This and That

Happy Halloween

Political News (Rated R) Children under 18 must ignore.

    THE DEBT CEILING  

I love it when a complicated situation can be explained in such simple terms!

* Democrats don't understand THE DEBT CEILING

* Republicans don't understand THE DEBT CEILING

* Libertarians don't understand THE DEBT CEILING

* NO ONE understands THE DEBT CEILING

* SO, allow me to explain.

Let's say you come home from work and find there has been a sewer backup in your neighborhood. Your home has sewage all the way up to your ceiling.

What do you think you should do ---

1.  raise the ceiling, or

2.  pump out the shit?

Your choice is coming in November

Lew and Agnes Brill, Agnes is my wife’s cousin

                                 

Courtesy of Lew Brill, Freeland, PA

AIR FORCE at ARMY

The turf at Michie Stadium, on the grounds of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, may prove a bit sloppy this Saturday. The latest weather report is calling for a wintry mix of rain and snow with the temperature in the 30s.

For those who are unaware, each year Army, Navy and Air Force compete on the football field for the Commander in Chief’s trophy.

I'll be cheering for Air Force.

The Air Force Academy defeated the Naval Academy back on October 4, 30 – 21. Should Air Force beat Army this Saturday they will win the trophy outright, and the team will travel to the White House for the trophy presentation at a later date.

If you have never been on a visit the academies, or better yet been to a game among any of the participants, I highly recommend you put it on your bucket list. From the Tail Gate parties to the March On and all through the game itself, It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Each day the 4,000 plus cadets of the Air Force Academy eat their meals in Mitchell Hall. Especially during the week leading up to both the Army and Navy football games, special motivational events happen. Here is but one featuring Noah Sternat, the tall one far right, when the three buglers begin to blow. Noon meal at Mitch. If your interested in the academy life at Colorado Springs, there's a lot of good video on the trailer. 

Having a meal together in Mitch.

Where in the world

 Is Jeff Berthiaume?

Jeff  is currently in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At the moment we expect him here on Turkey eve. With the famous Detroit Lions hosting its usual game on Thanksgiving, I’m sure he’s wishing for good plane connections along the way. We'll save a Drum Stick for you Jeff.

The US Embassy, Dhaka, Banladesh

  

ABBY MADE IT HOME FOR A VISIT

For the first time since July first, Abby got to come home for a visit. It was also Home Coming for Bennett HS, her Alma mater. She got to see all her buddies, her cousin Tommy before he left for China and a Bennett football victory.

On Saturday night Jeff and Kathy played host to a Tail Gate party with Pulled Pork the featured edible, along with everyone’s favorite beverage. Between bites of food we watched Mississippi State beat up Kentucky 45 – 31 on the gridiron to remain #1 in the College Football Poll.

                                             Abby and her Buds, Home Coming weekend.

DITTOS

Up north in Connecticut where we spent a few years, comes the Sternat family. Babette Sternat, married to Matthew, was a classmate and best friend of our daughter Kathryn. Babette is also a Nurse, APRN to be exact, and the mother of three.

Noah's been featured  in “The Rooster” previously. He’s the young man at the Air Force Academy and this weekend will be at West Point with the Academy’s Drum and Bugle Corps for the big game against Army.

Well, Noah has two sisters, Emily and Hope / Hope and Emily. Yep-err, they B twins, or Dittos as I like to say. I’ve known them girls since their Momma gave birth, still couldn’t tell you who is  who. At any rate this past weekend they were in a race. All official like, with numbers plastered to their fronts and everything.

According to their mother, they came in 2^nd and 3^rd in their age group and 77^th and 84^th out of 184 participants. Maybe next year they can venture to DC and try on the half or full USMC Marathon. They even have a 10 K down there that day.

At any rate, here’s a picture of the ladies and a little shout out to make their grandparents , Bob Lataille and Carl and Carol Sternat, proud of the young ladies. I'm sure their Mamma and Daddy will like it also.

 Congratulations ladies from “The Rooster.”

                                       

Tommy Palmer

Tommy departed early Saturday morning for Dulles Airport outside of Washington, DC for a thirteen hour flight to Beijing, China. This was to be an Experiential trip from his school. He will have some journal and writing assignments during and after the trip as part of his school work.

Yesterday Tommy sent us a picture from the Great Wall.

From that smile I'd say he's enjoying the trip.

Tommy flew out of Dulles last Saturday to Bejing, China. On Wednesday he flew to Xianyang and on the 31^st would head to Shanghai for the remainder of his trip. If all goes well and is on schedule he will arrive back in Dulles on November, 2.

Tommy, we will be looking for some great stories upon your return.

While traveling within China, China Eastern Airline was the mode of travel.

One of the blogs I follow

http://www.itstactical.com/ or Imminent Threat Solutions, is one of the many blogs I follow. If your interested in growing a Mustache, click on the word Mustache and join the contest. Better yet, become a member.

Do you Drink?

Many people wonder if the alcohol they drink is too much. How about when we go to doctor and the nurse asks you, “do you drink?” “Umh, what do you mean?” Well stupid, she wants to know if you drink alcohol. Now that could be beer, wine, mixed or here in Halloween season, cider. “Yeh,  occasionally I'll have a drink,” you’ll say. Have you ever wondered where you fit in the great realm of drinker? "Every Sunday" you say, "it's a Catholic thing at communion."

Check out this site from the "Washington Post." 

Perhaps your not indulging as much as you think. Cheers!

The Fox and the Chickens

We've had a security breach in the fence line at Fire Base Charlie Whisky (Collins Wharf). 

Long about 0200 hrs., Wednesday morning, there was a squawking come from the chicken's bunk house. Mary Agnes, God bless her sole, sprang from the bed to see what the matter. Now I don't know how she attired herself. It was warm, so she didn't have to dress up much, but out she dashed with flashlight in hand. What, no shot gun?

I, being a bit less protective and a whole lot less dashing, sat there on the edge of the bed, a listnin to whatever might be going on. Of course now, I most likely wouldn't have heard much. I am close to 72 and my hearing ain't quite what it were some years back.

When all the commotion died down and the little woman returned she said, "I think the Roosters (Casper) is dead." I could tell she was mighty upset. Her usual electric mood was all downcast and sorrowing like. It were like one of our own had gone the way of the Lord. I felt just so horrible. I tried consoling her but it wer'nt no good. The next few hours were going to belong ones, I just knowed it.

After a bit the wife says, "I don't remember lockin the gate." Up she gets, put on some shoes I'm guessing and out she goes again. When she comes in she says, "The Rooster aint dead Pa, he was up and movin." thank the Lord I thought, "Had a bit of blood around his neck though." It werent long and she were aback snoorin, I knew then, the Rooster would make it. 

There weren't no "Cock a Doodle Do" that morning, but Casper did venture out. Slowly mind you, but he did go out. His 9 Hens were all OK, and they were out also. They just didn't seem to have that usual feisty spirit they normally have. 

I made improvements to secure the area better during the day. We let them Free Range in the afternoon and as the sun set they were a bit reluctant to head into the Coop. Eventually, with a bit of urging, we got them in and secure. All except two mind you. We have had two hens for some time now that refuse to sleep in the coop. They spend the night either up a tree or under my tool shed. Each morning they appear, enter the pen when I open the gate and join the others in their daily routine.

On Thursday Morning we got the "Cock a Doodle Do" and more animation from the entire flock. This morning it was even more so. Things are returning to normal. We're still waiting on the Rooster's chase of the Hens, I'm sure it's only a few days away.

I swear she loves them chickens as much as the Young ins.

October 22, 2014

A New Day Begins

It was an early rise and shine with Mary Agnes this morning. She was off to the gym and I was off to spend time with Liberty. Liberty is Yellow Lab owned by Jeff and Kathy. Jeff and Kathy spend a great deal of time across the Bay. In Jeff’s case it’s usually across the big pond, Atlantic or Pacific, take your pick. For the present Jeff is at work in DC. Last week Jeff spent some time in Michigan and was there to celebrate his mother's 40th birthday. Did you like that Lois?  Belated birthday greetings from "The Rooster."

Libby has an assigned task when her owners are away, eat anyone not authorized for entry. Should you first hear her bark on approach, I doubt you would test the waters to gain entry? Her best friend, Margaret of Donegal, aka Maggie, joins her multiple times during the day for fun and frolic time. This morning we got to stretch the legs at 0540. I’m sure her bladder was thankful for an early visit. Last night she had Maggie and me for company until 2130. 

There is a bonus to this assignment, The Berthiaume-Fiddler home has real Internet. Yesterday I wanted to get the latest edition of “The Rooster” out so I utilized the resources they provide. I put most of the blog together off line, using “Microsoft Word” at home. With a snail paced Internet at home, most downloading of pictures and such is carried out at either Sarah’s or Kathy’s. I just love those girls and where they live. It's so nice being connected.

A Happy Birthday

I’m following up the last post so soon for a reason, I forgot a bunch of stuff. There were and are a few things that I wished to include and didn't. Today, October 22, 2014, is my granddaughter Rebecca’s birthday. Rebbecca lives in Tolland, CT and turned 31 today. You have but to ask her grandmother and she will tell you that Rebbecca is the wisest and most knowledgeable young lady she has ever known. When Granny goes to Connecticut, Rebbecca keeps her straight.  So she must be at least 31. No, actually she’s 10 today. Happy Birthday Rebbecca.

Rebecca Fiddler, Happy 10th Birthday

The Newlyweds

Next we have the newlyweds. That would be Ms. Rosalie Peach and Mr. Brian Jarvis. These two are part of that group we label as undocumented family. They have been over the past few years, the quiet Worker Bees whenever an event is taking place here on the Eastern Shore. Brian and Rose are from New England and shall now be residing in the greater Baltimore – Washington area as husband and wife.

Brian and Jeff started with the State Department at the same time. Brian and Rose were married last week in Hawaii, with family in attendance. Brian and Rose, we are so happy for you and wish nothing but the best. Should you wish to restate your vowels and consonants here on the mainland, I know someone who would do it on the cheap.  Wishing you the best form the Eastern Shore.

Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis

The Village of Allen

This past weekend The Allen Methodist Church held a Fall Bazaar. This event is highlighted, at least as far as I’m concerned, by the delicious food prepared by the community. On the Thursday prior to the Bazaar a large percentage of the Allen community turned out in the Community Hall for a Chicken cutting. This group of cooks turn out the best Chicken Salad around.  Over the many years we have been a part of this village, we continually marvel at the countless volunteers who turn out for all events in the village. Allen is truly unique.

Besides the Chicken Salad you can order Beef Vegetable soup, Oyster Sandwiches, Hot Dogs and deserts of every description Our local Pastry Chef , Doris Fretz sells out her cakes every year.  Many tables of crafts and tag sale items are on display. If you’re in the mood to do some early Christmas shopping, this is the place to go.

The Sweets table

John Culp greeting folks at the Popcorn machine.

The Mississippi Connection

We will have a visitation late this evening from Miss. Abigail Berthiaume. Abby will fly into BWI later tonight and get to spend 3 days with family and friends. I haven't seen her since early July. Her mom, dad and granny were in Mississippi a few weeks ago for a visit with Abby, Sam and the grand/great kids. Her cousin Thomas Palmer will get to see his best friend prior to leaving for China. Below are a few pics from that visit two weeks ago. Kathy and Jeff got to see MSU beat Texas A and M. As of today MSU is ranked #1 in the college football polls. Hail State.

Jeff and Abby

Kathy and Abby

 The Chickens

Yes, we still have our chickens. They are aging a bit and their production has waned lately. Our 12 remaining girls are providing 4 or 5 eggs daily. This is just enough to provide a dozen for us and each of the girl's families a week. The Rooster is still his perky self, and with a name like Casper, is looking forward to Halloween.

Sam's Clan

Mia and Ana Davies, cuddling in Mississippi.

Semper Fi

Deer on the Move

A Typical Morning
Friday, 10/10/2014

Fridays, oh how I love Fridays, I get to sleep in.  The little women gets to sleep in and that makes all things great. My resident Gym Rat has no class on Fridays. So, she is not up early with the TV going and that wonderful, "get out of bed and drink me," coffee aroma wafting from the kitchen.

As I’ve previously mentioned, I’m a house sitter. This morning Maggie and I would head over the 2.5 mile ride to my present assignment just as the sun rises. Our route is over a very rural road in Wicomico County, MD. We pass several houses, one very large farm whose fields are in a state of reaping at the moment, it’s an autumn thing on the Eastern Shore. This particular field had a beautiful crop of Sorghum growing in it this year.

A combine at work.

Sourghum

It is to one’s advantage to drive reasonably slow on these roads due to the wildlife frequently encountered. This morning’s trip was no exception to that rule. Squirrels are a dime a dozen. Seldom do I not see a White Tail Deer. Fox, Raccoon and Opossum are frequently encountered. Groundhogs have made a comeback in recent years. Mice and frogs roll the dice by running in vehicles paths with great frequency. The crunching of these critters beneath the tires is disconcerting to this writer.  Turkey are becoming more often a regularity. This morning such was the case. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/wildturk/index.asp

Previously planted Wheat growing among the
 Soy Bean crop.

Once I arrived at my destination there were three deer standing dangerously close to the Kale growing in the garden. One slam of a car door sent them out and away from their Vegetarian ways.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, they best head for cover.


 Prior to the Rafter of Turkeys, I spotted two Deer dashing over a trail through a wooded area.

I should have kept going with Florence. I hope I'm not in season yet.

After checking on the house, feeding the two cats and putting them out for the day, Maggie and I usually go for a walk. The cats are well on their respective journeys by the time Maggie wanders about.  On this occasion Maggie did a little mudding and the picture is proof positive of her joyous romp. Now Kathy knows how her floor got so dirty.

Guilty

Happy Birthday Tommy Palmer

                                              

Tommy celebrated his fifteenth birthday last week. With him in this photo are two of his best friends, Phillip and Kelsey.  Tommy will be off to China for a week long school trip on October 24'th.

What the Eastern Shore is made of.

I have an old friend of 25 years that I contacted and asked to share a recent Facebook post. He gave me his permission and I shall share. His name is Joseph Lappin.

I first met Joe Lappin at the Red Roost, where he had an art studio above the restaurant.

Joe had the ability to capture what the eye saw with his art work. Mary Agnes and I still have one of his originals hanging in our bedroom.  I’ll share it here one day, but I will tell you it is a window, and a captivating window at that.

Joe decided at some point that he needed a regular paying job to meet his needs.  I was working at the local hospital at the time and was able to arrange an interview for the aspiring Rembrandt. All Joe needed was to walk through the door, turn on his charm and smile and the man had a job. Joe’s interpersonal skills kept him in that job for a number of years. He even met his wife Sia at the hospital. Do you think, perhaps there’s some Cupid in me? The two of them are a wonderful couple, have three beautiful children and set an example in parenting to emulate.

Joe's love for the outdoors would lead him out of the hospital to the great outdoors as a Landscaper for a number of years. However, there was a deeper love in the man to hunt fish and be with nature. Most recently Joe has become part of the Maryland Eastern Shore tradition, a Waterman. In season you can find Joe Crabbing and tonging for Oysters on his boat. When not in school you can also find his daughter Rebecca and sons Daegan and Jacob alongside him, working as the boat’s Mate. They are a special family who I don’t get to see often but who will always have a place in my heart.

I find it kind of appropriate that Joe married a Greek and became a Waterman. I moved to the Eastern Shore many years ago from New England. New England has a long tradition of Greek fisherman from seafaring towns named Gloucester, Fall River and New Bedford to name a few. Joe of course is a shallow water sailor and the New Englanders were deep water sailors. It is the lore of the sea and the great outdoors that calls them to their trade. Mary Agnes and I were married in Fall River many years ago, another bit of a bond with Joe and family.

A few days back Joe had, what was to me a captivating post on Facebook. Here is that post and a few of Joe’s photos to go along with it. Thanks Joe for allowing me to share.

  

Facebook Post of Joe Lappin

As my days started early before the sun,  I understand what my Heavenly Father does for me . This summer little things became more evident . I have taught myself to let go of the wheel and guide instead drive . As my efforts started out empty. Faith began to fill my baskets and My little angles helped me along the way . My faith became their confidence . And even when storms arrive a new compass course can be set but the direction remains the same . Physical strength and determination are helpful. And riding home in the dark always ends in peace knowing you have your blessings . Thank you Lord for working with me . I am finally starting to understand. Peace to all my Facebook friends and see you next crabbing season and thank you for your support . The Lappins

Joe and Jacob

Rebecca the Mate

Nice days work

Daegan smiling like a pirate.