A Well Deserved THANK YOU!!!

Jackie starts back at school tomorrow :(  without kids but still.... Summer is Over...
Kids all go back in next week....

I will do this a lot -- Until all of the Good Things I Wrote on Anything at Anytime are here.
They are What I have written and I want them all found in an many places as I can get them...
Because I Think they are Good and from the few comments I got there and then say the same thing.  You can Go to the old site and see the Original but Please don't comment there as I cant get into that site anymore and put the comments up... Comment here, I learned my lesson and Comments go straight up on the page when you post them....

This Post Particularly will be Posted EVERY Year just before School Starts so Teachers will know that Someone Appreciates what They DO for Us and Our Children - Our Children which ARE OUR FUTURE.... EVERYONE from Neil Armstrong to Presidents, General Laborers - aka Plumbers/Electricians/Painters/Mechanics etc..., ALL start in School.

So Please Comment and Leave Names of those you think fits what I wrote back then and still applies to today...

Writ by me today
Danny


Enjoy and Think Back -- Remember One? or a Few?


Written Aug. 16th 2010

Anything at Anytime says Thank You!

Today's post may be short, or it may be long just depends on how much I can think of to Thank Many Hard working individuals.

As today is the first day back to work for my wife today - without students (that is next Monday), I would like to Thank Teachers.

Please understand this is for those Teachers that take an active interest in their students and their job.  There are some out there that just take the job as a job and don't try and don't care for anything but the paycheck.  I have seen them on my own and witnessed them walking down school halls.  Believe me when I say this - Students and People in general can tell a Teacher from a teacher.

For the Teachers out there that Really care for their students and are proud of their profession, I THANK YOU!

Thank You for:

1. watching our kids day in and day out.
2. making sure our kids have a safe place to go if they feel things aren't right or safe.
3. Educating our children with all of the restrictions placed on you by state and federal regulations.
4. Showing up to work every single day even though you feel like "crap".
5. Dealing with those kids that just don't want to be away from "mommy" or "daddy".
6. Having to put up with runny noses and scrapped knees.
7. Making sure our children understand that with an education there are better things out there for us all.
8. Putting up with those of us that are a challenge at times.
9. and along with #8 having the Patients of Job
10. Those Teachers that take their own money to ensure that those one or two students that don't have,  Have mysteriously.  
11. The Teachers that see a student not as a kid that they have to suffer with day in and day out but sees the child as a person that has human issues outside of school.
12. finding whatever way it takes to get the student(s) too understand.  (even though I personally have always had issues with "to" and "too" :) )
13. Standing up for and Noticing that it is not always One child's fault.
14. Encouraging our children to try to do their best.
15. helping our children realize they have more Potential than they think.
16. finding that thing that makes each kid tick and helping them understand how what you are teaching applies to that - example: a kid likes rockets but is having difficulty in science, once the kid knows that science got the rocket going he/she pushes harder to learn more.
17. opening the minds of our children.
18. dealing with sore feet because of walking around the classroom all day.
19. doing extra work at home in order to be prepared for the next day
20. and Most Important of All:   Being a TEACHER that CARES.

If you see yourself in this List - Thanks from a father and a former student
If you don't see yourself on this list and want to be there find a Teacher at your school and ask them how you might be better.  Personally, my first suggestion would be to realize that you might learn something from your kids.  Education is a two way street.

If you are not a Teacher, but can think of a few send this to them or mention their names here.

Personally I have several:

My wife Jacqueline, Coach and American History Teacher Mike Graham,
Coach and Physics Brenda Railey, Coach and World History Tim Knowles,
English and GT Jacquita Lewter, Speech and Spanish Janet Hayes,
Coach and Phys Ed. Jimmy Arendt, Texas History and then Elementary Principle Charles Brown,
This list could go on and on because I was one of the Lucky ones that landed in a school district full of fabulous Teachers and got one Hell of an Education.

Again  THANK YOU !!!!  TEACHERS

An Update on Thomas' Quest

The 3rd Letter
The 2nd Letter (if you haven't read)
The 1st Letter   (The beginning of this ?????)

So enjoy the ongoing whatever it is?

 

Writ by me today

 

Written on Old Site

Nov. 9th 2010

 

 

 

Anything at Anytime (Me, Myself, I, We, we) is going to continue Posting Letters from Thomas DumBass Snotbottom as they are received.  So, Guess What?

Yeap, Got another one Yesterday about a half hour after I posted.

Dan,

If I remember correctly I mailed out the last letter to you when we were leaving your old childhood stomping grounds in Germany.  Yes, that is correct.  Did I tell you we were headed to Greenland and destination(s) unknown in the Arctic?  If not, I did now.

You would not believe the difficulties we have had all journey so far.  If I did not know better I would figure someone (or Something) is conspiring against my (our - as you have a vested interest) endeavors to find "Frozen Hell".  

What is odd is the things going wrong and slowing us down are small things.  Things that by themselves should never really be an issue.  When we were leaving Germany three out of four trucks/vans had engine trouble (all three different little things; spark plugs, belts, and one even had a banana in the tail pipe that backed up the exhaust?).  Those added a good five days to the trip as we had to wait for parts.

Finally, back on the road again we got up to Bremen so that we could board the ship I chartered.  You would get a kick out of her.  Her name is Sierra Mist.  I know, reminds you of your Navy days onboard the Sierra doesn't it?  When I saw her name on the available rolls I had to have Her as I found it to be to fortuitous not, considering the Quest I'm on.

We got to Bremen, boarded and loaded everything on the Sierra Mist and ready to go and were informed by her Captain we would have to delay our departure for a few days as they were dredging the mouth of the Harbor for a few new deep draft ships that were to be coming in to port.  Eight days, due to delays before we even left Europe!  Frustrating is to mellow a word for what I am feeling about these things.

Out to sea at last!

The Sierra Mist is a Fine Lady.  As you know the Seas up north can get a bit "Hairy" to say the least but she has handled them well and I have only had to lean over the side a couple of times to Toss things - so to speak.  I have No idea how you handled being at sea as much as you were.  A new found respect there my Friend.  Can't wait to get back on land and be able to walk straight again.

We Finally got to Greenland and Again had to Wait to pull in due to the Volcanic activity they have had recently.  You may have heard about that in the news.  Well, apparently the Volcanic activity caused a bit of underwater land shifting and they were in the process of re-sounding the harbor to insure it could still handle all sizes of ships.  That was another two days wait.

I know, I haven't really told you much and we haven't made a big bunch of progress other than moving from one point to another.  With everything that has delayed us, I do consider it positive movement.  

We have got a guide and She (you would like her - but since your married - well, you know me ;) ) is a very knowledgeable person.  Sustera is her name but she has asked us all to call her Suz so that no one chops up the proper pronunciation of her name.  Suz knows a bit about Dragons and has done some small explorations on her own.  Her suggestion is to go to the Volcano that is/was recently active and start there as that specific Volcano showed no signs of activity prior to its eruption and that it just so happened to coincide with the launching of this Quest.

Well, I need to get this in the Post so that you know what is going on and where we are.  If things should happen that you do not hear from me for awhile be patient as Greenland is a sparse country and does not have availabilities to readily or quickly get word out.

Hope all is well with you and yours!

Your Friend and Dragon Compatriot 

Tomas DumBass Snotbottom

P.S. Don't know when you will get this so tell your eldest Happy Birthday for me.  Oh, and a Happy Birthday to you Really early as I know that is coming up as well.

I am telling you, sometimes I think he is baiting me to go join him as he knows I LOVE Hunting Dragons.  Not to Kill them mind you but to see them and find them.

Anyway, I guess we will just have to wait for more news to see what is Happening with him now.  Imagine the possibilities of seeing a Grand Ancient Dragon and maybe in or around an Active Volcano to boot.

An Idea, A " Hunt " and an Ultra Cheezy Prize

Hello Readers,

This is New, Fresh material for Anything at Anytime.... Again, it will not be found written on the Old site.  When I started this site up back at the tail end of May, One of my thoughts was to make this an Interactive site. 

Bare with me and let me Explain....

I wanted to be able to Offer you the Reader(s) the chance from time to time to go Beyond Just My Site and see a few other Blogs or News Sites or twitter or ANY kind of medium that I can find that you could access Via your Computer (at NO Cost to you... aka FREE sites) and "Hunt" around.

If I had Money to spend, Maybe offer a prize or two, to (or is it "too", I Always mix those two up) the first to Find the "Answer or End" to/too (lol) my question or goal.
At this time I can NOT afford prizes and do NOT have a "Sponsor" to give me "Products/Prizes" to Offer, All I can do at this time is a "Heartfelt" "Thank You" and "Yes you got it Right", and a Shout Out on Twitter mentioning your Name (if you like, if not I won't).

That being Said.... I will Still Keep this an AD Free site as LONG as possible...!!!!!
Any "Sponsor(s)" Will Have to REALIZE I will NOT put Links Directly to their site (A Picture, description of Product, Who makes it, etc... BUT NO DIRECT ADVERTISING).

People that want the Product or are Interested will have enough info with the Picture, Description, and the Who to pull it up on any Search Engine and Purchase on their Own without ME "Making" them.  They the Potential "Sponsor(s)" would have to ship Directly to the "Winner(s)" at No Cost to me or the "Winner(s)"!!!!!

Personally I have a Couple in mind off the Top of My Head that I would Like to be the First Sponsor(s) in no specific order.... One is an Author I follow and will "Pitch" my idea to him personally, he may not be interested but He has been Kind and Friendly to me in our Chats so I will afford him the opportunity if he would like... If not He is still Cool and Friendly and No "Bones" by me... Especially because he likes to comment about DRAGONS....  :)

Oh, is it too/to Obvious that I LIKE me some DRAGONS????
(No, I don't have a Page here Dedicated to DRAGONS do I?)

The Other One I have in mind.... Well, I am Invested in them and Have Stock in the Company. 
No, I am NOT a MAJOR Shareholder... my measly +/- 2K shares (is but a Fraction of a Fractions Fractions Fraction..... Yep that little.... but I will buy more as I can with what little I gots)...
Anyway,
That Company is Totally Hemp Crazy (stock symbol: THCZ) they Have a Drink Line "Rocky Mountain High": Energy, Lemonade, Iced Tea (see Picture on the side - That was the first can I drank... In my Opinion... GOOD!!!  Nice out of the can but better Poured over Ice (whole ice, not crushed... Like you would a Scotch on the Rocks) in a Tall Glass Glass), Lime Coconut and "rumored" (not out yet) to be bringing out a Mango... as well as other things available...
I Would LOVE to have them Offer a Case (12 cans to a Case) of the "Winner(s)'s" choice...
It would be a Win/Win...

1. They would get additional exposure to others that are not aware of their products.

2. It would be Relatively Inexpensive (Value of a Case or # of Cases, shipping and a blurp on Facebook and Twitter that a Contest was taking place on (you guessed it) Anything at Anytime.... Again.

3. I imagine there is a way that they would be able to write that off as Advertising Expense or something like that.

4. For me... it would be (Hopefully) added exposure, more Followers (here and on G+ and Twitter (because every Post gets a blip or two on Twitter and G+) leading to Comments and helping me explore new ideas for writing from comments.....

5.  For them.... Depending upon where the "Winner(s)" are from... it could give them Exposure in areas they have not expanded to yet and maybe create some (a few) online orders or a demand to expand into a new Region... Like OUT Here in El Paso... (Hint, Hint) (wink, wink) (nudge, nudge).

BUT....
That is Probably "Wishful Thinking" on my behalf...

Anyway, back to how I want to make this Interactive / a "Hunt"...

I will write my Post for the Day and may ask you to go Look "Something" "Anything" Up... It may involve Looking at a few sites.... I will put clues out to what you are looking for and the Follow ups that make you go to other sites "From" a link on those sites....
Some will be easy... like what I have Planned for today... and Depending upon what the "Prize" is it may require a bit of Reading and Searching to Find the "Answer(s)" that lead you to "The Answer".

All of My Links/Hints/Starting points will Open in another Window so you can keep my page open and refer back to it so you don't have to backtrack/reload/loose your place... etc.

Oh, and Sometimes I Might just send you Hunting DRAGONS....

Also, as I have Stated in a Previous Post on here.... Anything written or On this site at Anytime is.... Again, FAIR Game for any Future "Hunts"

So....

If you have Read this far and are Intrigued and Interested....

The Very First (1st) HUNT

It is Simple.... I will Give you ALL You need to Answer the question and it will be Minor Hunting...
You will need to go where directed via the link, Look, Read, and Find/Scan as this is really simple but... Again it is the First One... so it should be Easy.
Then you will have to come back Here... to this Post and COMMENT... With the "Answer" (in this case just One Answer is needed)
You can NOT!!!! Answer on the Old Site, as I NO longer have access to it... 
You MUST come back here and Answer in the Comments....
and I will NOT Accept the Answer on Twitter (even if I do send you to my Twitter to "Find" The "Answer" or an "Answer"

1.  Go to the OLD site -- Anything at Anytime....(Link) (take a little time and look around there when you have the chance and if you find something you like that isn't here... let me know HERE and I will get it here or start something Similar Here...)

These next two steps require Some Scrolling down

2.  Look for "Generalities" (hint - on the ___?___ not the left)

3.  under "Generalities" find "Family" click on it....

4.  Scan the page and Find the Picture that My Profile Picture Came From....

to make it easy so you don't have to go back to the top of the page... lol

here is my Profile Pic...

5.  Now, the Question and Answer to this Hunt is in That Picture

What is in the Background Looking Over a Shoulder?

Simple enough -- and as it is Simple... the Prize is just as Simple:

1.  A shout out on Twitter (Again, If you would like that, if Not I won't)

and

2.  A Mention in the Next "New" Material Post Here.... (as I will be still adding more from the Old site so those will Not get the Mention....)


I Hope you enjoy this simple Hunt...
Suggestions and Ideas????
Let me know I would like to Make this a Regular thing...
I wont do them all the time, but as often as I can think one up...

Hope to Hear back from Someone...

Also - Immediate Family --- Wife, Kids, Grandmas and Grandpas can NOT and WILL NOT be Winners -- In Extreme NEED they may leave Comments that become/are "Hints" but you would have to figure out who is who....


Writ by me today

Danny

Another Letter From Thomas

The Second Letter in the Series
Enjoy
If you haven't read the first letter
A Letter in the Mail/Post

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
Sept. 15th 2010

Anything at Anytime Readers I/we received another letter from my Friend, Thomas Dumbass Snotbottom.

Dan,

Sorry it has been awhile since I wrote.  The day after I wrote last we started our travels and got to a place called Prum Germany via the trucks and roads.  If I remember correctly you said you lived there when you were a kid.  Nice small town and it has a very Friendly Barmaid downtown.

Anyway, from there we went a foot and traveled around for a couple of weeks.  We found several places that looked as if they may have been the residence of other smaller Dragons in the past and we found some very interesting things.  When we get a chance I will show you and we can talk about all of it.  So far it is turning out to be an interesting Search.

We did find one Cave system that used to be His!  Oh, Did I tell you in the last letter it was a Male Dragon? or Even mention his Name?  Well, it is a Male Dragon and when he was last written about Men were Calling him "Frozen HELL".  The Cave looks to have been used within the last 50 years.  There are some clues in the things left here that He comes back on a regular basis here and that he also has three other sites we may find him at.

So, as of right now I have not found what we are looking for but will keep you informed as I can.  We are headed now to the Arctic / Greenland region.  Apparently, He isn't going to make this easy for us, but then again We (you and I always loved those challenges).  

Wish me Luck

and

Hope to see you Soon

Your Dragon Friend and Compatriot

Thomas Dumbass Snotbottom

Well, I told you all that as I heard from him I would let you all know and it looks as if it is going to be one Hell of an Adventure for my Friend (No Pun intended).

If any of you have any ideas on what types of things I should send Thomas in an Adventurer's care package please let me know.  

 

 

 

It Starts with ONE!

Again, this is a post that works as well Now with this blog as it did back when I originally wrote it for the Old site.
The Numbers don't match - but as a quick example: I mention 25-30 visits a day -- Yesterday I posted Several items and Damned if I didn't See 204 page views from 1pm my time to about 9pm.  I can account for 15 of those between myself and my Wife... so that leaves 189 -- and NOT a SINGLE Comment (other than my Wife on The Perfect Cup of Coffee and Rose Dragon).
Someone Had to have had an Opinion?
I can't get better and give You as Readers things you might find interesting if there is no discussion or comments....
So Please Feel Free to let me know what you think... Just Follow the Rules.
Thanks for taking the time to read and hopefully Enjoy.

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
Aug. 2nd 2010

No matter what it is, it must have a start.

The start could be a first person to do something.  A thought, an action, a reaction; first there is one and then another and another.  Before you know it, something has begun to take on a life of its own.

Take for example this blog - Anything at Anytime.
Anything at Anytime started on May 23rd 2010 with me.  My lonesome, single self (family: wife and kids don't count).  Talking, chatting, being active with others and a little over two months later and I have 63 Public Followers, plus a few via networked blogs and, the surprising one to me, I have 75 following with feed burner (RSS Feeds).  I know several of those are from the regular and networked followers, but if my figures are right, I have around 110 different followers.  Two Months ago 10 followers would have been big.

One person having an idea, a thought, sharing that thought or idea with others and those others share with others.  Some "bump" into it by accident but the idea or thought sticks, and they share it.  Before you know it, it starts to grow.  Sometimes the idea or thought grows quickly and other times slowly.

Personally, I like it when they have a quick start to jump start it and give it legs, then slowdown to let everything "fill out" and catch up.
Anything at Anytime is taking that route.
Where does it go from here?  Only we can tell.  Yes, WE - I write, you read and then comment to open discussion.  Maybe I put up a Post you really like or are Passionate about.  Make your Comments. Pass it on to People you think would have an interest in it.  Encourage them to comment.

We, You and I, do not know what comments might elicit a response or a moment of learning or reflection.  We could all pick something up out of others experiences.

I know the traffic is here.  I know you all comeback to see what is new and where I have "Gone" with my Posts.  Currently Anything at Anytime sees roughly 25 - 30 visits a day (some days more and some days less).
Comment, let me know some things you would like to see discussed or ideas you want me to try and get discussions going.  The more participation, the more We ALL get out of this.

It ALL starts with One!  IT Grows with MANY!

 

 

 

What, Why and Where?

A thought provoking Post
Make you think and consider things you have read

Writ by me today
Danny

added today July 19th 2015

Written on Old site
July 30th 2010


 

Anything at Anytime: ponder that for a moment, think over those three words.
Wonder where I came up with them?
Maybe this might help a little bit and it might give you an Idea why I write Anything at Anytime.


Many sometimes, I wonder where life is taking me, is taking us?

Have you ever wondered why things happen?  Thought about what got us where we are?

I guess that is one of the all time questions: "Why?  What got us here and Where is it taking US (Me)?

I am not going to involve God or a Superior being or anything like that into this discussion although I personally feel God plays a major roll in all things.  This is about What and Why and Wheres of Us.

The What and Whys I think I have figured out.
What got us here, where we are today is us.  The nature in people is to find new things most of which are intended to make life better as a whole.  The persistent desire to explore different and possibly better things.
Sometimes it works against us.  That is how we learn and move on to the next step and find that certain answer that makes it all fit together.  What got us to where we are today is the fact that some people figured out certain things that fulfilled the next logical step.

Somebody got with somebody and said: "Look what I have found/discovered.  Isn't it Great?!?"
The other(s) liked and......... BANG....... it Grows on the world.  More and more people do it, use it, read it or just in general accept it.  A couple Examples you ask?  Of course.
Airplanes - started out as something for fun and experimentation.  Today, we have thousands if not millions traveling daily, great distances that can be measured in minutes and would have taken months if not years.
Cell Phones - upgrade from phones - but a device allowing communication over vast distances in seconds where as a letter of old would take days, weeks and months; if not longer.
Cars - same things apply here distance and time.
Television/cable/satellite - Things that have "improved" life........  Hmmmmmm..... That one is still up for judgement.  Some TV is ok but give me a good book over TV any day of the week.

What got us here was the urge to Explore, to move on in a forward direction.  One step at a time, one in front of the other always going forward.  A few slips and slides when we run into obstructions.  Leaps and bounds when freed of Restraints.

The Why is simple:  It is Our Nature!

We have that urge, the need to see what is beyond the horizon.  What lies beyond the next hill?  We can't help ourselves.  We must go that next step.  Nature - Our inborn Natural instincts are to see what is there.  We can not sit still, and for those that do like to stay where they are..... Well, they just get dragged along.

There are those who do not take action but inspire action.  They are Writers (wish I could say I was one but sadly I am not).  Writers are in a sense catalyst.  They Spark the kindling that initiates the fire.  They are the Flash Point.  Writers give us Ideas and What ifs that get the movers to move.  Anything can happen when Writers put words to paper or screen.  Writers paint a picture of the future with words, We fill it in with color by action.

Where is this all taking US (Me)?

I have not the faintest clue.  I am not a fortune teller at the carnival and can not fathom even an educated guess.  We as a Whole choose what direction.  Our Actions and Inactions will determine that destination.  With where things are today,  My question is this:  What web of paintings will Writers provide us with in order for US to fill with paint?  What things can We do to make it better or take Us to that next step?

We are the answer.
Not I, Not You.

We are!

SOoooo........;  What, Why and Where are We going?

 

 

 

A Letter in the Mail/Post

This is a Work still in progress, there are a few of these "Letters" already on the Old site and they do get LONGER (Much Longer than this one).  If you would like to get a head start reading up to where I have it, go there but know that any comments will not be posted there as I can No longer get into the Google account it is attached to.
They (the Letters) will all end up here but I would like to give a day or two between posting them as they will be a Continuing Series....
If You Do go to the other site and Read them Please Refrain from coming back here and putting "Spoilers" in the comments... a hint or two not a problem but not something to ruin it for other readers. 

This is My First Foray into Telling a Dragon Story and I was getting good responses in the Old Coffee Shop and a few comments.... I am Looking forward to getting back to this work and Bringing Life to what I think is a Unique Pseudo Current Day Dragon Tale...
Hope you all Enjoy
and Remember...
Dragons like their Ego stroked --- aka COMMENTS are GREATLY Appreciated
So be Profuse and Flowery with all you have to say to them....

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
July 26th 2010

Anything at Anytime, You never know what your going to get.

Yesterday I received a letter from an old friend, Thomas DumBass (pronounced Dumb Bass) Snotbottom.

Good God, I haven't heard from him in, it has to be 20+ years now.  Thomas and I became fast friends when I lived in Europe many years ago.  I had gone to a local Pub (of all places The Green Dragon) for my regular Pint or Two before calling it a night.

Halfway into my first Pint I overheard this young man (Hell, he is my age - young man my ass) talking about Dragons.  Well, I couldn't help myself.  I downed the remainder of my Pint and order two more from the Barkeep.

I took the drinks to the table this guy was at and told him I had overheard him and had a personal fascination with Dragons and asked if I could join him to talk Dragons.

From that moment on we became inseparable when we had free time, always stalking Dragons or chasing down rumors of them.
Many Adventures we had.

Anyway, Did I tell you I got a letter from him yesterday?  Duh, of course I did, that is what started this.  


It is a Fantastic Letter and If He is on to Who or What he thinks then it could change many different aspects of Science as we all know it.  I will let you Read what I got:

Dan,

               

     My friend, I know I have neglected our friendship for many years by not writing and returning your letters.  I have gotten all of your letters over time and that is part of why I haven't contacted you.

  

     You got married, wish I could have been there.  I can only imagine the party afterward.  Then I got the letters telling of the birth of your Daughters, You Lucky Man!  

                        

     For Your Daughters more than anything is why I have not been corresponding.  I know your passion is strong for what we LOVE and I NEVER wanted to tempt you away from your Family. 

 

     Sorry to hear of your illness.  I Truly am!  That is the Reason I  am writing you and decided to get back in touch.  I will not stand idly by when a True Friend is in Need and cares a burden upon their shoulders.  

 

     You know that after you left Europe, I continued to search, listen, hunt and read any and all I could about Our Passion, Dragons!  Believe me I read many books and old Tombs and learned of many New Dragons we had not heard of or known of. 

 

     When I got your last letter of you being sick with the Emphysema, something rang a bell in my head.  I didn't write immediately, I got your letter last Fall, as I plunged myself back into the books and Tombs.  I just knew I had seen or read something!

                         And I Found IT!!

       Dragons of old had a condition that they (the Dragons) called "Short Breath."  from my studies it seems to be very similar to Emphysema, just in Dragons.  

       Now there was No Cure; however, there was a Dragon that was said to have the powers to extend and improve the life noticeably in other Dragons inflicted with this malady.  I still think HE exist, just that HE has been in the "LONG SLEEP" for near 1300 years.  The last scrolls that mentioned him were written in 732 A.D. and all things I have found on or mentioning HIM, place 
Him somewhere in the Eiffel Mountains (not far from where you lived as a child).  

 

       I have arranged for an expedition to begin a search and we start out tomorrow.  I wanted to let you know your Friends here have not Forsaken You!  
                                
       I will write more as time permits.  Now, I must pack and rest a bit before we leave tomorrow.  

 

                          Forever Your Dragon Friend and Compatriot,

                                                                          
                                                Thomas DumBass Snotbottom

If it is True - Well, I (No, We as I have now included you all) will have to wait and see what the expedition turns up.

 

 

 

What to DO?

OK, Everything that is "Alluded" to/too is Now on this site but up to you to find Them....
The Titles may clue you in when you get there but then again you may have an adventure finding one.
As for the Rest it all still fits - College Football is just around the corner and Women's World Cup just finished so it Fits....
and there is a hint in what I just wrote

Writ by me today
Danny



Written on Old site
July 25th 2010

Well, I was going to write a Poem today.
I got it all written and ready to type.  I re-read it and when done.....  Oh, God what a failure that was! 
I did that......?  Ugh!

I sat and thought about what to write, what would be good for today?
I thought I had it and was going to make a farce of a fairy tale.  My Youngest did one about Jack and Jill, and she did a fantastic job.  I mean Awesome job!  So, if she can do it, Dad can do it.  Right?

WRONG!

Thinking a little longer I thought about how I could draw a comparison about how several of the fairy tales and Aesop's Fables all roll around Threes. 
The Three Bears, The Billy Goats Gruff, The Three little Pigs, etc..... etc.......

That wouldn't work because then what do I do with The Ugly Duckling, The Pied Piper, Old Mother Hubbard, and on and on. 

For some reason things do not want to fall into place.

I can't find the piece that fits today's puzzle.
I am stuck in the dark with no light to guide my path.
I have jumped a wall and lost my balance.
I cleaned my desk and lost my mind.

                          (all references to previous post *Hint* if you haven't read you might try 'em.)

Hmmmmm........  College Football to watch...Nope, to early, still have a little more than a month to go.
My Rangers?  No, that game isn't until later tonight.
I know Soccer (only interested during World Cup time).  Damn, World Cup is already over!

If I can't think of something soon I am going to get desperate.
If I get desperate I don't know what I will do. 
It could be anything........ and "Anything" is scary!
          I shudder at the thought!

I have to do something so that I look busy.

Something has to come to mind.

Just a minute.
I have to look like I am typing and really, really involved in what I am doing and focused because She has just come into the room.

Damn, She is reading over my shoulder as I type.

Gig is UP!

Now I have to close as I am needed for assistance CLEANING the HOUSE.

Will be back later, I hope, if She doesn't find something else for me to DO!


 

Sun-tzu and Puzzles?

This is just one to think and mull over with a cup of Joe/Coffee
and if you haven't read the book mentioned it is worth a Read

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
July 21st 2010

I will hold True to the Title of this blog Anything at Anytime.

For you my Readers, the Reason:

It is what I call "My Puzzle Piece Writings."

Not that all of my writing fits together like a puzzle because I jump from topic to topic, from one thing to another from day to day.  In a weird way they do because they all come from me but I am the only true connection there. 

I start writing with a topic in mind, one I woke up with or found or saw.  It could be about Anything; The Captchas, The Kindle, The Last Grand Adventure, The Perfect Cup of Coffee; well, you get the idea.  anytime an idea strikes me I write about it.  At times it can be a Royal Jumbled Mess. 

I have so much crap running around in my head (Don't We all?), I must break it down and think of it all like a puzzle.  One Giant, Monstrous puzzle that I can't touch and that I have no picture to guide me.

So, I just start to write.  As the writing (pieces) comes out I start looking and seeing if that fits with this and this fits with that.  Sometimes they do.  Most times they Don't!  That's when the Puzzle Hunt Begins!

When I started this blog I knew in my core that it would be like this:
1. It is who I am!
2. It is how my life is, Jumbled and All over the place - and I know I am not the only one like this.
3. You as a Reader have already seen it in previous writings, I am all here and there and everywhere.

Hence the Title of this blog - Anything at Anytime.

Knowing myself well enough that I could not Expect (ever) to say " This is It."  I knew I Could expect of myself to do exactly as I have done so far and will continue to do. 
I like to read and read many, many types of books.  One that I have read off and on over the years is Sun-tzu's The Art of War - it may seem like it is out of place in a blog like this but truly it is a book that if read properly can apply to Every Day Life as well as to Military tacticians.  One of my favorites (paraphrased of course) is:  Knowing yourself and your enemy you will be victorious all the time, Knowing yourself and not your enemy you will sometimes be victorious.  How does this apply?  In Life if we know Who we (as individuals) are and know the situation we can always find a way to accomplish or Win (in essence Victorious), if on the other hand we know ourselves but don't know the situation we Might finish it or be Might be victorious in our endeavors. 

There are many things that Sun-tzu has in his book that can apply to everything.  Having Read and re-read the books I have on the subject, the writing has opened my eyes on how to look at things differently and to allow me to see Me, Myself, what I can do and what I can Not do. 
This enables me to just be me and know that in the end somehow, someway Anything can happen at Anytime and I will write about it as it comes to me. 
Maybe, just maybe fitting the situation to the Puzzle of my writing and I can come up with something that makes us all think, remember or even, yes, smile.

If you ever have a chance read a version of Sun-tzu's The Art of War, there are several versions out there but get one that has his writings and you break it down to how it applies to you.  Apply his writing to your daily life at home, at work, in competition.  You may be surprised about some of the things and how it might change your perception just that little bit that makes things clearer to you.

I know how it has changed my outlook on some things.
But.........
Only You will be able to tell for yourself.

 

 

 

The Night the Lights went out in.... El Paso?

I am looking thru all my post and figured I would skip this one for a later day and time, then I read another one I wanted to post but there is an "Allusion" and thus this must be put on today....
Read and Get a Laugh or two

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old Site
June 29th 2010

Last night, while I was here at the computer monitoring the blog for comments and playing in one of my Poker Stars tourneys, a monster Thunderstorm hit coming out of nowhere.  Winds in excess of 60+ mph and sounding like that dreaded "Freight Train" that you don't want to think about. 

Not that we get tornadoes here in El Paso that often, but having spent several years living in tornado country, you Know that sound.  Well, it wasn't!  Just a big bad Thunderstorm with some vicious wind. 

This was about 8 - 8:30 PM that it came through here and so I had Jackie put the TV on one of the local channels so I /We could see if there were any alerts coming out for the area.

We had all been in the living room for about a half hour and it seemed that everything was settling down and it was just going to be a good rain storm, so the girls went to their rooms to get ready for bed and........

BOOM,  a Thunder and lightning strike close to the house and that is it LIGHTS OUT!!!

The girls (all three) were shaken.  Hell, I was even shaken!  That damn thing was Close (I have been next to Bradleys firing their guns with no hearing protection and That made them sound like a whisper).  So, we are all shaken and lights out, I tell the girls to stay where they are and not to move in the dark.  Believe me when I say dark, It was Dark. 

Dark is an understatement, there wasn't even a hint of light from anything.  Off I go into the dark looking for the lighter we use on the stove.  One step, two steps, Damn!!!!! I trip on Snuggles (our dog if you haven't read an earlier story).  Luckily I catch myself with flailing arms in the kitchen doorway.  Good, I am only a couple of steps from the stove and the lighter to get something so that we can see. 

I reach over to the shelf and NOTHING....... I feel around a bit and...... nope Nothing.........  Damn, Damn, and Damn again!!!!!!

OK,  Where is the Damn Lighter!  I ask (if you can call that asking).

Three different voices and a "woof" all at the same time.
"woof" from Snuggles of course.
"I think its on the fridge"
"on the table in the kitchen" and
"maybe on the dinning room table"

GREAT! 

One was easy to dismiss can you guess which one? 

Since I am in the kitchen I start to move to the kitchen table because it is closer to where I am and was quickest to check.  Having learned my lesson from the earlier "trip", I slide my feet across the floor slowly so I don't stumble on anything else.  Glad I learned my lesson earlier as I bumped the water and food bowls both one after the other as I move to the table. 

Feeling around on the Table Nothing again. 
Now, moving over to the fridge and feeling around on the fridge Again Nothing.  

So now I have to choose: weave my way through the mine field of the living room to get to the dining room table or head to our bedroom to get some matches on my desk?

Easy choice, I decided on the bedroom and my desk as less to worry about tripping on.  Slowly moving out of the kitchen and stepping through the doorway that leads to our bedroom. 

To LATE.......... I forgot about the step down.........
Arrrrgggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!

A bump and a bruise on my knee later I get to the desk and Thank God found the matches!

I strike a match and use the light to guide me back through it all back to the living room.  The match almost burns out on my finger but I shook it out before it could and pull another match to strike so that I can start looking for the candles. 

I strike the match and light it....... and .......  *wink*........ *blink*........ and the Lights Turn back on!

 

 

 

Dare to Dream

What can I say about this one that the title doesn't.....
Nothing
Read on and Think

Writ by me today
Danny

Written on Old site
July 23rd 2010



Dare to Dream

Where to start?

Anything
at Anytime....... Hummppphhh...?

I guess the place to start would be when we start to dream.  For me it was when I was about eight.  That year for my birthday I received as a gift a book about space and astronauts.

My "Dream" started there and then, to this day I still dream that dream even knowing it no longer exist as a reality for me.  I have dreamt of flying in space and exploring, discovering things and worlds that "Others" could only  dream of. 

I still "Dream" that dream but have moved my reality dream, that dream that could still become reality, to something that fits with the here and the now.  A Dream that has been there but on the back burner of life and wanting that first dream so much more.  Reality tells me today that the first dream is just that now, only a dream that can not be.  The back burner Dream fits so well with my current reality.

The dream that fits today's reality is simple and so much more possible. 
This dream is one that I am doing now, have done for the last two months. 
I have dreamt that I could write.  Write something that people read.  Put to words things that would make people think about who and what we are.  Give them a work that will transport them/you to a place that allows you the freedom from today's burdens, or allows you to look at something from another perspective.

Write a book (or in this case - a blog) that would express multiple desires and dreams.  Do something to show my children that no matter what happens in your life you can keep your dreams alive as long as you keep getting up or give your best effort.  You may need to change course a few times, maybe even turn around completely and backtrack a little, but striving to achieve something, Anything that you have wanted.

Life is not always kind nor is it even easy or fair.  It will give you one thing and take another.  There is always a price. 

Sometimes we are given a choice and with that choice we know that whichever we choose the other is lost forever.  Some will regret those choices, decisions but in reality you should regret them not at all but learn and direct yourself back to the path you feel is right for yourself.

Never regret your past, contemplate over what you have done and choose to do as you are doing or to change the path you are following , but never regret! 

Regret leads to despair!
Despair is Death of Hope!
Despair is Death of the Dream!
Dreams should never Die!!!!

Dreams are Life and as long as You Dream, Life goes on even into Infinity.

So Read on..... Today, Tomorrow, or even the next day, read on and find a Dream.

Read on and Find YOUR DREAM(S)!

 

 

 

Rose Dragon

This Holds as True Today as the day I wrote it --- 5 years to the day Today.
We Had a Fight today and it wasn't Pretty.... That DOES NOT CHANGE how I felt then or NOW!!!
Even When I have LOST - I WIN simply Because YOU are in My LIFE -- You Never GAVE UP on Me -- I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU!!!
You are a Part of Me and I am a Part of You
We Both have spilt blood for the Other
I LOVE YOU thru the VERY CORE of My SOUL

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
July 19th 2010

Rose Dragon

Your Thorns Hath Pierced me to the Core

My Blood Hath Stained Your Petals My True Colors

Your Stem is my Strength

Loosing Your Thorns When You Pierced Me

Your Stem,

My Strength,

Hath No Protection

As Your Thorn that Pierced My Core is In Me

A Part of Me

My Blood Hath Stained You and I Now a Part of You

I Shall Endeavor to be Your Protector

I Shall Wrap You in My Coils

Defending You to My Dying Days

I AM YOUR DRAGON!

YOU ARE MY ROSE!!

By Me today 19 July 2010

 

 

 

Tagged? Who Me? I'm IT?!?!?!

I Brought this one over because it lets you as the reader know a little bit more about me and the way I "Think" or respond -- But Don't Get me on a Bad Day or try and be "Snotty" to me or with me... You Will NOT like what you get.....

#2 has changed a touch as Reyes (Never Earned the title of the position he held so WILL Not honor him with it here and Now) was voted out by his Party and Replaced by Someone that is actually trying to Change things for the better -- That is Congressman Beto O'Rourke - I actually got to speak to him yesterday at a Town Hall meeting.... He Listened.

#3 My communication skills with my Oldest Daughter.... So Damn Much like me in ways and I can NOT figure out how to get thru to her..... What my Father always told me surely holds True here "The Oldest is the Hardest, they are the ones you Make ALL the Mistakes with...."
Damned if He Wasn't Dead On!

#7 has changed as well,
That actually Happened this morning - again with my Wife, dealing with my Listening -- Needless to say I Lost...

All others still hold true

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
July 17th 2010

Anything at Anytime (or I did) got Tagged.

As I am a Neophyte blogger I understand tagging as means for other Bloggers and our readers wanting to Know a little bit more about the One(s) tagged. 

I have been blogging on this here site with anything that comes to my mind. 

Well, Amber (a friend from one of the forums I visit) has been a boon to me and to several other Neophyte bloggers and the other day she Tagged me.  If you get a chance and like to hear things Straight (no BS) check this lady and her blog out.

On to the Tagging Process:

When Tagged I was given 8 questions to answer about myself. 

1. Who is your favorite musician/band and why?  

To be honest I have multiple types I like and could call favorites for different reasons.  The phase I am going through right now has me listening to a mix; Pink Floyd, Enya, and The Eagles.  The reason behind this mixture - my daughters got me the cds for Father's Day and putting them all on the computer and fiddling around with the mix has really opened up some of my creative whatever you want to call it here at Anything at Anytime.  They were fantastic gifts at just the right time and for that - They just may take the Title Favorites.


2. What celebrity annoys you the most and why?

Boy, this one is a hard question!  I could Blast our Congressman here in El Paso Cong. Silvestre Reyes - but I don't want to make this or this site appear Political.  They (all Politicians) have royal bent us all over.

Another reason this is hard is because I firmly believe that everyone, celebrities included, deserves their own personal life without Judgement from Anyone else.  See, Celebrities have it tough in this sense: Every Single Little Thing they do is under a Media Microscope.  Imagine it is you or me Under that Microscope.  No doubt about it We are going to screw up somehow, someway.  We Can't escape it.  Just as an easy example: What happens to us, any of us, when a Cop pulls in behind us in traffic and just stays there?  He didn't like your haircut but he can't pull you over for that.  Soooooooo, He pulls in behind you and stays there until you forget a blinker to change lanes, or you slow down to much to let him pass, or you push the gas just a little more in your nervousness.  No matter what He has you. 
The Media does that to Celebrities enough, I don't need to jump on that bandwagon.

3. What has been your biggest letdown lately?

Personal letdown or Somebody let me down? 
I will go with a Personal Letdown - This is an ongoing Letdown.  Since being diagnosed with LS Emphysema and on Oxygen 24/7 I, Me, the Man of the house, the Husband, the Father, have/has not been able to provide for his/My Family.  Even with a "valid" reason it is still a Giant Pill to swallow.

4. Worse job you have ever had and why?

How about a Combination of Best and Worst Job I have had and why?
I had been Unemployed for several months and had just bought a house and was desperate for work.  Now I am a believer in Christ, Not one that prays every single day and my faith is a mixture of what I have seen over the years but I was so Desperate for work.  One night I broke down and got on my knees and prayed that God give me a Job, any Job - shoveling Shit if that was all I could get, Just give me ANYTHING.

***Careful what you pray for!

My wife called me the next day that her brother had a friend that was willing to hire me if I could be back in El Paso by 7am the next day.  Hell, I was packed and back in El Paso by 11:30 that night.  The next morning I was at the office/warehouse of A.R.C. Electric here in El Paso.  My very first job was a TEST to see if I was willing to "WORK".  I was up in the mountains digging a ditch with a pick axe and trenching shovel, Nothing but Rocks and Boulders!!!! They all figured I would quit that day.  They all figured I would Quit by the end of the week.  Not a Chance in Hell!  I asked for it, I DID IT! 
It was the worst job because I ended up being a prep man doing that kind of stuff ALL of the time.  Talk about Dead Tired!  Sore!  Just Beat to Death! 
But it was the Best Job because it put me back with my family and I ended up with a great boss.  The Owner/boss was/is a fair man and gives everyone a chance and a break.  He had no reason to take me on but he did and gave me fair starting wages and when he didn't hear me "Bitchin" about always getting the crap jobs, I received a fair raise.
So, Best and Worst.

6. Guilty pleasures? Spill.

Hmmmmmmm...........anything?
It used to be Golf, being here in El Paso allows for Golf almost year round.  Since I get to tired to walk the course anymore...... Well, I have had to shift gears.
But A Truly guilty Pleasure is my wife and kids Coughin up the Big TV for me to Watch my NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS anytime during College Football season, which by the way is about a month and a half away!
They load me up: Sodas, chips, dip (guacamole).  Then they give me all the space to cheer, shout, hoot and holler to my hearts content. 

7. The last argument you had with someone - what was it about?

Getting my wife a new cell phone.  She didn't want to "Waste" the money on a new phone.  For some reason we went to war over that for about three days.  She got the phone but I lost the war.

8. What would be something you would NEVER do, even if someone paid you a shit ton of money?

Easy!  Kill myself.  I have way to much to live for and even on the worst days you can find a glimmer of light and hope SOMEWHERE!


There are my questions and answers to being TAGGED.

Now, I Tag you the readers of this article - Pick one of those questions above and answer it in the comments section and be Honest about it. 

 

Now, Your IT!

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking of an "Ole, Graceful Lady" - USS Sierra AD-18

Its been Many a year since we were introduced...
and Almost 27 years - She is still my one and only Love of the Sea
Would Love to have others that Served on Her Comment and leave a memory or two...
Or any Ole Salts that want to remember their "Ladies" Feel free to mention Her name and Designation...

Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
July 14th 2010

So far Anything at Anytime has done exactly that: Anything at Anytime. 

So why would today be any different?

USS Sierra AD-18

Destroyer Tender

Motto: The Ship with the Helping Hands

Commissioned:  03/20/1944

Decommissioned:  10/15/1993

She was not the most beautiful, nor streamlined ship you ever saw, But she was Ours!
When I first met this Lady of the Sea, she was anchored in Charleston, SC. 
Man, did she Look Big to me (I would later learn She was small, but she will always be Big to me).

She was supposed to be what is referred to as "Welded to the Pier" - meaning She rarely if ever left port.
I spent 3 1/2 years on board Her and almost 3 years was at Sea.  "Welded to the Pier", My ASS!
I learned and saw many things on board that Old Lady of the Sea. 

3 Med. Cruises, 4 trips to Boston (for special repairs on the USS Constitution (and Yes, the Constitution is still a part of the Fleet)), 4 Gitmo runs, 2 Hurricanes (Hugo, and Andrew), and many, many short runs for exercises and training. 

I got my first tattoo while on board when we visited Palma Mallorca (sp) Spain.  My first bar brawl in Naples Italy.  Made Friends with many locals of all the ports we visited.  Tried my first squid (no pun intended) pizza in Greece.  Real Gyros there also with fresh Lambs meat (actually was present for the preparation if you know what I mean - so I know it was Lambs meat).

Standing crazy watches in the engine room so that at times you could literally go days without ever seeing the Sun.  Sometimes, when out at Sea and standing those watches, I would go out at the end of a watch in the pitch dark (so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face when under cover) and lay on our small flight deck and just stare up at the stars and sometimes, just sometimes if I got lucky I could watch meteor showers (twice) or watch a satellite(s) traverse from horizon to horizon and catch them coming around a 2nd and 3rd time (several times got that).

I actually got to see dolphins escort us in and out of port, flying fish as we broke the waves, Whales as they would move with us at a distance, and the one that stays the Freshest in my mind even to this day almost 20 years later was a Whale Shark that was at least 60' long and it was right beside us within 30 yards of the ship.  That Whale Shark stayed at our side for over an hour.  Reminded me of a calf whale with its Cow Momma Whale.  Darnedest thing, yet Awe inspiring!

Just a little about the Old Lady of the Sea that I (at times HATED with a Passion, more on those days later) will always remember and Love. 

They say the first one will steal your heart, and She Did!

 

 

Understanding........ INSURANCE?!?

Now this one Again was written just a hair over 5 years ago...
It is more Confusing Now than it was then.... THANKS to our Government for jumping in to Fix it...
In My Opinion... and Billing/Cost wise it HAS Gotten WORSE....
If you only Read the Letter I sent My Congressman Just Yesterday ---
This is funny but NOT FUNNY
I No longer Use this Company but the Current Company and Insurance are exactly the same
the lady mentioned was Nice and this was NOT her fault

Writ by me today
Danny

Written on Old site
July 13th 2010

Today was call my oxygen provider company to make payment arrangements day.

Our bill was getting weird and my wife and I couldn't figure it out. So I told her I would call them and see what was going on with the bill and to make arrangements to pay and make Everyone (but our pockets) happy.

The Lady I talked to was a little bit older and was very helpful trying to explain it to me. She and I both got mildly frustrated with the situation - not with each other but the situation and trying to figure out the math.

Now, I am pretty good at math. Not a math wiz or anything like that but having a few hours under my belt for a physics with a minor in mathematics degree, I think I can follow most math.

Who the Hell thought up all these damn formulas for insurance and how much who owes what and what owes who and why that cost this and not that and you can only have one of those otherwise the cost will be 7 times the cost divided by the 31st figure in the 14th dynasty's 3rd reign.........
HUH????????????

and if that one doesn't explain it -

Well, sir I truly don't know why the insurance says you owe that much more, remember I work for the oxygen company (which is true and I told her so).  She then goes on to say something like : You think that is bad,  this is the rules as the insurance sets them down before us and we are the ones they are supposed to pay:  You being the Recievee and We  the payer and your patient/our customer the object in question will all interact thusly,  The Recievee will provide services to the patient/our customer and bill them 10 times the going rate at which point we the insurance shall tell you the Recievee that you are over billing us the Payer by 7 times the amount that it should be then we will tell the patient/our customer to pay you 4 times the actual worth of the product for the next 6 months.  Then and only then will we the Payer pay the Recievee whatever the patient/our customer hasn't which will be the total of 80 % of the total after subtracting their 20 % minus the additional fees that were added minus the sum total of over payments by cents Plus the sub-total minus the fraction of the overcharge and by the time it is done We the Payer Will Pay you the Recievee $0.01 while your patient/our customer pays you $2800.00 and our customer will continue to pay us the family coverage total of roughly $500.00 per month with an individual deductible of $1500.00 and $3000.00 for the family. 

DUH!?!?!?

So rather than make matters totally Discombobulated with the Nice Old Lady, I said: "Ma'am, thank you for trying to explain it to me but I don't think we have figured it out yet.  I will talk to the wife and we will pay you $---.-- and that should put us all right for now until I can get this straightened out with Insurance."

Her response: "Mr. Wins2007, Thank You that will be fine for now.  And Sir?"  "Yes?" I said.

"Good Luck!"

 

 

Why did I do it?

This is the Perfect Follow up for the one I posted just before this a few minutes ago....
Read it and you will agree.

Writ by me today
Danny



Written on Old site
July 8th 2010

 

why did I do it?

 

Why did I do it?  

Why Did I Do IT?

 I have no idea what came over me.

I moved a paper clip, that's what started it.

Then a jar (what was I going to use that for?),

followed by a can,

then some papers that were in the way (Done that, and that, oops can't forget that one, keep it, Done that).


I Really don't know why I did it.

A coffee cup from last night,

an old deck of cards,

my Diablo II expansion set CD (I wondered where that was!),

the book about Sun-tzu (I never finished).


I still have no clue as to the whys or the wherefores I did what I did.

My bottle of aspirin,

My Father's Day presents - (you know those music CDs I told you all about),

some loose change, (6 quarters, 3 dimes, 8 nickles, and 17 pennies DAMN I am rich and didn't know it),

old business cards, (I definitely didn't need anymore),


Some day I will figure out why I did it.

move this cable over here,

that cable over there,

this will go there,

that there,


I am getting there just wait and see.

this notepad here,

that one has a magnet so it can go........... there,

my old old dictionary (it is actually older than me) has got to stay,

my golf bag pencil holder stays as well,


Holy Rat Snot in a Jar!!!!

That's Why I DID IT..........

I've got a clean desk!

 

 

 

 

The Cluttered Desk, What to Do!?!?

This was another fun one and Years later I still run into this Problem far, Far to often...
Will I Ever Learn....???


Writ by me today
Danny


Written on Old site
June 26th 2010

Something we all face sooner or later,
That moment in time when we have no choice but to look at everything around us and make a decision of Epic Consequence!

The Cluttered Desk, What to Do!?!?

Sitting at my desk

Jumbled confusion surrounds me

A mess to say the least

A Thick Jungle of junk to say the worst

Should I clean,

Organize,

Maybe just straighten up a bit?

Where do I start?

What to move first,

Hmmmmmm

I need to think,

Prioritize,

WHAT to move First?

Maybe the Pencil holder?

Where should it go?

Maybe the Speakers?

The Paper Clips?

How about that collectors can Double Decker English Bus?

All this thinking is killing me

I Know!!!



I will rest and think about it Tomorrow!



 

A Last Grand Adventure of Youth

If The Perfect Cup of Coffee! is my "Top Dog", This is the "Icing on the Cake"
This Actually happened in 1988 just before I was to go to Navy Basic Training in Orlando Fl.
You Can't Make this up

Enjoy, Hopefully as Much as I Enjoyed and Remember the Trip with Fond memories of my Youth
(All Pictures were added today)

Writ by me today
Danny

Welsh Flag that Flies over Castle mentioned in story



Actual Castle viewed from a little down the coast



Written on Old site
May 28th 2010

This is going to be a bit different so I need to set a few things straight before getting into the story.

1.  I Love Dragons - have since my early teens and I have a bunch of them around my part of the house (roughly a 2'X2'X8" shelf/cabinet) (what do you expect the guy always gets the smallest section when in a house full of "Girls"!!!!!)

2.  When I was younger I drank like a fishy sailor (what am I talking about I was a sailor a few months after this happened)

3.  I Love Castles - the old European fortress Kind - of course the ones you always associate with -- you guessed it --- DRAGONS

4.  This all happened 22 years ago come this Sept. so I may not get everything right and all people can have complete denial rights.  There will only be One other name mentioned in here and He will Have complete denial rights with his folks if they read this. 

5.  And if you haven't figured it out yet this little bit is about A Dragon, A Castle and Drinking.

6.  This was inspired by a gentleman in wales that I spoke with yesterday and brought back memories.  Tip a Pint of Welsh Bitters back for me tonight please.




A LAST GRAND ADVENTURE of YOUTH


     It started out in a place called Hessich Olendorf Germany (spelling may be off on the town name) back in 88 (yes for you younger ones that is 1988).  I had just spent the summer with my folks in Germany and was in that no mans land we find ourselves in sometimes in our late teens.  Just Bombed at College and not knowing or having a clue as to what or how I was going to do anything. 

One day out of the blue I got a burr under my saddle and do not remember exactly what triggered it but I went down to the main US base there in Frankfurt and decided to Enlist and of all things in the Navy.  Up to that time in my life I had lived around Army and Air Force and had no clue about the Navy. 

Anyway, when I got back to my folks place up north, I let them know I had enlisted.  Really, still to this day not sure what the reaction was.  Sort of a mix of WTF and Congrats.  During the discussion we had I decided to take the money I had saved and take a vacation (holiday - for my European friends) and visit family friends that are actually family (you know those friends that are not family but once you become true friends they become family). 

Well, I called and set it all up with them, went and got my Euro Pass for the Rails and Commenced my journey. 

Chris Dugdale (who was the oldest in the friend family) met me in London and we had a couple of interesting days in London and I actually stayed in my first Hostel and no it was nothing like those freak movies. 

After a couple of days we boarded the rails and headed for Cricceth in Gwyenned (sp?) Wales.  On the way we stopped at a Family Friend of theirs near Worcester (I think), and had one of the most Fantastic meals, Man this lady could cook and the meat just melted in your mouth.  Then they took us to their local pub so they could "Show off" the American.  No money out of my pocket that night, boy was I toast!!!!

The next day we get on the rails again and go and get several beers, larger, suds whatever you want to call it.  Oh and when I say several I mean Several.  You know those little tables between the seats on trains, can to can to can covering the entire length and width of the table it was nothing but cans.  By the time we got to Cricceth we were goners.

This is where it happens, in Cricceth. 

Cricceth is a quaint little village on the coast of England and has some of the most beautiful scenery around that I can recall.  Not to mention that out on the Point is an OLD CASTLE flying the Welsh flag (white over green with a RED DRAGON overlaying the field).
Ha, you were wondering where the Dragon and Castle were coming in, now how do I work them in? You'll see.

The next day we wander about the village stopping and meeting and being introduced to everyone.  Had a Good day and soon to find out a better and worse night.
Chris and I ran into friends of his and they invited us to join them at one of the local pubs and we had a repeat of the previous night..... again No money out of my Pocket.  While playing billiards (pool for us Americans not educated in the game) and putting down a few pints of bitters, the subject came up that I liked Castles and Dragons.  Well, the discussion got pretty lively about the old tales that the Dragon still lived in that Ole Castle on the point.  An he only came out wot to bugger yanks like me!!!  We all had some good laughs at that and a few more pints and of course a few MORE pints.  By this time I was ready to go show that Ole Dragon what us Yanks was all about.  The bravery of Drink (smirking and remembering). 

Well, it was getting about closing time for the pub and we all went up and bought a couple extras, they all knew him and he was kind to the Yank and let us take them out with us on the honor of not driving.  We did not drive.  But we Ran like hell to the Gates of the Castle!!!!

 

Actual Castle as viewed from just a bit higher
than where what happens below

 

 You can figure where the conversation was with us at the gate of the Castle.  I am pretty sure at that time that we all KNEW there was no DRAGON but then again We were all Certain the Dragon was there. 
We got one guy up and over the fence, and then another and then another until I was the only one left on the other side.  Here was my dilemma, I am an American in England about to "Invade a British Castle" to find a Dragon,  what kind of punishment would I face if caught???????
In my state of Drunken Bravery I said to hell with it the Yanks is a coming and was up on top of that fence before you could blink.  The getting down was the problem...... it was a crazy drunken state of 20ft (in reality all of maybe 8ft) but drunk and up there man it was HIGH.  I jumped and about halfway down I knew I was in trouble....  my balance shifted and I landed funny and to catch myself when my feet hit I pushed and boy did I push.  Like a defensive lineman in American football or those guys in a proper Scrum in rugby I Launched myself........ straight into a ROCK WALL.  The Rock Wall WON hands down.

Talk about sobering up a crowd.  In an instant we all knew the Hunt was over, I had a gash in the top of my head and it was bleeding profusely.  We finally got me over the wall and back to Chris' mom and dad's house.  She was up!  Saw the bleeding and was all over us like you know what.  We had it figured out I jumped out of the way of a car because I forgot that the English drive on the other side of the road and I fell and hit my head on a Rock Wall.  See almost all Truth.  Just fudged where and why about the jump.  She patched me up and to this day I still have that scar. 

And even though I never got to see my Dragon that will always be a fond memory of A Last Grand Adventure of Youth.

Maybe, just maybe someday I will be able to take my wife and daughters to the place I hunted Dragons and had a Blast.