Welcome Aboard Newbie, 27 March 08

Another newbie, launched today at 0855 am. length is 20m inches and she weighed in at 7lbs 1 oz. All concerned are doing well.


With her little hat off you can observe the phenomenal amount of hair on her head. The slickness around the eyes is medication placed their by the hospital staff.

These are two of the Rescue Rangers who showed up to assist Blue Daddy. Mom had to do post surgical care following the Cesarean and Blue daddy got to be with his new daughter alone for about two hours before the rescue rangers arrived. Here they are meeting the newbie.

Here is Blue Daddy making some of the notification calls to family and friends.

Finally, the Mom after being in recovery for a couple of hours and the newbie who has been being checked and rechecked while waiting with Blue daddy meet.

these baby feet are for Aunt Marcy, I got them first.

Here is a close shot of Newbie on one of her blankets. She really looks pretty in her pink outfit.

She pays attention to what is going on. I didn't include any pictures of her getting loud, but her vocal cords and volume appear to be in good working order.

Today was a very good day to become the Big Brother.

As you can see, Mom and Nana are doing fine. This was taken just before we left this evening.

Nana and I now have three grandkids whose birthdays are on the 27th of the month. None of them are in the same month nor are any of them in the same family but interesting never-the-less.

Today Is Memorial Day, 2008

Nuff Said

Is this your kid?

A Short Story From The Bang Gang Newsletter

A new retiree greeter at Wal-Mart just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, real sharp, good with people so the Boss was in a quandary about how to deal with it.

Finally, one day he called him into the office for a talk. "Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job, but your being late so often is
quite bothersome."

"Yes, I know Boss, and I am working on it."

"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear. It's odd though, your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Navy. What did they say if you came in late there?"

"They said, Good morning, Admiral."

Initially, The Old Salt thought the story could be about one of the levels of Chief Petty Officer found in the Navy. But he soon realized it could not be one of them, because they "are" the example.

Here Is The Story

A few days ago, my son-in-law, Luke, CW3 promotable, a US Army Apache Pilot and a few of his peers flew to Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte to recon the speedway for a US Army Fly Over for the Coca-Cola 600 during the Memorial Day Weekend.

To their surprise, upon arrival they were greeted with a hero's welcome, they each got to take a few laps around the track in a retired race car and they were served the lunch of a lifetime...he had creme brulee for dessert! Luke's race car driver found it hard to believe that Apache pilots would find a few laps around a race track awesome considering they fly attack helicopters. Our daughter Jac has assured everyone that this will have Luke smiling for weeks to come!

The picture shows Luke in the Team Red Bull car....That's actually one of his best smiles.

Remember, should you watch the US Army Fly Over of Apache helicopters at the Cocoa-Cola 600, Charlotte, NC on Memorial Day Weekend, my son-in-law, Luke, will be piloting one of them.




An Apache, on the job, searching for bad guys in Iraq.

Florida Incentive, Circa 1842

This is, at least to me, a little known part of history. I love the concept: The federal government requires you to own a firearm before you can own the land.

The Florida Armed Occupation Act of 1842 (5 U.S. Statutes 502) was passed to encourage the settlement of Florida. The Florida District General Land Offices were responsible for the handling of claims made under this Act.

The Act granted 160 acres of unsettled land south of the line separating townships 9 and 10 South (a line running East/West about three miles north of Palatka and about ten miles south of Newnansville) to any head of a family under three conditions:

(1) the land selected could not be within two miles of a military post;

(2) the settler or his heirs must own and be able to bear arms and live on the land for five years; and

(3) the settler must clear five acres, and build a house.

Explicit Directions

"And the Lord spake, saying, "First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it."

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The Graduate And His Proud Little Brother

When summer is over, he will be a full fledged kindergartner.

Look out world, here he comes!!!















Here is the proud little brother, Will.

He got to stay out of preschool to watch his big brother graduate.

He is wearing his first tie.

He was very proud of that tie because he looked just like his Dad.

Golden Knights Headed Home

On Saturday, 19 April, 2008 the Ft Bragg MWR had their opening ceremony for the various children's sports they sponsor.

The Army Golden Knights participated in the ceremony by jumping into the sports field in front of the crowd.

This picture of father and son leaving the field together says it all.

HerdBall Update

A picture of a four month old and a picture of a four year old. It looks like he is still having a good time, as he continues to learn the fine art of HerdBall. At the speed some of those kids were moving it was hard to believe they are at the lowest level of the game. He is having fun, but his team, the Panthers lost by about 6 to 1 and the other team's players scored all of the points.

Looking For A Challenge

In an Herdball outfit just like this, on a flat playing fields with nets on each end, careers are often started. Of course some of those careers are shorter than others.

I heard by way of the cellular grapevine hardwired into Nana's ear that our hero took a hard hit and teared up with some sound effects for about 20 minutes. But after talking with his Mom he decided to get back on the field rather than discuss it with "Blue Daddy."

A few minutes later he came off the field to report that everyone out there was having a good time. They rest of the day was more successful.

Hang in there little buddy, you have some competitive instincts but you can make some good friends on the field and have a good time.

Another Work Of Art In Progress

Newbie is four weeks old in this picture and working hard on his smile among other things.

This smile was for his Mom.

Now I have to get one from him for me.

And Once More Into The Breach

A Movie And A Trip To The Fish Park

We started out this afternoon with a trip to the movies. Horton Hears A Who was the starring attraction. We were accompanied by two grandchildren, one age three the other age four. Both sat there and watched the entire movie basically moving only to ingest popcorn or to take a sip of my soda. They also liked some of the previews. The three year old was particularly impressed by the scenes showing sword fighters working on Narnia, The Caspian Prince. He said "wow" and then told his Aunt that the movie was not scary and he would be able to watch Narnia.

After we had some eats at Moe's, we went to play at "The Fish Park." I told my three year old grandson that it should be "The No Fish Park." He said "Its The Fish Park silly." So looking at the second picture you can see why it is called "The Fish Park."

We are now just starting to hit some summertime temperatures. You can tell by how the little people are sucking down their drinks. To say nothing of the red faces and missing shirts. The shirts started to come off within minutes of hitting the park.

Here is newbie in the arms of Nana. He was paying attention real good so I thought I would see how he looked in a straw hat. He comes from a couple of lines of "Florida Crackers" and "Gators." He didn't seem to mind having the hat on. As long as he is not hungry he is a real mild mannered dude.

Here is Newbie in the arms of his aunt who is visiting this weekend from NC. She is pregnant and will be delivering a granddaughter at the end of May. We will be in NC for that event.



Here is another shot of Nana holding Newbie at The Fish Park. Like I mentioned, he is a happy little fellow as long as he is fed. Regardless of what position you hold him in he likes to pick up his head and look around. I haven't seen a grin yet but a couple of times he sure looked like he was thinking about it. I probably just haven't told him the right joke yet.

Here is the older brother. He had a minor difficulty yesterday and again so he did not go to the movie. However, him and his Mom met us at Moe's for some Mexican type food. Then we went to the park to burn off some steam.


I would say all those in this family who attended "Horton Hears A Who" would recommend the movie.

Hope Y'all Had As Great Of An Easter As We Did

Here is a picture of the back porch. There are Easter eggs on the round table, the lounge on the left and also under the window on the right. You may not be able to see all the details in the picture.


There are also a couple of eggs visible in the grass. The eggs had to be put in the shade as the sun would melt any candy inside the egg.


This is Will searching for eggs. He is just now getting into it but we have to be careful because he has an older brother who is slightly faster and has done this more times.



This is Gus. He is almost a professional. Not quite though, he only got one of the eggs over his head without help. Although he was fast, he sometimes ran past closer ones to get the one he was looking at.



As you can see by their Easter baskets, both of them managed a good haul at the Annual Cheez Easter Egg Hunt. Now it's up to Mom and Dad to be the bad guys and make sure they don't eat all of that stuff all at once.


Newbie was not allowed to roam much. Between his Mom and Nana his feet never touched the ground. He spent his day taking on stores, blowing sanitaries and mooring alongside the two mother ships that were available. He must have had a real good time, because except for a short case of hiccups, we hardly knew he was there.

We had such a good time this weekend, we are going to try and do it again next weekend when even more family members can be there.

Aloha

Riding With His Lady Friend

Every guy knows that riding is much more fun as a pair. Even a four year old can figure that one out.

His grandpa, locally known as "The Safety Officer," will have to have a discussion with him on helmets.

Snoozin

Newbie likes it whenever I drop by. He likes to prove that he can sleep anywhere. Of course He realizes that I am not much value when hunger strikes.
Occasionally he raises his head to look at me but at this point sleep is highest on his priorities.

Check This Out

These two rascals are Newbie's older brothers. I would love to tell you what they are doing but no-one has the foggiest idea, including their mom who took the picture. They are ready to show Newbie the ropes.

Todays Prayer

Lord,
Keep your arm around my shoulder
and your hand over my mouth.

Now In Port, Moored Alongside The Mothership

Here is the Beautiful Bride holding her youngest grandson. On 29 February he left the hospital where he was born and transferred to his new home port. Aside from one self-inflicted scratch on his cheek he seems to be in 4.0 condition.

Notice that he has his head up and is looking at me while I take his picture. I don't know a lot about really little tykes, but this little fellow tracked me with his eyes and by turning his head as I continued taking his picture. He was like a little fire control radar following my movements.

I remember years ago how the Mark 37 torpedoes would track on the below-decks watch, or anyone who walked by, when they made their rounds through the Forward Torpedo Room. The rudder and depth controls would shift position in an attempt to keep the torpedo pointed at the sound source. The torpedo was strapped into the skid and could not actually move but not from lack of effort on the torpedo's part.

I was really impressed by Newbies' effort to track my movements.

Welcome Aboard Newbie

The Old Salt and His Beautiful Bride are shown here welcoming the newest member of their crew. Launched today at 0832 hrs, he displaced 8 lbs 12 oz with a keel length of 19 inches. So far this recruit seems to be laid back and relatively peaceful. However, may I point out that recruits have been known to demonstrate attitudinal changes during their first few weeks in service.

May he have "Fair Winds and Following Seas" throughout his life.

Happy Birthday Ise & Cheez

Today is our birthday. One of us is 64, the other is 4. I will leave it to the reader to figure out who is who. Sometimes you can't really tell by observation.

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
You look like a monkey,
And you smell like one too.

WAY TO GO NAVY, A FANTASTIC SHOT BY THE USS LAKE ERIE (CG-70)

The USS Lake Erie (CG-70), launched a SM-3 missile designed to knock down incoming missiles (not orbiting satellites) at 10:26 p.m. EST. The Lake Erie hit the school bus sized target about three minutes later as the spacecraft traveled in polar orbit at more than 22 times the speed of sound or about 17,000 mph.

Talk about wingshooting!

The three-stage SM-3 Navy missile has been very successful in a series of tests since 2002. The previous tests targeted short- or medium-range ballistic missile but never a satellite. The Navy had to adapt the SM-3 programming for this shot. Navy officials have said the changes would be reversed once this satellite was down.

A Runny Nose Type of Day

Well all of our weekend company has left the building. They left only two snotty noses behind, one on the Nana and the other on me. As I write this, I think I have already used about 12 pounds of Kleenex today. Of the three local grandchildren, I think two recovered enough to go to school today but the other one had to stay home. In fact, he got somewhat worse and had to go to the doctor today.

Tonight is going to be a hot shower and go to bed early night.

It's Here

This is my grandson helping me check out the newest addition to the family. He is also the one who saw me looking on the internet and then announced to everyone at the other end of the house that I was buying another one.

I quess that would make him like his uncle, my youngest son who asked me one day: "Which Glock is that your cleaning Dad, The 9mm or one of your 40s?"

I told my youngest then, "Son you never ask those questions in front of your mother. All Glocks look alike and she doesn't need to be bothered with how many we own."

However, as you can see, Friday the long awaited new toy arrived. It has been wiped down and the bore run through with Hoppes #9 and many patches. The bore was fully crudded but overall the rifle looks like a nice little piece. If nothing else, it should be fun to shoot and could be used as a hunting rifle. At this point, I have a little more checking of the bore to do to see if I have more crud, some erosion, or rust up by the chamber. I guess I'll have to find some kind of reasonable bore scope to check it out with.

Anyhow, I have to work on the bore some more and some of the screws need replacement since they have been torn up by using the wrong screwdrivers. The sling swivels are probably from Uncle Mikes. All in all though, not bad for a rifle over 100 years old. It's age alone made it a good deal. It should be a good shooter and hunting rifle.

A looked For Delivery Never Comes, But Turn Your Back For One Second

While I have been waiting for my new toy to arrive, the Btoh has stopped at my house three times. Today, while I was inside helping my blushing bride of double digit years, we heard a thump. As she just had L4-5 back surgery three weeks ago and is still coming back up to her normal operating speed she is in need of occasional assistance.

I quickly headed to the porch and arrived to see the BToH driver jump in his truck and drive away. I could see through the sidelights of the front door a brown box sitting in the chair out front.

Yep, a fifty pound box, one I recognized immediately because I recieved one just like it only two days ago. I ordered a McCulloch 1800 psi pressure washer from Target and lo and behold here is a second one.

SweetHeartFace called up Target and Surprise, both distribution centers had sent me one. Almost thought I had someones Christmas present for an instant.

If the BToH driver had not been running so fast he could have taken that back with him. Now Target is going to send the BToH back to retrieve the second delivery.

The good news is that my e-mail confirms that all paperwork and payment have been recieved and my new toy is actually enroute.

Gotta keep an eye on the curb.

Sitting By The Curb, Waiting...... Impatiently

This morning the temperature was almost 32 degrees. Luckily around here we are normally on the high side of 32 degrees. (I had to crop this picture so y'all would feel sorry for me. You can see my lawn on the right side of the driveway.)

Normally I wouldn't care but I have to be outside in case the BToH arrives. That's the Brown Truck of Happiness for the unknowing folks out there.

I sent in my money immediately with my order along with a copy of my C&R License.

I don't know why it is taking so long. Snail mail is a bummer. So are weekends when you are waiting for your new toy to appear. Saturday the BToH dropped my brothers new toy off in North Carolina; sooooo maybe I am next.

The C&R Adventure Continues

Today after much thought and consideration I used my C&R License for my first purchase, a US Springfield 1898 Krag Sporter. As I write this my USPS money order and signed C&R are headed North via snail mail.



The purchase was really more difficult than I thought it would be.

First, there are a lot of items out there that I want that exceed what I want or am willing to pay. As my brother Rick pointed out today while we discussed options: "So many guns, so little money."

Secondly, I really don't know what I want. I can sail along for quite some time and then, ZAP right out of the blue, I want that one right there. Sometimes what I want is an extension of one of my collectible categories, sometimes it is not.

Thirdly, I noticed there appears to be a noticeable number of firearm dealers (FFL) who do not want to accept a C&R License for transfer of the firearm. I believe in some cases, the problem may be due to more restrictive state laws. (You know those legislators believe a lot of evildoers arm themselves with 50 year old firearms they buy from collectors.) Additionally, I also believe some dealers failure to accept a C&R License is to ensure their livelihood since government inspectors are not neccessarily there to assist the FFL dealer if perhaps the law is actually misinterpreted.

During the time I was trying to decide what to buy, I contacted Brownells, Inc. and ordered a Firearms Record Book (S/N 108-006-000) to maintain my required C&R logs in; as well as a Brownells Personal Firearms Log Pkg (084-225-000) to maintain information regarding each specific firearm. They, as always, responded promptly with excellent service.

I also forwarded a number of signed C&R License copies to various companies that require a signed FFL/C&R to be physically on file with them before accepting any order.

Now the wait begins again. This time it is for the Brown Truck of Happiness to arrive. I know the BToH is busy right now because he/she has to drop another package of at my brother Mike's house before they can come to my house. Don't slow them down Mike, I am already getting excited.

It's A Tough Job But Someone Has To Do It

Throughout my the majority of my life I have been a rabid McDonalds fan. I drove two wives crazy with that place. In fact my kids will tell you that I can navigate around most of the known world by going from one place to another.

One time years ago while during a military cross country transit my spouse asked me if I knew where we were. The answer was, "Certainly, we can't be lost there is McDonalds."

Well over time and with many weird looks from my doctors I have managed to lower my numbers of visits; along with the size of my order.

Now I occasionally visit McDonalds and it's usually with one or more of my grandsons in tow. They kind of look at it as a treat to have a Cheeseburger Happy Meal with the Cheez (a nickname that has nothing to do with cheeseburgers).

It has been reported to me that my oldest grandson, age 4+, who had just been invited to his friend's birthday party, asked his friend if he would like to go with him for a Cheeseburger Happy Meal.

Upon hearing his question, his mom asked him if he was buying the Happy Meal.

His answer was no, but his Cheez would buy.

My C&R License Has Arrived

Friday, the USPS delivered my brand new shiny and crisp C&R License. I sent it in about 14 January, 2008 with a check and it arrived here dated for 1 February, 2008. That would be about 17 days.

Now comes the big decision, what should be my first C&R purchase.

There are certain requirements that are mandated such as it must be 50 years of age or more. Or it must be specifically listed on the Firearms Curios or Relics List as C&R eligible. And I also have to find someone who is willing to sell to a C&R License (03) holder rather than a Federal Firearms License (01).

Even more importantly, I have to find something I really like. I am somewhat enamored of 22 caliber training rifles; particularly those with a military background. But I am also fond of the various Lee Enfield, Krag Jorgenson and US Military rifles out there. Then there are old deer rifles and lots of nice shotguns out there.

There is also the question should it be a shooter or not. I'm really not into firearms that don't work although I do have a couple.

Well time to get on with the search. Whatever I find the adventure is on now.

Still Good Advice Even Today

This quote is from The Gene Autry Show, "The Fight on Peaceful Mesa."

Gene Autry's answer to his sidekick Pat Buttram's question on whose side should they take in the shooting that has erupted in front of them.

"We will have to find out which side is right and which side is wrong; when somebody is shooting you can't stay in the middle."

When The Navy Had Iron Men And Wooden Ships, And Their Priorities Straight.

Some little known naval history: The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (i.e. fresh water distillers!).

However, let it be noted that according to her ship's log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum."

Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping."

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum.

Then she headed for the Azores , arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine.

On 18 November, she set sail for England . In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each.

By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland . Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.

The U.S.S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February, 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky, and 38,600 gallons of water.

Who Would Have Thought

Today I was sent to the bookstore to find a novel for my "Sweetheart Face" who is recovering from back surgery. After scouring Books A Million with no luck I decided to go across town to Barnes & Noble where I had the same luck.

With a full head of steam up, I was leaving Barnes & Noble when out of the corner of my eye I happened to notice a dark haired man in a brown corduroy jacket walking towards me from the right.

Wow, I though to myself, that looks just like the guy who writes all the articles I really like in those gun magazines. Sometimes my brain is really quick, although not often. So I swooped around to check and sure enough he looked like "whats his name."

Now I am in a quandary, he really looks like him, my favorite gun writer of all time and I can't get a handle on his name. After 45 plus years of Navy, Law Enforcement and now retirement I sometimes think some one looks like someone and most often it's not them.

So I swoop around again and I see he has just put down a gun magazine and is looking at a gun book. I tell myself this information is a real clue. He looks like him and he reads about firearms. Suddenly, I remember his name.

So on the next pass I said, "Excuse me sir, but are you a writer?" And his response was "Yes I am." So I said "Is your name Massad Ayoob? And again he responded with a yes.

We chatted for only seconds because it really is not my style to interfere with a person who I really do not know. At the airport where I worked, I was acquainted with John Walsh of America's Most Wanted and he tried very hard to maintain his privacy. Although, he never got upset if someone talked to him but he mostly stayed away from the crowd.

I really have to say, I could not have been any more excited over meeting Massad Ayoob than I would have been if I met Gene Autry, Roy Rogers or John Wayne. I have admired Ayoob's writings for a very long time.

Thank you sir for a very pleasant interaction.

C&R License Application On Its Way

Today I sent my Curio & Relic Collectors License Application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For a fee of $30 this license allows me to purchase eligible firearms across state lines, transfer eligible weapons between licensed people, and order eligible weapons through the mail (UPS or FedEx).

Curios or Relics: Firearms which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as curios or relics, firearms must fall within one of the following categories:

(a) Firearms that were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof;

(b) Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and

(c) Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event. Proof of qualification of a particular firearm under this category may be established by evidence of present value and evidence that like firearms are not available except as collector's items, or that the value of like firearms available in ordinary commercial channels is substantially less.

Hopefully in the near future I can stand with my peers on the curb awaiting the brown truck of happiness to deliver my newest adoption.

Those Who Seek To Be Leaders May Wish to Remember These Words

"Leadership must be based on goodwill. Goodwill does not mean posturing and, least of all, pandering to the mob. It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers. We are tired of leaders we fear, tired of leaders we love, and of tired of leaders who let us take liberties with them. What we need for leaders are men of the heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away."

ADM James B. Stockdale, Medal Of Honor
1923 - 2005