Dear Diary, Today I Became a Cowboy

Okay, not really.

But today Mrs. Right and I checked out of the world again.

We went to a horse farm and rode horses for a couple of hours through some of the Ocala National Forest. The owner of the farm, not ranch, has lots of horses and she conducts riding groups every day of the year, weather permitting. She also acquires a lot of rescued horses-animals that would otherwise be destroyed and sold for meat. She trains them for her riding stable or ensures an adoption.

It was a beautiful day and we were doing something different.

We finished our 'cowboys day out' by doing some shopping and had a very late lunch. With plenty of wine.

The world's problems and my work took a distant second place to enjoying the day with my wife.

It was a good day.

Supreme Court debates Florida's execution method (headline)

Just when you thought Florida couldn't get more weird or the law more of an ass.

"Supreme Court justices clashed on Wednesday over how states execute killers, with one court member saying current lethal-injection drugs would not be used on cats and dogs and a second arguing that executions do not have to be pain-free. The court blocked Florida, at the last minute, from executing Clarence Hill in January, as Hill lay on a gurney with IV lines in his arms."

Why, you ask?

Well, Clarence thinks he may suffer before he dies.

"Critics of lethal injection have been bolstered by a 2005 study published in the Lancet medical journal indicating that a painkiller administered at the start of an execution can wear off before a prisoner dies."

"Hill's lawyer, D. Todd Doss, said Hill accepts that he can be executed for slaying police officer Stephen Taylor in the coastal town of Pensacola 24 years ago. Hill just does not want to suffer, Doss said."

Clarence "accepts" this, does he? But the poor ol' murderer doesn't want to suffer.

Clarence Hill...pussy.

Florida May Fight Back against "Christians"

I use the term "Christians" very loosely, since I'm really talking about Rev. Fred Phelps and his band of demented followers.

According to the Ocala Star-Banner, "A measure that would increase the penalties for anyone who disturbs a military funeral, to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail, is expected to pass this legislative session. Protesters now face up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail."

This bill, already passed by the Florida House is in response to the headcases of "the Westboro Baptist Church. The group, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, has picketed funerals in Florida and across the country, claiming U.S. soldiers are dying because God is punishing America for tolerating homosexuality."

Christians, my ass! May they burn in hell!! (See Muslims, that's how you scold your fellows who violate the peaceful practices of the liberal teachings of the religion of peace.)

Springsteen as Seeger

Bruce Springsteen has pissed me off for 20 years, yet I still listen to a lot of his stuff.

When he was a Jersey guy, he was great, but when he married the Hollywood actress/princess in the 80s, he put out a bit of crap. And then he got a divorce, and put out some weepy crap. But worse, he started taking himself too seriously. And then he began thinking that all of us really, REALLY want to know his opinions about...everything, but especially politics. (This was even after he married a Jersey gal.)

Now he's recycling Pete Seeger, an American communist who still doesn't really admit he was wrong about communism. Besides, Seeger ripped off other 'artists' work and made them his own. Yeah, a man of the people.

Anyway, Springsteen and Seeger-a perfect sanctimonious fit.

And yeah I'll still listen to Bruce's pre-1988 stuff. Hell, the man's got talent. Now, if he would only shut up and sing (where have I heard that before?).

What do you want from me...blood?

I gave blood again today. First time they've taken it in almost a year and a half.

I used to give all the time, but then I had high blood pressure (165/105) and they refused me several times. I finally stopped trying, even when my blood pressure got back under control.

This time when the call went out, I answered. Nothing heroic, but it does take an hour of your time. Hardly a major deal and it's something almost all of us can do.

For some reason they are now giving presents for doing a good thing. Gift cards and gift certificates worth $20? And a t-shirt. They must be hard up, but the gifts are sponsored by restaurants and businesses, so it's a good deal for them too.

Nothing special, just something I did today.

On Monday, Mr./Mrs. Right checked out

There's so much crap going on the world (as usual), but today Mr and Mrs Right checked out.

I took the day off and we went out doing errands, transferred some funds between banks (why do banks hire such numbskulls?), shopping (why do stores hire such incompetents?) and dining (found a great waitress, so I'm not bitching).

Left at 10 a.m. and returned at 7 p.m.

It was a great day.

Happy Earth Day

Did you hug your SUV today? I have a 4x4 pickup truck and I went out to give it a quick caress.

I also worked on the yard today, all for Ma Nature, I mean Gaia. Must confess, the day sorta sneaked up on me. I wouldn't have known if I hadn't visited Florida Cracker.

If I remember next year, I'll have a big ol' bbq and invite the neighbors. Nothing says Earth Day better than big slabs of steak broiled over lots of charcoal.

A Traitor Identified

The CIA "leaker" who sold out our country to the Washington Post has been identified. Her name is Mary McCarthy and she has been fired. Now she should be tried as the traitor she is and given the most severe sentence possible. And the traitorous scum at the Washington Post, New York Times and other treasonous bastards should pay a similar price.

UPDATE
Mark Levin has very sound questions and background about Ms. McCarthy and her willful co-conspirators in the MSM.

And Bruce, the Gay Patriot, is "...just waiting for a United States Senator to be the next to be charged for treason for leaking classified information about the NSA wiretapping program targeting suspected terrorists within the USA."

A Terrorist's Tale Continues - Sami Cops a Plea

You have probably already heard lots about our Florida resident terrorist, former University of South Florida Professor Sami al-Arian.

Anyway, Power Line has good commentary on the terrorist who copped a plea deal after admitting he is a jihadi. We are so proud, as I've posted before!

Happy Easter!

I'm not a Christian, but I've been to church a lot in my life. And I respect the faith of true Christians and love the thought of Easter.

It is still amazing that a man of peace came from God to die for the sins of mankind.

Yet much of mankind still spits on that act of grace. I don't want to be one of those.

To all the real Christians I know and love, Happy Easter and may you remain ever thankful for this great gift.

Poem about a best friend

Doyle at A Cool Change has a poem posted about a best friend, which of course is a dog. If you've ever had one as a best friend, this one will jerk a tear from you even if your heart is now a bit stony.

Mrs. Right had a best friend named Wisty who died some years ago. I put up a web page with the intention of writing our thoughts about our dear little girl. Haven't done it yet because, frankly, the pain is still too real. And my little best friend died last year and that pain is still there. And we had another little friend leave us in 2003 and I can't think of her without tearing up.

This is a sappy post but sometimes you have say some things you feel rather than rant about politics and terrorists. As you can see from the last few posts, I've taken a break from that. But I'll get back to it soon enough.

Anyway, Doyle is able to better describe what I feel about best friends, which she also does in another post.

And I'm Back

Been off line for a few days, but now I'm back for a bit. Long day, big glass of wine. But wanted to let anyone who's interested know that Florida is the place to be. If you enjoy crooks and headcases, that is.

I won't try to outdo Florida Cracker (as if I could), who will let you know just what really happens here. So just read and enjoy.

However, there was a pro-illegal immigration rally here in Ocala yesterday. The local rag says 2,000 people showed up to march. I don't believe it, especially since it's in the Ocala Star Banner.

Happy (day after) Tax Filing Day

It is as far as I'm concerned.

Yesterday I took a vacation day, as promised, and had a great time with Mrs. Right. Had a late breakfast, then we went 'banking' to complete our IRA maximum contributions. Why, because I like to be sure that I've deposited the money before I file our taxes. I know I don't have to, but it's a thing with me.

Then Mrs. Right and I went to a little cafe on the downtown square for an early dinner. It's the only place in town that advertises prime beef. So of course we had to try it even though it was the most expensive item on the menu. It was...okay...but we've had better and guess we'll have to drive some distance when we want have a prime filet mignon, etc. We love Ruth's Chris and Morton's, but don't feel like driving to Orlando when we're in the mood.

Then we went home, and I completed filing our taxes on-line. We're getting a couple of hundred bucks back, which is how I like to plan our taxes. Owe a bit or get a bit back.

Yes, many would consider this a boring day, but we like it. We've had a number of exciting days and events in our 32 years together. But exciting can get old after a time, don't you think?

Thoughts on the Libertarian Party

Cruised by an interesting blog this morning called Hillbilly White Trash. He has a post called Why the Libertarians don't matter which states some of the feelings I've had about the Libertarian Party.

I'm a registered Republican, and I consider myself a conservative, though some people I know think I'm not true enough because of my positions on abortion and the drug war and others think I'm a raging right wing extremist. I sometimes consider myself a (small 'l') libertarian but frankly there is little difference than being a conservative these days.

The Libertarian Party has always bothered me because they claim to be different from the Democrat and Republican parties, but mostly they try to split the difference between the two parties. It's obvious, however, that most Libertarian principles are closer to Republican. And frankly the only real difference seems to be just pro-legalization of drugs. A defensible position, perhaps, but not much of a basis to set up a separate party.

And it would be better if they would win a couple more congressional seats before running candidates for president since they only take votes from Republicans.

John Travolta, typical Marion County resident

Well, that's what the Ocala Star-Banner website article would have you to believe.

Perhaps that helps explain why Ocala and Travolta are such a perfect fit. "He likes it here because he has a chance to live a regular life and be a regular guy, even though he is John Travolta," Leeward said. "A lot of actors, they're tough to deal with, and they don't want to be around people. Not John. He likes to hang out in Ocala and just be himself."I think he likes it here because people in Ocala let him do that. They don't bother him. Sure, they might ask for autographs but they don't look at him as a celebrity, but one of us. John likes that."

Actually, although I've not seen him around, I know others who have. And all said he seemed to be a good and normal guy, as were his kids. I do know he created quite a stir where I work when he came to conduct some business. My staff and I were out of the office and I don't think the two young women have quite forgiven me. Our co-workers who were there praised just how much a friendly, regular guy he seemed.

I believe them. So even though I know he's marginally nutty, what with Scientology and all, I would like to meet him. Maybe just to ignore him. I'm sure that, being just a regular resident, he would appreciate it. I do find it interesting that nowhere in this article is Scientology mentioned. After all, that's the religion of 'regular Joes' isn't it?

I'm not gay, but...(reprise)

Just got through blogging about Gay Patriot's post and I noticed that my small blog roll has 3 gay bloggers. This was deliberate and it's not because I'm gay. It is because I respect fellow conservatives and I especially admire those who fearlessly go against stereotype. Anyway, just thought I'd reprise 2 old posts about gay bloggers and others I respect.

A vacation trip I'll take soon

Mrs. Right has been pushing for a 3 week driving vacation for some time. In fact, we were supposed to have done that last November, but I bailed because of...work. And because I'm an ass.

Anyway, part of that trip will be to Hershey PA. (The rest mostly involves New York-city and state.) Mrs. Right has wanted to visit there for as long as I've known her. She loves chocolate and she thinks Hershey's is very underappreciated. She's German, but thinks American milk chocolate is very good, especially Hershey's.

Anyway (again), I just cruised by Gay Patriot and this is what I saw. Just had to blog about it.

And, yes, I promised we would do this vacation thing again this year. I wonder what the chances are that it'll really happen?

UPDATE

Thanks, Doyle, for the vacation tip.

Radio I'd like to affect

I have a friend who's a DJ for a small country music station (I don't know the call letters) near Tallahassee. We went to high school together and I've not seen her since 1969, but we have had some email correspondence during the past few years. She is an amazing woman with one hell of a life story. She tried to make it in Nashville in the 80s, but couldn't break through. The thrills and pain of her life would make a great country music song.

Anyway, in a recent email she let me know her station and her show are going to be webcast very soon. I'm looking forward to listening to her.

I have power over radio...local stations tremble and bow down before me!

I listen to a lot of radio. Mostly talk, but plenty of classic and southern rock. So far I'm an average Joe, right?

Well, not at all!

I was selected (through some celestial power for my superior abilities, I'm sure) to be an Arbitron radio rater. So for seven days I kept a diary of my listening habits. Damn, I'm predictable. But I am now a voice in the ratings of local radio stations and may affect what many of you in my corner of the world will hear. And there will be changes! Oh, yes! I can just feel the power flowing through me.

My vacation so far

Very exciting. Planted 30 shrubs along a fence line which I spent last Sunday (and a lot of skin and blood) clearing for just this purpose. Then watered lots of other plants because we seem to be entering a drought cycle, which is all too usual for north central Florida. Then, cleaned off my patio because tomorrow I'll be putting new outdoor furniture on it, so we'll be able to enjoy the best of Florida living. I'm tired, but damn I'm enjoying myself. Yes, my life is so full.

What I like about vacations (and don't like)

I like the idea of vacations. They always sound so great when others take them. Vacations also seems terrific when I visualize them in my mind. Mmmm. Days alone with Mrs. Right. We've been married over 31 years and I still prefer to be around her all the time. She says I have a sickness. Probably true, but wanting to be with her is not a symptom.

What's to hate about a vacation? Well, for the 31 years of our marriage I always have last minute work plans. This used to piss her off. Maybe still does, but she's much better at not vocalizing her displeasure. But she has this look that says...idiot, of course you don't have to work! Anyway, I was going to take off March 31st through April 7th. And I'm been running true to form. I worked on the 31st and I work 2 days next week (at least).

It's not that I'm important or, for that matter, the job is important. I just can't seem to put it all together to take off all vacations days that I schedule. And I have a computer in my home office and I carry my Blackberry all the time to stay on top of my office emails. The Crackberry has a cell phone and I have my office phone forwarded to it. So I'm essentially taking the office with me on vacation and STILL always seem to have to go into the office. Mrs. Right is correct that I have a sickness, it's just not the one she thinks it is.