Let’s talk about good shit

[Brent Yamamoto]

This thread is only for sharing good shit that is going on in your life. I think we all need to spend a little more time focusing on the positive.

I believe it was Abraham Lincoln that said we are only as happy as we choose to be. I think he was right. We all get dealt a bad hand sometimes, and some hands are a lot worse than others. But we can either trudge along just getting by, or we can choose to live a life of excellence and fulfillment, no matter how humble our circumstances.

So what is going on in your life that is great? What is happening that is good, or just, or something that makes you smile? What blessings can you share that might illuminate your brother’s dark night?

For my part, I have a few friends who recently got new positions with more money and responsibilities. One of whom was laid iff and had a real struggle finding something good.

I have another dear friend who is fighting lung cancer. As of now she is winning.

Yet another friend had a serious, life threatening accident several months ago. Several surgeries later and after months of PT, he is working out every day, has a demanding and lucrative job, and is kicking ass across the board.

Those things all inspire the hell out of me. Stuff like that keeps me from even considering moping about any of my problems.

So tribe, let’s hear it.

[doctom]

5670956710
Been an avid diver my whole life. Former instructor. All my kids are certified. That's them last summer. Spearfishing trip. Last Saturday I solo'd taking my 1 and 3 year-old grandsons to Disney on Ice, dinner, then bath and bed time. They are already carrying on the tradition!

[Holmes375]

Spent some time in the Wind River mountains a couple weeks ago, canoeing and camping. Easy to set aside an insane world when paddling and fishing on a lake at 8000', surrounded by 12000' peaks. Ever so quiet and peaceful.

Love the natural world.

https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3157653883-5.jpg (https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/p134905247/ebc35f97b)

[Marco Innocenti]

My kids. (17 y/o senior filling out college applications to GOOD schools. And my 5 year old who is already growing into a fierce little beastie...)

My wife. She works hard, makes a lot of money, and let’s me indulge in my hobbies and passions like sending me off to the Prescott area every year or so. (As well as other important skills not related to this forum...)

My parents. Both are still alive. My Dad and I still shoot together, and at 78 y/o he still qualifies “Expert” on his R-LEOSA quals...

The fact that even in the People’s Republic of Kalifornia, I am able to exercise my right of self-defense, have National CCW reciprocity thanks to R-LEOSA after 22 years on the job, and have access to a good place to train.

This Forum and this tribe. For the incredible knowledge and experience shared here by amazing teachers.

Thank you.

[Papa]

Two guiding principles:

1. Happiness is overrated. Seek contentment.
2. FIDO

Took some hits this year, had some losses. Still standing.

And God has blessed me with sons, grandkids and a loving wife.
Totally thankful for blessings totally undeserved.

[CaptShack]

56713Jake my son attended the last Force on Force class. He had a great time as one of the "Boys" and he still talks about it.

He swam in the AZ State Small High School swim finals over the weekend. He was the Small School State Champion in the 50 Free and 2nd place in the 100 free. Tonight he swam in the Tournament of AZ Champions of all High School swimmers and was the only freshman in the race of Juniors and Seniors and is the 10th fastest swimmer in the State at the 50 Free.

My Senior daughter was 4th in the AZ State Small High School swim finals in the 200 IM.

They are both straight A Students and I could not be more proud of my student athletes.

[Dave Williams]

My daughter is pregnant with my first grandson, and my son is about to leave on his first deployment in the US Navy.

[UNO]

-I managed to close on the 6.5 acres next to me a few weeks ago, and put in a range on it. It took me 5 months of working 100-130 hours a pay-period to come up with the 15% down for it, and through it all, my girlfriend only flipped out over it once, and it was not directed at me, but more just frustration over me being away so much. Personally, having been together less than a year, that level of support is something I am surprised and feel blessed by.
http://i64.tinypic.com/64dohe.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/2zrkv15.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/a2zog7.jpg


-My Mazda has made it to 97K miles with the only replaced part due to inherent issues being the battery (road debris and other things have caused other repair bills, but not its fault) which is amazingly better than the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee I had before. DONE with that sort of brand. Hoping to keep this one "until it dies", and hoping that's a long time from now. Replaced tires and brakes, and it now drives like the day I bought it 3 years ago with 28K miles on it.
http://i67.tinypic.com/260voe0.jpg

Got rid of this POS for it back in 2015, and it's been amazing to not have to be in the shop every few weeks! Getting rid of my Jeep counts as one of my more proud life decisions.
https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/1979134_664897629261_612943308_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=ecc5bfa7d3fde18ffda07e233268287e&oe=5C439FA2

*In case you're wondering, I clocked my Jeep at 0-60 in around 7 seconds, and my CX5 at around 7.8 seconds. They both handle snow and ice identically. The Jeep got 16mpg on average and took 89, the Mazda gets 25-26mpg and takes 87. During the time I owned the Jeep (1 year, from 68 to 93K miles), it had: Front left/right LCA's replaced due to rotted bushings, waterpump replaced, recall disabled my 4WD Low, and I had to buy a new/used computer from a wreck in Canada because Chrysler couldn't fix their N23 recall, The transmission was taken out once for leaking, and then leaked again 6 months later, the sunroof track broke, gascap had to be replaced, and the transmission developed a "shudder" at around 45mph where it would try/not/try/not to go into 5th gear. When cranked in <50*F weather it would squeal loudly, even though new belts.

The Mazda, from 28K to 97K miles over the 3 years, has been through 2 windshields due to rocks hitting them, 1 new fender-well arch due to a large chunk of concrete in Houston being kicked up by a car in front of me, 1 fog lamp burned out, 1 battery needed replacing, and I flooded the rear diff crossing a stream and it died full of water 2 months later, which simply de-activated it electronically and I drove it as a FWD vehicle until the dealer fixed it (for free). It drives like it was new.

So all in all, I'm pumped about heading for the triple-digits with the CX5, and about how much better it handles and how much quieter it is now that I got those shitty Nokian tires off and replaced them with some Generals.

That's about what I've got for the last 30 days.

[UNO]

Spent some time in the Wind River mountains a couple weeks ago, canoeing and camping. Easy to set aside an insane world when paddling and fishing on a lake at 8000', surrounded by 12000' peaks. Ever so quiet and peaceful.

Love the natural world.

https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3157653883-5.jpg (https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/p134905247/ebc35f97b)

Beautiful! how clear is the water? It's hard to tell in your photo. Is it one of those "See straight down 20ft" type mountain lakes?

[G_rolling]

Ups and downs as life tends to do. The family is getting back on board with things and moving as a unit.
Got a steal of a deal in a G19.4 and the M&P is still around. The Glock is surprisingly easy for mentobshoot.
Eating habits have drastically improved for all of us.
Getting back to lifting afters too long hiatus.
All in all, life is good.

[psalms23dad]

In the last year....
An organization that I've been volunteering for the last several years offered me a part time paying gig.
I asked my boss at work if I could take unpaid time off each month to persue this and he not only agreed but is supportive. Still working my way into position but I'll be teaching Missionaries and leads of Missions sending agencies security principles.
Got a promotion at the Dojo to an instructor.
Found a new, and very good church where the wife and I both were placed into areas of service where we are passionate about.
We places the kidos in public school (homeschooled the last 4years) they both at doing very well and it's been a positive change.

[Greg Nichols]

Got a new full time gig. no longer managing people.

[Eldora]

Its been a tough year in some ways. We lost my wife's mother after years of declining health, then 7 weeks later, unexpectedly, her brother. A week and a half later she lost a close cousin. I lost a favorite uncle in the spring BUT this year also we gained a significant new client in our business, joined a great new church, sold a rental property at the top of the market and used the money to pay off our mortgage. If all goes well I'm leaving the 21st on a trip to WV for the 47th consecutive year of deer hunting with my Dad who will be 85. My wife & I are already planning a 2-week trip to Alaska next spring for our 40th anniversary. I could go on and on and...
LOTS to be thankful for! God is good!

[Froghalla]

For too many years we have not regularly attended a church that we actually felt a part of. Once the kids were gone, the parents were gone, we moved to a different state, etc. we never really found the right connection. Although always feeling close to the Lord, we felt something missing. For several months now, that missing piece of our lives once again, feels complete. Found a church family that by the end of our first attended service, we knew and were welcomed by every single member of the church. Now having not missed a service since that first one several months ago, we feel that missing aspect of our lives is complete. Just goes to show you that even though we don't always know what we need, we can be led to the right place at the right time. Call it success in spite of our best efforts!

[Country Boy]

My wife and I celebrated our 16th anniversary this year, and continued work and communication has made our relationship as strong as ever.

We recently finished parent-teacher conferences for my kids. Their teachers recognize them as hard-working, confident, intelligent, funny, self-motivated, good decision makers, and kind. Straight A’s.

I am a confirmation teacher at my church. One of my students who is pretty socially awkward is really starting to bloom and enjoy her time with our group. I told my wife when I started that that was one of my goals for this student during this year.

I am enjoying the discipline of waking at 5:30am with no snooze and starting the day with a workout.

[Christopher Calhoun]

After 6 years of trying to live out my dream of being a teacher, but only as a teacher’s aide, I finally got a job in Jan (I think I’ve mentioned once or twice) that allows me to pay my bills...by itself. Which means, no second job keeping me home until midnight or later, which gives me more time to swing my kettlebell, and make good meals, oh and a girls who supports everything I want to do.

In regards to living my dream of being s teacher, as a 36 year old I’m more than perfectly okay and happy having a job that pays the bills right now. I’m not as stressed out, I can afford to take my girlfriend out on dates as often as I like, and overall I’m a much happier person than I was in the last three years of that time frame. I was miserable. Very miserable. Now I’m not!


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[DogDoc]

Two guiding principles:

1. Happiness is overrated. Seek contentment.
2. FIDO




FIDO?

[Wolverine33]

FIDO?

Fu@k it Drive on

[ZeroTA]

Business is booming. Biggest year I've ever had by far, and next year is shaping up to be the same. While it's not a measure of happiness, it makes life a lot better. Flip side is a lot of hours keeping things running smooth...

Everybody's healthy, son made honor roll and IMSA (advanced science) at middle school, and we're not squeezing nickels at the grocery store. Can't beat that.

FWIW, throughout the year I've also become a better piano player by virtue of being (reluctantly) promoted from backup to main piano player at church, and forced to practice. Shoulda hid that light under a bushel.

[DutchV]

I sold the boss on the idea of working from home. That lets me cut out the commute and expenses, and gives me time for sleep and exercise.

[apamburn]

At home I have a beautiful wife and 3 fantastic kids that bring me more joy than words can express.

At work I just got a promotion, an $18,000 raise, and bumped to 8% bonus.

Life is extremely good though there are of course improvements to be made.

[jaowens]

I just got a new job, with a longer commute but nearly double the pay. It is also not in sales so a steadier paycheck to boot. My son is getting smarter every day, and his favorite word is "Daddy". With the bump in income my wife and I are considering adding another member to the family.

[Mike OTDP]

This last August, I went to the World Muzzle-Loading Championships in Eisenstadt, Austria. Came home with two medals, both Gold. (50 meter percussion revolver and revolver aggregate, if you're wondering.) Consummation of a 42-year dream. :-)

[jesselp]

This summer my wife and I purchased a home in a more rural area, on some wooded acreage. The kids have adjusted to the new area well, as have we. Locally, we found a spiritual community that feels like home, something that has been missing from our lives for the past decade. My business has supported the move, and my wife continues to be able to devote her time to raising our kids, and we just celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary.

Life is, in general, very good.

[Johnny C!]

My wife and I retired 3 years ago, so we have a
the opportunity to really enjoy being together
without all of the normal pressures that most
families have to deal with. This also lets us
focus on doing things with our 13 year old
son.

Life is good & we a blessed more than we deserve.

Great thread.

God Bless & cherish your friends & family.


John

[Spokelse]

This year I have finally gotten back into a solid workout regime after the docs cleared me from myocarditis. I have also gotten back into martial arts with Krav Maga once a week. I will finally be able to purchase my first handgun this year after I reach my state's age requirement.
Overall this year is full of glorious beginnings for new chapters in my life.

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[randyho]

Thanks, Brent!

New job. Damn tough one, fighting a lot of inertia. But, I have the opportunity to direct the efforts of thousands of people to work smarter and make a lot of us safer. I am having a blast and I will crush this. It's a great way to end a career and slide in to retirement, happily.

Oh, and new plates arrived yesterday... because I need them!

[Barker]

God has blessed my wife and me with one 19 month old grandchild and a second on the way. The grandchild and the words I have read here have inspired me to look at my lifestyle and make some changes the last 3 months. I have dropped 30 pounds from 238 to 208. I still have another 20 lbs to go, but I can get off the x better, have more stamina, and can play dolls in the floor with Becca as long as she wants to with Papa. Life is good. It’s not about just existing, but thriving.

[Gabriel Suarez]

56727

Better, stronger, faster...and now more accurate

[ZeroTA]

If I knew how I’d photoshop a red Terminator eye in there.


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[Holmes375]

Beautiful! how clear is the water? It's hard to tell in your photo. Is it one of those "See straight down 20ft" type mountain lakes?

Yes, indeed. Clear and cold water. It's the lower of the two Green River lakes. Once in a while you can look down and see a cutthroat or brook trout ignoring your lure as it passes by ;)

This river valley in the Winds is near the origin of the Green River, its a rather smaller fellow up here than the river most know. Occasionally the mountain breeze stops, the lake goes dead calm and if I sit real still in my canoe I see this:

https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3157654146-5.jpg (https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/p134905247/ebc35fa82)

https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3157654273-5.jpg (https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/p134905247/ebc35fb01)

[Ted Demosthenes]

Got a new full time gig.

Congratufreakinlations Fuzz!!!This the more personally aligned one we talked about??

[toolman]

Just living well is the good stuff! Grandkids, wife, useful work. "Everything's terrific if nothing's horrific."

[UNO]

Yes, indeed. Clear and cold water. It's the lower of the two Green River lakes. Once in a while you can look down and see a cutthroat or brook trout ignoring your lure as it passes by ;)

This river valley in the Winds is near the origin of the Green River, its a rather smaller fellow up here than the river most know. Occasionally the mountain breeze stops, the lake goes dead calm and if I sit real still in my canoe I see this:

https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3157654146-5.jpg (https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/p134905247/ebc35fa82)

https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3157654273-5.jpg (https://Holmes.zenfolio.com/p134905247/ebc35fb01)

Thats beautiful.

[686+]

Kids are good.
Parents are still kicking.
Got promoed after not having one of those for 10 years, with a boss that I thought would not promo me.
Thinking about a new used car.

Here is to Champagne problems.

[Redbug]

I am out in the woods all the time now either hunting or exploring. Been retired about four years and Life is really, really Good!


56751

[Johnny C!]

To continue with my earlier post, I took the misses & junior
to a Brazilian Steak House for her 50th Saturday night, and
then on to the Biltmore House to help get the Christmas
spirit started. We had to park next to a bunch of junk cars.

And I took her flying Monday.

Life is good. Much better than I deserve.

On a sad note, one of my cousin's husbands died in a freak
accident Monday afternoon. He was a great guy & will be
deeply missed by many. Another example of why I often say
to cherish your families.

God Speed & Fair Winds.

56792
56793
56794
56795

[Johnny C!]

Also,
Uno. Those are phenominal photo's! F8 & be there!

Dave. Great inspiration. I live in a beautiful part
of the country as well, and too often take it for
granted. You have spurred me on to get out and
go see a lot more of it.

Thanks guys!

[Greg Nichols]

Congratufreakinlations Fuzz!!!This the more personally aligned one we talked about??

Nope, different one, but one more up my alley.

[Ted Demosthenes]

Nope, different one, but one more up my alley.

Excellente compa!! Looking forward to briefing over beverages.

[Ted Demosthenes]

To continue with my earlier post, I took the misses & junior
to a Brazilian Steak House for her 50th Saturday night, and
then on to the Biltmore House to help get the Christmas
spirit started. We had to park next to a bunch of junk cars.

And I took her flying Monday.

Life is good. Much better than I deserve.

On a sad note, one of my cousin's husbands died in a freak
accident Monday afternoon. He was a great guy & will be
deeply missed by many. Another example of why I often say
to cherish your families.

God Speed & Fair Winds.

56792
56793
56794
56795

Which Experimental?? Looks well-crafted!!

[Johnny C!]

Just Aircraft Highlander.

80 HP Rotax. I can cruise around
100 mph at 4 gph of mogas.

Empty is 700 pounds, with a 1320 gross.

It's an economical cruiser.

Too much fun!


56805

[Ted Demosthenes]

Just Aircraft Highlander.

80 HP Rotax. I can cruise around
100 mph at 4 gph of mogas.

Empty is 700 pounds, with a 1320 gross.

It's an economical cruiser.

Too much fun!


56805

Very nice, and flaps to boot! My kinda fun!!

[ronlassit]

Lots of good things happening in my life here. I decided I wanted to get back into performing music, so I have been getting set up for doing solo acoustic gigs. Have about 45 songs worked up and ready to go. Everything from Coldplay to Zak Brown, Aerosmith to Seal and David Grey. Did a preliminary gig about a month ago that went very well. Actually have a small one tomorrow afternoon. Been guitar hunting and found some very good instruments. Found an excellent 1981 Alvarez 5059 that is the hands down best acoustic guitar I have ever played, and that includes some very high end Martins, Gibsons and Taylors. Also picked up a Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet Bigsby with single coil Rickenbacker pickups that is absolutely a pleasure to play. To cover the Tele sound I found a Samick Formula. After I set it up it sounds and plays very well. Has two lipstick pickups and a Seymour Duncan humbucker and the single coils are absolutely quiet, none of the usual hum. It even has Grover tuners on it. Also picked up a B-52 Matrix 1000 PA system with the 15" sub and two 10's, speaker stands, cords, a Peavy PV8 mini mixer, and two mics and stands. The mics sound as good as my 57's,58's and Sennheisers, so I very well may find a use for them. Best of all I bought the entire lot, guitars and PA, for less than a grand. I can throw in my powered Mackie speakers and really cover the sound part. Had another good thing happen. Two guitars were given to me. They came from the estate of a good family friend. The old 1951 Gibson LG-3 was the one I first learned to play on back when I was around 12 years old. She was in pretty rough shape. Had to do some serious cranking on the truss rod to get the neck straight. Someone had pretty much destroyed the nut, so I had to make a new one, as well as putting in some new mother of pearl inlays over the screws in the bridge. Turned out much better than expected. The other guitar I was given was the one my friend actually played, an early 60's Harmony Sovereign. Bridge was broken on that one. Neck was bowed pretty bad and when I tugged on the truss rod it snapped. Fortunately I only lost about 1/4" of it and was able to repair it. The bridge repair was easy and you have to look very closely to even see it. The old guitars, even with the repairs, are worth over $3000. I wouldn't sell them anyway, as they really mean a lot to me. Another good thing is I bought the missus and I kayaks, and we've really enjoyed using them. Well, just shared some good things. Wish you all a good Thanksgiving. All of us have much to be thankful for.

[Redbug]

Also,
Uno. Those are phenominal photo's! F8 & be there!

Dave. Great inspiration. I live in a beautiful part
of the country as well, and too often take it for
granted. You have spurred me on to get out and
go see a lot more of it.

Thanks guys!

Johnny...That is about 35 miles from my house. Congaree National Park. That cypress is 26 feet around and near 2000 years old. This park is the largest area of never logged bottomland forest left in the country. Looks like it did before the colonials settled in America. Still a wilderness, too.

[45Smashemflat]

Got a wife who loves me more than she should, enough salary that she doesn't have to work, no debt, a well stocked gun room, and a decent bourbon selection. Occasional powder smoke and woods smoke in the air. All is good.

[reforger2002]

#2 son going to a good college on a combination of USN Scholarship and separate honors scholarship

[P.D.]

Spending all of January in the Southern Hemisphere with family.

[Johnny C!]

Handsome devils, no, make that handsome pirates!



#2 son going to a good college on a combination of USN Scholarship and separate honors scholarship

[barnetmill]

Forgotten Weapons reaches one Million on its subscriptions. Below is a blurb about it and about the French 75 both gun and cocktail. I erased the links for the stuff Ian was selling.



Forgotten Weapons (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfKGpvbEQXcbe68dzXgJuA)



Published on Dec 9, 2018



Holy cow, a million subscribers! When I started Forgotten Weapons, I never for a moment suspected it would end up this popular. Thank you to everyone who has subscribed! I think this required a celebratory cocktail...specifically, a French 75. So let's talk about the French 75 the gun - the Canon de 75 modèle 1897 - as well as the cocktail named after it. .................

[wheel]

Not getting to leave my house often I looked forward to visiting a friends restaurant. After taking a slow 'stroll' enjoying the warm sun on my back I reached the restaurant and took my seat on a little patio, meeting up with Mom.

Glancing around me I realized that I was surrounded by green trees masking my view of the adjoining buildings and helping to cover the noise coming from across the street. Changing my environment instantly and allowing me to relax.

After turning around in my chair Mom started to describe the interior to me, having entered by the front door, while I had circled around the garden so I could enter using a wider door. Hearing my voice Joe appeared with a friendly smile and welcomed me and Mom warmly, glad that I finally made it. After a short chat Joe jumped up and returned with two ice cold classes of Coke.

Then making sure that we are both comfortable and happy with our orders she disappeared inside attending to her 'real' customers.

Finishing a leisurely meal and taking my time 'walking' home, trying to stretch out my day, I arrived home thinking that I would simply be slipping back into me routine. That is, until my mobile rang and opened the door to a great new adventure. The call was from a friend asking if I wanted to start the French speaking classes we had being talking about for a while now.

[wheel]

I was searching for a challenge but did not want to start to learn a new language and then have no reason or motivation to continue when the lessons got harder-Also a reason that most people give up according to my friend.

Then glancing up at the television last week I hear an actress talk talk about her company that has a bunch of translators on the books who all work from the comfort of their homes. Now having discovered my reason I needed to find out if the offer still stood and the costs of the lessons. Questions I wanted to ask the next time I talked to my friend.

Instead her was my friend calling and asking if I was still interested because somebody had just stopped, freeing up some teaching time. She continued and warned me that French is not an easy language to master. Then she added that if I was willing to apply myself and prepared to be tested often she would give me the opportunity.

Throwing in the lessons for free because of our friendship.

Changing a good day, being out of the house into an exceptional day. Being presented with an opportunity to challenge myself by achieving something that everybody claims is impossible. Not only learning to speak a new language but to read and write it expertly.

In the process creating the possibility to improve my circumstances by making extra money. Using the tools that are available to me.

OSSU
Elfie

[P.D.]

I did a proofreading and copy editing course for certification so that I could have an option if I wanted to pick up some $$$ in my spare time without the usual work time commitments. It's something I can do at home or travelling, or not as I decide.

[Papa]

I did a proofreading and copy editing course for certification so that I could have an option if I wanted to pick up some $$$ in my spare time without the usual work time commitments. It's something I can do at home or travelling, or not as I decide.

Now that's interesting. And novel. No pun intended.

[P.D.]

Yeah, it also makes you a bit of a grammar Nazi. :tapedshut:

[ballistic_ken]

I recently started college, Jan 14th to be precise. I turned 50 Jan 15th. It was a bit rough relearning how to learn after a 30 + years in the oilfield. The job had transferred me to ND and sold the local assets. 2 years in ND was enough. I am now an unemployed 50 year old college student. It feels like a whole new world of opportunities are ahead of me. best feeling ever.

Knowing I could whoop each of the young kids that are my classmates makes me smile too!

[Vlad the Impaler]

I recently started college, Jan 14th to be precise. I turned 50 Jan 15th. It was a bit rough relearning how to learn after a 30 + years in the oilfield. The job had transferred me to ND and sold the local assets. 2 years in ND was enough. I am now an unemployed 50 year old college student. It feels like a whole new world of opportunities are ahead of me. best feeling ever.

Knowing I could whoop each of the young kids that are my classmates makes me smile too!

And don't forget the coeds. ;)

[Bob F.]

Yeah, I went back to college at 45. Great decision, loved it. The nursing classes sucked because of the bull crap, but everything else was actually fun! Significant pay increase helped.

[ballistic_ken]

Yeah, I went back to college at 45. Great decision, loved it. The nursing classes sucked because of the bull crap, but everything else was actually fun! Significant pay increase helped.

I was a lease operator, now working on getting my Instrumentation, Controls, and Electronics ticket punched. just the certificate for now, may pursue the A.A.S. later on, once I am again gainfully employed. hoping to get back on with Exxon, they have a project in Argentina that intrigues me.

[H60DoorGunner]

57324

I'm rebuilding my old FJ40 Land Cruiser. Classic cars are just a hobby at the moment, but I will have my own garage/restoration business in a few years.

[reforger2002]

#2 son with his first set of Gold Stars ( earned for achieving 3.82 GPA Chemistry / Honors College at Citadel )

[reforger2002]

One of my docs / clients returned from SC with a bottle if most excellent rum as a reward for hard work keeping her research data squared away

Gunpowder Proof Rum - 108 proof and smooth

I might try to recreate the test of lighting some gun powder doused in a SMALL sample of the rum, what could go wrong

[mattmann]

57324

I'm rebuilding my old FJ40 Land Cruiser. Classic cars are just a hobby at the moment, but I will have my own garage/restoration business in a few years.

Man I love this......I want one but always seem to find rust buckets.......that are still $15,000.


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[Ted Demosthenes]

#2 son going to a good college on a combination of USN Scholarship and separate honors scholarship

Gen Zinni??

[H60DoorGunner]

Man I love this......I want one but always seem to find rust buckets.......that are still $15,000.


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There are still lots of good examples out there. I paid 8k for this one a while back, and it was barely running. I got it running and drove it around for a few years, but I've decided to finally rebuild the transmission and do a motor swap. If you're spending 15k, and can't immediately register and drive it, you're probably paying too much.

PM me if you want. I maybe can help put you onto one.

[mattmann]

There are still lots of good examples out there. I paid 8k for this one a while back, and it was barely running. I got it running and drove it around for a few years, but I've decided to finally rebuild the transmission and do a motor swap. If you're spending 15k, and can't immediately register and drive it, you're probably paying too much.

PM me if you want. I maybe can help put you onto one.

Will do. Working on short term goals at the moment but should be squared away in a few months. I’d love to have one to play around town and take my oldest to his ball games in. Deer camp (3 hours) May be too long of a push.


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[Papa]

Rolling east on 2 after southbound I-5 from Silvana, bright sun boiling the haze up out of a snow-covered landscape. I look up and see, on a parallel track heading west, a big raptor with a distinctive wingbeat, and I pick up the bird in the sunroof as we pass. Bald eagle.

Alone, taking my time in the XO's little rig, my errand run, no place to go but home. Armed, caffeinated, and hungry. No promises to keep. No pain for now. The only radio in this little car is tuned to King FM, Copeland's "Appalachian Spring," and that makes me think of the Northeast where I grew up and

where winter looks like this.

The thought comes: right this minute, I can handle any emergency, any threat that comes my way. Liberating. Like being "orphaned" at age 64.

I'm not free, nor do I choose to be. But I am---content.

Is this what retirement will be like? Find out in a couple of years. My set begins tomorrow.

But for now, contentment.

[Mike Heckathorn]

Founded in 1780, the company is on its 10th generation of family ownership. The founder actually had George Washington over for dinner pre revolutionary war (it’s delicious to the next level, and I’m pretty sure I bought all of it in Phoenix)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190207/90cb6e84fef0defb5568419e9c95c5cb.jpg


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[AK4570]

Married to a beautiful woman who has put up with my sorry, ragged, sailor butt for 19 years and who somehow still loves me. 3 amazing kids that think Dad's an OK guy... Can see Denali most days just by looking out a window... Got the job of my dreams and started a doctorate January 14 that will add additional wind to these pirate sails.

I am blessed.

[doctom]

My Suarez experiences and exposures here on WT have finally led me to serious progress in fitness. Age 62, five fake joints, eight orthopedic surgeries, work too much. But the last Force on Force class brought things into focus. I needed to move better to be vital and safe. After many diets, I found I thrive on Paleo. Lost fifteen pounds. Four cervical spinal cord injuries restrict how I lift, but I adapt. A free form movement program online was well worth the $70. I highly recommend it or something like it. https://gmb.io

If you are not content with the shape you're in you CAN make a change.

[jaowens]

A bit of a necro, but I feel like we always need to keep good things top of mind. I can bitch all day if so inclined but that gets me nowhere. Instead I am focused on the positive and can say with confidence I will have my first ebook out on the market and maybe even a second by the end of November. Assuming sales are good I will be getting a new blaster or two in December. Now I just need to decide on whether to get two or get optics for an existing piece and then a PGO or grab a pistol and a PGO

[Papa]

Dry and sunny woods ramble with the dogs and my old 870.

No evil encountered, but life is good anyway.

[macho mouse]

Yesterday, my wife and I finished processing two antelope to go with the deer already in the freezer. That makes about 125 lbs of venison for our dining pleasure. Now to do some cottontail hunting to replace chicken and we should be set for most of the year.

[Faramir2]

Yesterday, my wife and I finished processing two antelope to go with the deer already in the freezer. That makes about 125 lbs of venison for our dining pleasure. Now to do some cottontail hunting to replace chicken and we should be set for most of the year.

To that point, I plan to start deer hunting this fall, for the first time in my life. I'm looking forward to both the time in the woods and the meat. This oughta be a good fall.

[jesselp]

To that point, I plan to start deer hunting this fall, for the first time in my life. I'm looking forward to both the time in the woods and the meat. This oughta be a good fall.

Last year was my first successful harvest of a deer. the meat was excellent indeed! Bow season started a month ago but I've not had a chance to get in the woods yet - I'm hoping for this weekend!

[macho mouse]

If you have a place to hang the harvest, shed, garage, whatever, process your own meat. Yeah, I know it takes time and a bit of equipment, but you will never be satisfied with commercially processed meat again. My wife and i have come to a system that allows us to take a deer or an antelope from hanging skinned to wrapped and in the freezer in about two hours or less. In fact, she once did a cow elk by herself in about six hours while I was at work. If they are being honest, most processors will tell you that they don't guarantee that you will get your animal back, just the equivalent weight, ie 40 lbs of meat for an antelope that is not shot to hell, etc. What really sealed the deal was getting an antelope from a processor that had round steak. Round steak from a cow is tough, from an antelope it's inedible.

[45Smashemflat]

Spent the last weekends splitting some REAL big logs from earlier felling operations. These were too big to get into a hydraulic splitter. So, nothing else to do but go old school with maul, wedge, and axe. Good manly workout, and satisfying stack of cordwood to burn in the upcoming weeks.

[barnetmill]

I got this in an email. I could not find anyone to say it did not happen.


This has been around in the past but certainly worth reading again.. and hopefully it will get to some who have not read it!




An Old Man and a Bucket of Shrimp – a true story

It happened every Friday evening, almost without fail, when the sun resembled a giant orange and was starting to dip into the blue ocean.

Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier.Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp. Ed walks out to the end of the pier,where it seems he almost has the world to himself. The glow of the sun is a golden bronze now.

Everybody's gone, except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on the end of the pier, Ed is alone with his thoughts..and his bucket of shrimp.

Before long, however, he is no longer alone. Up in the sky a thousand white dots come screeching and squawking, winging their way towardthat lanky frame standing there on the end of the pier.

Before long, dozens of seagulls have enveloped him, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly. Ed stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds.

As he does, if you listen closely, you can hear him say with a smile, 'Thank you, Thank you.'

In a few short minutes the bucket is empty. But Ed doesn't leave. He stands there lost in thought, as though transported to another time and place

When he finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach, a few of the birds hop along the pier with him until he gets to the stairs,and then they, too, fly away. And old Ed quietly makes his way down to the end of the beach and on home.

If you were sitting there on the pier with your fishing line in the water, Ed might seem like 'a funny old duck,' as my dad used to say.Or, to onlookers, he's just another old codger, lost in his own weird world, feeding the seagulls with a bucket full of shrimp.

To the onlooker, rituals can look either very strange or very empty. They can seem altogether unimportant ....maybe even a lot of nonsense.

Old folks often do strange things, at least in the eyes of Boomers and Busters.

Most of them would probably write Old Ed off, down there in Florida ... That's too bad. They'd do well to know him better.

His full name: Eddie Rickenbacker. He was a famous hero in World War I, and then he was in WWII. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific,he and his seven-member crew went down. Miraculously, all of the men survived, crawled out of their plane, and climbed into a life raft.

Captain Rickenbacker and his crew floated for days on the rough waters of the Pacific. They fought the sun. They fought sharks.Most of all, they fought hunger and thirst. By the eighth day their rations ran out. No food. No water. They were hundreds of miles from land and no one knew where they were or even if they were alive.

Every day across America millions wondered and prayed that Eddie Rickenbacker might somehow be found alive.

The men adrift needed a miracle. That afternoon they had a simple devotional service and prayed for a miracle.

They tried to nap. Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose. Time dragged on All he could hear was the slap of the wavesagainst the raft........suddenly Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull!

Old Ed would later describe how he sat perfectly still, planning his next move. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he managed to grab itand wring its neck. He tore the feathers off, and he and his starving crew made a meal of it -- a very slight meal for eight men.

Then they used the intestines for bait. With it, they caught fish, which gave them food and more bait...and the cycle continued. With that simple survivaltechnique, they were able to endure the rigors of the sea until they were found and rescued after 24 days at sea.

Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first life-saving seagull...

And he never stopped saying, 'Thank you.' That's why almost every Friday night he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucketfull of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude

Reference: (Max Lucado, "In The Eye of the Storm", pp...221, 225-226)

Eddie Rickenbacker was the founder of Eastern Airlines. Before WWI he was a race car driver. In WWI he was a pilot and became America's first ace.

In WWII he was an instructor and military adviser, and he flew missions with the combat pilots. Eddie Rickenbacker is a true American hero.

And now you know another story about the trials and sacrifices that brave men have endured for your freedom.

As you can see, I chose to pass it on. It is a great story that many don't know.

You've got to be careful with old guys, you just never know what they have done during their lifetime.

[P.D.]

I read a book about Rickenbacker's B17 ditching and his and the crew's survival when I was in high school. I remember from the book that they did survive on "sea birds" at one point.

[Papa]

According to his biography, the gull on the head incident is true.

[barnetmill]

An embellished story

June, 1865
SOMEWHERE IN ALABAMA...a threadbare figure trudges down a dusty country road. He’s gaunt, unshaven, unwashed, shoulders slumping a bit, rather a despondent sort of character. He is Captain Davis, discharged from the Army of the Confederacy six weeks ago at Greensboro, NC after serving his country faithfully for the past four years. He's a civilian now and walking back to his home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. It'll take him most of the summer. He's eager to get back home, but at the same time, anxious as to what he is returning to - mail has been unreliable in the Confederacy of late; the last letter he had from his wife was eight months ago. These are uncertain times, and he doesn't know if he will find his family and neighbors alive, or where they may be. He is fairly sure how he will find his farm - after four years without its master's hand, the fields will be overgrown, stock run off, house and fences in poor condition, IF still standing.
He's just spent the last four years of his life engaged in a War, and got whipped, and THOROUGHLY whipped, and he knows it; all that he has fought for has been lost. It shows in his attitude and his stance; it's difficult not to be dejected. The last couple of years have been Hard Times in the South, and there's the strong possibility times will become even harder.
He doesn't have much. The patched gray uniform he's wearing, cracked boots with one sole starting to flop, a Leech and Rigdon revolver with one nipple broken, a pocketknife, a blanket folded to make a pack containing a skillet made of a canteen half nailed to a stick, a small sewing kit, half a Bible (he's been through desperate times recently, desperate indeed to force him to tear pages from his beloved Pocket Testament), and in one jacket pocket, a piece of cloth carefully wrapped around a dozen apple seeds. He takes out these seeds occasionally and gazes at them, then returns them to his pocket.

A couple of weeks ago, somewhere in the Carolinas, some kind soul took pity on him and gave him three apples. He ate them right away, stems, cores, and all, first food he had had in three days, and thought they were the very finest apples he had ever eaten. The seeds, though, he thoughtfully saved the seeds...

A few years ago he would have had no regard whatsoever for a palm full of apple seeds—just trash to be spat upon the ground after enjoying the fruit. Things are different now. To Captain Davis, those few apple seeds represent something. They are Something of Value; they' represent HOPE, a promise of better things to come, a possibility of someday feeding his family...in his mind, they are his most valuable possession. Hope, and Promise, and Possibility those things are short on the ground nowadays, and he seizes these things to his breast.. desperately. He envisions his children wandering amongst the vast forest of apple trees he will plant from these seeds, plucking unblemished apples from fruit-laden boughs as pink and white petals flutter down around them, while the most delicious aroma in the world fil1s the air...hogs and horses fatten on the drops. This is a dream worth holding onto. Those apple seeds are his Treasure, and he guards them carefully.


In time, he does make it home. Some things are better than he expected, some worse. His wife is still alive; one child has died of a fever. His parents have passed away, but his wife's parents are still alive. The house has burned down, but the barn is in good condition. The fields are overgrown with blackberries and sweet gum sprouts, but he knows they can be burned off in the coming winter, and the ashes will enrich the soil. He plants those apple seeds his second day home, in a prime spot, and tends them carefully. Most do sprout, and in time, produce fruit. All but one tree makes hard, sour crabapples, which he makes into cider. The one tree, though, makes very nice eating apples, pretty color, and good flavor. He digs sprouts to plant several more around his property, and does feed his family with them, and after a number of years even 'has enough to sell for cash. His neighbors all want trees of this apple, and he generously shares them.

When Captain Davis is an old, old man, and his grandsons build him a bench under the original tree. He sits there often, when the weather is nice, and reflects upon his life. Occasionally he looks up at the limbs, and muses to himself, "Ah, well, at least I got ONE good thing out of that damn war.

OK, this story is 99% pure speculation and imagination on my part, but the basic facts are there. Don't you think this is likely the way it happened? I'm a Southerner myself. Bred and born; we're not a folk to let a few facts interfere with the telling of a good story.
By Larry Stephenson, Chief Orchardist at Southern Cultured Orchards & Nursery (https://www.facebook.com/southernculturedorchardsandnursery/?eid=ARC1CHq93q9o_mowzxWWcN7giAmiELMvtqQJ5ee9oepEf BvQErq_GpJR95mKN6DuC1874Jug-5482MUr&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=100003344625767&fref=tag) Lives in Carrollton, Mississippi (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrollton-Mississippi/103738309664240?eid=ARCwi8EjNxv_VhZtuq9JSjil7g-edVN5FcF535R6Yxm97TEtoCYhq3SU3PZUuiQDuFmHVMeM5FH5h Rjp&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_current_city&timeline_context_item_source=100003344625767&fref=tag)

Historical account of this event.
58705

https://books.google.com/books?id=XCFYuLbMuZQC&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=Davis+apple+mississippi&source=bl&ots=qAOmjX-q6P&sig=ACfU3U3KxrE3gryUbJq94oTJwXMVe12fdg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPjbPjyMrlAhWpm-AKHbxhAPsQ6AEwBnoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=Davis%20apple%20mississippi&f=false

[bassbones]

Great thread! This last Sunday, I became a grandpa and I’m over the moon right now!

JB

[Chaos]

Great thread! This last Sunday, I became a grandpa and I’m over the moon right now!

JB

Brother, I am a first-time grandfather as well and just celebrated my little man's 1st birthday! There is nothing in this world like grandkids. They are the best and reveal to you all that is right in this world.

[P.D.]

Brother, I am a first-time grandfather as well and just celebrated my little man's 1st birthday! There is nothing in this world like grandkids. They are the best and reveal to you all that is right in this world.

What tops having grandkids is having great grandkids and being around to enjoy them. Trust me on that. I have four, three great grandsons and one great granddaughter. And yeah, I'm bragging.

[Mike OTDP]

My cataract surgery on the right eye went OK. I'm still getting used to the idea of having 20/20 distance vision in that eye...I wore glasses for decades, then the cataract clobbered that. After it stabilizes, I'll get a set of shooting glasses made up so I can shoot iron sights well.

[Papa]

Outstanding. Life without specs is a game changer. The for-real kind.

[BillyOblivion]

My cataract surgery on the right eye went OK. I'm still getting used to the idea of having 20/20 distance vision in that eye...I wore glasses for decades, then the cataract clobbered that. After it stabilizes, I'll get a set of shooting glasses made up so I can shoot iron sights well.

Dunno if you'll need them, or anyone else who reads this, but these guys http://sportsoptical.com/ will make a bifocal with the near vision at the top of the lens to make it easier/more natural to shoot iron sights.

[psalms23dad]

I got a new job. Starting a new career actually.
I've been euro car mechanic for the last 15 years, over all been a mechanic for 18.5 years.
The last several years, as I looked at the older guys in this field, I realized I didn't want to do this the rest of my life. Being good at what I do, I did make a decent pay, but still I knew in my core I could be better and more successful at other things.
Various things came to a head this year and I saw it as a good time to pursue a change.
Starting tomorrow I will be working as a inside sales guy and trainer for a large company. While it will be an adjustment I'm very optimistic and eager.

I know I've been blessed to have this opportunity but I'd be arrogant to not mention the encouragement I get from this forum.
To the guys whom never settle, always push for more, and encouraging others here to do the same, you know who are, thank you.

-Gary

[Papa]

Congratulations!

[ballistic_ken]

I recently started college, Jan 14th to be precise. I turned 50 Jan 15th. It was a bit rough relearning how to learn after a 30 + years in the oilfield. The job had transferred me to ND and sold the local assets. 2 years in ND was enough. I am now an unemployed 50 year old college student. It feels like a whole new world of opportunities are ahead of me. best feeling ever.

Knowing I could whoop each of the young kids that are my classmates makes me smile too!

I know quoting myself is lame!

Today I completed the course, will graduate with my certification in Instrumentation, Controls, and Electronics. I made it, and with a 4.0 GPA to boot! Presidents Honor Roll!
Now to find a job.

[Ted Demosthenes]

I know quoting myself is lame!

Today I completed the course, will graduate with my certification in Instrumentation, Controls, and Electronics. I made it, and with a 4.0 GPA to boot! Presidents Honor Roll!
Now to find a job.

Very well done BK!! That was quite a challenge to take on, and you aced it. Fire off those applications, the new skill sets backed by decades of experience should get you multiple offers.

[Mike OTDP]

Two weeks ago, I completed the training as an NRA Muzzleloading instructor. Which gives me credentials to teach the next generation.

[Forklift]

I know quoting myself is lame!

Today I completed the course, will graduate with my certification in Instrumentation, Controls, and Electronics. I made it, and with a 4.0 GPA to boot! Presidents Honor Roll!
Now to find a job.

Go to the Power generating stations they're always looking and pay is excellent, in Missouri anyway. If that doesn't work send me a PM I always need good techs.

[ballistic_ken]

Thanks All!

I took a job in Pueblo, CO. Starting on Monday working at the Army Depot. All new for me, we will see.

After being unemployed over a year, looking forward to a paycheck.

[mike28w]

Congrats !! I lived there many moons ago.....at that time they had great ethnic restaurants !! It can get a bit windy there at times !

[ballistic_ken]

The Pueblo job didn't work out. Too much of a hassle and jumping through hoops for me. I understand why, demilling WMD's (Mustard Gas) understandably they want to know EVERYTHING about you.

Just landed a job in Pecos, TX. Not ideal but I can work with it. We have any fellow WT members in that area? Gonna need some new training buddies.