That's Cool

The Boss called me at work today with a message from the eldest adopted grand-daughter.  For her birthday, in a couple of weeks, she wants her grand-father to take her shooting for the first time.  How cool is that?

She also said that her step-father's gun is too heavy.  I knew he wanted one, but I didn't know he'd bought one.  I assume she wants to shoot handguns, because she mentioned the local indoor range. 

I couple of years ago I started teaching her basic gun safety, so this weekend we'll do more of that.  Then we'll choose one or more guns that fit her for some dry firing.

We'll naturally start with 22lr, probably my Browning Buckmark,  and go from there.

It's been a while since I taught a young person the safe enjoyment of shooting a firerm.  Can't hardly wait.

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A couple of weeks ago her step-father asked me to help him setup a new arrow rest on an older compound bow, that was mine at one time.  I shot, and still do with finger release, where he's decided to uase a mechanical release.  He's replacing the rest, and I think a new string was installed.  So we'll be starting basically from scratch.  I've done it before and he's a newbie. 

That's OK.  I'll enjoy helping him.

Collapsing

There are those who say we won the 'cold war'.  Well, look again.  Yeah the USSR collapsed, but we're not all that far behind.

In my lifetime the Fed government has become more and more intrusive, larger and stronger.  Those households receiving some government money are only a few percentage points less than those paying into the system.  With the beginning of Obamacare, households receiving government money will out number those paying, with Uncle Sam taking his cut out of the middle. 

Government has taken control of something like 17% more of the economy.  We are spiralling down the toilet of federal debt.  This just can't last long.

Good bye 'land of the free' and individual prosperity.  Hello communism.

House Guest

My newly widowed sister (last July) has come from Florida to visit.  When I met her outside the airport, she said her was nose was cold, and she loved it.  After 40 years, she's never gotten used to the Florida summer heat.

Last weekend we went to a tourist trap in Indiana.  They had an old west type of shootout involving several gun slingers and blanks through single action rovolvers.  One guy stood in front of the croud explaining about using blanks, while waving his rovolver around.  I asked my sister if she wanted to watch the display, but she said no.  She didn't want to be anywhere near somebody handling a gun so casually and unsafely.  And she's not a gun nut.

Later I asked her if I should challenge one of them.  She doubted that a slow old man could win, until I told her that my carry gun is not loaded with blanks.

Jury Duty

Way back in the dark ages I was working 40 hours a week, second shift on an assembly line to support my wife and first son.  I was also going to the local college full time.  If not in school full time my butt was to be drafted and sent to Vietnam.  One day I got jury duty notice in the mail.  I reported for an interview as required.  At one point I was asked if there was any reason that I couldn't serve on a jury.  When I explained my situation, I was immediately excused.

Several years later I was again summoned for jury duty.  I reported to the specified room in the court house, only to be informed that the case had been settled.

Two weeks ago I was once again informed that I am part of a jury pool.  I am to call a specified number after 4PM every Friday for a recorded message about the following week, for the entire month of October.  So far I've called twice, and twice no notice to report.  I wonder if I'll be serving on a jury this time around.  Might be an interesting experience.

Good Shape

My place of employment has hired 28 new people this year, is investing in machine tools and is expecting something like a 15% increase in business next year.

It's great having a low stress job I like, that pays decent, and is with a growing company.  Oh, and there's no change to our health care coverage this coming year, in spite of the federal government.

Now if we could only sell the other house.

Just More Administrative BS

According to John Lott, the 'very painful partial government shut down' is only a 13% reduction.  When compared to the 21% increase in the last 4-1/2 years, it's actually no reduction at all.  Don't know about you, but I could reduce my spending by 13% and not even notice.  

All the crap we've been hearing about is just that . . . crap.  Not in the least necessary cuts, but political publicity stunts by an administration kicking the floor and turning blue in the face to get it's way.  How totally asinine and juvenile.

Don't Care

Government shutdown/slim down.  Not sure I give a rats ass.
I am a bit upset that the idiots in DC still get paid.  They should be on furlough too,