Goodbye to a Wild Year

2011 certainly wasn't a quiet year. The world over, huge changes, natural disasters and economic malaise peppered the news and affected the lives of millions. Of course, 2011 also marked a very significant life change for me in that I retired from the "regular" work force.

Looking over the following list from the Associated Press, it seems clear that 2011 was quite a life-changing year for millions across the globe, in one way or another. I hope 2012's list of top news stories will be much less astounding.


OSAMA BIN LADEN'S DEATH: In May, the nearly 10-year manhunt ended with a nighttime assault by a helicopter-borne Navy SEAL squad on the terrorist leader's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Bin Laden was shot dead by one of the raiders.
JAPAN'S TRIPLE DISASTER: A 9.0-magnitude earthquake off Japan's northeast coast in March unleashed a tsunami that devastated scores of communities, leaving nearly 20,000 people dead or missing and wreaking an estimated $218 billion in damage. The tsunami triggered the worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl in 1986 after waves knocked out the cooling system at a nuclear power plant.
ARAB SPRING: It began with demonstrations in Tunisia that rapidly toppled the longtime strongman in January. Spreading rapidly, the Arab Spring protests sparked a revolution in Egypt that ousted Hosni Mubarak in February, fueled a civil war in Libya that climaxed with Moammar Gadhafi's death in October, and fomented a bloody uprising in Syria against the Assad regime. Bahrain and Yemen also experienced major protests and unrest.
EU FISCAL CRISIS: The European Union was wracked by relentless fiscal turmoil. In Greece, austerity measures triggered strikes, protests and riots, while Italy's economic woes toppled Premier Silvio Berlusconi in November.
U.S. ECONOMY: Hiring picked up a bit, consumers were spending more, and the unemployment rate finally dipped below 9%. But millions of Americans remained buffeted by foreclosures, joblessness and benefit cutbacks.
PENN STATE SCANDAL: In November, former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was accused of molesting 10 boys; two senior Penn State officials were charged with perjury; the longtime president and coaching legend Joe Paterno were ousted.
GADHAFI TOPPLED: After nearly 42 years of mercurial and often brutal rule, Moammar Gadhafi was toppled by his own people in August. Anti-government protests escalated into an eight-month rebellion that culminated in Gadhafi being and killed in the village where he was born.
CONGRESSIONAL SHOWDOWNS: Partisan divisions in Congress led to several showdowns on fiscal issues. A fight over the debt ceiling prompted Standard & Poor's to strip the U.S. of its AAA credit rating in August. In November, the so-called supercommittee failed to agree on a deficit-reduction package of at least $1.2 trillion -- potentially triggering automatic spending cuts of that amount starting in 2013.
OCCUPY WALL STREET PROTESTS: It began Sept. 17 with a protest at a New York City park near Wall Street, and within weeks spread to scores of communities across the U.S. and abroad. The movement depicted itself as leaderless and shied away from specific demands, but succeeded in airing its complaint that the richest of Americans benefit at the expense of the rest.
GABRIELLE GIFFORDS SHOT: The popular third-term Democratic congresswoman from Arizona suffered a severe brain injury when she and 18 other people were shot by a gunman as she met with constituents outside a Tucson supermarket in January. Six people died, and Giffords' painstaking recovery is still in progress.

To Dog or Not to Dog

I've owned a dog most of my adult life. There have been quite a few, the last being my old friend, Snoop, a fantastic golden retriever we lost a few years back. I love them. Their devotion and companionship is difficult to match.

This excerpt from O, The Oprah Magazine, by Martha Beck from August 2004 says it well:
     Dogs are my favorite role models. I want to work like a dog, doing what I was born to do with joy and purpose. I want to play like a dog, with total, jolly abandon. I want to love like a dog, with unabashed devotion and complete lack of concern about what people do for a living, how much money they have, or how much they weigh. The fact that we still live with dogs, even when we don't have to herd or hunt our dinner, gives me hope for humans and canines alike. 

(leave it alone; I'm not a regular reader of "O", the article happened to appear on one of the many reader apps on my iPad!)

Now that I'm retired with more free time available, I'm thinking more and more that it's time for another dog in the family. I'm thinking it would be wonderful to have a companion on neighborhood walks, during a drive to the store, and someone to talk with and have listen carefully to each word (while staring at you attentively and cocking their head slightly to one side—if you've ever had a dog, you know what I mean).

The jury is still in deliberation, but the first trial vote was 10 "for" and 2 "against".

Never Thought I'd See This

Imagine my surprise (and joy!) when I saw this story headline this morning:

Ron Paul Is Now the Republican Frontrunner

Of course, this only refers to the upcoming caucuses (cauci?)  in Iowa. See the full story here: http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/12/ron-paul-is-now-the-republican-frontrunner/

Remember 2008? The most exciting thing about the Republican campaign for the presidency was John McCain announcing his running mate, Sarah Palin, and we all remember how well that turned out. My how things have changed...or have they? 

I'm fed up with the Romney/Gingrich/Perry non-choice, same old-same old, fat cat, nice-haired, smooth-talking Republican presidential front-runners. Our country needs change—real, difficult, hard to swallow, affecting all of us change—to avoid catastrophic economic times. What's being shoved down our collective throats are career politicians who bend to the wishes of the highest-paying lobbyist. 

Oh, I won't kid myself into thinking Ron Paul will be the party's nominee. He doesn't have "good hair", first of all. He doesn't look polished in a suit. And, can you believe it, he wants to limit or totally abolish the Federal Reserve! Oh...my...God! The man is way off the deep end!

Or is he? 

I won't be blindly pulling the "R" straight ticket lever this time. Can't do it and won't do it. Tell me I'm wasting my vote or whatever, but the Libertarian Party may receive a new member into the fold. I know, too many of us doing that may throw the results in favor of that other guy, but I can't in good conscience blindly keep on keepin' on in the same disastrous direction. We need much more than a change of tune; we need a change of the entire orchestra. 

A Very Special Recipe

May I share an entry from the Grand Marais, Michigan Woman's Club Bicentennial Cook Book of 1976? I think you may like it.

IRISH STEW                        submitted by Kay O'Brien
Ingredients:
   1 lb stew meat
   1 lb potatoes
   2 carrots
   2 gal Irish whiskey
   1 qt beer
   1 pt gin

Cut up potatoes and carrots, add to meat. Pour the remaining ingredients over them and cook for three hours. Dump out first three items and drink the gravy.

Enjoy!

Of Mom and Memories

Oh, Christmas time, Christmas time.

My mother loved Christmas. She had many ways of making it so very special and memorable. Tonight, while eating dinner, we had Christmas favorites playing in the background and it just hit me. Choke time. From Oh Come All Ye Faithful to Silent Night, the songs took me back to those wonder- and joy-filled Christmases past that Mom made so very special.

She left us 28 years ago, but the music can bring her right back next to my side in an instant. She's smiling right now; Mom loved Christmas and everything about it.

Thank God for mothers, and thank God for His gift on that first Christmas.

Mom holding me in 1948. She's still making me smile.

Is The American Dream a Nightmare?

Are those Wall Streeters, bankers, movers and shakers really in charge of all that matters in these United States? Does our vote or that letter to your Representative really amount to a hill of beans? Is corporate profit some nasty plan to beat down the middle class?

Being a child of the sixties, I find the Occupy Wall Street movement somewhat interesting. Personally, I can dismiss the whining about college tuition debt and the inability to get a job...no one promised a job to the holder of a BS in (you name the course of study). On the other hand, does 1% of the population control all legislation coming at us from Washington? Did you see the 60 Minutes piece on lobbying and corruption at the federal level of government a couple weeks ago? It was both amazing and disgusting. 

How many elected officials are there because of some inner desire to serve their country? How many are there to line their pockets and insure their own financial security? 

On those angles, I side with the OWS crowd. Things need to change and they must change soon. Change how? There's the question folks. Honestly, it seems rather fruitless to think about or try to do anything about this lack of real patriot leaders. How will we turn this ship 180° after so many years of sailing in the wrong direction? I know, lots of questions and no real answers. 

Below, I'd like to share two videos presenting views that are somewhat different, yet similar. Take ten minutes, watch each of them and comment your agreement or disagreement below. It could be quite interesting and I promise I won't use one of my many pepper spray containers on you if I don't agree. 

> the following video is not suitable for minor children or those with tender ears! <

2011 Deer Camp

My two sons and I, along with our good friend, Rob, spent 10 glorious days in the woods of northwest Michigan's Benzie County again, searching for the elusive white-tailed deer. We had a terrific time together, as always, even without putting any venison in the freezer.

L-R: Glenn, me, Greg and Rob

We had a major change for the better this year. Rather than utilizing a travel trailer for our lodging, Greg pulled out all the stops and had an over-sized garage-style building erected as our new home away from home.

The builders just barely had the building "livable" when we arrived, but the extra space was a welcome change from what we'd used in previous years.

It was great not to be shoulder-to-shoulder when inside our new "digs". 

Our good friend, Mike, visited just before Opening Day.

Nothing was ever proven, but rumor had it that Mike may have been responsible for my blind being "flamingoed" sometime before we arrived at camp.

Nice work, Mikey, especially the unwanted reading material. 

One very special guest this year was my grandson, shown here with his dad on their way out for his first-ever hunt. Thankfully, a few squirrels gave Mitch something to watch while waiting for the buck that never appeared.

Another much appreciated addition this year was the half-barrel of PBR that kept us conveniently hydrated all week.

With the extra space available, our new and over-sized cots made sleeping arrangements quite comfortable.

As always, our time together was a fantastic getaway for each of us. Giving us time to relax, catch up on family news, tell a few lies and do our best to bring down a nice buck. Our annual trek is so appreciated by each of us; we are already looking forward to next year's time together.

Back at the Keyboard

OK, now that my official retirement date of 11/11/11 has come and gone, this year's ten-day Deer Camp is history, and my new retired but working part-time life is settling down, I hereby swear that this blog will definitely receive more attention than it has over the past few weeks.

How did I ever have time to work?
I never thought I'd hear those words coming from my mouth, or fingertips, but there you have it.

Lots has been going on with all these changes, but that only serves to offer more topics of discussion for this tiny piece of the Internet. I plan to take full advantage of the wonderful freedom it affords this old guy. For those of you who've been checking in from time to time...Thank You. I promise you'll have many new posts from this point on.

So, there's a brief update just to be sure you know I haven't traveled off into the wild blue yonder. More to follow and very soon. Stay tuned y'all.

Transition

It's hard to believe I'm already well into week two of my changeover from the work-a-day life into semi-retirement, but here I am. Even with the added time available to each day's activity, I find it is a bit difficult to settle into this new and vastly different routine.

I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm thoroughly enjoying this new freedom and I know things will settle down in time, but I know I can do a better job of time management as these days go by. My apologies for neglecting this blog during this period, too. I will do a better job of posting in time...promise.

Right now, the excitement and anticipation of our annual trek north to Deer Camp is at the forefront of my mind and my daily activity. Tomorrow the truck will be packed and be pointed north to another wonderful time of fellowship with my two sons. Without WiFi availability, however, another post will have to wait until I return in ten days. I'm sure I'll have many photos, stories and experiences to share at that point.

For now, y'all take care until my return to "civilization".

Turn, Turn, Turn

My youngest sister recently sent retirement good wishes my way and included the YouTube clip shown below. Wow...talk about taking you back in time instantly! The angelic voice of Judy Collins and the melody penned by Pete Seeger (with the help of the book of Ecclesiastes) put me right back in the mid-sixties.

And for me, it's time to turn into the retirement season, right after I listen to Ms Collins' beautiful voice while gazing into those beautiful eyes!

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

So God Made a Farmer

From the time my paternal Grandfather placed me on the seat of an old John Deere tractor, I've always had an interest in farming. I'm sure that led me to purchase the 40-acre farm we lived and worked outside of Allegan, Michigan in 1975. More on that ten-year endeavor to follow, but first...

A friend sent me this YouTube video featuring the unique narration of the unforgettable Paul Harvey. It speaks for itself.

Short-Timer

My final work day at this company is rapidly approaching. It's coming at me so quickly that I'm afraid I'll look back afterwards and think, "why didn't I...? I should've...". I must admit that my focus is on what type of part-time gig will follow. It's a terrific time though, to be sure, very exciting and filled with both anticipation and just a bit of melancholy-ness, too.

The past 13 years with this company have been terrific and I consider myself fortunate to have been here and participated in the growth we've experienced. But things have changed as one would expect, so it's high time this old guy moves on.

A retired friend encouraged me to make the most of the time left here, because the relationships and the day-to-day regimentation will soon be gone. Words of wisdom, I'd bet.

So, here we go down the very short road leading to that last day. You can be sure I plan to make the most of it. Fasten your seat belt, Paul, we've begun our decent as we prepare for landing.

Arizona Time-Lapse Beauty

Incredible natural beauty, captured, modified and presented in a unique way. 

Be sure to view in HD on Full Screen with sound. Kudos to Dustin Farrell.

Think Different

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Don't Settle

We lost a genius yesterday. I'm not using the word lightly. One of, if not the world's best innovator has left the building. Thank God he had time to give us so much.

Apple Computer's main man and driving force, Steve Jobs, admired by many and despised by a few, lost his seven-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He couldn't innovate his way out of that one, very unfortunately. Jobs' life proved the existence of the American Dream. Strange, isn't it, that the way so many people heard of his passing was via a tool that he created and constantly improved upon.

I fondly remember that my first home computer was a Macintosh SE which I used along with a desktop publishing program, Aldus PageMaker, in the late 1980s to publish a financial newsletter first, and then a genealogy letter detailing my search through our family history. I can smile now remembering the limitations of that machine (it did have dual floppy disk drives!) compared to what we have today, but it was a start down the road that opened the computing world to everyone. Innovation at its very best.

I hope my sons and my grandkids—anyone reading this—will heed the advice Jobs gave to the Stanford University graduating class at their 2005 commencement ceremony. Take these challenges to heart and act upon them—now. After all, our time is limited.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle. 

*************

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Those Pre-Retirement "Busies"

Long ago, I used to wonder what it would be like to retire from the 9-to-5 world. I watched my dad enjoy 25 years of winters in Florida and heard more than once, "boy, I don't know how I found time to work".

Well, my time has finally arrived. About a month ago I began making the financial arrangements necessary to take this major step down life's road. First of all, I applied—online—for Social Security payouts to begin. It went so smoothly I wondered if I'd missed something. Amazing! The very next day I received a call from them to clarify a couple things, setting my mind at ease that this was really happening.

Of course, making plans for my departure from my current full-time position has been full of challenges and details, but I believe things are just about set for me to ride off into the sunset.

Now, I'm not planning to sit on the front porch in my rocking chair, so what shall I do to be productive (and to produce some income)? I've been researching some part-time opportunities in retailing, delivery, work-at-home stuff, writing the Great American Novel (ha!), and others, but probably won't zero in on anything until some time in November. What a great opportunity though!

So, yes, there are lots of things in need of attention and many decisions to be made, but I'm not complaining. I cannot wait for this new chapter of my life to begin.

None of Their Damn Business

Sometimes I just have to shake my head and wonder, "what the..............".

This story both angers me and boggles my mind.

As you've no doubt heard from grumblers like me any number of times, the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizens the right to keep and bear arms—even in a misguided state like Illinois—end of argument. The fact that I or any law-abiding citizen in these United States owns firearms or is even licensed to carry them concealed is my personal decision.

This smacks of tactics seen in Nazi Germany in the '30s, prior to weapons being confiscated. Fortunately, since the time this article was published earlier this year, even Illinois is beginning to loosen it's restrictions on gun ownership. 'Bout time.

A Billion Here...A Trillion There

We hear our elected folks talk about millions, billions and even trillions of dollars. They throw out those numbers casually and sometimes I'm not sure I, or you, really understand what those names represent.

I came across what I believe is an excellent illustration of the relationship between these numbers. Check this out:

What does one TRILLION dollars look like?

I guess I'm a "visual" guy, rather than a strict numbers guy, so that illustration really helps me to understand. Amazing isn't it?

Now, try to comprehend that the Total Public Debt Outstanding of these United States is over 14 trillion dollars! Then try to imagine the amount of interest on that debt. It makes my head hurt, as well it should. After all, pretty soon we'll be talking about Real Money.

Surfin' USA

I happened across this video on this rainy Monday morning and just thought it was a nice "no-brainer". Besides, I love the Beach Boys tune playing along with it.



That tune, Surfin' USA, also took me back to Huntington Beach, California, during the summer of 1967...a long time ago when I had some hair and a hankerin' to try surfing myself.

Grow Older and Meet New Friends

I've found it quite interesting that, as I age, I've been introduced to quite a number of new "friends":

• No more doctor specializing in Family Practice; now I see an Internist, one specializing in Internal Medicine and all that can go wrong in there when one crosses the magical age 50 threshold. 
• A routine dentist visit every six months or so is no longer sufficient. Introducing the Periodontist: a super dentist with dozens of ways to keep those teeth healthy and attached to your jawbone...for a price at least 50% higher than a regular dentist. 
• Oh, let us not forget my personal favorite, the Gastroenterologist. You know, the one that says "drink two gallons of this delicious mixture, wait for the multiple explosions, then come see me in the morning so I can do amazing things with this ten-foot long flexible tube while watching TV". Good times!
• Being (at one time) of fair hair and skin, and since melanoma was instrumental in Mom's death, I make an annual trek to a Dermatologist. He looks me over from head to toe and pronounces me as ugly as the year before. 
• I remember my first pair of bifocal glasses and how walking down a flight of stairs was akin to stepping off the edge of the earth. I got used to it, though, just as my Optometrist insisted I eventually would. 
• I have Type 2 Diabetes to thank for my occasional visits to a Podiatrist to make sure my feet are hanging in there. Actually, I've come to believe those appointments are simply a way for a man to receive a pedicure without taking all the ribbing from his macho buddies. 
• Three years ago a little "hmm, that shouldn't be there" thing appeared near my bladder and prostate. Enter the Urologist who removed the (later to be determined malignant) growth, and threw in a Roto-Rooter procedure at minimal additional charge. Now I get to visit him each year for a "look-see" to be sure nothing else has appeared. Amazingly, he does ALL this through...well, let's just say an incision wasn't necessary.
• And finally, my Internist recommended a daily additive to morning coffee which helps me to remember above (or below) all else:  fiber is our friend. 

So, as you can see, aging has expanded my circle of friends nicely. Hey, young folks...enjoy the friends you have now. The bunch detailed above are not nearly as much fun. 

More Wolverine Football

A couple posts ago, I included a video depicting the "glory" of a successful football program. To get to that point, however, takes work, dedication, heart and gallons of sweat.

University of Michigan Senior defensive standout Mike Martin is capturing video takes this season and posting them on YouTube. In his three previous years at Michigan, Mike has excelled on the field: three-year letterman, 2010 All-Big Ten, played in 36 games, and started 24 contests at nose tackle. He's recorded 108 tackles, 19 for loss, and 6.5 sacks so far in his career.

To accomplish so much, he's worked his tail off. His latest video chronicles a bit of the work it took to reach this point in his collegiate career. In the video, he teamed up with the group, Pop Evil, using their latest musical tribute for the Wolverines, In the Big House. 

Just Do It...Now!

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the things you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

                                                                                      Samuel Clemens ~ a.k.a. Mark Twain
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple years back, I lost a great friend and recently retired work associate to cancer. Prior to his retirement, he said he wanted to do just a couple things when he quit working:

• stand on The Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains out West
• travel to Minnesota to the headwaters of the Mississippi, where he understood one can walk across that great river

Bob, very unfortunately, never got the chance; the damn cancer made those trips impossible. 

A lesson from which each of us can learn a great deal. 

Wolverine Football

I love football, especially University of Michigan football; have for a long, long time. In just nine days, the first game of a new season—with a new coach and a new direction—begins in Ann Arbor. The last three seasons have been tough, but those are behind us now and I believe we have only better days ahead.

If you love college sports, especially Wolverine football, and all it entails, give the following video three minutes of your day. You won't be disappointed. The tune and lyrics by the local group, Pop Evil, are pretty good, too.

Now, please excuse me. I have to try and soothe my bulging goose bumps...

Go Blue!

Just Tell Me What To Do

Very unfortunately, a very, very large number of folks in this great nation usually sit back, tune in the evening news and beg to be told what they should do in any upcoming election. They make up the great body of "uninformed voters" if you will.

The very real danger therein is that the media can influence, cajole, suggest...oh let's just say it...they can control who these people vote for. Did you see the recent magazine cover depicting Michelle Bachman as a scary, perhaps even crazy woman? Or perhaps you've seen the many, many shots of President Obama with that glowing circle (read: halo) placed perfectly around his head? C'mon, who are they trying to kid; what are they trying to accomplish? Seems pretty clear to me.

I now give you an example from The Daily Show that points out how one candidate in the Iowa Straw Poll was invisible (on purpose) to the pundits reporting on the results. Seems pretty clear who they want to be forgotten, isn't it?

The Daily Show

Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Here's the Real Problem

I've ranted and raved about the way we're passing along untold economic problems to our children and grandchildren. Well today a good friend sent me a link to the following little video that will no doubt "grab" you in much the same way as it did me.

We have to turn this bus around and soon, before my four grandchildren are locked into a life offering much less goodness and opportunity than our generation has been fortunate enough to experience. This is what matters. This is why "business as usual" just won't cut it any longer.

The Will of Anderson Pack

Another item I came across while doing my genealogy research years ago was the following will of Anderson Pack, a likely relative on my maternal grandmother's side. The will, signed in 1858, is interesting to me especially for the handling of Anderson's slaves. I thought it curious that he gives some their freedom while passing others on to other people as one would a favorite diamond bracelet.

Also note #15, below; I think Conrad did something that really upset his Daddy, don't you?
===================================================================

Will of Anderson Pack

In the name of God, Amen, I Anderson Pack of the County of Mercer and State

of Virginia, do make this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and

declaring void all other wills made by me heretofore.

1st I desire to be buried with as little expense as decency will permit and

that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as

conveniently may be.

2nd I will and bequeath to my beloved wife, Rebecca S. Pack, in trust the

following property "to wit" my home plantation, where I now live with all

its appurtenances, together with all the horses, oxen, milch cows, hogs,

sheep, etc.,

on the farm, also my blacksmith tools, farming utensils, household and

kitchen furniture of every description, also my lands lying in the County of

Monroe including several tracts upon which James Roles now resides, with

this reservation that the said James Roles is to live on the said land under

his present contract until my son, Charles H. Pack, shall have arrived at

the age of Twenty-one years.  I also give in trust to my wife, Rebecca S.

Pack, my land known as the Cook farm (where my servant Tom now lives) with

its appurtenances.

3rd I also devise and bequeath to my wife in trust, all my negroes not

especially named in my will.

4th I also desire that my negro Tom may be emancipated and that my executors

(to be named hereafter) furnish him with money sufficient to take him to a

free state, or if Tom would prefer to stay in the family, I desire that he

may have the Gust Place and that Tom and his wife live there together (under

control of my wife) during his natural life.

5th I also give my two black women, Amy and Eliza, their freedom, if they

desire it, if they prefer remaining in the family, that they be at liberty

to select their homes amongst my children.

6th I devise and bequeath to Mary Jane Roles (wife of James Roles) a negro

woman named Mary and her increase, after the death of the said Mary J.

Roles, that the said Negro woman and her increase may be equally devided

between her heirs.

7th I give to my daughter Virginia Manser (in addition to what she has

already received) a negro man named Tasady and that after the decease of my

said daughter Virginia, the said negro to descend to her two daughters

Araminta G. and Laura R. Manser.

8th I give and bequeath to James Roles and John R. Dunlap, in trust for the

benefit of my daughter Elizabeth Jane Saunders, and her childrern, my tract

of land and mill property lying in the County of Raleigh known as the James

Cadle land, it being the same land that was sold under a trust deed and

purchased by John R. Dunlap and myself.  I desire that the said land nor no

part thereof shall be liable for the debts of Robert W. Saunders, nor under

his control.

9th I bequeath to my daughter, Clara B. Pack, one negro girl named Emdine,

one negro girl named Martha ( a daughter of Toms) and a negro man named

Meshack, I also give to my said daughter Clara B., my Alderson tract of land

situated in the pipestems, containing 550 acres, more or less, and I also

desire that my wife, in the event of her marriage, furnish her house with

furniture, bedding, etc., so as to make her equal to my other daughters.

10th I will and bequeath to my sons, Viz: "Conrad B. Pack, Samuel D. Pack,

John A. Pack, Allen C. Pack, Loammi L. Pack and Charles H. Pack, all my

lands lying in Monroe County, including several tracts where James Roles,

now lives, also my two tracts, lying on New River in Mercer County including

my home farm and the Cook farm known as the Gatliff land.  I also give to my

sons all my negroes not specially named in my will, to be divided in such

manner that my negro families may not be separate more than can be avoided,

to make my sons equal in the same, but it is to be understood that my sons

are not to have the control of the above named property during my wife's

natural life unless she should marry.

11th I also direct that all my lands not named nor spcially devised in this

will, shall be sold whenever my wife, James Roles, and John G. Manser shall

think it expedient to do so, I wish my debts, of every description including

the sales of my land to be collected and after paying my just debts and a

few special legacies to be named herafter, I wish to be disposed of as

follows "Viz" one fourth to Mary Jane Roles, one fourth to Virginia Manser,

and one fourth to my daughter Clara B. and the other fourth I give to James

Roles, and John R. Dunlap, in trust for the benefit of my daughter Elizabeth

J. Saunders, and her children and I further desire that the said Roles and

Dunlap will expend the said money in the education of the children aforesaid

or for the support of my daughter as they may think best.

12th I give and bequeath to Mary B. Peters during her natural life one negro

girl named Elizabeth, after the death of the said Mary B. Peters I desire

that this said negro with her increase (if any) may descend to my son Loammi L.

13th Bequeath Robert Scott of Raleigh County, Virginia, Three hundred

dollars in cash bonds to be paid when it may suit the conveniences of my

executors.

14th I give to William A. Shannon of the state of Indiana a claim on Henry

White of said state for two hundred dollars provided that the said claim can

be collected, If it cannot be collected then I desire that my exectors may

pay the said Shannon the sum of Two hundred dollars, as soon as it may suit

their convenience.

15th It is my desire that if my son Conrad B. Pack; should marry Miss Lee

Saunders (sister of Robert W. Saunders) that in that event, I give him a

young bay horse, saddle and bridle which is all I give him or intend for him

to have of my estate.

  I desire that in the event that my wife cannot control my sons, that my

executors have the power to rent out my land and hire out my negroes, until

my youngest son is twenty-one years old, and that the proceeds go to the

support of my wife, and the education of my children, and I do hereby

nominate and appoint John R. Dunlap and James Roles to be exectuor of this

my last will and testament.

In witness whereof, I the said testator Anderson Pack have signed and sealed

this the 18th day of February, 1858.

Signed sealed and delivered                              Anderson Pack (S.S.)

in the presence of,

G. L. Jordan

J. t. Jordan

John Lane

Joe Farley                                          

Virginia. At Mercer Circuit Court

                                                           April Term 1858

This last will and testament of Anderson Pack, Deceased, was proven by the

oaths of Gordon L. Jordan, Joseph T. Jordan and Joe Farley three of the

subscribing witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded.  And on motion

of John R. Dunlap and James Roles the executors therein named who made oath

thereto and together with Madison Karnes, Henry Karnes, Harrison Robinson,

Archibald Pack, Geo. W. Pearis James W. Bailey and Elliott Vawter their

sucurities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of

$10,000 conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted them for

obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

                                                    Test. Wm. A. Mahood, C.

Buffalo Springfield

Barry Ritholtz posted this old sixties tune on his blog, The Big Picture, today. I took an immediate walk down Memory Lane.

There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware

I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind

It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

What a field-day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and they carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our side

It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away

We better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
You better Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
You better Stop, now, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
You better Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

~ Buffalo Springfield, For What It's Worth 

A classic country- and folk-rock ballad, it's message is still true today...for us to stop, listen and look at what's going down. Not because of the LAPD beating on hippies in 1966, but because of the economic storm our country and other nations of the world are attempting to weather.

Pay attention to what's goin' down, everyone.


                            

We're Mad as Hell

I just watched this five minute video and had to get it up here for others to watch. The guy, whether really a small business owner or an actor, took the words right out of my mouth.

Congress:  grow up, cut the crap, drop the politics and make the right decisions for the citizens of this country...NOW!

Busy, Busy, Busy

I must apologize to my readership—   ;-)   —the past month has found my wife and I totally immersed in getting our second house ready for sale. Its been a rental for the past seven years so perhaps you can imagine the state it was in after the last renters left on June 30th...not pretty.

So, most evenings and certainly every weekend we've been cleaning, fixing, hauling, planting, trimming and re-doing the place, inside and out. She's on the market now, though, and looking pretty sweet while giving me time to get back to periodic blog entries.

So, if you're looking for a very nice 4BR, 2-1/2 bath lovely home in a beautiful neighborhood...have I got a deal for you!!!

Just be You

I saw this quote this morning and thought, "yeah, well, that can be a very tough thing to pull off".

About all you can do in life is be who you are. Some people will love you for you. Most will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you at all.    ~ Rita Mae Brown

So, think about it:  what "mask" do you put on for a job interview? when you enter a crowded room filled with strangers?  to meet with your boss? when you sit down at a table with your best friends? when you're at work? when the cop that just pulled you over taps on your car window?

For myself...guilty. I'm not the same "me" in all those situations.

So what's up with that? To impress people? So people don't see who you really are (gasp!)? To get something you want? To avoid something you don't want?

Ms Brown makes it sound easy to just be "you". I beg to differ; what do you think?

A Special Day to Remember

Dad would have celebrated his 93rd birthday today.

Yeah, I miss the guy...lots sometimes. Of course, he could be a real sonamagun now and then; I always chalked that up to his tough father, a tough upbringing in those Kentucky hills, having fought in a very tough war and having to be tough in his position as a Plant Manager.

In his retirement years, though, he softened up quite a bit. Age can do that; there's nothing left to prove because "been there...did that" and still around to tell the story. Until his later years, I only saw tears in his eyes on two occasions:  his mother's funeral and my mother's funeral. Mom's do that to their boys.

I seldom indulge in a Boilermaker, but tonight is an exception. It'll be Happy Birthday Dad, a shot of Black Velvet whiskey and a gulp of beer to chase it down.

Rest in peace, Dad, and give my best to those two special ladies, please.

A Wonderful Holiday

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend Independence Day with two of my grandkids and their parents, of course. In keeping with the long-standing American tradition, we attended a minor league baseball game and stayed to watch the brilliant fireworks show afterwards. We even nailed three out of four items from the old commercial which sang of "baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet". The apple pie will have to wait for another day (I drive a Chevy).

Jingles aside, though, it was a terrific day spent with folks I love dearly. Thanks for arranging this you guys!

The Answer to Our Economic Woes

Warren Buffet didn't amass his personal fortune by being lucky. He's reputed to be one of the most intelligent money managers in the country and his success is amazing.

This quote, attributed to him, makes a believer out of me:

“I could end the deficit in 5 minutes. You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP all sitting members of congress are ineligible for reelection.”

The only problem I see is who the heck can we get to pass such a law? 

Interesting Candidate

November 2012 is a long way off and I in no way have picked my favorite candidate, but I've gotta tell you...Herman Cain is sounding pretty interesting.

Check out this video; he nails the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue while speaking about what is very important as we make our next presidential choice.

Presidential Shame and Grandmotherly Terror

This morning I lowered the U.S. Flag at our office to half-staff for the day; the third such lowering in three weeks. The Governor of Michigan orders all flags within the state to be flown at half-staff to honor Michigan service people who are killed on active duty and/or while in a combat zone. Many of these deaths take place in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Last week, President Obama succumbed to public pressure and announced a speed-up of the plan to bring troops home from Afghanistan. Believe me, I very much want our troops home and out of harms way from what I believe to be an unattainable objective in Afghanistan. However, that withdrawal must be done with our military objective and the safety of our personnel at the forefront of planning. Mr Obama has chosen to ignore the advice of the military commanders right up to the Secretary of Defense, who say his plan is too much, too soon, and risks losing much of what has been accomplished so far.

As a Vietnam-era vet, I'm reminded of that war and how politics played a huge role in the actions that resulted in nearly 60,000 American deaths. Shame on you, Mr President, for using Afghanistan to garner public favor with your next election less than 18 months away. It stinks of political gain at the expense of American lives and mission failure.

Elsewhere in the War on Terror front, the TSA is now subjecting 95-year-old, leukemia-stricken, frail grandmothers to strip search. Have they lost their freaking minds? This is yet another outrage that should wake-up those responsible for TSA procedures that the agency is totally out of control. Were Mrs Weber my grandmother I imagine I'd be in jail this morning. This is utter nonsense and if allowed to continue we may as well admit it...the terrorists have won.

Give us back our freedom; I'll take my chances that a cancer-ridden 95-yr-old won't bomb or hijack the flight.

Fishing Results

This just in:  

      Photographic evidence has arrived from our planted "mole" in the northern reaches of Michigan's lower peninsula. I wondered about how successful the Father's Day fishing expedition had been; I now have proof of who knows their fishing skills.

First of all, these guys must have been telling each other jokes or something while the fish swam by...

On the other hand, this young fisherperson was hard at work going after the biggest specimen the lake had to offer, with excellent results!

Good job, Sweetheart! Nice catch!

Father's Day 2011

This past Sunday was Father's Day and it was a very good day for this dad. My youngest son—who lives about 120 miles north of me—had contacted me about meeting, so we arranged to meet for lunch halfway between his home and mine, in the town of Big Rapids, home of Ferris State University---where both of my sons attended and graduated years ago.

Sunday morning, on my drive north I was within 20 miles of Big Rapids when my cell phone rang. The call was from my oldest son who lives near Boston. I got to speak with him and my two far-away grandsons before arriving in Big Rapids. Amazing timing! Father's Day was shaping up to be a great day.

When I arrived in Big Rapids, we decided to have lunch at a local establishment where we could share a cold adult beverage or two while eating and having great conversation. We had lots to catch up on since we hadn't been together in months (shame on us!). One of our main topics was about his little ones and how they were doing. Among lots of other things, he mentioned that they had been asking to go fishing, something they all loved to do.

This morning, I found the following photo in my email Inbox. I'm still smiling since I now know they did make that little fishing trip later Sunday afternoon, and because this photo is the epitome of a Happy Father's Day.

Knowing this little guy as I do, I can tell there's
joy and anticipation written all over his face.
Perfect. 

Garden Update

Now that our colder/wetter than normal Spring is behind us, the garden is finally beginning to show signs of good growth. Last night, we had our first salad of Lollo Roso and Rocky Top lettuces along with a bit of green onion, all fresh from the garden—very good, especially when topped with croutons, Gorgonzola cheese and a few Craisins (dried cranberries), all smothered in Ranch dressing!

(I had some imported German sprouts, but decided not to use those)

This is the second year of planting only heirloom/non-GMO (genetically modified organism) varieties of veggies and something interesting has happened. I also began putting together our own compost last year, using vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds and even a bit of paper here and there. Well, a couple weeks ago I noticed small cucumber plants breaking through the compost-enriched soil, followed by a few tomato plants...none of which was planted by yours truly!

It seems some of the cuke and 'mater seeds lived through the composting process to sprout another day! How cool is that?!!? I can't wait to see if they will be productive; no reason they shouldn't be.

C'mon tomatoes, get with the program! 

There's a BLT sandwich in my future and it can't arrive soon enough!

4 tomato plants, green onions, 3 sweet peppers, Rocky Top lettuce, sorrel,
carrots, claytonia and parslane coming right along.
Yes, we really enjoy fresh salads!

Those "volunteer" cukes are going to town, greenery-wise! More lettuce,
carrots, cilantro, tomatoes, sweet peppers and red onions, too.

This Lollo Roso lettuce adds terrific color to a fresh salad. 

Life = Risk

We all need a figurative kick in the seat of the pants occasionally.

Ponder this:

A tip o' the hat to Barry Ritholtz at The Big Picture.

Its Cottonwood Time!

The June weather is beautiful most of the time here in western Michigan. Unfortunately, June also brings the release of those pesky cottonwood tree seeds surrounded by a cottony substance. This, of course, lets the wind take the seeds here, there and everywhere.

I think I'll have a "talk" with God and ask why He couldn't make the seeds better, more productive, more likely to germinate and in much smaller quantity, rather than have each tree releasing millions, yes millions, of those little seed packages in the hope just a couple will result in new trees. Makes sense, don't you think?

Cottonwood seeds ready for the next breeze to give them flight. 

Money-Saving Ideas

I've been following The Survival Podcast for a couple years now to pick up information on, as he says, "how to live a better life, if times get tough...or even if they don't". About a month ago the podcaster, Jack Spirko, began a series of four episodes containing money-saving ideas submitted by members of his audience.

Some of the suggestions save a dollar here or there, but some can really add up to terrific savings for the average family. Obviously, not all are applicable to everyone, but if you take the time to listen I know you can find a few ideas to save money for you and yours.

The four podcasts can be listened to or downloaded to an MP3 player here. Each one is about an hour long. Also, check the notes below each episode which contain links to a number of the featured sites. You'll find tips on how to make your own laundry detergent, homemade dog treats, cat litter, herbal insect repellents, hundreds of uses for vinegar, how to make your own yogurt, coupon-savings sites, and much more.

Give them a listen, or at least check the show notes to see what you can do to save a buck here and there.