS
BETWEEN 23 AND 24 FEET. MANY HOMES AND BUSINESS ARE FLOODED OUT.

FLOOD WARNING FOR URBAN AREAS AND SMALL STREAMS IN...
CHEROKEE COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
COBB COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
DEKALB COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
DOUGLAS COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
FORSYTH COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
FULTON COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
GWINNETT COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
ROCKDALE COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
CARROLL COUNTY IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA
PAULDING COUNTY IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA
COWETA COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA
HEARD COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NEAR VININGS AT PACES FERRY...
* UNTIL WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
* AT 3 PM TUESDAY THE STAGE WAS 22.0 FEET AND FALLING.
* MAJOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND MODERATE FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 14.0 FEET.
* THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY TOMORROW
MORNING.
* AT 22.0 FEET...MAJOR FLOODING EXPANDS. VININGS ON THE RIVER PARKING
LOT FLOODS. THE CANOE RESTAURANT FLOODS AND PACES FERRY DRIVE
SOUTHEAST ROAD FLOODED OUT

School Austell GA

My 7 minute commute to work took all of 30 minutes…….why??

Roads closed…….

Finally total……..about 1 Billion dollars………and counting…….

In town ATL stranded

 

Last Race of the F1 season in October…….

Honda…..Formula 1

 

 

Formula 1™ is not only the world’s most glamorous sport, it the world’s largest annual sporting event.

It has more than 200 broadcasters worldwide, is televised in 188 countries and has an annual cumulative audience of 2.73 billion viewers
600 million individual viewers watch during live broadcasts.

In the world’s top 20 TV markets F1 is available in over 90% of households
500 permanent F1 press corps represent all principal global media groups, agencies, magazines and web sites..

It is a global showcase for major car manufacturers: Toyota, Renault, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, BMW.

And when it comes to corporate hospitality, F1 offers the most successful business to business platform in world events

 

Sir Richard Branson

According to reports circulating the F1 paddock at Monza this weekend past in Italy, the new Manor F1 team which is set to make it’s debut in 2010 will run as the Virgin F1 team.

With Virgin holding a 20 percent stake in the team rumor has it that this will include full naming rights for the team.

Talking to GPWeek Virgin Boss Sir Richard Branson said “I’m not going to stand in Brawn [Hospitality] and talk about anything except what a sunny, delightful first and second Brawn has had, and obviously we’re delighted to be principal sponsor for the whole of the season.”

“Next year we will… well, watch this space” he said, before continuing “I will be in Abu Dhabi and we will talk further then.”

Me blog more on F1 in Abu Dhabi……….last race of the year, in October….2009. You have got to see the course, hotels, Marina and such to believe it. 

 

Abu Dhabi

part of the course at the Marina 

09-11-01

 

NATO. September 15, 2001. 

""Article 5: The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. / Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security.""

   Photo by  James Nachtwey

Please scroll thru………….

World Trade Center Victims (2,749 total)

Photo, property of United States Government

Never Forget…….Never.

AFTER 2 WEEKS AND 3 DOZEN ATTEMPS W/DIGITAL CAMERA. FINALLALY GOT A DECENT

PICTURE OF 1 OF ABOUT 4 HUMMING BIRDS….8am this Sunday Morning………

 

I feel the need to post a blog each week.  Me, not much on “writers block”, the larger problem is? Is the blog worth posting, is it a contribution someone will find worthy, or is the blog a boring diatribe of train of thought, only of my life.  Me thinks the answer is simple. Just blog. 

My Blessing………

This summer the hummingbirds are loving the feeder.

The alarm clock went off after 6am this morning, Sunday, and I don't have to go to work, its Sunday, Gods day.

It has rained near normal this year in North Georgia, all my bushes, shrubs ornamental plants bloom and thrive, beyond expectations.

I watched the planet Venus, adjacent to the crescent moon several early mornings in the month of July?

A large funeral procession approached me as I drove beside a church Saturday, and too a vehicle , all pulled off the road, “big-time” and waited with patience as the procession entered the small church's’ parking lot. BTW, the sign out front , posted by Rev. Skinner says …..”Count your blessings, Not your Problems”. Its a older church in Ocee, more cemetery than church today. "Cross Plains Baptist Church"

A song on the radio grabbed me attention, oh what a beautiful classic, the phrase catching my attention “ I Thirst to be Thirsty ”. The song has been on the air for 35 year, yet I never heard it till this week past. 

My cat, the last of the “Ocee” cats is in great health today, and loves me. I am blessed.  She is 17 years old.

Rummaging about some old boxes of stored paper, I found a sealed envelope. Inside, a original picture of my father from around 1945/1946, with my brother. My father in his Army Air Corp uniform. Simply a treasure, he passed away in 2001.

Two gorgeous “ Queen Elizabeth Roses” bloomed next to the carport this week, I cut them early, made simple arrangement with other foliage in a coke bottle, left them for my neighbor Mrs. Stephens beside her front door, to find when she went to retrieve her Saturday morning paper.

My insurance company, gee I’ve got it down to only 4 insurance policy's now. finally, finally agreed in writing this….”If I am forced to defend myself and/or home and property” (not because of aggression on my part, they will fork over the 7figures). The trade off is “I eat lead paint, I’m on my on”.  Took some campaigning, but they came around. I’ve been with them for…….35 years.Indeed a rather inexpensive liability policy.  Service with smile.

I had some great meals Monday and Tuesday, well fed for a change, and I did it myself.

The house-note is paid for another month and I have a full tank of gas in my Cherokee.

God has proven over and over again to me especially this year, “ He Loves and Protects Me”, more than I do and can for myself just now. And he is/has moved me out of the darkness and into the light.  Certainly takes the arrogance out of any equation of my love for him.

A friend, coworker retired this month and he deserves to enjoy his life with his wife and children. Retirement is a true reward for him, a job well done. (There is a great blog about him in the future) he had more than his share of the spotlight in life.

Sent out 26 private Windows Live messages to my Windows Live friends, and they got all messed up, only the subject line appeared. To a person, no one complained or such, most just wrote back Hi and Hello.  Got to redo them….duh. Thank you all for being my friend, and allowing me to be your friend.

I growing older, as Paul Newman said, yes you do slow down in ways. I enjoy a bit of adventure in life or travels, sailing, backpacking, kayaking and such.  At my age of 54, I think I have “one” more left in me, adventure that will be as “fulfilling” as the many others I enjoyed and be able to enjoy the physical side of the adventure, here in lays the substance of “adventure”.  Look out…..”The Land Down Under”.  It will be a year or eighteen months out. This is the only one on my list.

Saturday after work me sat on the back deck……..No Shoes, No Shirt, No problem.

I removed the stitches from my lip myself, without having to go back to the Doctors office, the outside scar my be with me forever, a bit jagged…….oops me fell down. Better know as a trip over the cat, followed up with a face plant, an Waleskia the cat suffered not, I took the fall, and its OK with me.

Won a free 40 ounce jar of mayo and 2 pizzas at the grocery store, thank you very much.

Had the opportunity to feed “doggie treats to 7 or 8 dogs yesterday”, and had one heck of a good time. I think they had a great time, they are all the best pets.

Well, just a few, very few blessings beside my friends on Windows Live and else where.

Me sent out all e-mails to me friends…….and it got messed up……I promise to “re-do”.

I'm stopping in at "all my Friends" on Windows Live™, the list is short and fantastic, 29 friends, just to say Hello, Hi and thanks for remaining my friend.  Summertime in Georgia is busy.  Busy with work, apparently.

I blog about one time a week, chat seldom because of time constraints, and am a bit guilty of not stopping at you "Space" and saying hello, or leaving a comment.  So with this said Hi, Hello, and me hope all is well.

Maybe, just maybe the late Fall will offer time to me, abet, free to stop and leave a comment, read and enjoy your blog. Sunday in mind, I've been up and running since 4:30am with house-hold duties.

Closing out for now, a thought………….

" Count your Blessing & not your problems"

Again thanks for being my Friend……each and Every One of You!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

@McTell's Place  It Makes Me Happy
or Bill Walden

I will follow up with e-mails and such to “correct my error”……

BTW………it was 40 Years ago…..

WOODSTOCK…………the start…..

What’s up in McTells corner of the world.  First me stays away from Politics, I vote, me E-mails my state and Federal Reps, Senators and Congressmen/women. I would prefer to write, but after the anthrax deaths following 09-11-01 all mailed delivered to the Government in Washington is sanitized, microwave, cooked and sterilized before deliver, taking weeks to reach them, so me e-mail. BTW, indeed the USPS in American is in dire straits.  I have worked for the company 20 years now and learned to discount rumors, and such.  We are up the creek, the boat has sank, and our USPS administration in Washington is Clueless.

Where the money is going, beside the tremendous drop in volume  this is beyond me, I’ve seen hard working professional carriers lose 25% of their pay and their day off over the past 2 years, Will we survive, as the USPS??  Of course, but not, repeat not before a tremendous amount of "Stream-lining", more work, less people.  We have for-ever in America provided what is called Universal Service.  Do you know what that is??  And have moved with our 3 sizes of priority boxes to "Universal Service", now thats a deal. As a foot note, beleive it, cause it is true, we invented "Over Night Delivery", and we have no surcharges, never ever. 

A quick example.  My Truck is being rehabed, its a 1957 Chevy.  The garage needs the regestration and the Insurance card with the vehicel at all times.  My insurance, was renewed on the 1st day of August, for 44cents, I mailed the insurance card to the garage, instead of spending a hour and a half driving, and 6$ worth of gas.  Just one small example of what we provide.  Sure I have some online bill paying, many have a full compliment of bill paying on line....NP.  Just do not forget, we, the USPS can an do provide services needed. Saving you, our customer, your time and money.  

Hold onto your hat as the saying goes.  It will get worse, before it gets better at the Postal Service, I'm sure everyone has a horror story of "customer NO service", I do, and I work 2 decades at this company. You are not alone.  Customer service only depends on who you speak too..........me personally will go a long way out of my way to "help", but sometimes the customer has to help us to help them or you. Bottom line is extremely fuzzy for now. 5 days, 6 days a week mail delivery, parcel delivery, Netflex delivery, who knows.  Obviously we have to reinvent this company, reinvent for the next 100 years............

NEXT AND MOVING ALONG…………..

Received a “Great e-mail from a blog friend ….Le Chat Nor.  Native of Australia, residing there she provided some bad, and some wonderful information.

The sad/bad first…….

Sam the koala passed away this week past.  She survived her burns from the “Once in a hundred year fires” Downunder last year.  Her health yielded to a problem affecting 50% of koala’s , Chlamydia and not her injuries. Sam  was such a symbol of hope after the fires. From the information Wednesday past, there was only a small chance she would survive.

 

Le Chat Nor sent me much information on the Melbourne International Film Festival.

 

Two films were all the talk.

'Food Inc' 

Released in the USA, a must see.  Hot button is the altering of food, the past few years/decades?? Via genetics/genetic engineering.  What will happen, is a guess, but 2 sources, I have witnessed passed the same bottom line, and it is a scare.

  Alter the food source to meet your technology, it becomes a predator on preexisting food sources, their genetic makeup, animal products, and vegetables likewise, destroying their DNA, and rendering them extinct, most quickly. In me country, there is NO way to know if the products you consume have been altered.  For right now, the idea of genetic modification appeared Great on paper, but now, looks to have the resources of a monster, not a joke.

 

THE 10 CONDITIONS OF LOVE

Rebiya Kadeer, pictured with festival director Richard Moore

Hottest film ticket in Melbourne. The following is from Le Chat Nor’s letter.

Exiled in the US, Rebiya Kadeer is fighting for the human rights of her people, the Uyghur (pronounced wee-ger), China's oppressed Muslim minority. But Rebiya Kadeer's campaign condemns her sons to on-going solitary confinement in a Chinese prison. Having done six years' solitary herself, she understands the appalling consequences for them of her actions - but she will not relent.

Twice nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, once the richest businessperson in China, Rebiya Kadeer is a remarkable woman who pays daily a terrible price for patriotism.

And it will never be over.

A film by Jeff Daniels

She resides in Washington D.C.  Now the back story…….

The Dalai Lama has sent a message of support to the subject of a controversial documentary screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival last night.

The film, The 10 Conditions of Love, documents the life of exiled Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer.

She is seen as a terrorist by the Chinese Government, which called for the film to be removed from the rundown of the film festival. {Her sons are imprisoned still 6 years later in China}.

Federal Labor MP Michael Danby says he discussed Ms Kadeer with the Dalai Lama recently.

"He asked me to convey to you in Melbourne that she is another one of the national leaders who is a paradigm of non-violence," he said.

"He wanted to make it very clear to people that the claims of this woman being a violent person or instigating violence, is from his point of view, and with all of his authority, wrong."

There had been weeks of controversy in the lead-up to the film's screening, resulting in the film festival's website being hacked by Chinese protesters also very strong Chinese protest, thru diplomatic channels to USA an Australia to “deny her a visa or entry to Australia” to be at the MIFF. BTW, the smart Chinese hackers also, (hacked the wrong sites more than once) they hacked , well allow me to say, they knocked over the Italian Ice cart, instead of the Bank, leaving them with egg on the face, this may be why their not so great in Baseball…………….

The 20 million Uighur’s are……take a look at this.

Chinese Muslims still detained at Guantanamo Bay Cuba by America, have overcome reservations about being sent to the remote Pacific nation of Palau, and a final deal on their relocation was close, a lawyer for two of them said Wednesday. roughly 20 or so were taken prisoner on the battle field and remove to Cuba by America.  And yeah, when they are released to Palau, the island is asking for 1 million dollars US for each combatants, they will walk the street, and swim on the beaches, not spend time in a prison.  No one/no country wanted them…….Nada.  BTW, 1/2 of Palau’s economy comes from and has for decades via America, that is 1/2 of their economy, roughly 50million dollars US per year.  IN COLD HARD CASH, AND WE HAVE NO MILITARY PRESENCE THERE, NOTHING,ZIP ZERO NADA, NOTHING, WE, THE AMERICAN GOVERMENT “GIVE THEM CASH”.  I’m still scratching my head over this one. 

Please do not let the above information confuse the Political/Social situation for the Uyghur people of China.Nor the impact of the films exposure of their plight from their own country.

 

I would like to thank me friend from  the UK Diane Collinson and husband Ian for some great humor this week past.  The following bit of humor was originally in yellow or red or some type of color, anyhow, no clue as to how it will appear on my blog……

Thank you Diane and Ian.

A distraught senior citizen
phoned her doctor's office.
'Is it true that the medication
you prescribed has to be taken
for the rest of my life?'

'Yes, I'm afraid so,' the doctor told her.

There was a moment of silence
before the senior lady replied,
'I 'm wondering, then,
just how serious is my condition
because this prescription is marked
'NO REFILLS'.'

************

Post script……”count your blessing, not your problems”.

 

Me with the you know what.. on……..the hat weighed 10lbs …2 Mojitos later-what the heck……me first Mojito……….. Don’t forget me had to entertain/answer way too many questions, eat hot peppers. Cause I was surrounded by Women……. Oh and got that old poke in the eye and “hey look there's a tree with lights” thing , all the while….I just Love it.!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Me think here is the culprit.

The Mojito…I think…..The Mojito…I think…

The drink abovemuch better than the following…lots of citrius pulp..........very Tastey indeed

Cuban Mojito recipe

Original authentic recipe from Havana Cuba

1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Juice from 1 lime (2 ounces)
4 mint leaves
1 sprig of mint
Havana Club white Rum (2 ounces)
2 ounces club soda\

TASTEOFCUBA.COM

 

Passing the hat, me not the only one…

Christy’s Mother, it, the hat is keeping the late Georgia Sun from her eyes….

Smells like a party to me……………. 

** *   ***    ***   * * * * * *   ***    ***   * **

Christy’s Aunt, Christy, Kelsey’s best friend (Steph’s youngest daughter, and Christy’s AKA……..homey, or her 12 year old brother,… slipped him a fiver….5$dollars  good young man.  

Kelsey, not to be out done got the hat on…Recent graduate of High school, Colorado Springs…she’s been me “adopted, her choice” since the age of 4years…she indeed has grown and matured.

** *   ***    ***   * * * * * *   ***    ***   * **

Christy’s Aunt with the hat…..he’s a barrel of fun, that’s Christy on her right.If you will “notice the Size of the hat”, indeed  a big one !!!!

*   ***    ***   * * * * * *   ***    ***   *

Waiting on the beverage of her choice……lallalallaa!!!!!!

Stephaney  is originally from Long Island NY their family home is still in Long Island. Moved to Florida when she got married/divorced, her brothers, brothers-in-law and sisters lived in Alpharetta for 12 years and  live now in Colorado, her brother in-law has a “Purple Heart from Iraq conflict /a mortar landed directly beside him. Like 5 feet beside him.  Stephs brother in-law  related for me:” Waiting in line to eat, in Iraq, woke at in hospital in Germany.”  He is at the least, very, very entertaining  LOL…….

Her Father, retired Navy, lived north of here in the mountains and passed away just a couple of years ago, not a talker, but he, like her family. A great cook, her Mother passed before she was a teenager.

Kelsey/her oldest, just out of High School, her younger daughter is in college in Colorado and is engaged, with Wedding plans soon.  Steph married Jace nearly 9 years ago , moved to Colorado Springs, Jace’s family lives there.

She, Steph is my dearest, close friend for almost 2 decades, and her daughters are the “BEST” young ladies. Any Mother would be Proud of and Christy also……. With sadness I only see her and family once (1) time a year.

TO JACE,

Stephs Husband Jace stayed in Colorado, while Mom came to reclaim her daughter.

SHOUT OUT pic from 2008

** *   ***    ***   * * * * * *   ***    ***   * **

Before we went out to eat, celebrate, and have a wonderful evening/meet up with others also.  I line all the kids up, and Adults in the order of Tall to short, we marched next door , neighbor house.  Ms. Stephens was hosting her Annual Picnic.

I’m including some photos….they all know me.

The entire group is either still employed, or retired from State of Georgia’s Attorney Generals Office across from the Capital in Atlanta.

Left side of table….patio..lower left hand corner, banana pudding, and strawberry cake, both are now in my frig……thank you.

 

Right side of table, check out the “green beans” The women all cook from scratch.

The Hostess, neighbor, and all around great woman/cook/volunteer for everything under the Sun, Red Cross, Church, Meals on Wheels….she even took me to the hospital in 2003 for my surgery, indeed a Jewel.  Ms. Stephens.

Attorneys(god help us) from The Attorney Generals Office.

That would be Mr.Baker, State Attorney General sic  STATE OF GEORGIA…..no slouch is he ……….

Kay in black…….she so sweet…..LOL. Kay purchased new SUV a few years ago, stopped by the house, and asked…..” how do I turn the head lights off”..she’s so special….duh!!

Some of the crew…lined up??  Tall to short. Great kids, truly.

Ms. Stephens had not seen them in nearly a decade since they move out West.

Not a lot of information from me, although, I did have the “Charred Fish Tacos”

and by demand a plate of green chili peppers….oh they were so good it brings tears to my eyes……

Sunday 18th of July, was for me the BEST DAY OF THE SUMMER…..

PS…..all you see here, these are me friends indeed.

A bit funny how life's path leads a person…..

Allman Brothers Museum Opens in the 'Big House'

July  2009 .A.P.News

   

  It's the place where the Allman Brothers Band founded their Southern rock sound, the place where the song "Ramblin' Man" was penned and the last place Duane Allman visited before dying in a motorcycle crash in 1971.

The Big House in Macon, where the band lived when its fame took flight in the early 1970s, has been the place music lovers flocked during pilgrimages to the South over the last few decades looking to experience a small piece of the Allman Brothers Band. Now, the three-story Tudor house where the band got its start is set to become a museum with the help of dedicated fans who have spent years collecting memorabilia and doing renovations.

The museum is scheduled to open in December with a fanfare expected to draw thousands from across the globe to this Georgia town to honor the band.

"We're just a big family," said Greg Potter, president of the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association and one of the museum's organizers, as he stood in the Big House on a recent muggy afternoon. "This band has touched so many people, not just here in the U.S., but all over the world. This band started a whole new outlook on music."

 

The museum will feature more than 300,000 pieces of memorabilia collected by Kirk West, the band's longtime photographer and tour manager - everything from Duane Allman's jacket, which was draped over a guitar case next to his coffin during his funeral, to one of the Hammond Organs played by Gregg Allman. It will include posters, photographs and live recordings of the band with interactive computer terminals where guests can flip through digital photos and scan concert footage.

Duane Allman's bedroom will be decorated the way he had it when he lived in the house. On the top floor, the museum will hold music classes for school children, and outside will be a bandstand where musicians can put on shows, said West's wife, Kirsten West, the managing director of the Big House Foundation.

 

"It was never meant to be just a house with a number of things hanging on the walls but to be active in promoting music in the community," she said.

For now, renovations are going, but a big sign in the front yard declares what it will be: "Allman Brothers Band Museum."

 

The project is a labor of love by a group of fans who wanted to commemorate the band's early days when communal living - and sometimes bathing, based on the large seven-head shower on the second floor of the house - made them not just a musical group, but a family. The majority of the renovations to the house have been donated - free windows, free roof, free paint, free landscaping - by companies from across the country who employ Allman Brothers Band fans.

The 6,000-square-foot house, built in the early 1900s, became the band's home in 1970 after bassist Berry Oakley and his wife, Linda, rented it for the musicians and their families. They called it the Big House because it was larger than any other place any of them lived.

And it quickly became the center of the band's world - where they practiced, wrote songs and met before going out on tour. It's where the wives, girlfriends and children remained when the band was on the road.

Some of the band's most famous songs were penned there, including "Blue Sky" and "Midnight Rider." It's where the band planned the famed 1971 show at the Fillmore East concert hall in New York City, a live recording that was later released as a double album - now considered one of the most influential records in rock history and one of the best live recordings of its time.

 

The band had moved to Macon in the late 1960s at the request of Phil Walden, former manager for soul singer Otis Redding and the brains behind the Macon-based Capricorn Records, the core of the Southern rock movement. They lived at the Big House until 1973 when they were evicted, another blow after the deaths of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley, who both died in motorcycle crashes a year apart in the same Macon neighborhood.

The group split up in 1976 after personality conflicts and drug abuse damaged the family-like atmosphere they'd developed at the Big House. The band eventually reunited in 1989 with some new members and has been touring and recording ever since. 

"It was right after we left the Big House that everything kind of started drifting away from music and we started focusing more on being rock stars," said drummer Butch Trucks, who never lived in the house but spent enough time there to call it home. "Little by little, it led to 1976 when we finally said, 'This is silly. It's time to stop.' I think leaving the Big House was part of that."

The house changed hands over the years - from a beauty parlor to a lawyer's home - and eventually fell into disrepair until it was bought in 1990 by the West's, who dreamed of creating a shrine to the band. The couple lived there 15 years, entertaining more than 20,000 fans from Japan, Germany and Finland who wandered by to get a glimpse of Duane's bedroom or sit where the band held jam sessions.  

 

Members of the Allman Brothers Band would stop by, too, when they were in town, looking for a jaunt down memory lane or to jam one more time in the place that provided so much inspiration.

 

 

"There were several places we made our base, but nothing was like the Big House," Trucks said. "A lot of incredible things happened there. I remember walking around one morning and (band member) Dickey (Betts) was sitting there at the kitchen table. I could hear him humming this sound, and it turned out to be 'Ramblin' Man.'"

I am not the most proactive Patriot American.  I submit the following feeling sad, not glad and nor am I attempting to be “ More Holy than Thou” at all, by no means.  But I will stand up straight.

99% of the citizens of USA I know of,99% , care less about what IT took to form this country, the sacrifices then and now, EXCEPT…the 1%….the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, an include The National Guard Men/Women …..active/on the roster, called up or made to push paper. Members of law enforcement/those who work/give for our protection from outside and inside OUR BOARDERS. These men and women, like their opinions or not, have been there and truly know and understand sacrifice to maintain the Constitution.

For the most part, Americans I know of care more about their temporal life than the Life-Blood of their Country, it’s protection, it’s Constitution.

Heck those Americans know not the difference from the upper-house/lower-house. Checks and Balances of , “Judicial-Legislative-Executive”. And include the 95% of Politicians, only interested in maintaining their presence/pensions/perks, so far removed from PUBLIC SERVICE. State-wide reps., or National Senators and Congress/men/women.

Again I submit the following as a patriot, a taxpayer, a “We The People”, grateful, thankful and knowledgeable.

A SHOUT OUT TO ALL WHO SERVED, VOTE/VOLUNTEER/THINKERS AND ACTIVISTS, it not matter what your party, you are INVOLVED.

A SHOUT OUT TO ANY AND EVERYONE, MAN OR WOMAN WHO STANDS UP FOR OUR COUNTRY. 

I remain humble before those who gave, to those of you who “are aware” and humbled for what we have, and what we may have in the future. We the People today are Caretakers of the Constitution, its Amendments and our Future.

 

A short Time Line of American Independence……1776-1783

 

1776

January 10: Thomas Paine anonymously publishes Common Sense. The pamphlet rallies colonists to take up arms against the king. March 17: The 11-month long siege of Boston ends. The British agree to retreat from Boston peaceably if left unmolested by Washington's troops. March 31: Abigail sends John her "Remember the Ladies" letter, in which she asks that women's rights be considered alongside men's when new national laws are created. April: In Thoughts on Government, Adams anonymously advocates a three-tiered system of government: bicameral legislature, independent judiciary, and strong executive. June 7: In response to Virginian Richard Henry Lee's resolution calling for independence from England, Congress names a committee to draft a formal declaration of independence. Adams asks Jefferson to compose the document. June 13: Appointed president of Congress' Board of War, Adams becomes a virtual Secretary of War. He also writes the Plan of Treaties, an outline for an alliance with Europe's nations. July 2: Lee's resolution is formally adopted, thanks in large part to Adams' impassioned arguments for independence. July 4: Congress formally adopts the Declaration of Independence. National celebrations begin as word of it reaches the colonies.

1783

Congress makes July 4, Independence Day, an official holiday. July 8: The Massachusetts Supreme Court abolishes slavery in Massachusetts. By year's end, all Northern states follow suit. Adams travels to The Hague to meet up with John Quincy. They return to Paris the following month. September 3: Adams, Franklin, and John Jay sign the Treaty of Paris, ending the War of Independence. October: Adams, along with John Quincy, leaves France for London where they spend several months taking in the sights.

 

Independence Day Messages From John Adams..

2^nd President of The United States of America.

by Michael Medved

On July 2, 1776, after long and wrenching debate, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from the Mother Country and the next night John Adams went back to his rooming house in sweltering, sticky Philadelphia to write, by candlelight, two of the most famous letters in American history. Addressing his beloved wife Abigail in far-away Boston, he exulted in the birth of a new nation:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations (fireworks), from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not…

It may be the will of Heaven that America will suffer calamities still more wasting, and distress yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues which we have not, and correct many errors, follies and vices which threaten to disturb, dishonor and destroy us. The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in States as well as individuals...But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.

The prophetic nature of his vision still makes the heart race and takes the breath away, some 233 years later.

Me, getting ready for Independence Day.  No not a celebration of the town in Missouri, but our Celebration.   Herewith is my “ Little Bird Girl”.  She’s ready, and my little girl cat, Miss Waleskia will be 17 years old on the same day. 

Can’t resist starting this one, the blog a bit early, but have move to add over the next week and 1/2.

**** *** ****  **** *** ****  **** *** ****  **** *** ****

And here is the Queen of the household.  This is her, “ Please change the TV channel, I’m bored, and since you were up, bring me a snack, the ceiling fan is on a bit high and I need just a bit of love…………meaning scratch me under the chin.  At her age???  What-ever!!!!!

Miss Waleskia…… the last Ocee Cat

**** *** ****  **** *** ****  **** *** ****  **** *** ****

The world is constantly changing.  Tornados, man-made disasters, terrorist attacks dirty bombs,, interruption of power grids heck even a possible visit from Aliens (me not think they will be bring a chit load of Nachos…LOL) from another place in time and space.

Check with Hawaii, Korea is making ready a show is stupidity on or about the 4th of July, 2009.  With this said, here are some helpful hints, tips and solutions for the “Completely Unexpected”.

AND NEVER FORGET 911, SEPTMEBER 11th 2001.  K?

The week of July 21st………

Code Yellow……Elevated

Airflight’s code Orange….High

Homeland Security Advisory System

• Homeland Security Threat Advisories contain actionable information about an incident involving, or a threat targeting, critical national networks or infrastructures or key assets.
• Homeland Security Information Bulletins communicate information of interest to the nation’s critical infrastructures that do not meet the timeliness, specificity, or significance thresholds of warning messages.
• Color-coded Threat Level System is used to communicate with public safety officials and the public at-large through a threat-based, color-coded system so that protective measures can be implemented to reduce the likelihood or impact of an attack.

This system was established in Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3.

familysecurity.org

****  ****   *******  ****   ***

The following article/edited by me also contains link for the most basic of survival supplies…

 

By Shane Connor  HOME FRONT EMERGENCY
© 2009 

What possible good news could there ever be about nuclear destruction coming to America, whether it is dirty bombs, terrorist nukes or ICBMs from afar?

In a word, they are all survivable for the vast majority of American families, if they know what to do beforehand and have made even the most modest preparations.

Tragically, though, most Americans today won't give much credence to this good news, much less seek out such vital life-saving instruction, as they have been jaded by our culture's pervasive myths of nuclear un-survivability.

Most people think that if nukes go off, then everybody is going to die, or will wish they had. That's why you hear such absurd comments as: "If it happens, I hope I'm at ground zero and go quickly."

Today, with growing prospects of nuclear terrorism, we see emerging among the public either paralyzing fear or irrational denial. People can no longer envision effective preparations for surviving a nuclear attack.

In fact, though, the biggest surprise for most Americans, if nukes are really unleashed, is that they will still be here!

Most will survive the initial blasts because they won't be close enough to any "ground zero," and that is very good news. Unfortunately, few people will be prepared to survive the coming radioactive fallout, which will eventually kill many times more than the blast. However, there is still more good news: Well over 90 percent of the potential casualties from fallout can be avoided if the public is pre-trained through an aggressive national Civil Defense educational program

 

Simple measures taken immediately after a nuclear blast/dirty bomb, by a trained public, can prevent agonizing death and injury from radiation.

The National Planning Scenario No. 1, an originally confidential internal 2004 study by the Department of Homeland Security, demonstrated the above survival odds when they examined the effects of a terrorist nuke going off in Washington, D.C. They discovered that a 10 kiloton nuke, about two-thirds the size of the Hiroshima bomb, detonated at ground level, would result in about 15,000 immediate deaths and another 15,000 casualties from the initial blast, thermal flash and radiation release. As horrific as that is, the surprising revelation here is that over 99 percent of the residents in the D.C. area will have just witnessed and survived their first nuclear explosion. Clearly, the good news is most people will survive the initial blast.

Another study, released this month by the Rand Corporation, looked at a terrorist 10-kiloton nuke arriving in a cargo container and being exploded in the Port of Long Beach, California. Over 150,000 people were estimated to be at risk downwind from fallout, again, many more than from the initial blast itself.

Today, lacking any meaningful Civil Defense program, millions of American families continue to be at risk and could perish needlessly for lack of essential knowledge that used to be taught at the grade school level.

90 percent of it's/nuclear lethal intensity in the first seven hours and 99 percent of it in two days. For those requiring sheltering from fallout, the majority would only need a couple or three days of hunkering down, not weeks on end.

Do not wait around for the government to instruct and prepare your own family and community. Educate yourself today and begin establishing your own survival.

****  ****   *******  ****   **

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Your site/business/home will become spontaneous rescuers. The key to success will be having a cross section of your organization trained to handle the chaos that awaits them.  Light Urban Search & Rescue, Disaster First Aid
and Fire/Utility Control is all part of our no-nonsense course called "Disaster Survival Skills". This training will provide them with the confidence and skills to help themselves and those around them.Survival Skills & Co. realizes in order for your employees to become the backbone of the initial rescue effort and begin the process of recovery, they must possess two things. Proper training and proper
equipment. Survival Skills & Co. has been training and providing supplies for over 15 years to business and school emergency response teams. Survival Skills specializes in Earthquake safety. We hope we can help you achieve your disaster preparedness goals.

"Disaster Survival Skills" workshop
Search & Rescue, Triage, Disaster 1st Aid, Fire Control

Our One-Day workshop price of $1,595.00 for schools and
$2,195.00 for businesses at your site. Call today to book a class.
Please visit our training page .

• Learn the latest rescue & lifesaving techniques
  
• Learn how an evacuation should really be done
  
• Discover how to staff teams more effectively
  
• Disaster supplies, priorities and just how much
  
• Guaranteed to learn more in one day than ever before
  

We have designed for you and your employees a short, no nonsense course
packed with valuable information that will save lives. Our "Disaster Survival
Skills" workshop includes Light Urban Search & Rescue, Triage, Disaster
First Aid, Fire/Utility Control that will teach your team the basics of dealing
with a major disaster. We have included the techniques and practices of
professional rescuers and focused on the key essentials to provide your
employees with ......real world solutions.

Light Urban Search & Rescue
Training is based on past disasters where the majority of rescues were of
a light nature. These rescues were accomplished within the first hours of a
disaster. Only a few of the rescues required specialized Heavy Rescue
Teams. Having on site personnel trained in Light Urban Search & Rescue
will enable employees to form rescue teams using the Incident Command
System (SEMS). Search with the latest techniques and use forcible entry
skills to gain access to victims. Learn the proper methods for removal of
trapped and untrapped victims using various lifts and carries. Safety is a
priority and is stressed throughout the training.

Triage
Will provide your employees with the skills to manage the overwhelming
number of injured victims you may be confronted with after a large scale
disaster. How will you decide who to treat? What injuries are the most
important? How will you manage the chaos? As part of our one-day
workshop you will learn how to manage this seemingly impossible scene by
using a system called Triage, from the French word meaning "to sort". This
system is used today by our paramedics and firefighters to sort victims and
prioritize their treatment during mass casualty incidents. These very same
skills can work for you.

Disaster First Aid
Using the same lifesaving techniques learned in "Triage" and combining
some new information, you can continue your lifesaving measures while
providing practical comfort and treatment for your victims.
"Disaster First Aid" teaches the basic precepts of emergency medical care
with an emphasis on practical information that will be relevant when most
other resources are not available. This module will give you real world
solutions for long term care. We can share special techniques we've used
on large scale emergencies to make your disaster manageable.

Fire Control
Is dangerous and certainly not for the untrained. This is why this training is
so important. It teaches the basics of fire behavior, fire type and
recognition. Each student is then given the opportunity to extinguish a live
fire under supervision. The students also learn how to control the utilities
and prevent further damage to your site.

This is a brief overview of our Survival Skills program. We have brought together what we believe to be the most
important information, that could take you years to gather on your own. We put it altogether for you, in
just a one-day program.

 

   

Just in case, always be prepared.

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