Sorry, I missed October. Was not a good month for us. Both my wife and I had the dreaded swine flu. She was sick for 9 days, while I still have some lingering issues. It wasn't serious, just annoying.

Yesterday while shopping for Thanksgiving dinner this lady on a cellphone almost ran into me with her shopping cart. If people can't walk and talk how can anyone seriously argue for drive and talk?

Anyways back to turkey day. Last year we put together kind of a mini neighborhood Thanksgiving. Our neighbors were having financial issues so we decided to provide Thanksgiving dinner. Also, down the street lives a single mother military person so she and her daughter were also our guest. This year the neighbors are all doing better so we are going to do it again. We have 6 honored military guest this year for our Thanksgiving feast. We are looking forward to Turkey, Smoked Goose and Duck as our main feast with all the trimmings. It will be a blast!

I've been out a couple more times on the 4x4 wheelchair and it is great. I think being able to just get out and explore does way more than those happy pills the Doctor has me on. Seems like we end up popping pills for the wrong reasons.

I'll keep it short for now, had a bunch to say earlier but forgot it all.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Years back in the high mountains of northern Utah I was sitting in an open field on a hill overlooking a small valley with an even smaller stream feeding a pond. Several Elk had passed by stopping to have a drink as they crossed from one protected forest edge to another. It was cold. I was suffering from a bit to much fun the night before and secretly hoped no deer would go looking for a drink because I don't think my head could of withstood the concussion from my rifle's blast. So there I sat, back to the wheel on the cold late October ground. I had been there since 4:30 in the morning. Waiting patiently dozing off now and than.

Opening weekend. There were 20 of us this year. 19 walkers and me. I had not gotten into the concept of wheelchairs back than. I walked/poll vaulted on my arm and butt. Pretty much went anywhere I needed to go. And that morning I didn't need to go further than the rear tire of my truck. Its amusing how loud walkers can be when they think they are being quiet. Sitting in the dark watching the cold morning fog lift from the meadow and listening to a bunch of suffering great white hunters stumble thru the forest. That was the life back than.

Than I heard the Hmmph! and another. My head hurt to much to look. Besides it was one of the walkers trying to scare me. Hmmph again and again. Each Hmmph sounded closer. I sat there waiting for some clown to jump out. Hmmph Hmmph, louder and louder. Finally as the last Hmmph came from the front of my truck I took my splitting head " walked " to the front and found myself face to face with the biggest bull Moose I'd ever seen. There were over 700 Moose in our neck of the woods. ( A good hunter knows this stuff ) and I had seen lots. I knew by the clock where I could take visiting friends to go see Moose. At 2 they would be up at he old ranch on that dead end road. 5 oclock over by the treatment pond for the park. It was a regular schedule. In preparing for the annual hunts I would spend my summers meandering thru the national and state lands behind our home. All summer just driving the roads looking and watching the wildlife. Never stopping. It was my secret weapon. Every year I'd go out opening weekend and come home with nothing but a major hangover Sunday night. Than Monday I'd go back behind the house and shoot our winters meat. But I had never stood head to head, well to be honest it was my head to his knee 3 ft from a full grown bull Moose. That mssive rack on his head was as wide as my truck. And I knew as I stood frozen staring at this beast he could hurt me. Than I heard Hmmph! Don't really remember much after that, but I do remmember the next hour I spent laying under my truck! Until the smell of fresh sizzling bacon over-powered my fear of the giant that I knew was just waiting to toss me like a rag doll with those giant antlers on his head.

Remind me to tell you how I shot an elk using breakfast for bait some time.

Would someone tell the Whitehouse I'm still waiting for that change that was promised. They are not taking my calls these days.

Took the 4x4 out to the flea market Sunday. Really enjoyed it. Next weekend my tilt/recline/elevate seat should be here. ( another $500 I really don't have ) Without the legs to help keep me in going down hills I feel like one of those weebles. Except this weeble will fall down. With the new seat I'll be able to adust for the slope staying upright. $500 was a steal when you consider these types of seats sell for $10,000 dollars.

Anyone see that ad on the Go Army website for internment camp guards?

Got to wonder whats up with that?

So my $25 dollar cell phone conked out on me. :( One of the disadvantages of no contract cell service. When the phone dies it can get pretty pricey replacing it. Well the new one, another snazzy $500 pocket pc/ Cell phone ended up costing me $75. 3 times the cost of the old phone.

And they said the recessions over?

Oh, the fish are no more. The last 2 were donated to the neighbors tank. It was strange. For an entire year we maintained the ecology of he tank without swapping out water. The fish seemed happy. The cats seemed happy batting at the fish with their paws. The ferrets were happy ( With those litle brain cases thats all the emotion room they have ) pouncing on the cats while the cats batted at the fish. Yes its a circus at times around here. Anyways back to the fish. All was going great till the algae moved in. Algae is like bad neighbors. Once they move in, there goes the neighborhood. We have fought the algae for over a year dumping the water cleaning the tank, new rock and trinkets. But it would always come back. The only thing that wasn't changed were the fish.

I think they were the carriers!

Have not been out much since the camping trip. Temps are still in the triple digit range. I think about getting out early sometime and doing some target shooting. But for some reason I can't shoot a gun unless I'm a mile away from houses. What foolishness is that all about? Heck when we lived in Virginia we could sit on the porch and shoot all day long.

I want to know, if the whlesale price thing is down why is the retail price up? Whats up with that?

Still waiting for my bailout here...................

Sorry, its been way to hot to sit in front of the computer and try to think of things to say. Not that there wasn't stuff to talk about. The Government is a never ending source of stupidity.

We went camping! It was the first time we had gone since before 1994. Yea, we had RV'd after 94, but this was tent camping in the wilderness. No running hot and cold water. No electricity and no satellite TV. Just us and nature. We saw: 3 raccoons, 1 deer, 1 elk and a bobcat. Oh and a half dozen free roaming cows. My 4x4 chair worked very well in the woods. It was a little unnerving as I ran over the gopher/mole hills and every once in a while they would collapse under the wheel. I need to work on increasing my comfort zone when it comes to angles of the chair.

I did not stray to far from camp. After all it was bear country and I wasn't into having yogie and booboo for company. I remember years ago I was camping in the wilderness of the Wasatch front. It was a great 4 day trip. However upon returning home I learned on the news that a bear had broken into a camper and pulled some child out the window. The child had some pretty good lacerations but the family had been able to scare off the bear. This had happened close to were I had camped. Me and the Jeep. No one else with me. I developed a heightened sense of respect for wandering bears after that.

What is the deal with Obama's birth certificate? Geez the non belivers just want to see the long form that gives all the info not on the short form. Is it that hard to just whip out the long form and silence most of them? One must wonder why the administration has spent so much not to pull out the long form. Makes you feel like they are hiding something does'nt it?

As one who has been a minority, heck I only got 4 fingers. I can kinda understand the " he is picking on me " syndrome. When we lived in Mexico we were Gringos in Mexico. Nothing like voluntarily choosing to be a minority. And we knew it. At the local market the Gringo price was always higher than the Mexican price. Try arguing. Once the seller heard you complain their English disapeared. After returning to the US we are still a minority. Our area is 70% Hispanic. I catch myself blaming my problems on them even tho I've not had any problems. Its what happens when you are the minority. So even tho I do not agree with Professor Gates and actually think he was not the victim of racial profilling but in this case Mr. Gates himself racially profiled the officer and responded inappropriately. Than Obama stood by his friend and indeed acted as a racist himself.

While sitting in a Social Security office waiting for my number to be called, I overheard a young black woman speaking loudly on her phone how the white girl behind the window was'nt going to deny her rights to aid or she be all over her white butt. Actually, the language was a lot stronger but my mother dissaproves of me using that language. Anyways, before this young black woman had even dealt with the folks on the other side of the window had already created an atmosphere of confrontation.

Anyways, I'm ready for another camping trip.

Lets take a break from the wheelchair thing. A guy came up to me the other day and said " I really know what you are going through " I thought, hmm, I'm trying to decide on beef and bean or beef frozen burritos. Did not think I was really going through anything nor did I think my indecision was that apparent. Than he hits me with the fact that he spent 4 months in a wheelchair while his broken leg healed. And I thought he was going to help me pick out burritos. I get this stuff all the time. We can be sitting somewhere eating lunch and someone will come up and say, " do you know so and so, the guy in the wheelchair "? Like because I'm in a chair means I know everyone else in a chair? I guess it just goes with the territory loke all blondes know each other. Something like that.

Anyways, Immigration reform is back. I wonder, if a person breaks into the local 7-11 to steal a case of Bud and while there decides to knock over the lottery machine and steal a bunch of tickets. Than while sucking down his bud he starts scratching off those lottery tickets and finds a big winner. Should that person be allowed to keep the winnings that he earned from an illegal act?

One of the big arguments with Immigration Reform is that folks illegally entered the United States for a better life. Was not the guy riping off the 7-11 looking for a better life? How about those Illegal Immigrants who have children born in the United States? The children are now US Citizens we should not split up families should we? Mr. 7-11 and his winning stolen lottery ticket. Should he have to give up the winning ticket because he got it by doing something illegal?

So its not as black and white as I think it is. Everytime I see some crying child on the news who has to have a translator to tell us his mom or dad has been taken away by the mean government it makes me wonder. Were these people that errogant that they really thought they were not going to get caught? So many have not even tried to learn English or blend in. How long was the government supposed to look the other way?

OK here is my reform plan. First streamline how the visa system allows folks into the US. Make it easier. We had a friend who wanted to visit from Mexico but he could not get his papers because the embassy folks ( US ) did not feel he would have any reason to return to Mexico. Forget that his family was in Mexico and his business. We lived in Mexico for 3 years. It was common conversations among the natives how they planned to sneak into the US. Only for a couple years than back to Mexico. We met several looking to improve their English skills before the trip. I knew one man who would come up to the US establish a small yard service business hire other illegals and after 3-5 years he would leave the business for someone to run and return to Mexico. 5-7 years and his routine would start again. So its easier to sneak into the country than follow the rules. That is why we need to streamline the process.

In Mexico there are 3 types of visas besides the simple tourist one you fill out on the plane. FM3, FM2 and Fm1. FM3 allows a visitor to stay in Mexico for a year. Cost anywhere from $300 on up depending on how corrupt the officals your dealing with are. FM1 allows you to vote. You basically have purchased your citizenship at this point. My first 2 years in Mexico I had my FM3. My final year in Mexico I was denied the renewal. My " attorney " had already paid $700 in non refundable " renewal " fees but it wasn't renewed. Basically you have to have an attorney to handle everything for you. There are no duplicate documents in English nor does the Immigration office provide translators for those who do not speak the language. So these " attorneys " are a pretty good cottage industry down there. My " attorney " said that the folks at the immigration office wanted me to come in so that they could " explain " to me why my FM3 was not being renewed. Like I was going to go there!! During the whole process that had covered a span of a year I knew all to well that I was illegally living in Mexico, and could be deported at any time. Translation, you get picked up tossed into an immigration holding cell until you or someone ( not the Mexican government ) can come up with a plane ticket out of there.

OK so the illegals. Lets face it those with children born here is a big problem. No one wants to see families split up. So instant deportation is out of the question. However, folks like me don't think amnisty is right either. I propose that a period of one year be opened for all those who have illegally entered the United States to " voluntarily turn themselves in ". At this point they can be given identification indicating their illegal status but working to correct that. Those who do not take advantage of the one year amnisty program face immediate deportation. With ID in hand the illegal immigrant can then be given 1 year to complete the required steps to gain a legal immigrant status. The immigrant must fill out all visa requirements including any applical fees. They must also be working. Also, although English is not the national language ( I believe it should be ) they should be able to pass an English competincy test of at least middle school level. If the requirements are met than they can be here as legal immigrants renewable every 5 years. Someone who entered the United States illegally should not be allowed to gain citizen status.

We need to fix the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Simply crossing the border and popping out babies should not automatically qualify the child as a US Citizen. Especially if the parent/parents are here illegally. We've seen many border states that face the problem of immigrants crossing into the US just to give birth in an American hospital.

Those who come to the US illegally after this should be deported immediately.

I suppose a lot of folks will find flaws in all that. Perhaps I should stick with begging for wheelchairs?

No, that is not snow. For those of you who have never been there, this is White Sands National Monument. Ian and I had just got off the boardwalk and decided to roll on over into some deep sand. Never would of come close with the old chair. In fact, I'd probably be sitting in the car watching. The boardwalk was cool. Goes out over the sand a couple hundred feet allowing those with impaired mobility a sense of what it is like out on the dunes. Gotta warn you, if you go out on the boardwalk in a chair be prepared for static shock. The " boards " are actually a hard reinforced plastic that appear to be in 10 foot assembled sections. Where to sections attach a metal strip covers the joint and prevents folks from tripping. My wheelchair built up static charges rolling on the boards and than would discharge them when I crossed the metal strip. Every 10 feet I got zapped by a slight static charge. I did not notice, but it does warn about the shocking experience on the sign at the start of the boardwalk.

I did drive up partially on one of the Dunes but the angle was steep enough that I was concerned about tipping backwards. I've got it on video, I'll try to post it here as soon as I figure it out. Ian had a blast sledding on the sand.

From the hot hot hot White Sands we moved up the mountain side to Cloudcroft. We are seriously considering a move up here mainly because of the cooler temperatures being high desert. And I do mean cooler! While it was well over 90 degrees at White Sands, Cloudcroft had barely broken 70 in the shade. We really enjoy Cloudcroft. It is very green, with lots of trees. Having lived in places like Vermont and Oregon than moving to the desert, we sure missed the green landscape.

This trail was supposed to lead to the old Trestle Railroad bridge. Unfortunately, it wasn't the correct trail. I guess following the signs wasn't the best plan. :) We got into the woods about a mile and a half when we came across a big old tree root that ran across the trail. in the uphill side of the root it was an easy roll over. However directly behind the root on the downhill side was an 8" drop off. The chair is rated for 6" although I probably could of handled it. We thought of using some of the numerous rocks in the area to build up a " step " behind the root. But my wife checked down the trail and found that the forest service folks had blocked it off. So we turned around and headed back up the trail.

At the top we found the correct trail, got about 1/2 way down before it started raining. We had to turn back and shelter at the rangers station for a little whle. We met a couple of guys from Germany stationed at Hollowman Air Base with the German airforce. They were taking pictures of these 4 fun loving humming birds that were going to town at the humming bird feeders someone had setup. By the time the rains had stopped it was late so we opted to do the Trestle trail on another trip.

Our day ended at the ice cream store. Than it was back to the hot brown desert.

Well we still need to pay for the chair, but I've been very impressed with my new extended range..........................

Thats me and my grandson in the back yard. OK, I know it doesn't look like much and your probably thinking " what's all the fuss about "? Well this was the first time I have actually been able to get into my back yard since I moved in 3 years ago. Before yesterday, if my grandson wanted to show me something I'd just look out the door. The soft sand/dirt would never allow my other chair to go out there.

Now before you start thinking, no I still have not gotten the chair. The chair I am in is the chair I am trying to buy however as of today it is not paid for. The company has allowed me to take the chair and try it out. And we have. Yesterday I ran it through the rocks in the front yard and all over the back yard. Only time I had issues was while on our way home from the dealer we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. Driving indoors was a chore. Felt like I was driving a big old truck downtown.

Sunday, if all goes well and the weather cooperates we will be doing the trail my scouts did while I had to sit it out in the parking lot. That was 4 years ago. Wow, I've been trying to get this for 4 years. That is ridiculous.

Spoke with my sister last night and let her know I had picked up the chair. She referred to it as my " toy ". No Susan, the scooter/motorbike/Vespa look a like your partner bought is a toy. A wheelchair is a mode of mobility allowing those who need it independence. You would think after all those years as a nurse she would have been more sensitive. Although you spend enough time with disabled folks and I guess they become less disabled as you get to know them.

Well perhaps that is the reason my fund raising is not doing so well. All these folks I keep asking for help think I'm wanting to buy a toy. Life be a lot easier if I could simply go out and buy a $20 pair of sneakers to go hang out with my grandson........................

My cell phone cost $600 new, I paid $25. My van appraised at $16,000, I paid $0 for it. Our old big screen TV $100, My laptop, free ( well $98 for a used LCD screen ) No this isn't a commercial for VISA. Its me blowing off steam.

Last night while walking Riley I ran into the neighbor down the street. I've talked about him before. You know the one that calls me whitey and honky but I am only allowed to call him by his proper name or I'm a racist. Anyways, we're talking and I mention that I'm trying to raise $5500 for a new/used wheelchair. I admit I have no shame I'll mention it to anyone who will listen. Well the guy replies back that I should " just right a check " since I have so much money! Than he goes on to talk about his retirement and VA payments only being around $4000 and if it wasn't for his wife's management job he just would not know how they would survive. I sat there while this guy whined about the 2 new car payments he has to make while my wife drives around in her old but functional $250 car. 4 grand plus whatever his wife takes home and he complains. Just accounting for his retirement and VA he takes home in 3 months what I get in a year. And he's telling me how well off I am.

Well I guess he's not interested in making a donation.

Well here is the tally: So far I need $5500. I've raised $0. To bad I can't pay for this wheelchair on lectures. I've gotten a lot.

Its May Day! Does anyone celebrate that anymore? I've been here several times in the last month. I always think I've got something to say, my wife thinks I have an opinion on everything. But for some reason I get here and just draw blanks.

Anybody have the Swine Flu yet? I have symptoms of flu but lucky me it is just those nasty allergies. I get to take daily drugs for allergies. I met that old O2 hose shoved in my nose day after day isn't a very germ free way to go. Of course I could ask my wife to clean it, ( I'd do it myself but I'm sure it would be wrong ) Anyways I could ask her to clean it but her favorite kill all for germs is bleach. I just can't see sucking on bleach covered latex hose. Kinda kills the appetite.

Speaking of killing germs. While we were living down in Mexico we use to have to add a germ killer additive to our water. Even the bottled water needed to be treated. Our house had a tank on the roof that would feed to the tank in the ground. These were our main sources of water. During monsoon season these tanks were filled to the brim. But once the season ended we had to be careful on how much water we used. The city would turn on the water for 2 hours a day. If you were careful with your water use you were fine. If not you had to call for the water truck.

Anyways we use to buy this additive that we would add to our drinking water. Dad taught us that a couple drops of iodine did the same thing and was a whole lot cheaper!! Now a days we keep a bottle of iodine around for emergencies even tho we are back in the States.

Well after 2 years I have found the wheelchair. Now the hard part of finding ways to pay for it. Here is a photo that you can check out. Its been an interesting drawn out process. During the past 2 years I've been stuck 18 times with one time having to call the fire department to rescue me. Another was with a couple strangers who stepped in to give a hand. I got to tell you being stuck outside in triple digit temps is no fun. So my original plan was to purchase new and go through my Medicare/caid to get the chair. However, with the correct settings for my needs the chairs price would of been way up there. My current chair with add ons is in the $28,000 range. and it is only 2 wheel drive. The beast on the left is 4 wheel drive with 4 wheels. Anyways, the plan to use Medicaid began to fall apart when my current chair started acting up. The 4x4 chair is a true outdoor chair and would not be usable inside our little house. So the need for keeping my indoor chair. And thats where thinks fell apart. The indoor chair is breaking down. I need new motors and controller/brain assembly. Lots of big bucks. In fact it may be cheaper for Medicare to purchase a new chair versus repairing the yellow monster. Than Medicare won't even consider a used chair. And finally even if Medicare would purchase used I still would not qualify because I'm not heavy enough. Then there is always the problem that as far as Medicare requirements are all I need is a chair that gets me around the house.

So I need $5500 dollars to purchase the used chair straight out. That way Medicare remains responsible for my indoor chair as far as repairs and or replacment. The outdoor chair is in gently used shape with numerous new parts. Its the best deal I came up with in the last 2 years. Plus it is here in Albuqurque 4 hours away. So anybody who reads this I need help with the money. I would be very greatful and happy to not be stuck in the sun anymore.

Speaking of sun, I did get to see the Dermotologist. And yes I have skin cancer. He hit it with some liquid nitrogen and told me to return in 2 months. While treating the quarter sized area on my face he noticed a smaller spot on my hand that he zapped also. The kids keep asking me whats that on my face. I think it might of been a little easier if my hair fell out instead of this gross puss filled round spot falling off my face :) Of course being a macho type guy as I am going bald would of been easier.

Mom's got cancer. Far worse than my little bump. She is a lot stronger than I am as far as dealing with it. Good thing we kids have parents to look up to.

Well they are calling for the temps to hit the 90's today! I am in no way ready for summer. Maybe I'll stick this old laptop in a ziplock bag and move into the shower for the next 4 months..........

It was our 27th anniversary on April 4th. I want to thank our local Walmart for ruining our dinner plans. How you ask? Well the 3rd is rent day. Also on the 3rd all of our bills for the month get paid. My disability check hits on the 3rd than 60% goes out almost instantly to bills. Than we run out to Walmart to get a money order for the rent. ( the landlord won't take cash ) However, even though we've done this routine for 5 years now this time Walmart decides to mess up and charge my debit card twice for the rent. Leaving pennies in my account. No where near enough for our planned romantic dinner at the Thai Restuarant. We had Sam's Club hotdogs instead compliments of our daughter. Well with all the other things we've survived over the last 27 years, I supose a side tracked dinner doesn't seem that big of a deal. Besides we celebrated our anniversary with our family what else could you ask for? We'll try to hit the Thai food next month.

On another note I came close to buying the ultimate stereo. A McIntosh amp and receiver. Of course it was well beyond my price range. After the Walmart mistake I can't afford 2 cans and a string :) anyways, being able to at least consider purchasing made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Who knows, maybe some day.

More details on the chair. We've located one in NOLA. They are currently assessing the condition of the chair being that it was a demo unit. I had hope that based on the extensive list of demo units that there were a lot. Apparently that list was old and they are getting hard to locate with my needs. So the one in NOLA would cost a little more because the shipping distance is further. So right now we know the chair cost will be $5400 plus shipping cost. I think I have 2 bucks so I've got a ways to go :)

I spent the weekend installing a stereo in my daughters car. She helped. We had fun working together and it sounded and looked good when we finished. I had not done anything like this in 20 years so it felt great! I'm feeling it today though.

Well got to get cracking on my daughters taxes, Uncle Sam's running out of cash to give to those rich folks................

Isn't it funny how things turn out? I spent a large portion of my adult life outdoors. I already mentioned my multiple trips cross country just me and my trusty thumb. I also learned to fly helicopters in Arizona while " visiting ". That was fun. Never went so far as getting a license though. Like my scuba diving, helicopters were way out of my income. Seems most of my interest/hobbies are well outside of my financial comfort zone.

Anyways, back to the working out subject. Now a days I spend the majority of my time in the house starring out the window. I've done a complete reversal in a very short time. Getting out really isn't the problem. It is more like what to do once I'm out. Being outside of town there is no place to " walk " to. Spring time wind doesn't help much and soon those summer triple digit temperatures will be a real killer. And I mean that literally.

My wife is constantly telling me to drink more water when it is hot. Now that makes sense, but where do I put the water when I'm full? I can't drink that much. I quit drinking somewhere back in the 80's. Now back than I had capacity! But that like so many other about me are now things of the past.

Ever wish you could take a little pill and selectively erase memories. On one hand I think all those memories and experiences good or bad is what makes a person who he or she is. But than on the other hand, do those same memories and experiences that created the person mess them up later in life? And if you could selectively erase memories what happens to the person?

Maybe erasing memories wouldn't be cool after all. Getting rid of the " bad " or unwanted memories would surely leave holes in a persons personality. After all, we learn quickly not to pick up hot pans without some kind of insulator between our hands and that hot pot. If you erased the memory of hot pots and burns than you would be burning yourself again.

I must be bored!

Anyways, I need to raise around $6000. Obama said I don't qualify for a stimulus package. Got to be rich for that kind of help. I found the outdoor chair I want on closeout for about $6000. Which is a sizable slash in price. Actually really big slash! Although I am up for a new chair through Medicare/Medicaid these outdoor chairs will not get qualified except in extreme situations. Originally my plan was the Medicare/Medicaid route and use my old chair for indoor only use. Extending its usefulness plus getting out. However, the motors on my chair are at the point where the provider would like to replace them. Plus I'm having " issues " with the controller. All in all the cost of repairs puts the current chair into the probable replace catagory. But if I replace it with an outdoor chair with the idea of keeping the old chair for indoor only use and the old chair quite working than I'd be stuck with an outside chair that does not fit indoors very well.

So the better option is to try to raise the $6000 for the outdoor chair and purchase straight out and have Medicare/Medicaid buy a new indoor chair, or repair the old one. So if anyone actually reads this stuff anymore, I'm looking for donations. The more folks that donate the better. Spread the word so to speak. Tell friends, co-workers, anyone. Even if its a little donation it all adds up in the end.

Let me know if you can help, Thanks

Sorry I've not had anything to say. I've been dealing with a bit of pain all month from the constant pressure of sitting in my wheelchair. 14-16 hours a day takes its toll. Think about it, you guys get up constantly walk around go out to the kitchen for a drink, stretch the old legs. I don't. Its day after day of pretty much sitting in one position.

Some may say go lay down. And this sounds like it should be the appropriate response. But my life has become so sedimentary now, spending time laying down just doesn't seem like the best plan. I get anymore sedimentary I might as well stop breathing and be done with it.

Prior to the big mistake of 1994, I was actually very active. But than I destroyed my shoulder started using wheelchairs and it was downhill from there. I once visited my old Doctor, Dr. Lambert in his home back in Chicago. He had retired by then. But he warned me even back then that what I had if I stopped using it would take its toll on me. Apparently he was right.

So Thursday I get to go see my current Doctor for a prescription of anti-depressants. Just lovely I think. Now I get mood altering drugs. The real problem are the idiots that I have to deal with. The stupid Medicare rules that do not consider any activity outside the home as being medically important. The providers of equipment who are more concerned about the bottom line than my bottom. I just fired the last group. Thats number 5 in 4 years. I'm more concerned about the pain in my butt and lower back than how much profit they were making.

Enough about me.

Its going to be a very long 4 years if every time I turn around some black person is going to inform me that I'm either a racist or a coward. Since when is it the governments job to tell me who I should associate with? I'm thinking that the real racist are those who keep prying a wedge between the rest of us. My black neighbor and I get along just fine without the need to discuss racism. He calls me whitey, or honky I call him Joe. I would not dare call him anything else for fear that would be intolerable. So maybe that was the AG's point. We white folk do not stand up to the racial slurs like we should. Personally I see no real reason to stand up to these racial remarks. I'm not insulted by them.

Funny when I go to Smokey Joe's BBQ I'm not going there because the guy running the show and cooking is black. I go because the BBQ is good. Does Smokey Joe come to my home, or hang out at the local tavern with me ( if I drank that id ), no he does not. But not because he is black, no except for some mighty fine tasting BBQ Smokey Joe and I have nothing else in command. I like his BBQ he likes my money.

My suggestion to any group who feels racially picked on. Try fitting in.

It was fall when several of my friends and I hopped into the car and we drove off to the Blue Ridge. The air was cool and crisp with ice forming on the edges of the crystal clear streams. It was a very fresh feeling that stuck with me. From that point on I knew I wanted to be near/in mountain areas.

That was way back in high school. Still today I seem to migrate toward the mountain areas. So if any of my family is reading this now you know why I moved so far from the family. Had nothing to do with you guys, just my thing.

One interesting facet of not having money is taking old technology and making it do what it wasn't designed for. Such as my early 80's stereo playing mp3's. These little things fascinate me to no end. I have a real strong urge to make things work. Heck I took my wife's watch apart and fixed it the other day.

Not sure what side of the family this comes from. I know Dad liked to tinker, and Grandpa Evans did all kinds of creative things especially with wood. He could carve a 3 legged folding plant holder out of one log. To this day I can't figure out how he did that but it was cool. My first powered "wheelchair" was designed and built by him. I don't think it ever left the basement of their home, but it sure looked cool!

A long time ago when we lived in the big house I wanted to build one of those RC helicopters mainly to buzz down from the loft to the kitchen to retrieve my beer :) Never did do that. RC helicopters were never in our family budget. Than I stopped drinking and the need faded away. I've always enjoyed helicopters and still wanted to build/fly one.

So recently I was given one. Not in tip top shape but the missing components and repairs are far less than the cost of a new one. So maybe that 20 plus year "want/desire/goal" will finally be met in the near future.

Wonder how you operate a 6 channel radio with one hand.....

You know I don't like those presidential signing statements. At least not in the way they have been using them lately. Our forefathers created our system of Government in a manner that each section Legislative, Administrative and Justice were watch dogs over each other. However signing statements circumvent the watchdog concept and allow the sitting president to make decisions without the controls of the 3 branches to oversee.

I do not believe that this was how signing statements were meant to be used. I suspect originally they were setup to allow the president the ability to quickly act in situations of emergencies where time would not exist for full debate and checks thru standard government. Such as an aggressive act against the country or natural disaster requiring immediate action. Using signing statements to allow or not allow stem cell research hardly falls under the catagory of emergency.

Again, what do I know?

My wheelchair has been acting up lately. I think the solid core tires are slipping on the rims. Or my electronic braking system is wearing out. Slipping tires is an easy fix, electric brakes not so easy.

I should be shopping for a new chair since my 5 year time frame is up. Currently I probably do not need one. However the tech who works on my chair feels I need 2 new motors. Since my controller at times locks up and other times resets itself I may also require a new controller brain and controller. This all could become very expensive. Recently I had new tires and batteries installed costing a whopping $1900 dollars. I only paid $200 for 4 new tires on my wife's car. Actually $120 on 4 tires and $80 on hidden charges and tax. Remember the day when mount and balance was free?

Nothings free anymore :(

Can't help to wonder if any of those 35,000 laid off Circuit City employees, or for that matter the 2 million unemployed from 2008 feel up to partying at Obama's $170 million dollar shin dig? All paid for by our tax dollars. How can he justify this? The nation is in extreme economic distress so a little " pick me up " $170 million dollar party is just right. I can see all those 2 million + unemployed folks gathered around their TV's ( assuming they didn't get repo'ed ) eating Bon Bon's and watching the big party.

Is this a demonstration of what we can expect from the Obama White House?

So right off the bat I'm not feeling real chipper about the next 4 years. But than to help push me further over the edge I read that Chris Rock can't find anything to joke about Obama. Apparently that $170 million party isn't funny. I bet anyone in the midwest who slept in their car last night can think of plenty to say. Chris Rock who finds his form of humor with everything and anybody including God can't find anything to say funny about Obama. And what about that Burris character. I quote " If I am not allowed to take Obama's seat, it should be considered an act of racism " Are we going to hear this crap for the next 4 years?

And they say racism has deminished.

I woke up this morning cold. That is unusual for me. I rarely am cold unless it is really cold or I'm ill. It is 68 degrees in the house so I think that rules out cold temperatures. Guess I'm coming down with something.

Went to my referral yesterday to see if the lump on the side of my face is cancer that I should be concerned with. I noticed in the mirror that I have a 2nd one, very small currently developing on my chin. I only noticed this because I shaved so the Doctor could have a clearer view. I scrubbed the mark on the chin but it didn't go away. Back in the late 90's I had a similar small lump on my forehead. Back than I picked at it with my fingernail. It would bleed a little and than one day it was just gone.

So I get to the referral, very nice office compared to my general Doctors place. I was a bit out of place with all the seniors waiting to see the Doctor. The glass doors that seperate the patients from the office staff were frosted. Never seen that before. Plus they were kept closed at all times. Any interaction between office staff and patient was done by sliding the glass window open only a couple inches. Of course by the time it was my turn talk to the secret society behind the frosted barrier I just couldn't help but ask if they were taking a shower back there or doing drugs.

It didn't matter since my insurance was not good enough for them. I left. Guess I'll go back to the tried and proven method of picking. To bad I lost 3 months of preventive scratching waiting for my appointment.

It was the early 70's when I stuck out my thumb and began the first of 5 round trip " walks " from coast to coast. Boy I met a lot of people. I also spent a great deal of time alone. I learned to " read " people very quickly. A skill that has slipped away somewhat over the years. I remember hitch hiking into Chicago one time to vist my grandmother. She was very upset that I had arrived in an area that she said was not very safe. I had befriended this guy who had confirmed her statement but kept watch over me while I waited for her to pick me up. All the way back to her trailer I was told over and over again how dangerous I had been. Grandmothers are like that. They feel that if they repeat themselves 10 or 20 times we grand children will learn it better.

My Grandmother was the best gift wrapper. The little things she'd put on the outside of the Christmas presents were as much fun as the gift itself. After Christmas, those little gift ornaments were packed away and used the following year as tree ornaments. The gifts were always so nicely done that you automatically opened them as gently as you possibly could to keep from destroying the work of art.

well its been a couple hours since I awoke cold, and I'm still cold.........Bummers.

The local news reported that housing starts were down 40% from this time last year in our neighborhood. For months we were told that we were lucky because the recession was not having any effect in our area. But in the last week the news was grim not only for housing starts but also unemployment is up. The state is foreseeing a possible shortage in funds.

I'm not thinking that all this just popped out of thin air. I think there are folks out there who think if they lie to the sheeple the sheeple will blindly believe. Isn't this how this mess started? BTW we knew something had to be going on based on the number of empty houses in our neighborhood.

Some slime ball broke into our cars the other night. That is twice in the last few months. This time they got $2. The officer who " took the report " seemed to think that with the economy as it is there will probably be more. As if bad economy was some form of justification for this type of behavior. In our house we don't have much but if your hungry we always have extra. You don't need to rob us.

Another thing, we asked the officer if he was going to take fingerprints. His response was it was to cold for fingerprint taking. I guess if you are planning a crime best do it in the winter time.

That old saying " Clothes make the man " apparently has merit. Couple weeks back we dressed Ian in pin stripes, white shirt, tie, vest the whole 9 yards. He went from saying he wants to be a truck driver to wanting to be President instantly. We'll be preppy dressing him from now on. No more sloppy clothing.

The remnants of Christmas are slowly getting put away. Well pu in the garage that is. My hand control project is on temporary hold since I currently can't access my work area. Hopefully it will be a short hold.

Wonder if my medications are causing troubles. Been really hard to focus on things, no real motivation. Even Christmas, usually one of my high points just wasn't there this year. And the last few days I've been feeling really really anxious. Probably dealing with depression but wouldn't know what it is since I don't think I'm depressed.

Anyways I'll keep an eye on it and chat with my Dr. next time I see her.