This and That

A very interesting lady who writes"'Cross the Pond "gave me the "Cherry on Top" award. Thank you, I am very flattered. You should visit and follow as she adapts to her new life in England, sometimes serious and sometimes funny, but always interesting.I have to share what I would change about my life if I could. I often wish I had followed my childhood dream and became a marine biologist.Instead my Big Ten years were spent pursuing good times. Studying would have cut into this goal. But then again I would have never met my wife, no wonderful daughters or the Little Rat Pack. Life is full of trade-offs.
Next up there was a spirited debate on two blogs I sometimes visit. Tattoos and the reason for. One point made was that there is no social diversion any longer on who has one. Well in my little slice of the rust belt there still is. I realize that these two gentleman live in metropolitan environments, while I reside in a backwater one. (We were quite dismayed when the news came in last week that apparently the Empire of Japan attacked our Navy base in the Hawaiian Territory.)Then I go to pick up Gabe after school. In the cafeteria full of K-4 children, teachers and parents there is a man with many tattoos covering his upper body. An aside here aren't those things rather costly? Wouldn't the money be better spent on new shoes for his two Mohawk wearing sons? I digress. Since he is wearing a torn wife-beater, that name speaks volumes doesn't it, we were all treated to a very large tattoo of a male demon graphically performing a sex act on a female angel inked on his left shoulder blade. Here is where I wish to join the dissuasion. Mary, Jesus and Joseph who raised you? Have all the tats you want, but know when some need to be concealed. This is here the division exists.Not between the inked and the non-inked,but between those who show a little class and those who act as though raised by wolves( my apologies to the wolves).
Oh,the photo is my son-in-law Joe and the Little Rat Pack embarking on a row "'cross the pond". May the Good Lord watch over them and instill a little common sense.

This Dude

Sat down yesterday, and made the mistake of turning on the television. What a cornucopia of libertines,scalawags and nere-do-wells! Then I hit the C-SPAN button. I don't like this channel much, it reminds me of how moribund our Legislative branch is, or is it just me? Any way there was a call-in show in progress.The guest was in a dark blue sack suit, light blue button down shirt,red patterned bow tie and a pocket square. He was extremely knowledgeable and handled each call in an intelligent and sometimes witty manner. His name is David Hawkings, the editor of CQ Weekly. He is not a celebrity in the world of pundits.I really couldn't tell you his politics. Mr Hawkings answered with facts so it's hard to tell. It took me two days to find a picture of him. I guess I just wanted you all to know there are still some people like this around, thank the Lord.

The Family Curse

It has long been the bane of the males in our clan to be so manly as to cause weak hearted women to swoon. OK maybe it just started with my Grandsons, but its definitely here now. The part of being manly that is missing with so many young men today is self confidence. The obscene lack of respect for women I think stems from this. They feel the need to abuse women to boost their own egos. Both mental and physical abuse ( to me there is no difference, both should carry a horsewhipping penalty) seem almost expected today. I know psychological issues are extremely complicated, but one factor has to be a sense of self-reliance. Instead of cratering to their every need show them how to do it. Iron your own shirt. sew that button on yourself,and for the love of Mike put down the game controller and make a sandwich. Now before you grab torches and pitchforks and storm my castle, I know I'm preaching to the choir here. What I've seen posted from those that I commune with here, makes me honestly believe you folks know what I'm talking about.I'm only venting to calm down a bit. I swear some grown up men still have their butts wiped and powdered for them. One of my character traits I hope the Little Rat Pack does not get from me is acting like I know anything.

A Grand Lady

http://thedailyprep.blogspot.com/2010/09/are-jeans-preppy-imo.html
I recently came across a delightful site I just had to share. A wonderful lady who is a New England Yankee through and through. Ms Aldrich speaks her mind in well thought out and written posts.Direct and honest, you know she would be just as enjoyable at a dinner party as at the Farmers Market. Her insight about a traditional lifestyle shows that there are still people who wish to live their lives with grace and dignity. Which, if you have ever read my ramblings, you know is my ongoing quest.From the photos she posts she not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. Please even if this Preppy style is not for you take a moment to visit her. Go through her archives. I think you will be as happy as I was to see even with the Barbarians at the gate, all is not lost.