Disclaimer

If you do not know me (I mean, really know me) then there is something you need to understand before you read this blog: I value the truth above everything else... except a good laugh. A good laugh will almost always beat the truth as far as I’m concerned. Everything you read on this blog will be true, somewhat true, or something I made up in an effort to get a laugh. Sometimes I will go on a rant that I don’t really mean (or only kind of mean). Sometimes I will mean what I write only to completely change my mind a year, month, or day later. Such is life. By reading this blog you agree not to get offended by anything I write (or, at the very least, you agree not to tell me or anyone else that you are offended). It is worth noting that my employer does not endorse my blog (or even read it, to tell you the truth). The Wife also does not endorse my blog (though she will read it from time to time). I am not paid to write this... it’s just my way of giving back to the community. I have, and will, touch on a wide range of subjects and will give my opinion on these subjects. Again, most of what I say is for laughs but every now and then I will say what I really think and feel (see my views on Westboro Baptist Cult). How will you know when I’m serious and when I’m trying to get a laugh? You’ll know. And if you don’t know, well... maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be reading. So, sit back, read and enjoy. Leave comments if you want and don’t be afraid to publicly follow me.



Friday, October 30, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE KEITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Chief Watertender Peter Tomich (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor. His citation reads:

For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, and extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor by the Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Although realizing that the ship was capsizing, as a result of enemy bombing and torpedoing, Tomich remained at his post in the engineering plant of the U.S.S. Utah, until he saw that all boilers were secured and all fireroom personnel had left their stations, and by so doing lost his own life.

First Lieutenant John J. Tominac (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 12, 1944, at Saulx de Vesoul, France. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 12 September 1944, in an attack on Saulx de Vesoul, France 1st Lt. Tominac charged alone over 50 yards of exposed terrain onto an enemy roadblock to dispatch a 3-man crew of German machine gunners with a single burst from his Thompson machinegun after smashing the enemy outpost, he led 1 of his squads in the annihilation of a second hostile group defended by mortar, machinegun automatic pistol, rifle and grenade fire, killing about 30 of the enemy. Reaching the suburbs of the town, he advanced 50 yards ahead of his men to reconnoiter a third enemy position which commanded the road with a 77-mm. SP gun supported by infantry elements. The SP gun opened fire on his supporting tank, setting it afire with a direct hit. A fragment from the same shell painfully wounded 1st Lt. Tominac in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. As the crew abandoned the M-4 tank, which was rolling down hill toward the enemy, 1st Lt. Tominac picked himself up and jumped onto the hull of the burning vehicle. Despite withering enemy machinegun, mortar, pistol, and sniper fire, which was ricocheting off the hull and turret of the M-4, 1st Lt. Tominac climbed to the turret and gripped the 50-caliber antiaircraft machinegun. Plainly silhouetted against the sky, painfully wounded, and with the tank burning beneath his feet, he directed bursts of machinegun fire on the roadblock, the SP gun, and the supporting German infantrymen, and forced the enemy to withdraw from his prepared position. Jumping off the tank before it exploded, 1st Lt. Tominac refused evacuation despite his painful wound. Calling upon a sergeant to extract the shell fragments from his shoulder with a pocketknife, he continued to direct the assault, led his squad in a hand grenade attack against a fortified position occupied by 32 of the enemy armed with machineguns, machine pistols, and rifles, and compelled them to surrender. His outstanding heroism and exemplary leadership resulted in the destruction of 4 successive enemy defensive positions, surrender of a vital sector of the city Saulx de Vesoul, and the death or capture of at least 60 of the enemy.

Corporal Andrew J. Tomlin (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Wabash. His citation reads:

As corporal of the guard on board the U.S.S. Wabash during the assault on Fort Fisher, on 15 January 1865. As 1 of 200 marines assembled to hold a line of entrenchments in the rear of the fort which the enemy threatened to attack in force following a retreat in panic by more than two_thirds of the assaulting ground forces, Cpl. Tomlin took position in line and remained until morning when relief troops arrived from the fort. When one of his comrades was struck down by enemy fire, he unhesitatingly advanced under a withering fire of musketry into an open plain close to the fort and assisted the wounded man to a place of safety.


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I’m taking a break from our Halloween preparations to swing by the I’m just sayin… offices to wish my Uncle Keith a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope he has a GREAT DAY!!!!!!!

If I don’t talk to you again before tomorrow, I hope all of you have a fun, safe Halloween night.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

This past Sunday...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Quartermaster Samuel Todd (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 5, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Brooklyn. His citation reads:

Stationed at the conn on board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks from stem to stern, Todd performed his duties with outstanding skill and courage throughout the furious battle which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.

First Lieutenant John J. Toffey (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 23, 1863, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Although excused from duty on account of sickness, went to the front in command of a storming party and with conspicuous gallantry participated in the assault of Missionary Ridge; was here wounded and permanently disabled.

Private Frank Tolan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1876, at Little Big Horn, Montana. His citation reads:

Voluntarily brought water to the wounded under fire.


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I just wanted to share a few videos (and pics) from our church this past Sunday. All 3 kids were involved in the first service… the girls pulled double duty and also participated in the second service. I will tell you that all 3 did far better than I could. There are also some pics from the Fall Festival. Sorry in advance for the quality of the pictures and videos, but you get what you pay for…


I wanted to give you a look at the difference in how The Wife and I view Daniel.  The top picture is through my eyes.  The bottom picture is through her eyes.

Daniel's choir in action... See if you can spot Susie and Mary Ruth in the background

Susie's choir

3 of Mary Ruth's choir



Susie and Mary Ruth did a GREAT job sitting through service without moving around... The Wife didn't do as well, but she's getting better.

Between services

Here are a few pictures from the second service (I sat a little closer for this one)



Ready for the Fall Festival

I should have asked Officer Dunlap to arrest Batman for taking his mask off...














Sunday, October 25, 2015

I'll Fly Away

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Major Edward P. Tobie (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from March 29 to April 9, 1865, during the Appomattox Campaign, Virginia. His citation reads:

Though severely wounded at Sailors Creek, 6 April, and at Farmville, 7 April, refused to go to the hospital, but remained with his regiment, performed the full duties of adjutant upon the wounding of that officer, and was present for duty at Appomattox.

First Lieutenant/Adjutant John M. Tobin (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1862, at Malvern Hill, Virginia. His citation reads:

Voluntarily took command of the 9th Massachusetts while adjutant, bravely fighting from 3 p.m. until dusk, rallying and re-forming the regiment under fire; twice picked up the regimental flag, the color bearer having been shot down, and placed it in worthy hands.

Landsman Paul Tobin (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 3, 1871, on board the U.S.S. Plymouth. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Plymouth, Hamburg Harbor, 3 July 1871. Jumping overboard at the imminent risk of his life, Tobin, with a comrade, rescued from drowning one of a party who was thrown from a shore boat into a 4-knot running tide while the boat was coming alongside the ship.


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The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

I’ll Fly Away


This hymn was written in 1929 by Albert E. Brumley and published in 1932. You can read more about it here.


Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away

Chorus
I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away


When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

Chorus

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away

Chorus

Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

Chorus

Sunday, October 18, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Musician Calvin Pearl Titus (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 14, 1900, at Peking, China. His citation reads:

Gallant and daring conduct in the presence of his colonel and other officers and enlisted men of his regiment; was first to scale the wall of the city.

Sergeant Charles Titus (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865, at Sailors Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Was among the first to check the enemy's countercharge.

Sergeant James W. Toban (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 11, 1865, at Aiken, South Carolina. His citation reads:

Voluntarily and at great personal risk returned, in the face of the advance of the enemy, and rescued from impending death or capture, Maj. William C. Stevens, 9th Michigan Cavalry, who had been thrown from his horse.


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I’d like to wish my sweet little Susie a VERY HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Wife says there’s a lot of evil in her, but she also says she acts just like me… so I think we can all see what that’s all about. Anyway, I trust she will have a great day today.

Look who got her ears pierced


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

What a Friend We Have in Jesus


This hymn was as a poem by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855. It was originally published anonymously… Scriven didn’t receive full credit for it until the 1880’s. Charles Crozat Converse (Charlie CC, Chuckie 2Cs or C3PO to his friends) composed the tune to the hymn in 1868. There are a number of different versions of this hymn… you can read more about it here.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant William Tilton (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions in 1864, during the Richmond Campaign, Virginia. His citation reads:

Gallant conduct in the field.

Sergeant Grant Frederick Timmerman (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 8, 1944, on Saipan, Marianas Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as tank commander serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 8 July 1944. Advancing with his tank a few yards ahead of the infantry in support of a vigorous attack on hostile positions, Sgt. Timmerman maintained steady fire from his antiaircraft sky mount machinegun until progress was impeded by a series of enemy trenches and pillboxes. Observing a target of opportunity, he immediately ordered the tank stopped and, mindful of the danger from the muzzle blast as he prepared to open fire with the 75mm., fearlessly stood up in the exposed turret and ordered the infantry to hit the deck. Quick to act as a grenade, hurled by the Japanese, was about to drop into the open turret hatch, Sgt. Timmerman unhesitatingly blocked the opening with his body holding the grenade against his chest and taking the brunt of the explosion. His exception valor and loyalty in saving his men at the cost of his own life reflect the highest credit upon Sgt. Timmerman and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Corporal Eugene M. Tinkham (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Virginia. His citation reads:

Though himself wounded, voluntarily left the rifle pits, crept out between the lines and, exposed to the severe fire of the enemy's guns at close range, brought within the lines 2 wounded and helpless comrades.


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I’d like to take a minute today to wish my Labor Day Cousin Jane a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! We hope she has a GREAT day!!!!! The walk it over, but you can still donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Jane’s birthday… OR, you could donate here to help a couple who suffered a good bit of flood damage last week (why them? Because word on the street is that Jane asked people to help them… so really that would probably be the better birthday donation).


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Just as I Am


This hymn was written by Charlotte Elliot in 1835. Find out more about the hymn here.


Just as I am - without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - though toss'd about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Friday, October 9, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOUIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class John F. Thorson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 28, 1944, at Dagami, Leyte, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

He was an automatic rifleman on 28 October 1944, in the attack on Dagami Leyte, Philippine Islands. A heavily fortified enemy position consisting of pillboxes and supporting trenches held up the advance of his company. His platoon was ordered to out-flank and neutralize the strongpoint. Voluntarily moving well out in front of his group, Pvt. Thorson came upon an enemy fire trench defended by several hostile riflemen and, disregarding the intense fire directed at him, attacked single-handed He was seriously wounded and fell about 6 yards from the trench. Just as the remaining 20 members of the platoon reached him, 1 of the enemy threw a grenade into their midst. Shouting a warning and making a final effort, Pvt. Thorson rolled onto the grenade and smothered the explosion with his body. He was instantly killed, but his magnificent courage and supreme self-sacrifice prevented the injury and possible death of his comrades, and remain with them as a lasting inspiration.

Private Andrew W. Tibbets (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 16, 1865, at Columbus, Georgia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag and bearer, Austin's Battery (C.S.A.).

Major/Surgeon Henry R. Tilton (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 30, 1877, at Bear Paw Mountain, Montana. His citation reads:

Fearlessly risked his life and displayed great gallantry in rescuing and protecting the wounded men.


I row, row, rowed my boat into the I’m just sayin… offices today to wish my cousin Louis a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We hope that he has a great day today (and an even better day tomorrow watching college football).

In honor of his birthday, I’m going to post some pictures related to the weather this past weekend…

Water in our backyard

Water in our street

This was after it had gone down some... but our power didn't go out, so that's the important thing (during football season)

Susie with her foster-friend Rainy

Daniel in his Storm Fort


New map of the Southeast










Foster-dog Rainy taking a nap with me...

This is what she did when I told her she wasn't staying with us forever

Oh yeah, it's also our week to have our step-dogs... Here's Colt meeting Rainy

Colt taking a nap on Susie...

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Seaman Michael Thornton (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 26, 1881, on board the U.S. Tug Leyden. His citation reads:

For jumping overboard from the U.S. Tug Leyden, near Boston, Mass., 26 August 1881, and sustaining until picked up, Michael Drennan, landsman, who had jumped overboard while temporarily insane.

Petty Officer Michael Edwin Thornton (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 31, In the Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while participating in a daring operation against enemy forces. PO Thornton, as Assistant U.S. Navy Advisor, along with a U.S. Navy lieutenant serving as Senior Advisor, accompanied a 3-man Vietnamese Navy SEAL patrol on an intelligence gathering and prisoner capture operation against an enemy-occupied naval river base. Launched from a Vietnamese Navy junk in a rubber boat, the patrol reached land and was continuing on foot toward its objective when it suddenly came under heavy fire from a numerically superior force. The patrol called in naval gunfire support and then engaged the enemy in a fierce firefight, accounting for many enemy casualties before moving back to the waterline to prevent encirclement. Upon learning that the Senior Advisor had been hit by enemy fire and was was believed to be dead, PO Thornton returned through a hail of fire to the lieutenant's last position; quickly disposed of 2 enemy soldiers about to overrun the position, and succeeded in removing the seriously wounded and unconscious Senior Naval Advisor to the water's edge. He then inflated the lieutenant's lifejacket and towed him seaward for approximately 2 hours until picked up by support craft. By his extraordinary courage and perseverance, PO Thornton was directly responsible for saving the life of his superior officer and enabling the safe extraction of all patrol members, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Major Leo K. Thorsness (US Air Force) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 19, 1967, over North Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. As pilot of an F- 105 aircraft, Lt. Col. Thorsness was on a surface-to-air missile suppression mission over North Vietnam. Lt. Col. Thorsness and his wingman attacked and silenced a surface-to-air missile site with air-to-ground missiles, and then destroyed a second surface-to-air missile site with bombs. In tile attack on the second missile site, Lt. Col. Thorsness' wingman was shot down by intensive antiaircraft fire, and the 2 crewmembers abandoned their aircraft. Lt. Col. Thorsness circled the descending parachutes to keep the crewmembers in sight and relay their position to the Search and Rescue Center. During this maneuver, a MIG-17 was sighted in the area. Lt. Col. Thorsness immediately initiated an attack and destroyed the MIG. Because his aircraft was low on fuel, he was forced to depart the area in search of a tanker. Upon being advised that 2 helicopters were orbiting over the downed crew's position and that there were hostile MlGs in the area posing a serious threat to the helicopters, Lt. Col. Thorsness, despite his low fuel condition, decided to return alone through a hostile environment of surface-to-air missile and antiaircraft defenses to the downed crew's position. As he approached the area, he spotted 4 MIG-17 aircraft and immediately initiated an attack on the MlGs, damaging 1 and driving the others away from the rescue scene. When it became apparent that an aircraft in the area was critically low on fuel and the crew would have to abandon the aircraft unless they could reach a tanker, Lt. Col. Thorsness, although critically short on fuel himself, helped to avert further possible loss of life and a friendly aircraft by recovering at a forward operating base, thus allowing the aircraft in emergency fuel condition to refuel safely. Lt. Col. Thorsness' extraordinary heroism, self-sacrifice, and personal bravery involving conspicuous risk of life were in the highest traditions of the military service, and have reflected great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Jesus Loves the Little Children


This hymn was written by Clare Herbert Woolston… and that’s about all I could find about it. That… and the lyrics. About the lyrics… I found multiple versions. I’m posting the version I know the best.


Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in his sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world

Jesus cares for all the children
All the children of the world
Black and yellow, red and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus cares for the children of the world

Jesus came to save the children
All the children of the world
Black and yellow, red and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus came to save the children of the world

Jesus came to save the children of the world

Saturday, October 3, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANDLER!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Coxswain William George Thordsen (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 6, 1900, at Hilongas, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

For heroism and gallantry under fire of the enemy at Hilongas, Philippine Islands, 6 May 1900.

Second Lieutenant Walter Thorn (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 1, 1865, at Dutch Gap Canal, Virginia. His citation reads:

After the fuze to the mined bulkhead had been lit, this officer, learning that the picket guard had not been withdrawn, mounted the bulkhead and at great personal peril warned the guard of its danger.

Corporal Horace M. Thorne (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 21, 1944, near Grufflingen, Belgium. His citation reads:

He was the leader of a combat patrol on 21 December 1944 near Grufflingen, Belgium, with the mission of driving German forces from dug-in positions in a heavily wooded area. As he advanced his light machinegun, a German Mark Ill tank emerged from the enemy position and was quickly immobilized by fire from American light tanks supporting the patrol. Two of the enemy tankmen attempted to abandon their vehicle but were killed by Cpl. Thorne's shots before they could jump to the ground. To complete the destruction of the tank and its crew, Cpl. Thorne left his covered position and crept forward alone through intense machinegun fire until close enough to toss 2 grenades into the tank's open turret, killing 2 more Germans. He returned across the same fire-beaten zone as heavy mortar fire began falling in the area, seized his machinegun and, without help, dragged it to the knocked-out tank and set it up on the vehicle's rear deck. He fired short rapid bursts into the enemy positions from his advantageous but exposed location, killing or wounding 8. Two enemy machinegun crews abandoned their positions and retreated in confusion. His gun Jammed; but rather than leave his self-chosen post he attempted to clear the stoppage; enemy small-arms fire, concentrated on the tank, killed him instantly. Cpl. Thorne, displaying heroic initiative and intrepid fighting qualities, inflicted costly casualties on the enemy and insured the success of his patrol's mission by the sacrifice of his life.


I know it’s Saturday, but I decided to swim my way by the I’m just sayin… offices to wish my good friend and Labor Day cousin Chandler a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope she has a great day!


In honor of her birthday, let’s take a look at some pics from this past Labor Day Weekend…