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