Rhonda Vincent Accompanied by Alison Krauss covering Wagon Wheel one of my all-time favorites (and my 6 year old Grandson's
Aaron McDaris on banjo, Zack Arnold on guitar, Mickey Harris on bass, Jacob Metz on reso-guitar, and Adam Haynes on fiddle
Here in the wonderful (?) state of South Dakota, the Interstate speed limit is (mostly) 80MPH. State Troopers will give yo 81, but 82 is too fast.
On Mrs Bear's last visit to London to see the grandkids, she couldn't find any Corgi Merchandise. Guess with the Queen's passing they went out of favor. Oh well.
Backing on most of these selections comes from an equally all-star group: guitarist Jones; Steve Martin Prize and frequent IBMA Banjo Player of the Year Kristin Scott Benson; Mountain Home’s Darren Nicholson (mandolin); Sister Sadie founder and 2020 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Deanie Richardson; and bassist Nelson Williams (Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, Jake Blount, New Dangerfield). Like harmony singers Travis Book (The Infamous Stringdusters) and Wendy Hickman, they’re always supportive, yet ready to take the spotlight with inspired solos that yield wordless, yet unmistakable interpretations of each song.
This morning, I attended the burial service for a long-time friend's son; killed in a senseless accident while fueling the family car in Castle Rock, Colorado.
I've known his parents for fifty years; flew with, pulled SAC Alert and lost innumerable money at the poker table with his father for over almost four years. We were the "battery" of the 4th Airborne Command Control Squadron's softball team (he pitched, I caught) and I attended his parent's wedding so many years ago.
After hugging his Father, I came home and cried for several hours.
I was then greeted by the words of a major political party's presidential candidate denigrating the significance of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Although my friend's son did not receive this honor, the remarks shame all who have served; especially those who gave their lives in our Nation's service (whether in combat or not).
I cannot say enough about the military service of my fellow citizens. I served. My Father served. My uncles served. My many friends served. And many of those "gave that last full measure."
So long Macho .... fly safe in Valhalla ...... wings level, CAVU.
Back in October, I happened upon Mrs Bear looking at pictures of Corgis on her computer. When I asked what she was doing, she informed me that she wanted to give me a puppy for my upcoming birthday.
I was quite surprised. I had Corgis when I lived in England in the 80s - - Blood sisters, twenty months apart that each lived to be 13 and broke my heart both times.
So off we went twenty miles south to Diamond K Corgis to see their newest two litters (red/white and tri-color).
This little ball of fluff immediately caught my eye and we took him home a month later. I think his "Yoda" impression had something to do with it.
On Boxing Day, we had a snowstorm -- his first exposure to the white stuff. It was hilarious watching him try to catch the flakes and dive into the banks of snow. He's acquired the Lakota name of Banjo Nose In the Snow !
As the year has gone by, he's discovered birds, bees, deer, squirrels and best of all, Bunnies.
He's taken me for at least three "adventures" every day sometimes for a total of 15 or 20 thousand steps. My blood pressure has dropped, my weight and waistline decreased and my mood has brightened. He's sort of like Prozac on a leash.
Today he celebrates his first birthday and leaves puppy status behind (tho I don't think he'll ever stop trying to be one. He's 29 Pounds of lean solid muscle and boundless energy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANJO.
Two maps showing the change of Native American Tribal location over 300 years.
Today, watching a broadcast of the Paris Olympics, I chanced upon In the Company Of Heroes, produced by the Best Defense Foundation and narrated by Matt Damon...... Interviews with WWII survivors of D-Day and the fighting in Europe to liberate France and the West from the Nazis. As the son of a WW II USMC Southwest Pacific veteran, (UPI Photo circa 1942 I think) it brought tears of pride to my eyes.
Today, when people recognize my former service and thank me, I always say "Thank You" and tell them of the pride and privilege I still feel in having worn my country's uniform for over twenty years and being allowed the opportunity to honorably serve.
Now, after my thanks, I also ask them if they believe that my service, my Father's sacrifice and that of all my fellow veterans, many of whom gave "that last full measure," makes us or them "suckers and losers?"
Usually, they answer (sometimes reluctantly) in the negative ... and then I remind them that the candidate of a major political party has voiced exactly that sentiment.
I'm not reluctant to say this. I admonish them that, if their "thank you" is sincere they will remember the sacrifice of my fellow veterans and their families when they step into the voting booth this fall and remember that this nominated individual and anyone who has supported and/or endorsed him is not worthy of their vote.
... and we have to have a 55 footer taken down this week !!
Range of the Ponderosa Pine Tree
YES !! TIME TO TAKE THE GLOVES OFF !!
…… and turnip? He’ s a convicted felon, an adjudicated rapist, a business failure, a tax cheat and a national security threat. He certainly isn’t fit to serve as President or even run for the office. But then again, the republican party believed in “Law and order,” and the new cult obviously doesn’t.
He recently said “I shouldn’t be here.” — (Grand Rapids, MI, 7/20/2024).
He’s right; he should be in jail.
While the bullets were “whizzing” over his head, was he praying to God? Nope, he was imploring the Secret Service to get his shoes.
Maybe “almighty God” didn’t really save him; She needed a brave fireman more than him.
I hear She did forward Don’s resume to her rival down below. Perhaps he has a position turnip is qualified for. Of course, his advisors Hitler, Pol Pot, Jim Jones, and Charles Manson (among others) may be allowed an input.
Oh well ………..
Remember, voting is like driving: To go forward, Choose "D." To go backwards, choose "R." (and if you have a "stick-shift," you move forward progressively).
Molly Johnson- Banjo ,Madeline Dierauf i- Fiddle and Danielle Yother - Guitar and lead vocal. Helped out by Harry Clark on mandolin and Norbert McGettigan on bass.
Last week Europe, today, the USA .
South Dakota is highest, unless you're a puppy.
As I said on Monday, today will always be Memorial Day for me. One day each year where we stop and honor our nation's fallen servicemen and women. Unfortunately, it's become an afterthought to the sales and hype as "The start of Summer."
It's different than "Veterans Day" (11 November) -- Where we honor all those who have honorably served (both living and passed) as well as those currently serving.
I so often hear people say "Thank You for your service" to me when my background is mentioned. I've always politely thanked them and replied that it was my honor and privilege to proudly wear my country's uniform and be of service.
I still provide that answer, but now respectfully and politely add a question: Do you think that I was a sucker or loser for serving? Do you think that those who gave that "last full measure" were suckers or losers?
Most people are a bit taken aback and reply in the negative. I again thank them and I remind them that there's a person running for President who has voiced those exact words and feelings. I tell them that if their thanks are sincere, they must remember it when casting their vote in November.
I hope your holiday weekend was safe and enjoyable. Take today to give your real thanks.
Today is being celebrated as Memorial Day, honoring our nation's fallen service members.
Memorial Day will always remain 30 May for me .......
This is Arlington .................
Nearly smack in the center of Nebraska lies Broken Bow. Mrs Bear's hometown and birthplace some years ago today. Happy Birthday my Love.
A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age. - Robert Frost
Did you get yours filed? Did you get a refund ?
Average refund per state ................
Today, there will be a total eclipse of the sun viewable over much of the South-Central and Eastern US.
Traveling by air can be .... well, exciting. .... depending on where you start, finish or connect thru.
Here's some ratings ........
Most of us who've traveled by highway across the US have seen tose signs saying CONTINENTIAL DIVIDE, that is on one side rainfall flows to either the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans.
Here's a look at what happens in Europe............
From Comrade EB Misfit, a Navy veteran
http://eb-misfit.blogspot.com/2024/02/far-right-conservatives-are-enemies-of.html
Read it all including the “sermon.”
I couldn't explain to the Minibears why anyone would need (or want) more than one !!
Legality of Polygyny (having multiple wives) across the world
I've been watching the eating habits of the Minibears ..... seems some intervention is needed
Thinking of moving in the next 100 years? You might consider ....
Most searched words by definition in Europe.
I think "Pegging" is the relation between one country's currency and anothers ... but it could be cribbage.
Today, Iowa conducts its presidential primary caucuses. From all the Horse Race / Goat Rodeo reporting, it's very likely that an indicted criminal will be selected. The biggest speculation is about who will come in second. DOG help us !!
British Columbia's Under the Rocks with their latest video Honest Try.
Seems like the MiniBears partied too much for the holidays and didn't get a post in for 1 Jan - - well, it was a holiday.
Time for them to get back to school and study their geography.... but when ??
