Smoke and Ash

Our happy little valley has not one but two brush fires burning on the outskirts of town.  I noticed some ash flakes falling from the sky as I drove home from the commuter train station but it didn't seem to be too much.  The fires started early in the afternoon and for a time blocked interstate 5, the main commuter route into our town.  Good thing the train line was not in the fire area.

Since it is 100F, it seemed like a good day for a dip in old back yard pool. Unfortunately a layer of ash was floating on the pool with more laying on the bottom.  So much for swimming.

Hopefully the hard working fire fighters and air tankers will put the fires out soon.  As of a couple hours ago no homes have been burned.  Hope the town's luck holds.

Civil War cannon fire

Ever wonder what it was like to be on the receiving end of a Civil War cannon?  Sure you have.   I fired 105mm artillery during my service time but being on the beginning end compared to being on the finish end are two different things.  Imagine walking towards batteries of these guns firing at you.
  I can't imagine it at all.  The bravery of those soldiers is simply unimaginable.

If you watch the video, note the puff of white smoke, then the sound of the gun firing, then the whizz of the cannon ball.

Go to full screen and turn up the sound.  It send shivers down my back.

The Missus

I came across this photo deep in our bedroom closet this morning.  It brought back so many great memories of a time when both the Missus and I were young and just starting on our married adventure together.

The Missus joined me in Germany in April of 1978 at the very young age of 22 straight from graduating from college, onto an airplane and off to Germany for the start of our three years there.  What a great way for newlyweds to get to know each other!

This was taken at our little apartment that we rented in the town of Kitzingen.

Happy 240th birthday to the U.S. Army!

Happy birthday to the senior service of the U.S. armed forces, the U.S. Army.  240 years old and still going strong.

Protecting the people in peace and war.

Old Iron

Saw this little known classic near my work last week.  A rare Checker Marathon station wagon, a civilian cousin to the once ubiquitous Checker Yellow Cab of song and screen.

You 
Can dress in pink and blue just like a child 
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile 
We'll be there in just a while 
If you follow me... 

Joe Jackson 'Steppin Out"

Late last night
I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi
Took away my old man
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
'Till it's gone...

Joni Mitchell 'Big Yellow Taxi'















Anyway, here's the old iron that I was privileged to see:

I can remember riding in a Checker with my Dad and his boss.  I was a small kid and got to sit on a jump seat.  The boss gave me a silver dollar from his pocket and I remember my father smiling, probably grateful that I thanked the boss instead of demanding two silver dollars!