One Less Family Member

Something like 8-9 years ago the Boss wanted a companion to help fill the void after raising two sons and sitting for 3 adopted grandchildren. Being home all day, alone, was causing her to spiral into depression. So we adopted a Siberian Husky named Amber from an elderly lady who couldn't care for her any more. Over the years this furry house companion became part of the family. That came to an end last night.

The unfortunate thing about getting attached to a pet is that they never seem to live long enough. It started when she was having troubles with her hind legs, that we thought was arthritis. Then she developed general muscle weakness that the vet thought was Kushings disease. Blood tests proved that wrong. She also had drainage from her left eye, that started about the time as her back leg issues, that was treated as allergies. The Vet didn't know what was wrong with her.

This last week I noticed a swelling above her left eye. The one that was always draining. The poor dog must have been in pain all this time, but never complained by way a temperament. Friday, last night, just as I got home she went into some sort of seizure that had me in tears, especially when she cried out in pain. The Boss had been trying to get in touch with the local humane society to have her put to sleep, but to no avail.

When the seizure subsided, I took her into the back yard and ended her misery. Last night, with wet eyes, I buried a very loyal companion and family member.

Now the Boss and I carry the burden of allowing her condition to go on way too long. I think partially from denial, and partially selfishness. The guilt ways heavy.

That's the second time I've had to do that deed. Both times were very hard, and left a lasting scar. We're both still trying to heal from this one.

Still Here

Well sorta still here. Been busy as hell, and when not, spend most of that time being a brainless couch potato. And at work I've either been crawling under a machine trying to find the cause of vibrations in the mili G range, figuring out how to keep water lines from leaking in a power supply, writing procedures and measuring machine components.

And my research into a fighting shotgun has lead me to a Mossberg pump or a CZ 712 utility. I wish I could find the CZ to do a little touchy-feely. I can get one at a discount through a paintball buddy, but don't like doing that without handling one first.

Defensive Shotgun

The eldest and I are starting our preparations for a shotgun course this summer at TDI. The first step is to pick an appropriate shotgun. I'm presently considering the CZ 712 Utility with the ATI adjustable stock shown on the CZ 712 ALS. I'm blessed with short arms and a less than perfect shoulder. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Kahr CM9

Here's a review of the CM9. I happen to own a Kahr PM9, the more expensive older brother to the CM. And yes it's a bit snappy to fire, and the trigger throw is a bit long. But any striker fired pistol has a long trigger throw to a single action person like me. And I don't find it any harder to handle than my aluminum framed, 3 inch 1911 shooting 185 gr bullets at about 1050f/s. I do shoot the 45 with more accuracy, and always will.

As for the other negatives reported, I've seen none. Reliable, accurate and smooth right out of the box.

Newfie

Years ago I was on a business trip in north central Ontario as the expert of a certain piece of capital equipment. The customer was having problems, not satisfied with our field service, and so asked for the 'expert engineer'. That was me. Anyway, I explained and proved that the machine was performing as it was designed, and that their upstream system was the issue. During the conversation I suggested they consider doing what their sister plant in Newfoundland did. Later I learned that I insulted those guys in the Ontario plant.

This little story is why I thought about the above. Via e-mail.

Each Friday night after work, sun, snow or rain, Jack, being a Newfie, would fire up his outdoor grill and cook a moose steak. But, all of Jack's neighbours were Catholic. And since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating meat on Friday. The delicious aroma from the grilled moose steaks was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their priest.

The priest came to visit Jack, and suggested that he become a Catholic. After several classes and much study, Jack attended Mass, and as the priest sprinkled holy water over him, he said: "You were born a Protestant and raised a Protestant, but now you are a Catholic."

Jack's neighbours were greatly relieved, until Friday night arrived, and the wonderful aroma of grilled moose filled the neighbourhood. The priest was called immediately by the neighbours, and, as he rushed into Jack's yard, clutching a rosary and prepared to scold him, he stopped and watched in amazement. There stood Jack, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he carefully sprinkled over the grilling meat and chanted: "You wuz born a moose, you wuz raised a moose, but now you is a codfish."

Huh??

My place of employment, like most in this area, has a no weapons policy. Recently a sign appeared on the entrance door I use, forbidding concealed firearms. So if you're not an employee, open carry is OK?

I Want Charges Filed

Just about anytime I read a commentary about "Fast $ Furious", the writer wants Holder to step down. I have mixed feelings about that. Seems to me that if he does, justice will not result. The congresscritters and the media will certainly lose interest without Holder to beat on. My gut tells me this was not a mistake or botched operation. There was criminal action and criminal intent. I want to read about charges filed and trials. I doubt that will happen without Holder.

At Work Yesterday

A coworker and I were verbally harassing each other, as we usually do, just for fun. At one point it went something like this.

Me : It's a good thing for you I'm not armed.

Mr X : Wouldn't it be humorous if we both burst out the door heading to our respective trucks trying to get to our gun before the other?

Me : Yeah, but I can't run, so you'd get yours first.

Mr X : Maybe, but with cigarette smoking for years, I'd be so out of breath that I wouldn't be able to keep the front site on you.

Me : Well . . . . I suppose we'll just have to stick to verbal daggers.

One must be careful about who can hear playful conversations like this. I'm sure management would take it way too seriously.

Strange Warning

On the box of Iron Out it says.

For use in toilet tanks only. Bowl water not harmful to children or pets. However, it is not recommended that pets regularly drink water from the toilet.

So they either have no opinion, or think it's just fine if children regularly drink from the toilet.

A Bit Scarry

Government gone wild.

Vocabulary Increase

A new word, for me at least. via e-mail, and not verified

Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc'-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.