With temperatures dipping below the zero mark, it was a great day to watch the conclusion of the 2008 regular season of the National Football League. Hard to believe that sixteen weeks have lapsed into the history book. Now,the teams have been set for the playoff which will commence this next weekend.

What is more difficult for me to believe is my Denver Broncos! I have been a Denver Bronco fan since the early 1970's. I have been disappointed in their performance in the past but this year, I am looking for a brown paper bag to cover my head until next fall.

For the past fifteen weeks, they have been ranked first in the AFC West based on their wins. With four games remaining in the regular season they are ahead of their biggest rival (San Diego Chargers) by three games. There is no way they cannot win their Conference at this point. Except when you loose three of those games in a row against teams that never made the playoff list. The final game of the regular season came down to Denver and San Diego. The winner will be the AFC West Champions and go on to compete in the playoffs. The looser simply goes home for the rest of the season. I would have liked to think it was a close game, down to the wire but that was not the case in an 52 -21 victory for San Diego.

So my Denver Broncos return to the Mile High City, humbled, embarrassed, and rightfully so. Although, disappointed, I have to remember it is just a game and come next fall I will forget and forgive. I will once again cheer on Broncos, especially if they show up next year with some new defensive players and perhaps a new defensive coordinator. Although it is at a weakened state at this time, "Go Broncos", but there is always next year!

President George W. Bush made another secret flight into Baghdad on December 14th to visit the troops and pay a farewell visit. During a press conference with Prime Minister of Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki, a news reporter who evidently was upset, removed his shoe and threw it at the President. The President was quick to react and dodged the missile, so the same reporter removed his second shoe and threw it at the President, which also missed the mark. I, personally think the Secret Service detail showed great restraint in not shooting the reporter.



However, it got me to thinking about the emphasis that shoes plays in diplomacy. I recall the day that the U.S. troops helped the Iraqi people in tearing down the statue of Hussein shortly after the invasion commenced. The citizens rode the statue through the streets beating it with their shoes.



However, history repeats itself. As a kid, I remember seeing the pictures of another shoe being used as a diplomatic tool. On October 12, 1960, Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev of the U.S.S.R. was addressing the United Nations. He was infuriated by a statement which charged the Soviets to wanting to dominate Eastern Europe. Mr. Khrushchev pulled off his right shoe, brandishing it at the Philippine delegate and started banging his shoe on the podium and begin shouting at the delegate in Russian that he was a "jerk, a stooge, and a lackey of imperialism". Post reports are that the incident was staged and was planned in advance. I can't hardly believe that the Soviet Union, even the U.S.S.R., during the cold war would try to mislead the world. The words of a famous men come to my thoughts when thinking of the Soviet Union. "Trust, but Verify" by President Ronald Reagan.

This is the U.S.S. Arizona, the afternoon of December 7, 1941 her decks awash and the fires burning out of control. A few hours following this photo, she would slip below the surface, taking 1,177 brave souls with her. Sixty seven years this past Sunday the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked Pearl Harbor. A total of 2,388 military and civilians were lost in this attack. Twelve Navy ships would be sunk, nine of these ships would later see action in WW II. The battleships U.S.S. Arizona, U.S.S. Utah, and U.S.S. Oklahoma were lost.

The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial is a sacred place, members of the ships company still entombed within her hull. The only sign of life is the occasional shimmer of oil seeping from her tanks. Today, as naval vessels pass the memorial, all hands man the rail and salute as the ensign is dipped out of respect for the ship and those men that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
I have manned the rail on many occasions in respect to the U.S.S. Arizona and felt honored but very humble despite the fact she was lost three years and five months prior to my birth. In my thoughts, I could clearly see the scene that transpired that morning. It was a Sunday morning, typical of a Naval vessel in port, it was a day of "holiday" routine. Only minimal chores to be done and the standard "in port" watches set. Most of the crew not on duty are still in their racks, then the shrill call of "General Quarters" followed by the Bos'n, piping all hands and then passing the word, "General Quarters, General Quarters, This Is No Drill, All Hands Man Your Battle Stations, This Is No Drill". This would be the last word that many of these men heard as bombs dropped from the sky over Pearl Harbor.

Out of honor and respect for those that were at Pearl Harbor on that day, both those that perished as well as those that survived, I will not complete the original reason that I commenced this posting. The individual that spawned this blog posting does not deserve the same respect or recognition of the brave men and women that have given us our freedoms that we enjoy today. Comments about this person can be found in my comment section, he deserves no more than that.

My favorite sporting event of the year has commenced. From last night through December 13th, for the next ten nights I will participating from the comforts of my recliner. This is the 50th Annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo broadcast from beautiful downtown Las Vegas. Each rodeo season, from January to November, thousands of rodeo cowboys travel across our nation to participate in professional rodeo. Their goal is to make some money, but the ultimate goal is to earn a berth at the National Finals Rodeo.

With the aide of the airplane, some of these cowboys will participate in two or three rodeos per day, dependent on scheduling. To win a place in the National Finals, they must qualify in the top fifteen of their respective events. The world standings is based on the amount of prize money that they accumulate throughout the rodeo season. The big money is at the National Finals, daily money is paid for each event dependent on their placement. The World Champion will be declared after the last event of the finals based on total prize money earned during the season and at the National Finals.

Like any sporting event, you always have your favorites. I have two contestants that I have been following for years. There are several reasons for this, each of them are very humble men yet exemplify professionalism as a rodeo cowboy. These two men, do not have to participate, their lifetime earnings put them at the top of their sport. They participate because they love the sport. The impressive thing is that they are two of the older cowboys on the circuit and are setting the example for the younger rodeo riders that are entering the competition.

Saddle Bronc Rider: Billy Etbauer: Riding saddle broncs is the only competitive event that Bill Etbauer participates in, which is considered as rough stock and a young man's event. Etbauer is forty five years old and lives in Oklahoma.
He become a member of the Professional Rodeo Association in 1988. Since that time, his total earnings has been $2,800,000.00 (rounded). In the fifty year history of the rodeo finals, he has participated in 20 events and earned himself the title of World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider five times. This year, he entered the National Finals ranked as #2 in the world. By winning second place in the event last night, he has now moved to #1 in the world with a total earnings this year of $153,624 with nine more nights remaining. For several years, his brothers, Robert and Dan also rode the rodeo circuit as Saddle Bronc riders and won several world championships. There are very few bronc riders that are smaller than Billy Etbauer but when he sits down on the back of that horse in the chute, he rides tall in the saddle. A place in the Cowboy Hall of Fame awaits his arrival.

Tie Down Roper: Fred Whitfield: Calf roping is the only event that Fred Whitfield participates in, primarily tie down roping however on occasion he will rope "head and heel". Whitfield is 41 years of age and lives in Texas. He joined the Professional Rodeo Association in 1990. Since that time, he has also earned $2,800,000.00 in professional rodeo, making himself and Billy Etbauer, two of the top money earners in professional rodeo. During his tenure in the rodeo association he has qualified to participate in 18 National Finals. He was won the title of World Champion Tie Down Roper eight times during his career. Currently, he is ranked 9th in the world and out of the fifteen calf ropers last night, he finished fourth earning $7,031.25 in day money. Whitfield is also one of the oldest calf ropers on the circuit, but when he comes off his horse and down the rope to the calf, his speed and agility is that of a junior roper. It is likely, he is probably the most respected roper in the circuit, he is never out of the competition until that final calf is down and tied. Although he is still very active in the rodeo circuit, he has already been enshrined into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs in 2004.

With less than three weeks prior to Christmas, I am making my list and checking it twice. I need not have a column for those that were naughty or nice, I already have identified those. For instance, how did that stuffed toy moose get up onto my roof and impel himself on my satellite receiver which disrupted our reception for two days, prior to having to call the repair service to discover the problem at a slight cost of $150.00.

Although, I got the blame, who was it that filled the water tank of my daughters travel trailer with Cherry Kool Aid mix, giving her fifty gallons of cherry water running from her faucet. I have kept quiet since Memorial Day, but this close to Christmas I have to come clean to protect myself. Way to go Moose!

I also know who installed a speaker inside the sheet rock of the Wolf Den, unfortunately now that it has been taped and mud applied, it is to late to extract even if a person knew where it was at. Plugged into a tape recorder, should be some strange sounds coming from the wall. Again, as good as it is, I would like to take credit but the Beaver had the idea and equipment.

Who was it that spread whip cream all over the windshield of my truck early one morning, oh, yea, I remember and they are also on my naughty list. Who would ever suspect my innocent looking granddaughters?

Who was it that gave me a portable generator for my birthday, which was later retrieved from me by the rightful owner, oh, yea now I remember, let me check him off my list, again. Come to think of it, I will go a head and take the rightful owner off my Christmas list as he did not give me anything for my birthday.

I will keep working on my list, surely by Christmas I will have everyone eliminated for being bad and will only have one name remaining, myself!

However, I have been shopping around and found some great gift ideas you may want to check out, I am sure you can find someone on your list that would like one of these for Christmas. Click on the link and it will take you to the site.

I am told that the United States is now in that dreaded stage known as a Recession. The Dow is up for five days straight, recording the highest gain since 1932. Today, it drops almost seven hundred points, but still ahead of where it was six days ago. Banks are being bailed out, but still find capital to pay their executives enormous amounts of money exceeding the budget of small town America. They (Citigroup) even find enough money to purchase the naming rights to a new stadium, it was a bargain at only forty million U.S. taxpayers dollars. Major car manufacturers are having to go to Congress to ask for a fifty billion dollar loan. One of them is even driving to Washington D.C. to save the cost of flying his Leer Jet.

Unemployment is up according to the Department of Labor, yet I look around and see signs posted in so many businesses that are advertising "Help Wanted". Oh, I forgot members of our society can make more money by not working than they can make at these lessor paying jobs. However, being one of those on a fixed income, I am very concerned and currently seeking gainful employment.

I considered moving to LA and try to find a job as a greeter at Wally World, however, I discovered that they do not have any incentive pay for hazardous duty. Especially when those large crowds rush the doors at 5:oo am to spend the money that they are not suppose to have. Not wanting to leave my beloved little village by the River, I would prefer a job in this area, however they are limited considering we only have a couple of stores open during the winter solstice.

However, today I discovered a job that I would really enjoy, all I need to do is convince the "company" that they need an office in our village to serve the entire Kenai Peninsula. If you are looking for work, I would suggest you follow my lead. They have so many openings in just about any field that you would desire or trained for, some of the jobs they will even train you. Salaries are varied, the lowest starting at $46,000 with some as high as $200,000.

While watching my favorite news show on Fox News today, they took an commercial break and I nearly fell out of my recliner when I saw the advertisement. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is advertising on TV that they have immediate job openings. This opportunity took an instant priority in my daily routine as I brought up the web site. I learned a great deal about the CIA, at least what they wanted me to know, but I also found so many very good job listings that I may qualify for, but first I have to submit my resume in code as the jobs I am going to apply for is on a "need to know basis". If I should disappear for awhile, don't be concerned, I will most likely be in training. I will try to make an occasional posting but unless you have the need to know you will not be able to de-code it.

With the conclusion of the celebration of Thanksgiving, our holiday season is now concluded. From this day forward we are celebrating Christmas. I do not want to hear anyone wish me a happy holiday nor do I want to do businesses with any anyone that advertises Happy Holidays. I do not want to attend any school program where Christmas carols are prohibited or they call it a "Winter Festival". A very simple, Merry Christmas will do. The month of December is devoted to the celebration of Christmas.

The word "Xmas" has been used for many years, although in my thoughts the word Christmas should not be shortened to fit a limited printing area. I took exception to the above picture, it is a 1920 vintage picture, the message meant more to me than the wording in this particular case. The celebration of birth of Christ and the celebration of the arrival of Santa delivers the same message, hope for all mankind.

In our celebration of Christmas, we should never forget the reason that we celebrate, the birth of the Christ child. At the same time, we should never forget Santa. He has played a role in the celebration of Christmas for hundreds of years. Each year he spreads good will and joy, giving millions of children continued hope that all is well in the world, that it has not changed from the past. When it comes to children, I include myself in that category, I am a sixty two year old child and you are not going to convince me that Santa does not exist. On Christmas Eve, I will be watching the the darkness of the night, in hopes of catching a glimpse of Santa soaring overhead, then I will know all is well.

"And to preserve their independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude." Thomas Jefferson

I find our current "economic crisis" puzzling if not truly funny. In a matter of less than a week, the House and Senate answered the call to duty and approved a bill to make $700 billion dollars available to our lending institutions. As quoted in the hearing process, "Citigroup especially hard hit by the meltdown in risky, subprime mortgages made to people with tarnished credit or low incomes. Foreclosures on these mortgages spiked, leaving Citi and other financial companies wracking up huge losses on the soured investments. The company (Citigroup) has failed to turn a profit during the past four quarters." Citigroup then turned around and tried to buy another failing financial institution, Wachovia Corporation, which was bought instead by Wells Fargo & Company.

On Friday, Citigroup ask for another $25 Billion dollars from the bailout fund, they had initially received a payment of $25 Billion. When our legislators rushed to Washington D.C. to develop a plan, we were led to believe that the bailout fund would be in the neighborhood of $500 Billion. When it was finally approved by both houses and signed into law, it had escalated to $700 Billion. Since that time, the program was been revised a couple of times without Congressional approval.

As the dust starts to settle, three major automotive manufacturers (Ford, GMC, Chrysler) arrive in Washington D.C. to seek a $25 Billion dollar loan to provide a needed cash flow for their businesses. Part of the reason for this was that with the current "financial crisis" the lending institutions could not or would not make operating capital loans. No doubt, the CEO's of these companies earn mega bucks and flew to Washington D.C,. in each of their private jets to ask for a loan. However, it was just that a loan not a bailout. They employ over five million people in their workforce. Historically, these companies had borrowed money from the government in the past. The loans plus interest were paid back ahead of schedule.

What was their response from our elected officials in the hearing process. They were instructed to go back to their corporate offices and return to Washington D.C. on December 2nd with individual business plans. The same rules did not apply to the lending institutions, within days of the bill being passed these same institutions were receiving a fresh cash flow in the amount of billions, including Citigroup. Perhaps, if these same banks and lenders had a business plan, they would not have been lending money to those with "tarnished credit or low incomes", even requiring a social security number to obtain a loan would have helped.

Come to think of it, if the major automotive manufacturers are required to have a business plan, perhaps this is a good concept that our government could follow. A good business plan and a budget that is mandatory would be a very good start for our elected officials to follow.

Just as a side note, the Representative that was the most critical of the Automotive Executives flying to Washington D.C. in their private jets was Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D~ California). If my memory serves me right, she is the same person that raised holy hell when she became Speaker of the House because the U. S. Air Force was giving her a smaller plane than the Presidential, "Air Force One" to fly her around the country on tax payers money.

Forty five years ago this morning, it was a cold, windy morning on the shore of the Great Lakes. I was in the process of going through my recruit training at the Naval Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. Today, was just another day in the training cycle, earlier in the day I was detached to regimental headquarters to stuff and mail Christmas letters to all the parents that had sons assigned to the training center.

In the office where we were working a radio played, the regular scheduled program was interrupted by a voice that was obvious nervous and upset. The news announcement, President John F. Kennedy had just been shot in Dallas, Texas.

Before the announcement was completed, a Petty Officer came in and ordered all of us back to our barracks on the double. Our Company Commander was at the barracks when I arrived, First Class Petty Officer Cameron. We mustered in the break room and he provided what little information that was available. We were now, under full military alert and the base would be locked down, no one in and no one out. This did not really apply to us since we were "boots", we never got to leave the base but all of the senior personnel that had families in the area were quarantined to the base.

Our training was suspended, a television was brought into the break room and the "smoking lamp" was lighted indefinitely. We remained in our barracks, marching in formation to the mess hall three times a day to get meals. We remained in this status for six days until a normal routine was once again established. During this time, we would see the assassin arrested, Lee Harvey Oswald and a few days later, on live television we would see Jack Ruby gun down Oswald while he was surrounded by police officers. Although the Warren Commission issued a finding on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, many still believe that there is a story that is not being told. Perhaps, some day we will know what actually happened, forty five years ago today.

Remember those fuzzy little animals that everyone loved, the little fur ball called a EWOK. They became an instant hit of the Star War episodes. Everyone, loved the EWOK's, they were so cute.

Well, it seems that Director George Lucas and his screen writers was not to far off base when they came up with the concept of the little creature.

On Tuesday, 11/18/ 2008 it was released by Reuters that on the mountain top of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi for the first time in eighty years scientists have observed a living Pygmy Tarsier, one of the planets smallest and rarest primates.

Over a two month period, the U.S. scientists used nets to trap three furry, mouse sized Pygmy Tareirs, two males and one female. They spotted a fourth one, however it eluded their capture. Although they were believed to be extinct, they may not have been totally thrilled at being found. One of them took a bite out of Sharon Doyen, a Texas A&M professor of anthropology who took part in the expedition. The incident occurred while attempting to attach a radio collar around the neck of the little creature. A difficult task since they have the ability to rotate their heads 180 degrees.

"Remember Me"

Remember Me in quiet days

While raindrops whisper on your pane.

But in your memories have no grief

Let just the joy we knew remain

Remember me when evening stars

Look down on you with steadfast eyes.

Remember if once you wake

To catch a glimpse of red sunrise.

And when your thoughts do turn to me,

Know that I would not have you cry.

But live for me and laugh for me,

When you are happy, so am I.

Remember an old joke we shared;

Remember me when spring walks by.

Think once of me when you are glad

And while you live, I shall not die.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/107193

I just finished making a posting, however, when I got back to my home page I found this on Yahoo News. A few nights ago while looking at some web sites on old shotguns, this popped up onto my screen. It looked very authentic and almost conned me into falling for it, but I stopped short and shut down the system without doing anything. Watch for it because it surely does look real.

We have once again made a trip to our favorite metropolitan area and safely returned to our little piece of paradise over looking the river, just in time to enjoy a few snow flakes this evening. Just like any trip to Las Anchorage, the trip was eventful. Did not realize it until a few minutes after our return home, but shortly after our cruise through Sears Mall it was locked down by the police.

From the news sources, evidently a premature withdrawal was made from a bank by a gunman and he escaped towards Sears Mall on foot. One news source, I believe Channel 2, described him as a man dressed in ladies clothing including a purse. Had I lingered just a few more minutes in the tools section enjoying the fantasy about a new "chop saw", we may have been caught up in the drag net as well as the lock down at the Mall. Glad I left my "man bag" in the car.


We did have the opportunity to meet the doctor that is treating our son for MS. Ironically, she and I played together on the beaches of the Homer Spit, the summer that her father started construction on Lands End. I had not seen her since the summer of 1955. Evidently, I did not leave a lasting impression on her as she did not remember me, but considering she was only five years old I can understand. I was much older, I was ten years old!


Although, way to short, we did really enjoyed our short visit with all the family in the LA area. It was good to see everyone and spend a little time together. I would like to thank my son in law, the Bull Buff for serving me my morning coffee while I was still in bed! Despite, it being 4:30 a.m. it was really good coffee. Just prior to going out the door to work, he even made a fresh pot for me to enjoy while I watched the early morning news with Fox and Friends.


However, the big surprise came from our granddaughter Taylor. She showed us her domestic side and made the most delicious Manicotti for dinner. It was great dinner, thank you Taylor, it was very special and very, very good. When can we expect a second batch? The dessert was very good as well, I went to get seconds for a midnight snack, but it was gone! I neglected to ask, but were those locally grown apples in the desert?


The next time I venture north, I am going to have a language dictionary. Stopped by Wally World on Bensen, a treat that I do not always look forward to. While shopping in the men's section, I was treated to along conversation between two employees that were stocking shelves and I did not understand one word they said. I so wanted to interrupt them, point to a customer and tell them that I thought the customer was an undercover agent for the immigration service. Although, they were within two feet of me and I had to reach around them to look at merchandise, they never offered to move nor ask if they could be of assistance. Evidently, the bank robber was smarter than I, he headed to Sears Mall and not Wally World. I would guess if a show of force of police cars showed up at Wally World, half their employees would head for the back doors. My last trip to Wally World on Benson.


The "Kodak" moment of the trip was on both the north bound and south bound portion of the trip, we saw more Swan's than I have even seen in the area. All of the ponds along Turnagain Arm had a few but the big marsh outside of Portage had large flocks. We also saw them at the higher elevations on Summit Lake. A magnificent bird but difficult to get them to pose for a good picture.

A number of years ago, the State of Alaska was heavily infested by the Spruce Bark Beetle. This small beetle devastated the majority of our "old" growth White and Sitka Spruce. Vivid reminders of this infestation is still visible on the Kenai Peninsula. Although the epidemic is now over, it will take many years for our forests to regenerate.

This past summer, did you notice an increase in the number of Lady Bugs flitting among the flora and fauna? A closer examination of the cute little Lady Bugs reveal that they are impostors, although they do look very similar. These little impostors have just started showing up in Alaska, but already they have made the presence known in our forests. There are several reasons for their migration north to Alaska. Two of the major factors being our open door policy on the southern border of the United States and Global Warming. What you thought you were watching, buzzing around your plants and trees, was not the traditional Lady Bug but the Mexican Bean Beetle. Below is the various stages of this little pest. The eggs, the larvae which turns "yellow" in two stages prior to transforming into a beetle resembling the Lady Bug. It is during the larvae stage that these beetles are the most devastating. They feed heavily on the foliage of our Spruce Trees during this stage, eventually killing them. During this stage, they are protected from detection as the tree will also turn yellow to protect their presence.
Unfortunately, several trees on my property have been infested and I expect them to drop their existing needles within days. Below is a picture of three trees on my property only a few feet apart, two of them have been affected while the third is yet to show any sign of infestation. The two infected trees did not show any sign of infestation until about a week to ten days ago.

"THE THREE AMIGOS"

"Ruger", "Dutch", and "Goldie"

SIX YEARS LATER

Same Spot, Same Dog, Same Bushes
October 2008 ~ 6 Years 6 Months Old

"I Am Trying To Smile"

Experience is one of our best teachers. In my personal opinion, there are two types of experience. The first being that in which you gain from education and the second that in which you learn by association. In less than a month, we will once again go to our favorite polling place to select an individual that will serve as our next President of the United States. Perhaps, the person that yields the most power in the world. Voting is very similar to interviewing a perspective employee for your business. You want to take a look at their resume in regards to education but to be effective but you must also seriously consider their experience in preparation for the job description in which they are applying.

In my lifetime, I have lived under the leadership of nine Presidents. In their role as Commander in Chief, I have served on active duty with the U.S. Navy under the Command of six of these Presidents. Because of social and economic concerns, we often over looked the term of Commander in Chief. The most important role of the President is that of Commander In Chief. The military services of our country is the first line of defense that protects our security and way of life. Most citizens of the United States view the military as a combative role and do not realize their mission statements. For instance, the primary role of the U.S. Navy is to insure that the sea lanes of the world remain open to permit free trade. The strength of our military services is also utilized by our Department of State in their diplomacy strategy. The collapse of the U.S.S.R. was a direct result of the strength of these services.

Does experience matter? I will allow you to be the judge of that based on a brief review of each of the President's that have governed during my lifetime.

Harry S. Truman ~ Democrat ~ President 1945 - 1953
Acting Vice President and assumed office of President upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Captain in the U.S. Army during World War I. Served as a U.S. Senator until assuming the office of Vice President. Completed his term as Commander in Chief in World War II and ended this war by ordering the use of atomic weapons. Korean conflict commenced between South and North Korea.

Dwight D. Eisenhower ~ Republican ~ President 1953 - 1961
Graduated from West Point Military Academy. Attained rank of five star General and assumed command as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II. After being elected to the Presidency signed the cease fire agreement between South Korea and North Korea which is still in existence.

John F. Kennedy ~ Democrat ~ President 1961 - 1963
Navy Lieutenant in World War II, Captain of PT 109 assault boat which was sunk by collision with a Japanese Navy destroyer. Awarded Silver Star for heroism for rescue of crew member. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1953 and served until elected President. In October 1962, confronted the U.S.S.R. and placed a naval blockade around Cuba to prohibit the installation and activation of nuclear weapons from the U.S.S.R. on Cuban soil. Assassinated while in office in November 1963. (ed note: I entered the Navy just prior to his death, I would have like to have served longer under his leadership)

Lyndon B. Johnson ~ Democrat ~ President 1963 - 1969
Assumed Presidency upon death of President Kennedy. Elected to House of Representatives in 1937. Navy Lieutenant Commander WW II and earned the Silver Star for heroism. Elected to the U.S. Senate 1948 until elected as Vice President. Reelected to Presidency in 1964. Shortly after assuming office following the death of President Kennedy, he elected to escalate the Vietnam War. (ed. note: As Commander In Chief, I would rate him as fair to poor in his political decisions and strategy in conducting the war in Vietnam)

Richard M. Nixon ~ Republican ~ 1969 - 1974
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy in World War II. Elected to Congress and in 1950 elected to the U.S. Senate serving two years prior to be elected as Vice President to President Eisenhower. Vice President from 1953 to 1961. Lost presidential election to John F. Kennedy in 1961. Nominated and won the Presidency in 1968. During his term, he ended the draft and concluded the Vietnam War. His Vice President, Spiro Agnew resigned his office for legal reasons. House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford assumed the office. On 8/8/1974, President Nixon resigned his Presidency to avoid impeachment hearings pertaining to the Watergate Hotel incident. Gerald R. Ford assumed the Presidency. (ed note: President Nixon did a very good job as Commander in Chief, maintained a strong military service and concluded the Vietnam War. )

Gerald R. Ford ~ Republican ~ 1974 - 1977
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy in World War II. Elected to Congress in 1948 and served for 25 years prior to having to assume the office of Vice President. House Minority Leader from 1965 to 1973. Assumed the Presidency upon the resignation of Richard Nixon. (ed note: President Ford is often overlooked as an effective President. He brought us through one of the largest scandals in American politics. He was a very good Commander In Chief and maintained the growth and modernization of the military)

Jimmy Carter ~ Democrat ~ 1977 - 1981
Graduated from Annapolis Naval Academy and served seven years in the Navy, resigning his commission. Elected as Governor of Georgia. Elected to the Presidency with a narrow victory over President Ford, primary due to the decline of economics the last year of the Ford administration. Iran seized the U.S. Embassy and held 52 Americans as hostage for 14 months. Hostages were released the last day that President Carter was in office. (ed. note In my opinion, despite his early background, President Carter was the worst president in my lifetime. As Commander in Chief, he was a dismal failure. Morale in the services plummeted as well as the drastic cuts in the military budget and dismantlement of the U.S. Navy. President Carter is also the President that locked up 103 million acres in Alaska including ANWRA)

Ronald Reagan ~ Republican ~1981 ~ 1989
Two term Governor of California. Selected George H.W. Bush as his Vice President who was currently serving as Ambassador to the United Nations. Won the first election with a Electoral Vote of 489 to 49. Won his second term in office with an unprecedented number of Electoral Votes. President Reagan, realizing the importance of the military services and the dismantlement of the U.S. Navy. He pledged to build the Navy to a five hundred ship fleet which he accomplished in his term of office. Increased the national defense budget by 35%. Confronted the U.S.S.R. and taking advantage of their economic conditions and our strong military posture, brought them to the bargaining table in curtailment and establishment of the nuclear missile treaties. First President to take a stand on terrorism by enacting the War on Terrorism. Sent American bombers into Libya after evidence of attack and killing of American soldiers in a Berlin, Germany nightclub. Through his efforts, the collapse of the U.S.S.R. would occur as well as the Berlin Wall. (ed note: President Reagan was the best of the Commander in Chiefs during my tenure in the U.S. Navy.)

George H.W. Bush ~ Republican ~ 1989 - 1993
Youngest Naval Aviator in World War II, flying 58 combat mission prior to getting shot down and rescued by the U.S. Navy submarine. Elected to House of Representatives for two terms, nominated as Ambassador to the United Nations and Director of the C.I.A. Served as Vice President with President Reagan for eight years. During his term in office the Berlin Wall came down and the U.S.S.R. collapsed. Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait, President Bush formed a coalition of allies after the United Nations failed to react and commenced Operation Desert Storm liberating Kuwait and forcing Saddam Hussein into surrendering. Economic conditions and pledging not to rise taxes, then going back on his pledge lost his reelection. (ed note: Although I had retired, I would have liked to served under his command.)

William J. Clinton ~ Democrat ~ 1993 - 2001
Elected as Governor of Arkansas in 1978. Lost reelection for second term and came back after four years and was again elected as Governor of Arkansas. He never completed his second term due to being elected to the Presidency. During his eight years as Commander in Chief, he concluded some deep cuts in the military services with a large number of military bases being closed. Because of scandals while in office, the House of Representatives impeached him however the U.S. Senate found him not guilty. Sent missiles into Iraq when Saddam Hussein expelled the United Nation Inspectors that were seeking evidence of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. (ed note: Despite his popularity, although I did not serve under his command as Commander in Chief, I would rate his at the level of Jimmy Carter. Several acts of terrorism, including the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole occurred with many losses of American lives with no retaliatory actions on his part.)

George W. Bush ~ Republican ~ 2001 to Present
Air National Guard, F-102 fighter pilot. Served a term as Governor of Texas. In the history of Texas, he was the first Governor to be elected to a second term in office which he was serving when he was elected President. A few months following his assuming the Presidency, the terrorism attack of September 11th occurred. Following the aftermath of 9/11 he propelled his role as Commander In Chief and took command of the situation. He set the example for each of us to follow. He initialized the original War on Terrorism and took the war to the combatants in Afghanistan and Iraq. Economic conditions hit historic levels during his tenure and has only recently started to plummet. He is currently serving out his second term in office. (ed note: Like his father, I would have enjoyed serving under his command, although his popularity currently is at record lows, he is enjoying high popularity with the military men and women. History will be grade his Presidency at a much higher level than he is currently being given credit)

That is a very brief summary for each of the past nine Presidents. In less than a month, the tenth President in my lifetime will be elected. After reading the experience of the previous nine, compare those with the two candidates that are currently seeking your vote.

Barack Obama ~ Democrat
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, currently serving his first term in office.

John McCain ~ Republican
Graduated for the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Completed flight training and assigned various aircraft carriers as a naval aviator. Flew combat missions over Vietnam, shot down and was held by the North Vietnam as a Prisoner of War for almost six years. Returned home following his release, went through rehabilitation and despite his physical handicaps regained flight status as a naval aviator. Earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous other medals. Served as the Commanding Officer of an aircraft squadron in Florida with several hundred men and women under his command. Retired from the Navy as a full Captain after 22 years. Elected to Congress from Arizona in 1982. Elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona in 1986 to the present time.

Experience counts and your VOTE counts.

Hearing it from a reputable source, I understand the my family and friends in the Las Anchorage metropolitan area are receiving a little snowfall tonight. I am so sorry, that the fluttering white stuff marks the end of your summer. Now all you have to look forward to is six months of snow and cold. Gone are the days that you can walk among your flowers, pausing long enough to sniff the fragrance or take daily photos of the development of your apples. Although, our summer did seem a little short this year, the sights and fragrances of summer continues to linger in the little village on the river.

This past summer, my flowers were beautiful but I was disappointed in the annuals that we did plant. Partially our fault due to late planting because of landscaping changes but I blame the "cooler than normal" summer for the most part. But there is always a silver lining to every cloud. We are now enjoying what we should have been enjoying in August and early September. The Livingston Daisy is one of my favorite annual flowers. Their vivid color and sun tracking abilities can cheer the soul. Due to the lateness of the planting and cool summer, our Livingston Daisies are just now coming into their full maturity. Despite several nights of frost as well as several nights of freezing, the little Livingston Daisies have proven to me that they are not pansies.

These pictures were taken this past Sunday evening. Today, they were again in full bloom despite having an inch of ice on the puddles and ponds. To all of you you have awakened to winter this morning, I will will be thinking of you as I take my morning coffee on the deck, admiring the hardiness of my little daises and the continuance of our summer.

When I was a youngster, just starting school, our family lived on a small ranch in western Colorado. My father was a horse trader as well as operating a guiding business in the fall for elk and deer. During the summer months, he would operate riding stables in Aspen or Lake City, Colorado. In the 1950's, money was not plentiful and most often my mother would also work by cooking in local restaurants.

Before anyone misinterprets the headline of this posting, it has nothing to do with any verbage or lines that you may have heard in the movie, "Lonesome Dove".
However, I must call upon those residing in the metropolitan area of LA or any other location other than Anchor Point or Homer, Alaska. Knowing that I have a seven grandchildren living in the LA area and each of them have a sweet tooth. Locating a source to acquire this product should be an easy task for them to accomplish.
Recently, I was made aware of this particular sweet delicacy. The name of it is SLOPOKE and just perhaps is one of the finest caramels that I have ever tasted. I have never seen the product on the shelves of our limited shopping facilities in this area. It is made in the USA, if Illinois is still in our union. The manufacturing company is on the Internet and they do advertise it as part of their product line. I surely could use a good supply it anyone happens to spot it in Wally World, Costco, Price Savers, and even perhaps a candy store!

The heavy rains of September have temporarily disappeared from the Doppler Radar. In their place, the Autumn season has arrived marked by the coloring of the leaves. It seems as if it was just yesterday, I watched the leaves burst from bud form and now they will disappear in anticipation of winter.

The past two days have been beautiful in the little village by the river. The crisp early morning air giving way to the warmth of the sun during the day. This morning when I ventured down to the "Hole In the Wall Recreation Area", the first thing that caught my attention was a wheelbarrow that had partially filled with rain water over the past week. This morning, a half inch of ice covered the surface.

The "fall" is also a good time to reflect back to the summer months. Despite, the weather it was a great summer. Oh, there are things that I would have liked to have done but nothing that cannot be put off until next year. This season, my life revolved around the "Hole In the Wall" and I have enjoyed every minute of the time spent on the various project. Very few days passed this summer that someone was not camping at the Hole In The Wall, a lot of firewood fed the non-stop fire pit, a lot of coffee consumed, and there was always a "cold one" just a few steps from the fire pit.

The "little ones" played hard and enjoyed being outside where their imaginations could go wild, the sand hill remains the most popular spot for their adventures. Adults also used their imaginations as well, somehow a moose puppet found it's way to the satellite dish receiver, blocking all signals to the television sets inside the Eagle Nest. One of the best practical jokes this year, even if it did cost me $150.00 to have the technician discover the problem and leave laughing with his check in hand. The most ingenious moments was when one of the mothers came up with a marvelous concept. After tiring of making "Kool-Aid" by the pitcher, she filled her fifty gallon water tank in her trailer with "Kool Aid" so the kids could help themselves by just turning on the faucet.

Time was taken to do a little fishing, the Moose Clan Guide did well in the marine waters of Cook Inlet for late run King Salmon and of course the Master did well on Anchor River during the Silver Salmon run. Remind me next spring to tell all of you the story about that 16.5 Silver Salmon that I won the derby with this year! In all, it was a great summer because we had the opportunity to share it with family and good friends.

Along with the joy of camping and sharing good times, we also accomplished so much work. This to was a family affair assisted by good friends. Although the work continues and will for sometime, we have accomplished part of the total concept of having a place to escape to and have a place for our "little ones" to build memories of the Anchor River, just as they were passed down to each of us. Thanks for the memories, everyone!

The season is once again changing into the colors of fall and frost. This is the shortest of our seasons, so it will soon turn to winter. Turning my thoughts to winter, it is once again time to start the Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament. This week, commencing Wednesday, September 24th we will start the 3rd Annual Holiday Classic Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament. This thirteen week tournament will continue until December 17th with the Championship Round being played the following evening on December 18th.

This is a free tournament sponsored by the Anchor River Inn in Anchor Point. There are no cash prizes, side bets, or any other method of exchanging money as it is illegal in Alaska. However, each player will start with a "bank" of $3,250.00 in chips each game. When the "bank" has been expended, the player is eliminated from further play. The game will continue until one player has won all of the chips. When the field of players are eliminated to the last eight, points will be earned dependent on what place you finish. As an example, going out in 5th place you earn 20 points where the person winning the weekly tournament earns 100 points. For each accumulated point, you get the equivalent of $5.00 in chips per point in the Championship Round in addition to your normal weekly "buy" in of $3,250.

In the Championship Round, prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top finishers. It is a great social time, we have a good representation of males, females, experienced players, and those learning the game. Games start each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., there is no "late" seating in the game. If you happen to be in Anchor Point on a Wednesday evening and wanting to have a little fun, you are always welcome to join in. If you miss playing the Holiday Classic Tournament, the "Winter Class Texas Hold'em Tournament will be held January through February followed by the 3rd Annual King Salmon Texas Hold'em Tournament from March to mid May. Deal'em up!

Having a rather long "bucket list", I figure that I am going to be around for a long time. However, today, I discovered two things that I want to include on my personal "bucket list". I have never been a good athlete, a little boxing in high school and the Navy, but for the most part they involved a lot of work which I had an allergy to when I was a teenager. However, I have finally found a "sport" that I think I can compete in. "Senior Citizen Body Building Competition". It was only recently brought to my attention and it is an annual event. By working out a little, I could possibly qualify. Most likely, before I qualify for the big "Texas Hold'em Tournament in Las Vegas.

The second thing that I have added to my "bucket list" is to acquire a couple of "wiener dogs" from somewhere, train them to keep up with my retriever on the run and enter them in national races. The next race that I know of is being held in Buda, Texas on April 26, 2009. It will be the 10th Annual running of the "wieners". I know of of a couple of "wieners" that could be potential winners if someone was standing at the end of the track with a large poster of the Anchor River Inn. A lot of Alaskan Dogs have won the Iditirod and the Yukon Quest, but how many "wieners" have ever won a national race. Now is the time to start training. Up at 5 am, six days a week running them for a mile each day. Increasing their diet to Prime Rib or at least a good New York steak followed by a one hour run on the treadmill in the evening followed by a good massage. By April, they should be ready to run. To mentally prepare yourself and the "wiener dogs", perhaps you should visit the linked site and see what your potential is for picking a winner in the running of the wieners.