Times are hard for many people.
They can not pay their gas bill,the electric bill,the mortgage and many other bills that are necessary just to live.
Many of the customers I have live in mansions,really,mansions that just amazing.
I see the bills for the grandfather clocks they buy and I see how many are financed.Sadly these people finance a luxury item.They really need counseling.
If you buy a large SUV,have the common sense to realize that filling it up will cost over a hundred bucks.
My small pick up truck costs me $70.00 to fill it up last week.Sheeesh!
The moral here is simple.Do not live above your means,period.
Life is easier when you don't owe money.
The bible says owe no man anything.It is freedom from worry.
I have made mistakes in my life,but I think I have learned a bit.
So, what is the secret of happiness? A new car? A luxury item you can live without?
A bigger house?
No, the secret to happiness is Jesus,family and friends.Pretty simple but trust me.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
USS Juneau and The Five Sullivans
I recently sold a book to a high ranking crew memeber of the USS Juneau.
After confirming the sale and a few emails back and forth,we delveloped a friendship which I treasure.
I cannot mention his name nor his rank,nor do I know where the ship is at this time.
I can say this,post Memorial Day,2008,my friends on the Juneau I thank you.This is from an American living in the midwest who has only seen the oceans from ashore but whos has had dreams of sailing all his life.
I admire you,crew of The USS Juneau,and I salute you.
When I first got the notice of a book going to the Juneau I was reminded of the history of this name,the history and legacy that the name carries.
On the evening of November 12th,1942 the Juneau was struck by a Japanese torpedo.
Serving on the ship were The 5 Sullivan brothers.
All the brothers were killed that night,a night that lives on in the memories of the family and friends.
Friends,that night lives on in my heart too,I won't forget your sacrifice for as long as I live.
Below is the story of the Five Sullivans.
Take the time to read it and honor those who have gone on before.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/sullivan-brothers.htm
After confirming the sale and a few emails back and forth,we delveloped a friendship which I treasure.
I cannot mention his name nor his rank,nor do I know where the ship is at this time.
I can say this,post Memorial Day,2008,my friends on the Juneau I thank you.This is from an American living in the midwest who has only seen the oceans from ashore but whos has had dreams of sailing all his life.
I admire you,crew of The USS Juneau,and I salute you.
When I first got the notice of a book going to the Juneau I was reminded of the history of this name,the history and legacy that the name carries.
On the evening of November 12th,1942 the Juneau was struck by a Japanese torpedo.
Serving on the ship were The 5 Sullivan brothers.
All the brothers were killed that night,a night that lives on in the memories of the family and friends.
Friends,that night lives on in my heart too,I won't forget your sacrifice for as long as I live.
Below is the story of the Five Sullivans.
Take the time to read it and honor those who have gone on before.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/sullivan-brothers.htm
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and his 54th Infantry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9akLxU1Mmo
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (October 10, 1837 – July 18, 1863)
One of my favorite movies is Glory.
I find the dedication of this man amazing.
Robert grew up in a privileged home in Boston,yet when called to do his duty he went far over what he was called to do.
Often my thoughts go back to this time when things were simpler and honor was easily defined.
When Roberts father heard that he was buried in a common grave with his soldiers,his father said there could be no greater honor.
Below is copied from Wikipedia.
After Abraham Lincoln's election and the secession of several Southern states, Shaw joined the 7th New York Infantry Regiment and marched with it to the defense of Washington, D.C., in April 1861. The unit served only thirty days. In May 1861, Shaw joined the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry as second lieutenant. He served there for over two years, seeing action at the Battle of Antietam, and was promoted to captain.
He was then recruited by Governor John A. Andrew to raise and command one of the first regiments of black troops for the Union. Although he was initially unenthusiastic about his assignment, the dedication of his men deeply impressed him and he grew to respect them as fine soldiers. Upon learning that black soldiers would receive less pay than white ones, he inspired his unit to conduct a boycott until this inequality was rectified.
Shaw was promoted to major on March 31, 1863, and to colonel on April 17, so he was in charge of the 54th when they were ordered to loot and then burn the city of Darien, Georgia, on June 11, much to Shaw's dismay. The destruction of the undefended city of little strategic importance had been ordered by Colonel James Montgomery.
On May 2, 1863, Shaw married Anna Kneeland Haggerty (d. 1907) in New York City. They had decided to marry before the unit left Boston despite their parents' misgivings. They spent their brief honeymoon at the Haggerty farm in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Robert Shaw is well-known for the over 200 letters he wrote to his family and friends during the Civil War. They are currently located in the Houghton Library at Harvard University. Some may also be found in the book Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune, which includes most of his letters and a brief biography of Shaw. They are also quoted liberally by Ken Burns in his documentary miniseries The Civil War.
Death at Fort Wagner
The Storming of Fort WagnerThe 54th was sent to Charleston, South Carolina, to take part in the operations against the Confederates stationed there. On July 18, 1863, along with two brigades of white troops, the 54th assaulted Confederate Battery Wagner. As the unit hesitated in the face of fierce Confederate fire, Shaw led his men into battle by shouting, "Forward, Fifty-Fourth!" He mounted a parapet and urged his men forward, but was shot through the heart and his body fell into the fort
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (October 10, 1837 – July 18, 1863)
One of my favorite movies is Glory.
I find the dedication of this man amazing.
Robert grew up in a privileged home in Boston,yet when called to do his duty he went far over what he was called to do.
Often my thoughts go back to this time when things were simpler and honor was easily defined.
When Roberts father heard that he was buried in a common grave with his soldiers,his father said there could be no greater honor.
Below is copied from Wikipedia.
After Abraham Lincoln's election and the secession of several Southern states, Shaw joined the 7th New York Infantry Regiment and marched with it to the defense of Washington, D.C., in April 1861. The unit served only thirty days. In May 1861, Shaw joined the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry as second lieutenant. He served there for over two years, seeing action at the Battle of Antietam, and was promoted to captain.
He was then recruited by Governor John A. Andrew to raise and command one of the first regiments of black troops for the Union. Although he was initially unenthusiastic about his assignment, the dedication of his men deeply impressed him and he grew to respect them as fine soldiers. Upon learning that black soldiers would receive less pay than white ones, he inspired his unit to conduct a boycott until this inequality was rectified.
Shaw was promoted to major on March 31, 1863, and to colonel on April 17, so he was in charge of the 54th when they were ordered to loot and then burn the city of Darien, Georgia, on June 11, much to Shaw's dismay. The destruction of the undefended city of little strategic importance had been ordered by Colonel James Montgomery.
On May 2, 1863, Shaw married Anna Kneeland Haggerty (d. 1907) in New York City. They had decided to marry before the unit left Boston despite their parents' misgivings. They spent their brief honeymoon at the Haggerty farm in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Robert Shaw is well-known for the over 200 letters he wrote to his family and friends during the Civil War. They are currently located in the Houghton Library at Harvard University. Some may also be found in the book Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune, which includes most of his letters and a brief biography of Shaw. They are also quoted liberally by Ken Burns in his documentary miniseries The Civil War.
Death at Fort Wagner
The Storming of Fort WagnerThe 54th was sent to Charleston, South Carolina, to take part in the operations against the Confederates stationed there. On July 18, 1863, along with two brigades of white troops, the 54th assaulted Confederate Battery Wagner. As the unit hesitated in the face of fierce Confederate fire, Shaw led his men into battle by shouting, "Forward, Fifty-Fourth!" He mounted a parapet and urged his men forward, but was shot through the heart and his body fell into the fort
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Things I Think About
I wonder at nature.The Canadian Rockies just stunned me.The mountains there are overwhelming.They literally brought tears to our eyes.
Ham radio people are good people.I never had any bad dealings with any.But I am sure there are some nuts.
How can God say He remembers our sins no more?
Squrrells are the bane of my gardens existence.I may start to keep one of my swords outside.
Speaking of outside,Linda and I have now found 3 baby possums in our yard.2 were deceased,one was brought into our back room by Norma Jean(one of our dogs).It was still alive and was sqealing horribly.Lin pretended she was in the shower,so I had to throw the thing out by myself.They are certainly awful things.
I have done well selling grandfather clocks on Ebay recently.The wonder of it is that there is a good market for them.
Mothers Day is around the corner.I think about my mom,she has been gone a while now,but just beginning her time in heaven.
If there is no time in heaven,what am I gonna do for a living.
Good dogs go to heaven,don't you think.Above is Molly,I had her since she was 6 weeks old.I miss that old dog,big time.
Ham radio people are good people.I never had any bad dealings with any.But I am sure there are some nuts.
How can God say He remembers our sins no more?
Squrrells are the bane of my gardens existence.I may start to keep one of my swords outside.
Speaking of outside,Linda and I have now found 3 baby possums in our yard.2 were deceased,one was brought into our back room by Norma Jean(one of our dogs).It was still alive and was sqealing horribly.Lin pretended she was in the shower,so I had to throw the thing out by myself.They are certainly awful things.
I have done well selling grandfather clocks on Ebay recently.The wonder of it is that there is a good market for them.
Mothers Day is around the corner.I think about my mom,she has been gone a while now,but just beginning her time in heaven.
If there is no time in heaven,what am I gonna do for a living.
Good dogs go to heaven,don't you think.Above is Molly,I had her since she was 6 weeks old.I miss that old dog,big time.
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