This is the second litter of Chihuahuas this year from Snickers and Snooki. The first was on April 10th, the very worst blizzard of the spring and the second right after the biggest snow, wind and cold of the year. Could be a sign of something. This has nothing about why I am blogging this morning! Teddy was a cry baby puppy from Snooki's first litter. Frightened of everything. He was the first out of the womb April 10th and the least likely to be sold to anyone because as soon as there were strangers about he hid. So he became my puppy and received his name. I've raised 84 puppies and sold all but one. I kept this one and now share with you the experience of raising a dog from birth. April 10th 2013 I put my head over the side of the bed to see what the fuss was(last spring I had Snooki sleeping right next to the bed the last week of her pregnancy)and there was the first of the April litter. His name is now Teddy and 8 months later we have really(I do mean really bonded differently than any other animal I have ever been around or had the pleasure of sharing this life)he is amazing! The unique thing about having one from birth is that they know you as well as they know their own parents and they have only one person to relate to in everything. Yesterday Snooki added a little brother and 3 sisters to our family for the still growing everyday Teddy. Now I am blessed with another most amazing thing to witness as it occurs. Snickers(father)is not allowed near his babies for weeks(Snooki nips at him if he gets close)but Teddy can get right into bed with all of them and Snooki does not mind. He is still a cry baby, unique from each of the others. That is why I guess I had to keep him, or maybe I was just really curious now that I'm old enough to spend the time it takes to raise a dog from birth. These new four will all be sold. Snooki will be fixed so that we have no more pups. Snickers is getting old(past eight years now)and Snooki will as well(she has to be three)but Teddy and I will travel the road together. 40 years ago I had a pomeranian compadre that stayed with me 17 years through three wives hundreds of homes and thousands of miles. Maybe it is time for that type of relationship again(not the change in wives, that was crazy)just live each day as it comes and love one another unconditionally until we are no longer on this journey of life!

It was a journey of discovery, one that cannot be repeated every year, but only every half decade. I am still astounded by the miles covered, places visited, and people met. As our riding season winds down here on the "Great American Desert" I am remembering times a quarter century ago when doctors informed me that I might never walk again. All seems very far away and unreal today in light of the accomplishments and the ups and downs of life. I'm getting older. My favorite saying for a number of years has been "I may be old, but I'm slow." I said it in jest for years and now it is more truth than I'd care to truly admit some days. On another note - the five year plan that we set out on is nearing completion. Basement closets and bedrooms being finished and the last of the sorting from the old place is getting done. This takes me forever! I'd do a page just on how long it takes to settle in but that would get boring. Needless to say I am very thankful to be where I am today and know that I could have accomplished nothing without God's steady prompting of my spirit to stay on track with His plan and keep mine in the background.

Sitting at the Holiday Inn Express in Chippewa Falls, WI. Rita has broken on the return trip from Milwaukee. We went to celebrate the 110th B'dy/Anniversary of HD. I should be extremely depressed, but I'm not. It has been a beautiful journey thus far and I can't wait to see what happens next. My honey is a little worried but that is as it should be if the roles were reversed I would worry as well. It is enough to know that we are able to stay in touch and she loves me. Rita(My Ultra), on the other hand may have ditched me for good. A new one has been on my mind for a few years now and this may be the time to step up to something a little newer. Only time will tell. It is enough to know that God loves me sooo much that He gave His only Son that I might have life more abundant and to that end I am waaaay blessed. Thoughts and prayers go out for family and friends this day.

Sturgis was awesome this year! Aside from the usual festivities accompanying the rally there were the opportunities camping out offers veteran riders to talk about their 'rides.' The past few years I have listened to many HD fans bemoan the new 6-speed transmission. Although offering improved mileage(as if that is ever a factor in considering a two wheel steed)there is an annoying sound that comes with the get go. Yesterday I climbed aboard several Victories for my first test rides of these state of the art two wheeled suicide machines. The very first thing I noticed was the disconcerting sound the transmissions omitted when put in gear. It was a heavy metal 'clack' that assailed my ear. 1St & 2nd gears make this sound on every one of the bikes I rode. This is not to say I couldn't get used to it. Much to the contrary, by the time I was mounting the third in my tryout list it was noticeably less important than the overall performance versus comfort considerations. My very best ride of the day came aboard the Victory “Hammer 8-Ball” cruiser. I have never ridden the 250MM rear tire style. The handling in itself was quite impressive, but what really got my attention was the way the power to weight to center of gravity seemed perfect. Zero to 90 with ease, and cornering and “grip the road” with confidence cornering. Amazing experience and one that bears repeating often. Will I own one – probably not but one can always wish. The biggest of the lineup “Cross Country Tour” was the disappointment of the day. Great sound system and overall good to ride, but the heat issue needs resolving. My left leg from behind the knee nearly to my crotch was overly hot. Not a good thing when you're moving and considering traffic time of stop and go I believe it would have become unbearable in a short short. The inner thigh is not a place one desires a lot of heat while riding. Overall solid machines with some obvious needs that could be resolved tinkering around in the shop I'm sure. Stuff like handlebar length, height, width are all workable and can be defined in the garage by the owner to satisfy personal taste. The 'clacking' of gears would be an irritating thing forever. They have done a thing with their clutch pull that offers extreme ease, that was good. Shift and brake levers are okay but take some getting used to. On a scale of 1 – 10 I'd say 8 overall and 9 on the “8-Ball.”

A Dream Saga

I awoke the following morning in my drop dead gorgeous suite. Opening my eyes I lay there watching the fish swimming above me. What a novel idea, a fish tank surrounding the headboard of the bed, but then this is a dream and I can sleep anywhere I choose. Getting ready for the day took forever. I had brought what seemed to be a whole trunk of nothing but cameras. My 35mm Cannon 620 EOS was there, along with a pocket sized digital 14mp Sony, one single forlorn looking Brownie, and an antique accordian style piece that has been in the family for at least a hundred years. Much to my surprise I had brand new film to put on the old wooden rollers inside. Eos around the neck, digital in the pocket of my jeans and three more in a sizable briefcase(I have no clue where the Mavica came from but it was in there along with several brightly colored floppies)the cameras and I exited to the hall. The view from the hallway windows next to the elevator was astonishing so I snapped away as I awaited the arrival of my ride down. Downstairs I was greeted with the scent of baking bread and delightful pastries. The breakfast buffet, continental style, was awesome! Fresh fruit of every imaginable kind, and donuts(in a previous incarnation I'm certain I was an officer of the law), caramel rolls, and a tiny little corner niche with covered pans holding sausages, bacon, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and an assortment of breads I could toast for myself. I grabbed two plates of food a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a tall glass of orange juice. It was time to feed the body and go over the details of the assignment in my mind. I usually take notes on whatever my plans are and what I think I may be doing just in case I forget. Enjoying my leisurely breakfast(most meals take me at least an hour to consume, but this may take longer)I munched and wandered through the corridors of my mind enjoying visions of other places I had enjoyed a breakfast much like this one. This was the dream. There is more to it but space and time do not allow right now. I am quite subject to "recurring" dreams so I have no doubt this one will begin again or continue another night as I slumber. Oh, by the way, it has led to the next book. I'm writing every day as I haven't done in a few years. God bless, Preacher.

Dreams Too Real

I awakened(I pray this is so)from a short slumber in which I was dreaming. I had been hired to do a photo essay on one of the oldest hotels in the state. No longer in service as a hotel but used for various purposes on different levels of the establishment. Not long after my arrival I met with the folks paying for my time and they gave me a brief explanation of what I was to do for them. The strangest request they made was one of my being able to utilize my collection of vintage cameras from pictorial history to do the shoot. I questioned why I needed the vast array of cameras for the story and the only explanation I was given was, "You will have to follow your instincts and take whatever pictures you take with what you believe will work best for the shot." Then they left me sitting in the newly renovated cafe on the street level. It was right next to what had been at one time the main desk of the grand hotel. The entry/registration area was vast and now was parent to a number of portals leading to a boutique, a computer/cell phone/gaming center, and what appeared to be an old men's haberdashery. Actually the general appearance was one of a collage. The nostalgic, modern, and vintage all separated by their period store fronts and the backdrop of the ancient hotel lobby. My first duty was to check on accommodations for my stay. I chose a nearby motel within walking distance and proceeded to unpack my things in the cheery suite which my employers so graciously had provided. I love being on the road and staying in a variety of places so this was perfect. A three day shoot, great digs, a wonderful stroll down the paths of time and every amenity available within walking distance. Street level, where I met with the vaguely familiar folks footing my bill, faced the motel. My third floor windows looked out on the everyday scene of mainstay America. Automobiles and trucks going every direction at the corners with people paying absolutely no attention to their driving. Ah, it was good to be home. What I believe is happening is the start of my next book. It was too strange to get any depth on this opening blog page. I will write every day until the tale is told to the best of my ability. God bless, Preacher.

A Dream Car

I have been seeking the next car to buy. I have not purchased one in 22 years. Had no need, but now I do so I began my search for an old favorite, the Mustang. The year had to be between 1999 and 2004 as a result of the body style. Here began the criteria in an outline form: Mustang Criteria Color................................No red, blue, yellow, gold, Year..................................1999 - 2004 Prefer................................40th Anniversary In Black Must have...........................The Hood Scoop Preferred...............................40th Anniversary Deluxe #2......................................Premium GT #3......................................Electric Driver's Seat #4......................................Leather Interior The Black one shown on this page really appealed to me on first viewing. Then as I got further into the research I came to rest on the White 2004 in the collage. It happens to be in Dallas, TX(top on my list of favorite state). So now I have a decision(LOL.....that only took the better part of six months)based solely on the appearance of an automobile that pulled in to our station five years ago. You have now determined that I don't really 'jump' into things. All good things happen in their own time. Now I have to secure financing for the aforementioned vehicle or one like it and go wherever it is and bring it on home(that's part of an old song about love)to me. Time, and God willing, there will be my next auto sitting on the driveway or snuggled deep within the confines of the "CAVE" next to a pair of Harleys. Mine to drive at my leisure and finally with the top down. Did I forget that it has to be a convertible. Nothing else will do because I truly don't like cages and then even in the winter I stick my nose out in the wind(sort of like the dog does when the window is down or if they happen to have the joy of riding in the back of the truck)smelling the air and relishing the rush of it in my hair. Well, that's it. Everything I need to say on this topic is finished for tonight. I'm certain if things come together the way I would like them to I shall be posting something on this topic again. For now I pray you blessings and happiness in life. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

One Marine's Response, to Sen. Feinstein's Gun Control Proposal: One U.S. Marine was more than a little displeased with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s draconian gun control proposal, which includes an assault weapons ban and provisions on handguns and even “grandfathered weapons.” The letter, written by U.S. Marine Joshua Boston, was titled “No ma’am” and was first posted on CNN iReport on Dec. 27. The letter has since gone viral and has been shared extensively on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, as it seemingly has resonated with a segment of the American population. Read Boston’s entire “No ma’am” letter below and then share it with others: Senator Dianne Feinstein, I will not register my weapons should this bill be passed, as I do not believe it is the government’s right to know what I own. Nor do I think it prudent to tell you what I own so that it may be taken from me by a group of people who enjoy armed protection yet decry me having the same a crime. You ma’am have overstepped a line that is not your domain. I am a Marine Corps Veteran of 8 years, and I will not have some woman who proclaims the evil of an inanimate object, yet carries one, tell me I may not have one. I am not your subject. I am the man who keeps you free. I am not your servant. I am the person whom you serve. I am not your peasant. I am the flesh and blood of America. I am the man who fought for my country. I am the man who learned. I am an American. You will not tell me that I must register my semi-automatic AR-15 because of the actions of some evil man. I will not be disarmed to suit the fear that has been established by the media and your misinformation campaign against the American public. We, the people, deserve better than you. Respectfully Submitted, Joshua Boston Cpl, United States Marine Corps 2004-2012 I copied and pasted this from a post on FB. I believe it is relevant to the present danger we face in America. Our country is facing the largest attack it has ever experienced. This is an attack on our founding fathers, our constitution, and the liberty so many have fought and died to preserve. Each of us that loves this land must do what we can to tell others what is happening. Joshua, although not as eloquent as some, has stated his case succinctly and truthfully. He is not alone. He is not the first nor will he be the last. We all have a duty to perform. President Kennedy put it well in words we can all understand, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." I share this and all the above with my whole heart, spirit, mind, and patriotic fervor. In Christ's Love, Preacher.