It's been on my mind.....

I haven't  blogged in a while. Didn't have anything on my mind but, until now. I'm writing this, more to vent my frustration than for any other reason. In some strange way, that I can't explain, it helps calm me. Normally I'm a happy guy. Not many things bothers me. I try to keep things in perspective and what I can't change I just deal with. I avoid arguments and confrontations if possible....anything that makes me unhappy.

I woke today and my normally cheerful demeanor was sorely lacking. My best friend, a German Shepherd named Zack is ailing. He has a bad hip and it's getting worse each day. More noticeable in the last week or two. I've noticed him having difficulty getting up and walking. He favors the rear leg and isn't sure footed. He'll turn ten in July. When he was a pup the hip began bothering him. I took him to a Veterinarian that specialized in hip problems. He operated on his Cruciate ligament and after some time, Zack made a good recovery. I couldn't let him chase a tennis ball anymore for fear of damaging the repair but, I was still able take him swimming and for long walks. 

It's frustrating not being able help him. Tomorrow I will call my veterinarian but, I already know how the conversation will go. She'll write a script and tell me to keep him calm. I've had dogs as long as I can remember. I know where this is going. If the hip fails, I won't be able to save him. He weighs over 100 pounds. Too heavy to carry around. Making that " dreaded" decision is already weighing heavily on me. I had to do it many times in my life in the past. It never gets easier. If anything, it's harder each time...I hate thinking about it but, can't STOP thinking about it. I tell myself "that's it!!....no more dogs!". In reality, I'm kidding myself. Zack is....and all the dogs before him, have been, some of my best friends.

I had to write this blog to get my feelings under control. I haven't read back over it or made any corrections, which I'm sure it needs. My intention was to just write it. To get it off my chest, so to speak...I feel a little better...hope it lasts a while...(-;

Jake...

 Lowering the American flag....

A debate has surfaced concerning flying the American flag at half mast in New Jersey. The reason....a celebrity has died. Governor Christie has decreed it be flown at half mast to honor this individual. Despite numerous complaints from outraged citizens he did not reverse his decision. His rational... she was a musical icon from the state of New Jersey with a long career as an entertainer. In all fairness, she was a musical icon. She was known to millions of people. She had a stellar lengthy career. These points are not lost on anyone. 

Lowering the flag to half mast, has for the most part, been to honor presidents, dignitaries and others who have served our country in important and honorable ways. In recent times, it seems the significance of this action is being diluted by using it to recognize individuals that, though famous, haven't served the country in a manner befitting this honor. 

How many times has the American flag been lowered to half mast in New Jersey for our soldiers, police officers and firemen? These heroes are what lowering the American flag to half mast should be for. Has the Governor lowered the flag for any of these?

I'm concerned that as time goes on we will continue to dilute this honor. We will lose sight of what lowering the flag should represent. It's in honor of people who have served our country honorably and to a full measure. For those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. I hope I'm proved wrong....time will tell.

Jake T

Coyotes on the prowl....

It's early evening. The sun setting behind tall trees. Darkness closing in, wrapping the area in a cloak of darkness. Muffled sounds..an owl hooting in the distance. Peepers, in the swamp, calling out for mates. Cracking of branches in the woods. The air is still.

It starts with an almost imperceptible whine and steadily increases in volume and intensity. The sound is like a baby crying and first but, then other voices join in and suddenly there's a crescendo of howls and yelping. The hair on the back of my neck bristles..their back! Coyotes..probably six I'm guessing. Each one making a unique sound of their own. Some bark while others yelp or whine. They blend these vocals into a high pitched eerie chorus. It's chilling to hear and lasts for several minutes or longer.

I hurry outside and stand on my back porch. They're just  yards away from the wood line perimeter. It's the closest I can ever remember them coming to my house. Zack, my German Shepherd, is by my side, mildly interested. He leaps from the porch and begins prowling the yard perimeter, undeterred by the howling and yelping just yards away. As for me..I'm alert, standing there, flashlight and semi-automatic pistol in  hand..my motto...always be prepared. Must be my boy scout training. I clap my hands loudly in an attempt to get their attention to no avail. They continue the raucous behavior for several more minutes.

Then as quickly as it began, it abruptly stops. They're gone again. Not very far to be sure but, now quiet. Most likely lurking just inside the wood line, waiting for some unsuspecting critter to come within striking distance and an unsuspecting meal.

On that note, Zack and I retreat to the safety and security of the house. I'm sure it won't be long before they return and sing that familiar chorus once again! I'll be ready...flashlight and pistol in hand!!

Jake T

The Resolution......

It's the beginning of another New Year. The period when we first test the New Year Resolution. I'm feeling confident. My resolution is the same one I've made for the last decade or more. Again this year I'm going to quit smoking. I like this particular resolution because I haven't smoked in a long, long time. Not much chance I'm going to fail this one. My initial reasoning was...wanting to see my kids grow up and witness how their lives develop. Being a part of their lives was the great motivator. Needless to say, I'm still here and hoping to be around long enough to witness the next generation. It's a good feeling!! If I hadn't quit a long time ago....who knows what the present would be like. 

Making a New Year resolution should be a reasonable challenge. One that can be easily reached. By selecting a 'doable' challenge, you also eliminate the stress and guilt that often plagues us if we fail. A small resolution is perfectly fine. An easy one is too.

If you think you reached too high, there is a solution. Trade down to a resolution that you know you can can keep. It'll make you feel good because you know you will be able to meet your goal. 

Happy New Year!!    Be strong!! (-;


Jake T

To All.............


Long, long ago when I was a kid, Christmas held different values for me than today. Back then it was Santa Claus, Reindeer and presents under the Christmas tree. Time has a way of changing ones ideals and values. As I grow older and hopefully wiser material things, at least to me, have become less important. An object that I once thought of as important, no longer is. I have accumulated many things over time. I enjoy most of them. However, if I was to lose all these things tomorrow because of some unforeseen, catastrophic event, it wouldn't be the end of the world for me.

The things that are important to me today are, family, friends and life in general. These are very tangible things. Things we feel every day. I enjoy them immensely. This is especially true during the Holiday season we are in. Christmas and the approaching New Year are times that bring family and friends together. At times, we drift apart because of outside pressures exerted on us by work and other responsibilities. It's important to keep things in perspective. We need to step back, once in a while, and re-assess what's most important.

Having said that, I hope all that read this truly enjoy this Holiday season and all the joy it can bring. Embrace the good feelings. Hug your significant other, whomever it may be. Take a closer look at your kids. Listen a little closer to what they are saying. Get in touch with your friends, just to wish them a happy Holiday. Do this and I'm sure this time will be a little more special this year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.......hope no one gets coal in their stocking!! (-;

Thanksgiving....

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving once again. How many of these have I experienced...it would be an understatement to answer 'lots'. It's actually been a few more than that. 'Tom' the turkey has made the supreme sacrifice and will be the guest of honor on our dining room table, surrounded by all the trimmings that accompany him on this occasion. it's a splendid arrangement. My wife is a great cook and everything will taste wonderful. 

The entire family will be together...what remains of us. Time has thinned the ranks, so to speak, and over the years, the numbers have been dramatic. When I was a kid, we'd gather at my Grandfather's house. The family was quite large. The house was filled with raucous laughter and numerous conversations all going on at the same time. Today the number closer to seven. As I said...dramatic. However, the fun of getting together is still very much alive. Having all of us together for even a short time always brings joy and laughter. To talk with one another over a Turkey dinner..catch up on things not yet discussed. To rekindle the closeness that tends to fade when apart for a time makes this time together special.

The start of the Holiday season with family and friends. Getting together to celebrate  Thanksgiving and all we have to be thankful for is what warms our hearts. Revisiting our values, family and friends. After all, isn't that what the Holiday season is all about?

My family and I wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our service men and women around the world. We can't begin to thank you enough for your service and sacrifice that allows us to enjoy this Holiday season. Without your protection and dedication to duty we could never enjoy this time with our families and friends. God speed to you all!

Happy Holidays to all who read this blog....

Jake T

Deadly storm......


Three million people without power. The storm rolled in last Saturday. It was a quick mover. Snow amounts ranged from 14" to 24" inches and very heavy. A quick mover, in and out in less than twenty four hours, and left behind, what some described, as "total devastation". The end result was thousands of downed trees and power lines. Three million people without power. Most without heat, water or other basic facilities. 

To date, more than twenty people have died due mostly to CO poisoning. Outdoor gas grills inside a closed up house, unapproved space heaters, gasoline generators in closed areas. More deaths from falling branches and one individual from electrocution. Apparently he exited his car to get a better view and touched a metal guard rail that had a live power line touching it. Two deaths occurred in my town. people were overcome by CO.

After the storm I spent over five hours clearing my driveway so I could get out of my yard. Once freed, I drove around town...or maybe a I should say, maneuvered around town. Downed trees and fallen power wires everywhere resulted in a massive obstacle course. I swerved from one side of the street to the other. In some instances, avoiding other cars doing the same. The entire town looked like a tornado had gone through but, in reality there had been no wind. All the damage was from heavy wet snow.

Initially, the utility companies were slow to react. Outside help wasn't called until a few days after the storm. Consequently, many homes are still without power, including mine. It's a week today. In all honesty, I should tell you I have a generator. And because of it, I'm dealing with the result of this storm reasonably well. I can't say that for many thousands of others. I feel badly for them. I can only hope that power will be restored soon.

Last night before going to bed, I went out in the dark, lit only by a small flashlight I carried. It was time to fuel the generator once again. How many times and I done this in the past week....lots. I shut down the generator so it will cool before filling it. Suddenly, the roar of the engine ceases and then......quiet! But, wait..what's that in the background? Generators!! I can hear them running all around. Other houses have them. They are distant. I live out in the woods. Funny thing. After listening for a while, the only two sounds I could hear were generators and barking dogs. Gee, I hope the power comes back soon...I think I'm loosing it!!

Jake T