The Laughing Wolf

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!

This week's Carnival of the Recipes is up, hosted by Prochein Amy. Go on over there, take part in the name game, and then enjoy some fine eating as you try the recipes. Thanks to Amy, and to all who make this possible!

LW

Friday Catblogging Wolfblogging

Well, Clara was just a temporary boss and she also has been supplanted. So, for those like Acidman who hated cats, these pages will be safe for now (Maybe. It is so easy to yank some people’s chains), for you see I have discovered some relatives up here.

The spelling and such have shown this week that I have been under the weather, and in fact have worked hard on coming down with something. With that in mind, I decided to take a break on Tuesday. This entailed going out shopping for some food and supplies, and as long as I was out, I decided to do something else. Not too long a drive from here is Wolf Park, and as the name suggests it is a park where they raise and study wolves, along with some foxes, buffalo, and some other critters. Normally they are closed this time of year, but Tuesday found them open in the afternoon. I had no worries about the groceries getting hot and spoiling (freezing was the larger worry), so I drove over to the park.

One very nice thing about being the first person there: I ended up having a personal tour by a very knowledgeable guide who introduced me to almost every wolf in the park. This is the current pack Alpha Male coming over to be introduced to me:

I got to walk around the pack enclosure, the retirement village, and some other places. During this, we had a wonderful conversation, talked about wolves, other centers, nature, and life in general. In short, it was a fantastic time, and I particularly love the fact that she had me sit down and read Gary Larson’s There’s A Hair In My Dirt at the end of the tour. A book I wish more people would read, and highly recommend.

I’ve been told I may have an opportunity to go in with the wolves in the days ahead, and am even looking into volunteering at the park once I have a better handle on the new job. I can think of worse ways to spend a weekend or a weekday evening. So, if you are traveling through Indiana on I-65, check the site and allow some time for a most enjoyable treat. Meantime, I hope to do Friday Wolfblogging on a regular basis.

LW

Momma Vi Update

Just got off the phone with Tammi, and Momma Vi did indeed stay overnight and ended up not flying home today. They are working to get all the medicines adjusted properly, and she has agreed to this. So, it looks like it may be a few days before she heads home. Lots of thoughts and prayers are still needed for her, for Tammi, and for the rest of the family.

LW

The Case Of The Disappearing Grapes

Val notes a wonderful Cuban tradition for New Years. What a nice way to celebrate, and to bring luck for the New Year.

LW

Tsunami Update

The toll keeps climbing, and it would not be surprising for it to clear 175,000 before all is said and done. Right now, it stands in excess of 134,000 and there are a number of areas where surveys of death and destruction have yet to occur.

Please continue to do what you can. Go here, here, here, here, and here to donate or to choose ways to help.

Or, Kathy has the latest, including regional ways to help here. She has also said she will try to get information from friends on local ways to provide direct assistance. Stay tuned, do what you can, and keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

LW

Into The Light: Crowell Stewart

Family friend, unofficial Godfather, husband, father. May the light shine on those left behind, guide them, and warm them in the days ahead. I can't use your ham callsign, but will say for you station out.

LW

Armor Up

Ooh-rah! Good advice for the coming year, but tonight armor up with care and preparations so that you enjoy the festivities without undue risk. Enjoy, but be careful out there.

LW
who has no plans to be on the road tonight

Happy Birthday Jan!

Jan of Cascade Exposures is celebrating a birthday today. Rumor has it that it is the big 4-0, so go on over, enjoy some wonderful photography, and wish her Happy Birthday! BTW, don't be embarrassed Jan, for while you did manage to go into a ditch with your truck (check out the pictures folks!) , unlike the ubran SUV drivers we discussed last week, you also got yourself out on your own. Happy Birthday, and many wonderful returns!

LW

USPS: Interesting

Well, I can't technically do my mail-held-hostage thing, because one piece -- out of all the mail I know I have gotten -- has been forwarded to me and arrived today. One. I sure hope the rest shows up soon, as I do need the check(s) and stuff in them. Feh. At least my carrier here seems to be both nice and competent. Just to be safe, however, I did change of address forms for the seven most likely variants of my name and turned them in today as well.

LW
still not amused

Shining A Light: Update

There is an update to the post I cited earlier. It notes the lack of coverage, the significant lack of coverage, of this story by the Old Media. Indeed, one does wonder why such a story is not covered by these vaunted defenders of freedom, the oppressed, and downtrodden. One suspects that it has a great deal to do with inbred bias and political agendas, and that such is why it has been declared non-newsworthy. After all, it has nothing to do with nukes and can't be blamed on any party or leader, so it can't be news, can it? Thank goodness for the blogs, and this story must NOT be buried or real burials will be the result.

LW

Carnival Of The Recipes: Laughing Wolf’s Puttanesca Sauce

Yes, if you understand Italian (or Latin), that is what you think it is. I first heard of this sauce on a cooking show called The Urban Peasant that has, alas, disappeared from U.S. airwaves. His mantra of make do with what you’ve got is a good one to go by.

Sometimes It’s The Little Things

And sometimes it’s the large. Unpacking is not fun in my book, and I don’t enjoy it. Thank goodness I left half the stuff down in Huntsville for now, as things are crowded enough as it is.

Tsunami Update

The news is only going to keep getting worse in many ways, but out of the devastation come some good news. If you peruse the blogs and the local sources, you will find stories of families reunited, of babies and toddlers found, and other bits of good news. Look for them, for they too are a part of the face of this disaster.

Look for the latest that Kathy has up, and see what others have to say, such as Val.

Then, go do something. Go here, here, here, here, and here to donate or to choose ways to help.

LW

Momma Vi Update

Tammi has the latest and if the USPS thought I was bad, I think some others may be in for a real education if they don't get it together. Meantime, go on over and leave a note and a wish, so Tammi can take them in to Momma Vi for her to read. It all helps, so keep the thoughts and prayers going.

LW

Mike's Back

I had gotten a bit worried, even though he and I haven't spoken since I won D-Day in Blackfive's Animal House contest (nah nah!), but all is fine and Cold Fury Is Back! Not just back to regular posting, but from a bandwidth issue as well. As always, well worth reading and a heck of a lot of fun.

LW

It Was The Best Of Times,

It was the worst of times. All in all, however, it was a fine time this last year, as Ironbear reminds us in his own inimitable way with his Best and Worst of Blogistan 2004. It is a good list, and rather than deal with individual posts and the usual things, he focuses on the events and the drivers behind events to select his best and worst. This is well worth reading, and putting some thought into, so go do it now. My thanks to Ironbear for his kind words, and I will note he left out his own site in the conclusion, and it should be there.

LW

Into The Light: Jerry Orbach

Backcountry Conservative has posted the news that Actor Jerry Orbach has died of prostate cancer. While not a fan of L&O, I did feel he was the best reason for watching any of it, and loved some of his earlier work. Prostate cancer was what finally finished my father off when it metastasized. For crying out loud, if you are over 40, or under and there is any history of it in your family, make a PSA part of your regular checkup. May the light shine on his family, and keep them all in your thoughts in the days ahead.

LW

USPS Still Doesn't Get

The concept of customer service. I finally got my official notice of change of address, but it indicated that only mail going to my full name would be forwarded. I called the extremely unhelpful automated service, that after what seemed like ten minutes finally gave me a number to call at my old post office for assistance. The first person I spoke to there told me that you have to submit a separate form for each possible name or variant of a name to have all mail forwarded. She then sent me to a supervisor who claimed that he had never heard of anyone, repeat anyone, having more than one name. The logical and factual absurdity of such is boggling, and I had to repeat more than once that it was not truly different names but rather use of different modes of address. Even then, he persisted in saying that he had never heard of such a thing. Gee, I guess no one ever called Ronald Wilson Reagan Ronnie, Ronald, RW, or anything else and I bet all his mail was addressed just to Ronald Wilson Reagan. I was tactless enough to point out that they still did not get customer service, but that I was doing my part by pointing out a problem. He responded by saying that there was nothing he could (and by implication would) do about it. He did finally say that he would take the time to check with the delivery person (a very nice man who I complemented). He also then went into a story about problems he was having with his cable company to illustrate poor customer service and why nothing could be done. At that point, I reminded him that I had done my part and that this was long distance, at which he hung up on me. Hard to believe it has been more than 15 years since President Reagan ended the postal monopoly which had been enforced at gunpoint, and opened up packages and more to competition. Hard to believe that after so long, the USPS still has problems competing and can't understand why, despite the obvious fact that they still just don't get the basics of customer service.

LW

Just out of curiosity, I ran through the obvious variants and came up with the fact that a person with a first and middle name would need at least seven change of address forms to meet the regulations of the USPS:

Ronald Wilson Reagan
Ronald W. Reagan
Ronald Reagan
R. W. Reagan
R. Wilson Reagan
R. Reagan
Wilson Reagan

If they are junior or third, or you would end up with needing 14 forms to cover all possible variants of the name to ensure proper mail forwarding, those above and these:

Ronald Wilson Reagan III
Ronald W. Reagan III
Ronald Reagan III
R. W. Reagan III
R. Wilson Reagan III
R. Reagan III
Wilson Reagan III

Given this, why is there only one form in the official change of address kit if you have to file for each possible variant of your name?

UPDATE II: The official date for the change of address was 15 December. Give them a day for reality, and it has now been 13 days without a single piece of forwarded mail reaching me. Now, they say it takes 10-12, but I think I may just start a feature on Mail Held Hostage and note for one and all how long it is before any forwarded mail shows up at the new lair. I've also just met my regular delivery person and they struck me as very nice and intelligent. They were a bit surprised at the conversation I had, and are looking into/out for any forwarded mail. Among the mail held hostage is at least one check and one gift, for both of which I have plans and said plans are to take place in the next few days. We are not amused. LW

Putting A Face On Disaster

While some of Kathy's friends have so far checked in, one never will again in this life. Check the news on 28 December for the story. From all reports, no one is surprised that she died trying to help others, that she gave her life in an effort to save the lives of others. Trite, yet true: No Greater Love, No Greater Gift. Look at the news story, look at the face.

That is the face of the tragedy unfolding. Multiply that face by what will likely be in excess of 100,000. Picture a child running out to pick up fish left suddenly stranded by the waters pulled out to form the wave. Picture the face of your child on that body as they run out to harvest, to explore with childish delight, not knowing that in mere seconds the water will return with a crash to end their lives. That is the face of the tragedy unfolding. Think of your family in everyday situations, and have that situation end with a hammer of water smashing the scene, and that is the face of the tragedy.

The numbers are staggering, numbing, impossible to grasp in many respects. They are a statistic. Stop. Think. Look. Look at the individual faces, so that the tragedy remains real and has some hope of comprehension.

Then do what you can. Keep those affected in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever you do. Go here, here, here, here, and here to donate or to choose ways to help. Something some will never understand, such as one frelling large asshat at the UN, is that the American government does not have to send the large amounts of money it routinely sends overseas, because American Citizens are already doing more. We are not subjects and do not depend on any government, but upon ourselves and the private organizations secular and religious devoted to helping to go do what governments often cannot.

So, think about the enormity of the tragedy by focusing on a few faces. Then, go do whatever you can. That is all we can do, and it is the least we can do.

LW

NOTE: While others have referenced the larger blogs, who have done an excellent job of coverage, I have referenced Kathy's posts for several reasons. Prime among them is that she had a personal stake in this, that she knew people there. A subtle thing, but important. All the more because it helps put a personal face on what is fast becoming an impersonal tragedy just from sheer scale.

Shining A Light

On cockroaches can be a great way to make them hide. Today's Day By Day helps do that by pointing you towards published reports of torture against Iranian Bloggers. Does tend to put trolls, hate mail, spammers, and other such things in perspective. Do your part and READ what others go through to get out the news and stand up for the right of free speech. Then help shine the light yourself, and let's send some cockroaches into hiding, though it is a pity we can't yet step on them as they run.

LW

Waves

Cicero at Winds Of Change has some good food for thougth this day. Take a minute and read it, then think a bit.

LW

Good Thoughts, Prayers, Whatever You Do

Are needed and needed now for Momma Vi, Tammi's Mom. Some of you "know" Tammi through her blog, and I have been fortunate enough to meet Momma Vi and this good lady needs all the good thoughts, wishes, prayers, or whatever you offer. Know that she and the family are in my thoughts this day.

LW

A Modest Proposal

Jay Tea at Wizbang has a most interesting proposal in regards the UN. While I am not sure I agree with his figure suggestions, the idea itself has a great deal of merit. The only problem I see is that they might figure out what is going on... Even if they do, the idea may still work and is well worth considering.

LW

The Answer Is Yes

To both questions. The only question in my mind is if you should go for something Cosmic and out there, or full of thrust and vigor as you launch yourself on your musical career.

As for the central theme of the post, it has never really bothered me that I remember. Then again I am a wolf and to be honest I truly enjoy eating my favorite prey alive. That said, my distaste for chocolate bunnies was mainly to do with the fact that when I was growing up you could not find a dark chocolate one anywhere. I ate the milk chocolate and enjoyed them, but if I had had my druthers...

My Ex was fond of squirrels and I took great delight in eating the chocolate ones we found for Easter in front of her. Sadistic, yes, but enjoyable. I don't really recall the Santa's, but if it was chocolate I ate it without a whole lot of concern. Moose droppings, eggs, Einstein, whatever -- if it is reasonably good chocolate it was and is gone without quibble. That's the nice thing about chocolate, you can be very inventive. It can be poured into molds, wrapped around molds (I know of a couple that found a new use for the ice cream shell chocolate that made them both very happy), you can flavor it, and you can even sculpt it. Joy.

Then again, if you are really squeamish, don't go read this post about some modern Romans and what is getting eaten by whom.

Come to think of it, there was one animal-based food item that I did not like as a child. Too sweet, too fluffy, too bleh.

Peep Peep.

LW
who prefers his older, more meat on them

To My Friends In England

Be careful out there. This is not good news, and while not unexpected please do be cautious and prepared.

LW

Two Media Posts

The Mudville Gazette has two media posts you need to read. The first is a story on Rumsfeld in Iraq that looks at how hard the Old Media had to work to ignore the question of the day, and the comments that question has engendered elsewhere. The second story is a great roundup of coverage of the Mosul attack from the New Media -- those that were there and blogged or e-mailed about it. It also contrasts that coverage with that of the Old Media. Go read it and think, for here lies the heart of a new war that has already started to break upon us all.

LW

A Very Good Question

Perry de Havilland at Samizdata asks a very good question. Is it rationalism and spread of the secular tenents of the Enlightenment, a loss of abstract reasoning ability, or something else? It is worth pondering a bit in the days ahead.

LW

Russia & China, I Wonder

Backcountry Conservative has an interesting post about joint military maneuvers to be held next year. Sounds like some flexing of political and military muscle, as well as a chance for China to semi-test-drive some advanced weapons they are expected to purchase. The nasty suspicious side of me wonders if some of these games might not include practice at a sea blockade of an island and preventing interdiction/intervention by outside forces...

LW

New Bin Laden Audio

Backcountry Conservative has the scoop on the tape reportedly in the hands of Al-J, reported courtesy of the Al-AP, that is allegedly Bin Laden endorsing murderous thug Zarqawi as his boy on the ground in Iraq and calling on other thugs to boycott the elections. Or is that to disrupt the elections by whatever means are needed? That is indeed the question.

LW

Ukraine Elections

Well, the verdict is in and in the real election Yushchenko has won. One of the more fun and interesting takes on this on the ground is at Le Sabot Post-Moderne. Also check out Tulip Girl and Orange Ukraine. Or check out the official Yushchenko site.

LW

UPDATE: Courtesy of Instapundit comes this interesting read on the amazing lack of coverage by some of these important elections. I admit, I have not been blogging about them, but that was because others were doing it for me. I should have linked more, but the last few weeks have been a tad bit busy...

Something I Have Never Understood

My parents were children of the Great Depression, and as such grew up without a lot in many respects. This meant that they both treasured what they did have, and showed great respect for the property of others. For, by the rules of that day, if you damaged the property of another, great or small, you repaired it or replaced it.

I was raised that way, and as a result I never did understand the love some people had for destroying things belonging to others. I encountered it, both by having some things of mine destroyed and through watching other kids go the destructive route. The fact is that then and now I have trouble with understanding or getting into such a mindset.

This is especially true for the creative process. I can’t paint, but I love to see others do so. I don’t always like what I see and in fact feel that some of it is pure crap, but that does not give me the right to destroy such pieces of art. I am not compelled to deface it in any way, by drawing a mustache upon it or throwing mud. Writing is something I love, both doing and reading. I’ve taken part in various workshops and groups where we review the works of others, and the fundamental rule is to offer constructive suggestions. It is the easy way, the coward’s way, to say that something is dreck without specifying the problem or problems. I suppose it makes the person feel good to attack the work of another, but what purpose does it serve?

As an editor, reviewer, and writer it is much harder but much better to point out specific problems and possibilities for fixing them. In that way, you offer an honest critique with a means to improve. For anyone wanting to write, I suggest strongly reading, reading, and reading. Look at what you like, and then figure out why you like it. That can be the best help you can get to improving your own efforts.

The same is true for discourse. It is easy to say a position or exposition is dreck. Quite often, this is done deliberately because the person making the attack truly has nothing in mind more than attacking. Generalities do nothing constructive, for the devil and salvation are in the details.

That is one reason this site is devoted to discourse, not to debate or argument. I am extremely fortunate that most who come here take part in that spirit and with a sense of intellectual adventure. Like any human, I like it when people agree with me, but I have been delighted at some of the well-reasoned disagreements for they force me to think and to learn. A post long delayed comes from just such an event, and I do hope I have the time soon to finish the research and writing involved. Yes, I have delinked some people, a sad thing which I try to avoid and only do when a matter of honor is involved, and I will delete any post that violates the rules of posting.

What is not discourse, but random destruction, are those who offer up attacks without substance, generalities so vague as to defy proof or disproof, and ad homenim attacks that serve no purpose. I remain somewhat curious as to what drives such people, for they are the type that would destroy a painting, tear down the physical works of another, and delight in defacing another’s efforts. Does it really make them feel good? Is that what it takes for them to feel like something or someone? Is their life so empty and adrift that they can only feed on the negative? How sad they must be to choose to live such a life.

The recent posts in regards Steven Den Beste have brought this to the fore. Such sad, pitiful creatures helped rob us of his insights. No matter if you agreed with him or not, his posts were well documented, well reasoned, and there as a feast of food for thought within them. Yet, those who create nothing and add little or nothing to the world attacked, and a great voice was silenced. We all lost when that happened.

There is little that can be done in some ways, other than to do what I strive to do here: keep it reasoned and to refuse to reward any who openly defy rules of civilized discourse. This little bit of reality is mine, and I will do what I can to keep it civil. Mayhaps if we as individuals and a society stop rewarding those destructive forces, much good can result. It may not bring us back those gone, but it can make for a brighter world. Think on that a bit today.

LW

Tsunami Coverage Continues

Kathy at On The Third Hand continues to provide coverage and a link to donate directly to Red Cross Relief Efforts through the Australian Red Cross. You can see previous coverage She has more coverage here and here. Glad to know at least one more friend has checked in Kathy!

LW

UPDATE: Logic & Sanity has up a map that helps in understanding the scale of the disaster.

Day-By-Day Nails It On The Head

Or, rather, nails the AP on the head and hands. If you are not familiar with this story, you need to go here, here, and here for starters. Hat tip and thanks for a great collection of links goes to Instapundit.

LW

I Dreamed Of A White Christmas

Yesterday at the lair was, aside from cooking, a day of rest. As a note to Ironbear, the only quaint thing done here was the game “Let’s not go outside and freeze our rear end off.” In short, I enjoyed the white through the windows and will continue to do so until I finish finding/unpacking some of the cold weather gear.

It was very different in that I was not with friends or family this year. I did not have a tree nor did I get to do much in the way of decoration. There was a stocking hung by the chimney with care, but that was about it unless you count all the red on the moving boxes. I did, however, find some of my candles and had lights aplenty for the day and for the next several days.

Knowing that it would be like this, I brought some mistletoe and holly from the last surviving family place with me. I gathered it a few weeks ago when I went down to Macon for a quick visit, and it survived the move in not too bad a condition. It has graced the mantle for most of the last week, and brought a reminder of home and Christmas’s past.

Your Help Is Needed

Over at Winds of Change, the Armed Liberal posts about an urgent need for aid. This family needs and deserves our help, so go do what you can right now.

LW

Tidal Waves In Asia

Kathy has the story about tidal waves in Asia. She also has friends in some of the known affected areas. Stay tuned to her site for more info as it becomes available, and keep all in your thoughts and prayers.

LW

Merry Christmas!

Saturday at the Laughing Wolf is a day for food for thought, and Christmas makes that even more important. For there is a great deal of food for thought available on this day.

If you are a Christian, then this day is a celebration. It is a celebration of a birth, of one being born so that they might die and in so doing take on the sins of the world. The birth of a death, so that death itself might die. The birth of a gift.

Therein lies the heart of the day: the giving. It is not the getting, but the giving that is important. The amount and size of material things does not matter, for what is truly important this day are the gifts of the heart.

Even as we converse in this forum, Americans are giving the gift of freedom to the world. The Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Shadow Warriors, Intel Weinies, and heck, even the Air Force, are doing what is needed so that we share this day in peace (relative at any rate) with our friends and family, and are bringing the opportunity for peace and democracy to dark places in the world. They too give their lives so that others may live, and I recommend you get some tissues and go read this by Major Dad. As we celebrate today in whatever fashion pleases, take a moment and include in your thoughts all those who serve – in uniform or out – and most especially to those brave souls who have given their lives for that cause. Remember them all, remember their families who serve by wait and keep the home fires bright. To all of you, you have my profound thanks, and best wishes for the day and for whatever holiday you keep. May the light shine on you all.

As for me, right now I am in a quandary. You see, I am not sure what it is that I have given this year. Yes, I have done little things, from the giving of food to grouting a tub, but from my side of the balance I have done nothing to deserve what I have gotten:

I have been given this year a family, and that is one of the greatest gifts of all. I’ve talked about my cousins before, but it is time you met them. Mr. C and I have known each other for years, and though we can be night and day on some things, we’ve also decided that we may have been separated at birth. We are distant relatives, but that is very distant and can’t explain how we can finish each other’s sentences and know what the other is going to do even before they do it. His lovely wife, KiltBaby, is a treat and we share some common interests and an uncommon curiosity and passion for digging things up. Their son, Clara’s Boy, is a growing boy who may yet make it to being a man. I call him Clara’s Boy for two reasons. First, his real name makes for a very bad joke if I use my normal encryption on it. A very bad joke. Second, he really is Clara’s Boy. He is supposed to, and sometimes remembers to, empty her litter box. From her viewpoint, however, his prime function is to provide the two meat pillows upon which she likes to spend the night – that’s right, she likes to sleep and/or hold court on his rump and he does serve that office with distinction. I have not heard Clara say “Boy, pit me an olive” yet but would not be surprised if she did. And, of course, there is Clara.

This year, when things did not go well and I discovered that someone was using my stuff at the Suburban Lodge, they took me into their house and home. I cannot begin to say how much I appreciated that, loved it, and enjoyed it. They opened their hearts to me and were family in a way that transcended closer blood ties or even what some of much closer blood would have ever bothered to do. Thank you is not enough, but it is all I have and I as I have a home with them, so too do they with me.

I was reminded this year yet again of family that is not blood, but more than blood. Why the Borzoi and the English Werewolf have put up with me for so many years, I honestly do not know, but I appreciate it more than I can say. From a helping hand in a figurative sense to a literal helping hand with the move, they have been there for me. They are blood of my blood in every way that truly counts and I so name them now. Friends, blood, heirs – they are people with whom I trust with more than my life, but very literally my death and know that both are safe with them.

My friendship with C, mentor and friend, continues to grow. Bless you dear lady, for putting up with me.

I have also been given the gift of friendship, and cherish those I have met this way. Tammi, you (and your Mom) are one of the best presents for which a man could wish. A good friend, confidant, advisor, and more.

Another such gift this year was getting to meet Jim of Parkway Rest Stop at the Georgia Bloggerfest. That visit was all too brief, and introduced me to some other wonderful people, but Jim is why I went for even such a short time. Correspondence is nice, but it was great to get to meet you in person. I also got to meet up formally with Michael Mealling of Rocket Forge.

By phone, I’ve gotten to spend some time with Ironbear, DaGoddess, and even a small amount with my Blogfather Joe Katzman. Each are people I want to meet with in person as soon as possible.

By e-mail I’ve gotten to know still others, among them Momma Bear and Kathy at On The Third Hand, and Kathy has done a fantastic job with work on the site. Consider this the periodic reminder to hire her. I’ve enjoyed some words with Blackfive, Val, been honored by the fact that Sgt. Hook not only reads, but comments as well, and through Tammi I’ve gotten to “meet” Teresa, Boudicca, VW, and more. There are others I should mention here, but time grows short and breakfast calls, so your forgiveness I ask. Know that all of you are important to me.

What awaited under my tree this morning? A gift of love and friendship that I have done nothing to earn. Then again, that is part of the point, for it is a gift freely given and not earned. Friendship and love are given, never demanded. Respect and trust are earned. Think on that this day, and think of the gift you can give that matters the most.

LW

Christmas Eve Cat Blogging

My former boss Clara is something else. Reports are that she has been seen sitting in front of the door to my room there, staring at it as if to demand that I come forth. I do miss her, and wanted to bring you a Christmas message from her:

From Cat and Wolf, the best to all on this Christmas Eve!

LW

Life Gets Better

I'm still not where I want to be on unpacking and much more, but it gets better. Right now, the lair is starting to smell nice from the batch of almond shortbread that is cooking. I've finally found some missing cooking items, and think I have found the missing candle holders so that I can indulge my candle fetish tonight and tomorrow. More cooking this afternoon, as I get ready for Christmas Day here at the new lair. It will be very different, in that I could not get a tree or even do most of the decorating that I normally do. However, it will be white -- a first for me.

In response to this post I have decided to post my Christmas wish list. Fear not, mine is much better and less expensive.

First, I want a load of real firewood from the south, filled with oak and hickory.

Second I want this grill and this grill to use. That's right, both of them.

Third, I want Cortney Thorn-Smith. Steve can have his choice, I like mine. Great package, rumor has it that there is a mind to go with it, and she is already owned by two dogs. I am sure that some form of joint custody, temporary or permanent, can be worked out with them by this wolf.

Fourth, I will take gift certificates to Meijer, Kroger, Caribou Coffee, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Goose Island Brew Pub. Heck, if the liquor store across the street from the latter does certificates, will take those as well.

Finally, I want a great holiday and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, and Fun New Year for all my friends and family. That one most of all, the rest is just frippery. Yes, you my readers are in that group too, so may that wish come true for one and all.

LW

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!

This week it is hosted by Food Basics, and I must say I LOVE the first part of that URL. Go check out all the yummy food and ideas, and enjoy!

LW

Bleep It’s Cold!

I had intended to post a bit more yesterday, if for no other reason than to take some breaks from unpacking. Instead, however, I spent the day making the apartment even tighter than it already was weather-wise because we were/are scheduled to go well below zero on regular temperature, and reach –20 or more on wind chill. Not sure what it is right now, as my remote sensor got buried in the snow and is not giving an accurate temperature reading.

There is now plastic in the windows, and every light switch and outlet I can reach is insulated. There are insulated plugs in every outlet not in use, and the patio door now has plastic across it as well. I don’t care how good a sliding glass door you get, they are major energy loss areas due to sheer size if nothing else. In this case, there were more leaks there than I had thought, and I plan to add another layer of plastic outside when it gets warmer next week, relatively speaking.

TIP: Many of the outlet insulation packages no longer come with any/enough plug pieces. Go buy a package of the childproofing safety plugs, and put the punch-outs from the outlet protectors on them. Then you have a nice and efficient plug to cut down on air transfer.

I have already noticed a difference, the main one being that the furnace is running less. Well, I may post more later, but for now I need to get to work baking shortbread and starting some of the cooking for tomorrow. More soon, I hope.

LW

Acceptance Of Risk

Courtesy of Rand Simburg, I was treated to comments from John Young that detail the lack of change at NASA and offer a refreshing view: the acceptance of risk. That is something lost in today’s culture, where the concept of zero-risk life, litigation, and cultures-of-victimization have taken significant control.

The V Of Victory

A few years ago, during a spate of trying to see as much theatre as I could whilst in New York, I actually attended The Vagina Monologs. Interesting is a good word for it, with victimization as the lead and the antagonist being the unwashed legions of brutish, nasty, males that lurked just offstage somewhere, waiting for their chance to victimize yet another poor, innocent, fragile vagina. Actually, I had a hard time not laughing out loud because Didi Conn was in the play and had a very contagious fit of giggles throughout that earned her the ire of other castmembers.

From the delightful Baldilocks comes a tale of a new sheriff vagina in town. One set to kick ass and take names, and no prisoners. Go enjoy.

LW

American Simplisme Endangers Innocents Yet Again

Yes, once again the cowboys of America are out endangering innocents. Failing to bow to the inevitable, they are bringing death and destruction where it need not come. Have we learned nothing from the past?

LW

Carnival Of The Recipes: Oatmeal

Most Americans have never had real oatmeal. If all you have ever had were the instant or five-minute kind, then you have never had real oatmeal (same holds true for grits). The real stuff is flavorful, has some texture, and is very good for you. It is also easy to fix, and can even cook as you sleep.

First off, find some good non-instant oatmeal. My personal preference is for Scott Porridge Oats or Mornflake, which can be found in shops around the country. Second, sit back and relax. Cooking good oatmeal is like penetrating enemy airspace: take it low and slow.

I follow the directions on the package in terms of quantities, but cook it as low and as long as circumstances allow. Alton Brown of Good Eats suggests using a crockpot and doing it overnight, which if you are cooking for more than one is not a bad idea. The longer it cooks, the better it will taste and the more of the fiber gets into play – or so they say. I can and will vouch for the former part.

My other suggestions are: 1. Don’t add salt until almost ready to serve; 2. For richness, put in a small amount of real butter; 3. For really rich taste, use milk as part of the liquid; 4. For really true richness, put cream on top as you serve; and, 5. Add some good cinnamon to it right before serving.

To be honest, I usually just eat it out of the pan with cinnamon and a small pinch of kosher salt. It is quite tasty, hot, and filling. Not a bad way to start a cold winter’s day.

LW

Foods To Eat Before You Die

Jay has up a post on foods to eat before you die. I agree with him that the list is rather eclectic and odd, but out of the list the only things I have not tried are:

Moreton Bay Bugs (???)
Guinea Pig (last on the list for me)
Paella (not a real one at any rate)
Barramundi
Reindeer (think I had it in Scandanavia, but not sure, long time ago)
Australian meat pie (again, not a real one)
Durian Fruit
Tapas (yet again, not real in my book)

As for my list, I am going to have to think on that a bit. There are so many, and I may do two: one of broad categories and one of specifics. Hmmmmmmm.

LW

Snow

Well, we did get some, but thankfully not as much as central and southern Indiana. They changed the forecast last night at six, so I went ahead and moved the grocery shopping I had planned for today to last night. There were a lot of people out buying for the holidays, getting it in ahead of the snow. None of the panic that I am used to in Huntsville when a snowflake is seen, however.

I plan to stay in as much as possible, especially since we are headed down to –10 here in the next day or so. This is one heck of a welcome back to this part of the country, but at least I will get the White Christmas.

LW
wishing for a load of good southern firewood

Mosul

Inspired by Tammi:

Light of Light
Shine forth on those to battle called
Shine forth on those from battle called
Enfold them in your love
And welcome them home

Light of Light
Shine forth on those to battle called
Shine forth on those who wounded lie
In bed, on gurney, on bunk, on ground
Guide their path, warm their hearts
And heal them whole from harm

Light of Light
Shine forth on those to battle called
Shine forth on those who serve by wait
Light their paths, guide their way
Send your warmth and love
To augment that of those called away

Light of Light
Shine forth on those to battle called
Stand with them as their shield
Stand with them near and far
In whatever form serves them best

Words fail at times like this, and naught can do justice to the thoughts I have or for what has been done. To that end, for those rough and willing to walk those dark places of world and soul, I offer the following thought:

Light of Light
Shine forth on those to battle called
By Mithras, Mars, and other form
Let those who would destroy us
And did this cowardly thing
Get all that they deserve
In Spades, In Eagles
In Eagle, Globe and Anchor

LW

Thank You, Mr. Den Beste!

I found this post yesterday through this at Instapundit. I have written a short comment at the story, but want to take the time to say it here.

Thank you, Steven Den Beste.

You see, no one has done more for me and this blog -- other than Joe Katzman, my Blogfather -- than did Mr. Den Beste. What he did was two-fold: he both showed me the heights of essay blogging and challenged me to do as well through his posts; and, he also decided my meager work rated a link on his site. That was the single highest honor I have gotten as a blogger, and it too was a challenge to do better.

For your thought, your history, and the effort you put into your work, thank you is not enough, but it is all that can be said. I thanked you at the time via e-mail, but it is far past time that I did so here.

Thank you.

If you ever need an ear, just yell.

LW

Product Review: Tiger Balm

One reason I am able to move this morning is Tiger Balm. To my mind, it is better than any other rub and one I save for really bad jobs. Part of this is that it is powerful, the other is the odor: People will know you are wearing it. You can find it at most good Oriental groceries and even at some pharmacies. Warning: activation is delayed and do NOT massage with it. For sore muscles and the like, it is very, very good.

LW

Things Go

Well, no dancing around an oak or anything else much for me last night, I crashed. I have moved at a fair pace for a bit over a week, and thanks again to all those fools kind people who joined in. Last night, however, it caught up with me. I had to get out and do things yesterday, but moving was somewhat problematic because of the knees and some related issues. Did it, but did not like it and may have been a little grumpier than I should have been.

Came home, drank my oatmeal (stout) and had a healthy supper of Cheese-Its, cheese, and an apple. Tried to catch some news, but with only rabbit ears and a cable-ready TV, it wa/is interesting. Did catch the weather, my main interest, and am happy that the worst should miss me. I am far enough south that I don't get lake effect, and this time am far enough north that I can say to central and southern Indiana "Better you than me." Good luck folks!

Any other plans I had for the evening did not happen, as I fell asleep about 2030 hours and did not get up until just a couple of minutes before 0600 this morning. Well, I did stir a little bit as new noises and such registered and the sleep was not quite as deep as I would have liked, but it was long. With it, and some care, I think I may can shake off what I've been trying to come down with since last Thursday. Meanwhile, I felt good enough this morning to write a semi-real post, get a couple of loads of laundry underway, wash a load of dishes by hand, and begin loading the next load in the diswasher. Oh, and cook a real breakfast as well. Part of me would love to take today off and rest a bit, but there is still too much to do.

With luck, however, I am going to be getting back to some real posting soon. Thank you all for your patience, and for all the good wishes!

LW
no longer moving like all of his 600 plus years of age

The War Is Doomed

Better late than never, I have seen the light because of this story and now agree that the war is lost. Enjoy.

LW
who is not going to touch this one.

Excuses, Reasons, and O’Keefe

Rand notes that I have not written much about space lately, and that is true. I have not written about much of substance in a while for a number of reasons, including the fact that others have covered some things much better than could I under the circumstances. Yet, the departure of O’Keefe from NASA warrants a few words, even more than those in this good summation.

I must admit, I had very high hopes when O’Keefe came to the agency. NASA was a dysfunctional mess on many levels, and the previous administrator was, in my opinion, was far more interested in creating new problems and preventing effective management than in becoming a part of the solution. Yes, he did inherit some significant problems, but he left those and many more for O’Keefe.

Now, few people disagreed that NASA needed a major overhaul. Word is that a naughty and nice list was drawn up, as was an assessment of major organizational and philosophical problems. Word had it that O’Keefe would come in to do some things outright, but that the problems would be laid out to upper management and NASA given the chance to fix things. Word has it that this was done, and that nothing did get done, management chosing to go with business as usual for the most part.

Now, as the article referenced above notes, it should not be thought that O’Keefe was doing nothing, for nothing could be further from the truth. I do not believe for a moment the rumor that NASA accounting was still using an abacus by firelight in a cave somewhere under the Lincoln Memorial. I think they at least had a flashlight. The system in place was antiquated, disorganized, and – I suspect – deliberately fractured along Center lines.

O’Keefe started the long needed, and just plain long, process of updating it to something at least semi-effective and modern. While I have no first-hand knowledge, I suspect that there was some resistance in certain quarters, as having a system with little or no accountability and documentation allows a certain degree of flexibility that would otherwise not be present. Along the same lines, I am not convinced that the upgrading and such is truly finished.

While some of the people rumored to be on the “naughty” list did indeed end up leaving NASA, it was far short of what most people expected. Nor was the much vaunted and long-running re-organization close to what rumor had put it. In short, a great deal of what needs to be done still has not been done.

As an institution, NASA remains extremely anti-commercial/commercialization. All of the large programs allegedly for such look not to what industry wants or needs, but to what NASA wants and needs. Marketplace realities do not enter into the equation for the most part, and NASA wants a lot without giving much in return. While it is an old example, NASA was given years ago the option to have a private company with significant food service experience design and build a galley for them for use in space. The company was more than happy to do what would have amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of development, testing, approval, and production for free. All they wanted was to have their logo on the galley. This was not acceptable to NASA, and it was turned down.

That basic attitude, along with the idea that doing research for money and to produce real products is somehow tainted and evil, is still very strongly entrenched at NASA. While some headway is being made, the campaign still has a long way to go. If you want a war analogy, I think we are at Dunkirk, not Normandy, in terms of revamping NASA.

I have heard the excuse being given by Mr. O’Keefe for leaving. Sorry, that is not a reason, but rather an excuse. Rumors abound about the true reason(s), ranging from not getting a more plum assignment in the second administration to a realization that neither he nor anyone else can do the job. My own bit of speculation goes more towards the latter. I wonder if he is leaving because he might not be allowed to do the job.

The loss of Columbia had a profound impact on the political equation. Before, I think Congress would have gone along with even an extremely drastic reorganization of the agency. Afterwards, I think that they would not because it might be seen as a vendetta of some sort. Whatever the reason, the loss significantly changed the political equation, and I for one am not sure that a number of the changes I think are necessary can now take place. If you are not going to be allowed to finish the job, and no other better assignment is available, leaving becomes the best option.

While I disagree, strongly, with several decisions made on his watch, I can say that he has made a good start towards much needed change within the agency. Sean O’Keefe was indeed the best administrator NASA has seen in many years. Starting to fix the financial system and the extremely dysfunctional safety culture were good things. My sorrow is that the job was not finished. My hope is that whomever comes after can and will continue the job, and so that the agency becomes a help to space exploration and exploitation, rather than the hindrance it has been.

LW

Bright Blessings Be

For those of you of several of the old faiths, and some new as well, Bright Blessings and Merry Meet to thee. I was reminded by Kathy that today/tonight is the winter solstice. At least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere...

LW

Faith Restored

The chronicles of moving are nearing the current end, and they do end on a high note. For, amidst the chaos and problems, there were people who restored some of my admittedly limited faith in humanity. These were people who showed the good that can be.

First, let me say that the people at the Penske depot in Nashville were all courteous, and some were truly wonderful people. There was one older driver there who showed Southern manners and hospitality at its best. Would that all of my dealings have been with this group.

No MommaBear, the Wolf was not laughing nearly as much as he should have. Yet, I did laugh a good bit at some of it, either after the fact or because it was a choice between laughing or crying. In the latter case, I almost always choose to laugh. Thank you also to VW, Jan, Tammi, Teresa, Kathy, and Catfish for their kind thoughts as well. The comments you made, along with some that came in from people other ways, helped make things better.

What finished restoring good humor and hope for mankind were two people. Without them, it would have been a long day and a cold night.

The first is a college student who gave me a hand unloading. I had seen him and asked for some assistance with the wine cellar, to be sure that I did not lean it over too far nor get too fast on the ramp. The new truck eliminated my plan to back in towards the patio door, so the cellar had to be taken down, bumped up over a curb, then onto the patio, then inside. Things went okay until the patio, when it got partly away from me and I went down hard on my left knee. I caught the cellar/dolly combo pretty much with one hand, and was amazed the knee did not hurt more for being slammed into concrete under the combined weight of myself and the cellar.

At this point, the young man jumped in and made sure I was okay, then moved me aside and pulled the cellar up onto the patio and then inside. I think this was also when he made the decision to not let me go it alone, and pitched in to help unload the truck. The net result was that we had it unloaded in about two hours, and he maneuvered to keep me from doing/lifting certain things. I was both touch by his concern, and a little miffed with some of it, but had to laugh when the latter came up. He refused any money, stating that this was just what neighbors do for each other. I was amazed, and delighted that someone that age understood so well the precepts of being neighborly.

While he did not accept any money, I did reward him in other ways. One of which was laughter, on his part and on mine when I discovered he had me pegged on some things. A neighbor needed to leave, so I moved the truck so they were no longer blocked. Doing this meant putting up the ramp. I unhooked it, lifted it up, and began sliding it in. In the process, I found out that it caught a few feet in for some reason, with the net result that I have an interesting bruise across the front of my body. I warned my new neighbor about this in case he did it for some reason, and saw him smile. He then said “You were going at full speed, too, weren’t you.” Well, yes, I was.

The second person who made the day and the journey for me was one of the maintenance men for the apartment complex. Somewhere towards 2100 hours, I discovered that the furnace would not come on. I had cut it down while the doors were open for the move, and did not think to cut it on again until much later. No joy, so I called the emergency numbers for after-hours service. I explained the problem, that I had checked the breaker and everything obvious, and that help would be appreciated.

He was there in five minutes, and then spent an hour or two replacing parts, checking, and re-checking the repairs. During this time, we talked and he gave me a number of suggestions for the area and things to do, places to eat, and some other help that resulted in my sleeping warmly in my own bed after a warm shower. Otherwise, it would have been another night in a hotel, not something I wanted. He was cheerful, friendly, and more, and he put the finishing glow on a day, and on a trip that was fraught with problems and peril at the start. How nice to end the journey in such a way, and to be reminded once again of all the good people in the world.

My thanks to them, and to everyone who commented, called, and wrote. You helped make it good, very good, and that made all that came before worthwhile.

LW

Passing Into The Light

Teresa has lost her mother-in-law. While the death was not unexpected in one sense, it was not anticipated this close to Christmas. Please take a moment and extend your sympathies, and keep the family in your thoughts during this time.

Losing a loved one during the holidays can be rough, if not outright devastating. To my mind, however, I can’t think of a better time for a Christian to “return home.” Part of this comes from having my Mom die on Christmas Eve. She had waged a long, spirited fight against ovarian cancer, and in the process helped prove Taxol as a treatment. We knew the end was near, but she wanted to be home for Christmas. That was what she said, and per her wishes we had her at home.

Christmas was always one of her favorite times, and I suspect it was her favorite day of the year. It was a day of joy, of family, of giving, and of something special. She was very devout in her beliefs, and the birth and sacrifice represented by the holiday struck a chord in her.

The time drew near and we all were finally home. Not long after I arrived, she started her final journey, but it was clear that she was fighting. Sometime the morning of Christmas Eve, something changed and the fighting stopped. Not long after, so did she.

To be honest, I was relieved as much as anything, for she no longer suffered. I worried more about the children, how to explain it to them, but there was no need. They understood even before it could be said: she had gone home for Christmas. She had gone to what she felt was her true and ultimate home, and I tend to suspect that such may have been why she quit fighting.

No, it is never easy but maybe thinking about such loss in these terms can bring some comfort to all those who lose a loved one during the holidays.

LW

For Sale: One FN Rifle

Well, between the move and some unexpected expenses, things are tight around the lair right now. Tight enough that I just sold my Dad’s deer rifle and am offering up my FN, complete with Dockter scope. No, I don’t want to do it but one does what needs must. If you are serious, legally able to purchase a weapon, and can come to northern Indiana to take possession, drop me a line. Note that if I find this is in violation of any state or other law, this post will be gone.

LW

Tales Of The Penske Follies

Sorry for the absence, but things did indeed get interesting. My concerns about the truck have been, for me at least, validated. My faith in human nature, however, has been somewhat restored by what came after. More details follow, but for now let me say that if you encountered a white 15’ Penske truck with car carrier on I-65 between Huntsville and Nashville, the maneuvering and gyrations were not my fault, but I am sorry for any inconvenience. If you encountered a yellow Penske truck with car carrier north of Nashville, any problems seen were mine, and I apologize for them.

Friday dawned somewhat cold but beautiful. I took care of a couple of things, grabbed some breakfast, and hit the road. There was no way to catch up on all the business I had hoped to do on Thursday, such as the Credit Onion, so I was just out of luck on that. To say that it started out interesting is an understatement.

By Friday morning, the truck was lower. The mud flaps dragged against the ground when I started and did so up until I picked up speed. The problem was, if I got anywhere above 55, there were severe stability issues. When a semi passed me and I was doing 65, there was two feet of sway at the top of the truck. Not good, not good at all. So, I slowed down, way down. Even so, almost everything passing made the truck sway. My take on the morning is that when an older Dodge Ram (Power Wagon, think Simon & Simon) passes you and you feel it, you have stability problems. Not to mention that the truck was sucking down gas so fast you could just about watch the gauge drop.

I pulled into a truck stop around Franklin, Tennessee, and got gas. I made a couple of calls to friends, and then called the Emergency Service number yet again. This time, the guy I get seems to be deliberately repeating back everything I say wrong. I explain that I am on 65 headed North, am in Franklin, headed to Northern Indiana, and what all has happened. He repeats back that I am in Murfreesboro on 24. Then I am southbound on 65. This kept on for a bit, and I begin to wonder because this is both an interrogation technique and something used by some companies to avoid dealing with problems. I finally ask him if he is doing it deliberately, and he told me no and got a bit huffy. Too bad.

Net result is that I find myself headed to the Penske service center in Nashville. The service manager comes out and looks at the vehicle, which has gone down a bit further, I think, particularly towards the right rear.

The truck is overloaded is the immediate determination.

I volunteer that there is less than 1.5 tons on the truck, and that I will be glad to put it on a scale to verify. The offer is declined.

Then there are words or three about it not being loaded right.

I give a quick synopsis of the experience of the person who supervised and helped load it. I point out that there is nothing heavy on or behind the rear axle. I give a hint or three about why as a pilot weight and balance are important to me, because if you screw them up you are likely to screw right into the ground. I then offer to let him examine the load/loading. Again, the offer is declined.

There are some private conversations between the service center and the guy at the emergency service number. The net result is that the truck is overloaded. They, of course, feel that it is simply overloaded and my fault. I agree it is overloaded, because there appear to be some serious suspension problems. If the suspension was in good order, then it would not be overloaded. It is dangerous to drive, on that we all agree.

So, despite it being overloaded (and it clearly implied that it is my fault) they decided to give me another truck, no additional charges. This time it is a very good one, a 26-foot International Harvester diesel. I agree, though am less than thrilled at the idea of moving all the stuff yet again. Not to worry I am told, even though it is implied that this is my fault, they will hire movers to shift the load. I do not argue.

It is getting quite late in the day (1300-1400) by this point, so I whine and get the English Werewolf to interrupt his day yet again and bring me some lunch. Let me just say that Judge Bean’s in Nashville has the best BBQ brisket I have ever eaten: flavorful to the point of not needing sauce, fall apart tender, and just plain delicious. The spicy slaw and potato salad are good too. Thank you again, my friend!

The movers that come in are good, and the load is shifted. The car carrier is re-attached, I get Pups back up on it, and off we go into the rapidly dwindling afternoon. The difference is amazing – no stability problems, no suspension issues, power to spare (love that diesel!), and it even handles well. As well as a large truck with car carrier can handle, that is.

With one stop for fuel, well, okay, one stop for me with fuel as the excuse, I reached Northern Indiana around 2300 hours. One good note is that I now have a trucker’s point card for a major truck chain and no illusions that I am good at driving such. The last time I drove something that big was in 98 and while I did okay I am far from truly competent at it. There was no way to back it up at the new abode as I had planned to do with the smaller truck, but that is a story for another day. I got here, my stuff got here, and we all lived to tell the tale.

Now, I will admit that Penske did a good thing in putting me in the larger truck and having the load shifted. I also think that it was the least they could do and I remain very unhappy with the experience. To be honest, I have been strongly urged to contest the charges, but have mixed emotions about that. While I was also given a certificate for ten percent off my next rental, I can tell you it is not likely to get used. From being late with the product to providing equipment that was not up to snuff, it was not good. I do not recommend Penske to anyone needing to move.

What I will recommend, however, is to go large and to go diesel. Despite the cost of fuel, diesel will give you more power and better fuel economy. Budget does have smaller trucks that are diesel, btw…

So, that is the saga of the drive up. The rest will be told later, so stay tuned.

LW

Memo To Security Director Sophie

Yes, it did snow but forget the brandy. Forget the masseuse. Bring coffee, then prepare for all-hands search for the coffee maker and the coffee/tea pot.

LW

Ah, The Joys Of Penske

Well, the day began bright and early for the Werewolf and I and we left Atlanta about 0430 for Huntsville. Traffic was good, the weather cold but nice, and as a result we even arrived ahead of schedule, which allowed us to get coffee and fuel before going to the Decatur Transit to pick up our truck.

To pick up the truck, ah, there’s the rub. It should have been ready about 0830 for a 0900 local pickup. We arrive, and no truck. It is on the way, be just about 15 –30 minutes, so sorry. Well that 15 minutes ended around 1130, which was great except that we were supposed to pick up an item from remote storage between 0930 and 0945. During this time, I was told several times it was on the way, as was the office from which I was renting. It appears that this information was faulty, to be polite, and at least some of the assurances were made by the main office without checking.

By the time we are able to meet the people scheduled for the earlier meeting, get the item, and get back to the storage unit, it is 1315 and we needed lunch. Also, I had contracted for a car carrier, and the truck that finally arrived had a dolly. Joy, and not acceptable. The Penske manager agreed to deliver one to us at the storage unit, and he did so right as we got back from lunch.

Fine, we are now five hours behind schedule. The Werewolf was not supposed to stay and help, but did. (thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!) Also, one of my favorite people in the world showed up and helped out. Since she is a logistics and shipping person, she helped make sure all was done right. (thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!)

Except, that didn’t matter. I already knew of an alignment problem with the right front tire and was prepared to live with it since I could not afford to let them waste another five hours. Despite all the weight and balance work done, the rear suspension does indeed sag. Joy. It is now 2130 hours and we have just discovered that the auto carrier finally delivered (five and a half hours after it was supposed to be provided) for Pups is broken. One of the ramps needed to get Pups up there is jammed solid in place. I have called the emergency hotline and someone is on the way to fix it, or see if it can be fixed. They are also going to see if I need to take the truck into the shop in the morning to have the suspension examined and/or fixed. They are supposed to be here in an hour, but based on performance to date I will believe it when I see it. Supper? What’s that? Never mind the other plans for the day, including business that was supposed to get taken care of…

We are not amused. It is bad enough that they failed to honor their contract at the start and did not have the truck ready. It is bad enough that they did not have the right equipment even then. But to have this problem and bring defective equipment is beyond the pale. At this point, I don’t care what they do or what they offer, it will take force majeure to make me ever use Penske for anything ever again. Strong advice from me: Go with Budget or anyone else, but do not depend on Penske for anything.

LW
(note, this shows as Friday but is being written late Thursday night)

UPDATE: The Werewolf had a two-plus hour drive on home, so sent him on off with many more thanks. I finally got fed up and walked to Krystal and got something to eat about 2220 hours. 2240 hours, the repair service arrived and used a prybar to get the ramp out. I asked him about the rear-end of the truck, and he said that he did not think it too low. With his professional opinion, I am proceeding on and not stopping for service. I am not at all sure about this, and have some serious concerns, but given that their repair service said it is a go, I will give it a try. After a long hot shower and some sleep, it rapidly approaching 24 hours since I got up to start this trip. LW

Atlanta Packing Is Done

Now on to Huntsville! Things go well so far, and many, many, many thanks to the English Werewolf for his help (and to the Borzoi for letting him come and help)!!

LW

Please Think Good Thoughts

For me and my back. Today, I pack up in Atlanta and the English Werewolf has agreed to come down so we can use his van to get the stuff here back to Huntsville. Tomorrow, I will be loading the truck I rented in Huntsville and Friday I am driving up to Northern Indiana. Saturday will be spent unloading, and Sunday may well be spent with heating pads, medicine, and a strong wish for a shiatsu massage. There may be more posted this week, but I am not going to promise that for sure.

LW

Sgt. Hook: Please Do Not Go

I have read what Sgt. Hook indicates is his final entry. While I understand his reasoning, and even sympathize with things, I woul