Sunday, January 5, 2020

The grind





Yesterday was kind of non-optimal. Nothing in the day itself was non-optimal, it was just another day. As usual, my plans had to be modified as the day progressed, but that's nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, if I've ever had a day go to plan I don't remember it. Just the way life works.

The only thing about yesterday that was non-optimal was me. I was pissy all day. Which I hate. But I must also love wallowing in pissyness because throughout the entirety of the day I failed to do the one thing which would have relieved my burden of pissyness.

All I had to do was go to the Big Aircrew Chief and ask. But I did not.

Finally this morning I did, and as always, my burden was relieved.

Why do I get pissy and then insist on wallowing in pissyness when I don't have to? I don't know.

I'm reminded of something the character Travis (Dennis Quaid) said in the movie The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia. He was describing a conversation he'd had with God, wherein he'd asked why his particular Big Aircrew Chief was continually piling troubles and tribulations upon him. As Travis recounted the tale, the response he got was, "Hell Travis, I don't know, something about you just chaps my ass."

Always gives me a chuckle.

I remember watching that film on the boat, during the same time frame I watched Saturday The 14th on the boat. Not the greatest film of all time perhaps, but entertaining in an early 1980's way. Which is kinda cool.



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So how many of the videos I made yesterday should I torture you with?

Mylar balloon.



Isandalwana Ridge.



Tumbleweeds and rattlesnakes.



Busted post blues.



Daily "have to walk-out" challenge. What a coward.



How to not drive in terraced prairie.



Top of the ridge.



Top of the ridge looking more easterly.



My ain't this purty up here.



Exciting as watching grass not grow. But cool to me.



Ridge from the east.



Deathworld from outside.



And from inside. This may look like a deserted store to some.



Evening.



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Today it's once again very pretty. Air temps in the 30's and with a touch of northwest breeze. The clouds reveal strong winds aloft, with streaming mares tails and some incipient fish scales. Both of which are visual indicators of atmospheric air mass flow, indicative of the passage of a weather front.



It was a good morning to inspect perimeter fence and plan a bit of springtime work.



This year or next year? Isandalwana Ridge in the background.



Here there be snakes during snake season.



Red and I hope I'll be able to cowboy up physically in the spring.



Too many videos, eh?

Brunch.


##########

Many years ago, for some values of many years, I successfully completed training at a law enforcement academy. I was completely certified except for the requirement for field work under instruction. I did some of that as part of an unpaid local reserve LEO. During that time I decided it really wasn't my bag. No harm, no loss, and a good bit of experience. Experience is what life is made up of.

Anyway, I helped toss (among others) a local girl in durance vile a couple of times. She was mixed up in the drug scene. Didn't have a typical upbringing or have a typical family. She never got in all that much trouble. Sixty to ninety days in the county lockup from time to time, but never any prison. I run in to her from time to time and she's always very friendly and always asks if i'm "still" a cop. Saw her in the food store today. I'm pretty sure she's had a bit of permanent cognitive impairment from the drugs, which I'm pretty sure she's still doing. In a funny way it's always nice to see her and see that she's still alive, but it's always kind of sad to see her and realize that a slightly different path could have taken her to something better. Of course it was her path and her decisions. That's the way it works.

All part of the big adventure.

Be well and enjoy the blessings of liberty.






8 comments:

  1. I look forward to the evenings here, when we get our Ride-Along in the Great State of Nebraska.

    But it sounds like you have a long winter ahead if you're already itching to get out there. Take it as it comes, you know that's the only way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This happens to me every January. I'll survive. Have to rewire the flatbed and put new rock blades on the augers and go fetch posts and wire and nails and on and on. Plenty to keep me busy and if I line myself out correctly it'll all mesh seamlessly with surgery.

      Glad you look forward to glimpses of this part of the world. But I fear I surpassed the too many videos threshold by an order of magnitude. I almost broke ewwtoobe!

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting Sarge!

      Delete
  2. Is that sausage gravy on the waffles? That can make anybody happier!

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    Replies
    1. Kentucky-style bacon gravy. Serious happy juice!

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting Scott!

      Delete
  3. That brunch makes me hungry. Someone's feeding you good. Being a good boy and limiting to one strip of real bacon and some fruit. With the placemat it sure wasn't the Perkins over by Wallyworld in Sidney.
    There's more winter to come, I fear, but let's enjoy this nice stuff while we can.
    JB

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    Replies
    1. No doubt about it, Mom is a wold class brunch maker. Real ranch food served at a real ranch. I imagine people would pay a lot to share the experience, but that would make it work and probably ruin the whole thing. A kind of catch-22 unless one really wanted to be in the business.

      Lots more winter to come, just have to take it a day at a time. Like HDT advised, embrace what nature delivers and resign yourself to the influences of her seasonal moods. There is grandeur even in this miserable howling wind, and a scattering of indescribably beautify moments appear each and every day.

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting John!

      Delete
  4. As always, I enjoyed riding along with you and listening to you talk about things. A Mid-Western philosopher, you are. It took me a minute to get the ' HDT ' reference, but then I pulled the string and the light came on.

    All my best to you, your Mom, and everyone one else in your world.
    Thanks for the post.
    Paul L. Quandt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Paul. I'll pass your greetings along. Glad you enjoy the ride.

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Delete