Yes...I am still alive and kicking. I regret that I've not posted in awhile but life has been very chaotic, to say the least. Now to the news...
I have a job!!! Yes, I've been gainfully employed since October and am working 3rd shift, 11:00 pm - 7:30 am. Sleeping schedule is set but is very erratic. I get to bed on time and get up on time. It's all the commotion in-between that has me frazzled. lol Anyways...job is good and its nice having money to pay bills and purchase the necessities for life. While its not a great paying job, its a job nevertheless. Beggars can't be choosers!
Status update on my dad...Prayers have been answered! He has been given a clean bill of health on the cancer. He went through radiation therapy and the last blood test showed no signs of cancer.
We also obtained temporary guardianship of the wifes two nephews, age 4 and 6. That was a battle itself and will still be an ongoing battle until we can obtain permanent. I won't go into details here but will just say for the record, I don't make it a habit to take in kids. So having that stated, it was imperative we took control of their lives rather then see them spiral into the abyss. Yes...more added stress, costs and so much for "retiring" from parenting in 4 years. lol
As for my story...I will return to posting after January 1st. I have decided to spend more time producing quality rather than quantity. While I have enjoyed reading my own story, I see holes and blanks that need filled. I will be adding moire details to the content, contemplating adding a fictional State with towns and giving it more meat. I may continue writing and posting like I have, for now. I am still riding the fence on if I should write it as a novel. My grammar and the use of the English language isn't exceptional but I'm all for someone else editing my mistakes, if it ever is considered for publication.
Merry Christmas to all my fellow bloggers and loyal readers!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, September 05, 2011
Cataclysm - Post 30
September 24 2012
Two days of constant rain is leaving us worried we'll not get the harvest started. We've measured 5 inches of rain and the ground is starting to become saturated. We are watching the creeks and lakes/ponds for possibilities of flooding. One such lake is damned to prevent flooding of a downstream housing area. If that damn overflows or gives way, it would be a disaster. The families have relocated to other houses and have removed their possessions. Much more precipitation and we'll have to wait a month to harvest which by then the crops could be ruined by mold and mildew. Our cistern systems are well stocked now. lol
I'd like to discuss how the economic collapse spawned from the perspective of a non-financial person. I hadn't dealt with Wall Street nor do I consider myself an expert. But when this all started to unravel, I was compelled to investigate. Yes, we all know that the earthquakes and subsequent economy collapses played a crucial role. What most don't know or recall is that the US Economy was already heading for failure. Mother Nature's interference was just a catalyst to expedite the outcome.
For years and even decades in some cases, trillions in fraudulent activity, trillions in bailouts, billions in political bribing and billions in bonuses, the members on Wall Street were beginning fight amongst themselves. The beginning of the end, as lawsuit after lawsuit were filed and the consumer propaganda became ugly and intense. The financial crisis became more than finger pointing and escalated into a corporate espionage that was deadly. The government allied Eddie and Annie Financial Groups sent the first salvo. They took 20 of the top lenders to court. They asserted that these banking institutions committed acts of fraud, securities violations and misrepresentations of lending practices. The pot calling the kettle black...
It didn't take long before the States started filing their own lawsuits and the FDIC became involved. Also the SEC took a backseat waiting for this all to filter out so they could file suits of their own. These lawsuits alone brought the market to a standstill and shutdown trading on Financial Lending to a halt. The government stepped in and froze all market share pricing on those traded institutions named to ensure the shareholders financial claim. However, this intervention didn't happen fast enough and most on the financial sector took a 50% loss in stocks. Commodities such as Gold and Silver tripled in price overnight.
The 50 state Attorney Generals Oversight Group also declined to release any financial institution from all civil or liability in lawsuits. The financial sector saw a massive explosion in layoffs and termination of employees. While some were determined to ride out this storm of legalities, over half decided to shut its doors until further notice. About a month later, the lawsuits went International and the same sweeping legalities and layoffs commenced in other countries.
As the financial legalities spiraled out of control, the finger pointing turned deadly. Corporate assassinations were becoming common and while most of us cheered or sneered at the news, after a few dozen it became apparent this wasn't all fun and games anymore. I guess one could call it a form of Corporate Terrorism.
So thats my general perspective of how our economic collapse started. I don't remember allot of company names now nor the major players. But to whom ever reads this later, it gives an insight that probably won't be detailed in future history books.
Two days of constant rain is leaving us worried we'll not get the harvest started. We've measured 5 inches of rain and the ground is starting to become saturated. We are watching the creeks and lakes/ponds for possibilities of flooding. One such lake is damned to prevent flooding of a downstream housing area. If that damn overflows or gives way, it would be a disaster. The families have relocated to other houses and have removed their possessions. Much more precipitation and we'll have to wait a month to harvest which by then the crops could be ruined by mold and mildew. Our cistern systems are well stocked now. lol
I'd like to discuss how the economic collapse spawned from the perspective of a non-financial person. I hadn't dealt with Wall Street nor do I consider myself an expert. But when this all started to unravel, I was compelled to investigate. Yes, we all know that the earthquakes and subsequent economy collapses played a crucial role. What most don't know or recall is that the US Economy was already heading for failure. Mother Nature's interference was just a catalyst to expedite the outcome.
For years and even decades in some cases, trillions in fraudulent activity, trillions in bailouts, billions in political bribing and billions in bonuses, the members on Wall Street were beginning fight amongst themselves. The beginning of the end, as lawsuit after lawsuit were filed and the consumer propaganda became ugly and intense. The financial crisis became more than finger pointing and escalated into a corporate espionage that was deadly. The government allied Eddie and Annie Financial Groups sent the first salvo. They took 20 of the top lenders to court. They asserted that these banking institutions committed acts of fraud, securities violations and misrepresentations of lending practices. The pot calling the kettle black...
It didn't take long before the States started filing their own lawsuits and the FDIC became involved. Also the SEC took a backseat waiting for this all to filter out so they could file suits of their own. These lawsuits alone brought the market to a standstill and shutdown trading on Financial Lending to a halt. The government stepped in and froze all market share pricing on those traded institutions named to ensure the shareholders financial claim. However, this intervention didn't happen fast enough and most on the financial sector took a 50% loss in stocks. Commodities such as Gold and Silver tripled in price overnight.
The 50 state Attorney Generals Oversight Group also declined to release any financial institution from all civil or liability in lawsuits. The financial sector saw a massive explosion in layoffs and termination of employees. While some were determined to ride out this storm of legalities, over half decided to shut its doors until further notice. About a month later, the lawsuits went International and the same sweeping legalities and layoffs commenced in other countries.
As the financial legalities spiraled out of control, the finger pointing turned deadly. Corporate assassinations were becoming common and while most of us cheered or sneered at the news, after a few dozen it became apparent this wasn't all fun and games anymore. I guess one could call it a form of Corporate Terrorism.
So thats my general perspective of how our economic collapse started. I don't remember allot of company names now nor the major players. But to whom ever reads this later, it gives an insight that probably won't be detailed in future history books.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Tasteless Jokes Thursday
I got nothing...
Our son hates it in jail, many a time he's been physically abused in the showers.
My wife thinks I may take Monopoly a little too seriously.
===========================
What do you get when you cross the Atlantic with the Titanic?
About half way.
===========================
Find $20 in the bathroom.
Urine luck.
===========================
If sex between three people is called a Threesome and sex between two people is called a Twosome...
Then why is Handsome still a compliment?
Our son hates it in jail, many a time he's been physically abused in the showers.
My wife thinks I may take Monopoly a little too seriously.
===========================
What do you get when you cross the Atlantic with the Titanic?
About half way.
===========================
Find $20 in the bathroom.
Urine luck.
===========================
If sex between three people is called a Threesome and sex between two people is called a Twosome...
Then why is Handsome still a compliment?
Monday, August 22, 2011
Anyone Else ...
Find these type of commercials annoying? I live in Indiana and I sure as hell don't check the labels to see where the milk comes from California or not. There's gotta be a better way to spend money!!
Personally I prefer these adds:
Personally I prefer these adds:
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Update
Well life is a roller coaster, thats for damn sure. I am unemployed, again. Saw it coming but was praying it would last a bit longer. I have some employment opportunities in the works but with the job market being an "Employers Market" its looking bleak. Having to sign "Arbitration Agreements" in the beginning process makes me ill. I am signing away my 7th Amendment rights. But what are ya gonna do? Don't agree and you're not considered for employment. I am also disheartened by the "Credit Checks" being performed on basic jobs. If you deal with handling money, then yes a Credit Check should be required. But working in a warehouse environment stocking and picking shouldn't require one. My credit sucks because I have NO JOB!!!
Dad is doing well after his prostrate removal. He is undergoing preventative radiation treatments and will be finished after Labor Day. He was Stage 3 and his blood test prior to starting radiation treatments showed no signs of cancer. So all is well and thank you God. And thanks to all of you who supported him with prayers.
My grass is dead...this drought we've experienced in the metro area is taking its toll. July was the driest in history and August isn't shaping up to be much better. My tomatoes aren't fairing well either. Takes forever to ripen and I'm trying to water them 3-4 times a week. Seems the squirrels like tomatoes too. Who knew? I saw a squirrel nibbling on my tomatoes and by the time I got to them, he'd nibbled 4-5 of the cherry ones.
The tragedy at the Indiana State Fair has been the forefront of news. While I sympathize and send condolences to those families involved, I am astonished that lawsuits have already been filed and the blame game is getting a bit boring. I have to ask...If you are OUTSIDE and see the same storm approaching as the officials, why didn't YOU be proactive and seek shelter BEFORE having to be told??? I've coached off and on for 20 years and the first lightning ANYONE sees and the game/practice is halted! So yes, the officials should have been more proactive as well. But when should common sense take over? It shouldn't!!! It should be the FIRST line of protection.
School is back in session and I am thankful. The house is peaceful during the day and I can do as I please. Free time to search aggressively for a job and try to find odd and end jobs to make some cash. Thank God the house was paid off back in June. My son started his Freshman year...doesn't seem possible. I hope the next 4 years creep by so I can enjoy him becoming a man.
Not much else to speak of...still trying to post my story but my mind is preoccupied with other events. My desire is there but my motivation is lacking. lol Hope you all are fairing well these days! I still try and cruise by weekly.
Dad is doing well after his prostrate removal. He is undergoing preventative radiation treatments and will be finished after Labor Day. He was Stage 3 and his blood test prior to starting radiation treatments showed no signs of cancer. So all is well and thank you God. And thanks to all of you who supported him with prayers.
My grass is dead...this drought we've experienced in the metro area is taking its toll. July was the driest in history and August isn't shaping up to be much better. My tomatoes aren't fairing well either. Takes forever to ripen and I'm trying to water them 3-4 times a week. Seems the squirrels like tomatoes too. Who knew? I saw a squirrel nibbling on my tomatoes and by the time I got to them, he'd nibbled 4-5 of the cherry ones.
The tragedy at the Indiana State Fair has been the forefront of news. While I sympathize and send condolences to those families involved, I am astonished that lawsuits have already been filed and the blame game is getting a bit boring. I have to ask...If you are OUTSIDE and see the same storm approaching as the officials, why didn't YOU be proactive and seek shelter BEFORE having to be told??? I've coached off and on for 20 years and the first lightning ANYONE sees and the game/practice is halted! So yes, the officials should have been more proactive as well. But when should common sense take over? It shouldn't!!! It should be the FIRST line of protection.
School is back in session and I am thankful. The house is peaceful during the day and I can do as I please. Free time to search aggressively for a job and try to find odd and end jobs to make some cash. Thank God the house was paid off back in June. My son started his Freshman year...doesn't seem possible. I hope the next 4 years creep by so I can enjoy him becoming a man.
Not much else to speak of...still trying to post my story but my mind is preoccupied with other events. My desire is there but my motivation is lacking. lol Hope you all are fairing well these days! I still try and cruise by weekly.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Cataclysm - Post 29
September 22 2012
Raining today so I thought I'd take the opportunity to write some journal entries. Tommy is improving everyday and becoming apart of our family. Tommy still sleeps outside but he's been caught napping in the house. It's become a joke amongst us and he's accepting the ribbing pretty well. His parents left him to fend for himself...I cannot imagine at any age how that must feel. He's told us his parents were drug users and fears they're already dead. He still has feeling for them and we don't try and dissuade him from having them. He has taken to the two younger nephews like a fish to water. He plays with them and unconsciously is teaching them. I saw him the other day showing them how to make a rope from the vegetation. It was for a game of cowboy...lassoing one another but all the same he taught them a skill. He has been reading books and writing things. He is quite the intellectual fella and soaks up any information he gets his hands on. He's been tinkering around with an old lawnmower and by golly I think he'll have it running within a week. Whenever we are working on tractors and the like he's always right there.
I have not heard directly from Larry and friends since our last visit/attack. Captain tells me they are well and interacting well with the soldiers. He tells me the community is now defended and the community is more at ease. Our soldiers have really become family. And I think a few soldiers are eying some of the single ladies. Our troop strength and numbers remain constant with a squad rotating out for 2 weeks. Most of the men are single and take they're leaves with gusto. So far nothing drastic has happened with their leaves as they tend to travel back to base.
Gardening has slowed to a crawl. We are canning and prepping apples, walnuts and persimmons from the fall harvest. Corn and beans will be harvested soon, as long as this rain stops. The military has brought us a new tanker of farming diesel. We were hoping to start this week on the beans but with rain it'll be a week or more before we can start. The hay harvest went well considering we forgot. We have enough to last through the winter as long as we manage properly.
Doc is going to administer flu shots in October. We are fearful of the winter as disease can spread quickly. And with medical assistance at a minimum, we are more susceptible to severe cases and even death. We discussed at the last Elders meeting of how to handle this potential. Right now we are keeping our discussions discreet and have made plans for an area just outside of town for a new cemetery. The old town cemetery isn't well kept and quite frankly we are nervous about digging graves there. Who knows what we'll uncover by accident. Doc tells us that Smallpox and Measles are becoming quite an issue in the larger communities (cities). Even Chicken Pox is being considered a threat. We have already agreed if anyone showing up from outside our community will be put in a quarantine area for 72 hours. We will provide them food and water but no physical contact. Doc will provide the military protocol and we'll follow his lead. He'll have the final say so on accepting anyone into the community based on their health.
We've not had any foot traffic lately. Military reports of travelers on the roads are few and far between. I'm assuming that when winter starts to set in we will see more people.
Our wild dog situation is decreasing in population as we are dispatching any canine without an orange collar. Some of the teenagers go on hunting parties with 2-3 military escorts. It's teaching them skills that will be useful later in life. And quite frankly, it gives them something for entertainment outside the community. So far they've discovered a cave that has potential for a shelter or hideout. We've not explored the depth of the cave but right now it extend at least 100 yards and is approximately 6 feet in height and 12 feet wide at places. Not the most luxurious place to live but will do nicely in an emergency. The teenagers have also been noting locations of game spotted. Deer is in quite the abundance and we've decided that each family, regardless of size, will be allowed to harvest 2 does and 1 buck. Our smoke houses will handle the limits and we've limited the hunting to weekends only and for two weekends. Squirrels and other small game will have no limits but excess hunting will not be allowed. These small game critters could become a valuable survival source if things go drastically wrong.
Raining today so I thought I'd take the opportunity to write some journal entries. Tommy is improving everyday and becoming apart of our family. Tommy still sleeps outside but he's been caught napping in the house. It's become a joke amongst us and he's accepting the ribbing pretty well. His parents left him to fend for himself...I cannot imagine at any age how that must feel. He's told us his parents were drug users and fears they're already dead. He still has feeling for them and we don't try and dissuade him from having them. He has taken to the two younger nephews like a fish to water. He plays with them and unconsciously is teaching them. I saw him the other day showing them how to make a rope from the vegetation. It was for a game of cowboy...lassoing one another but all the same he taught them a skill. He has been reading books and writing things. He is quite the intellectual fella and soaks up any information he gets his hands on. He's been tinkering around with an old lawnmower and by golly I think he'll have it running within a week. Whenever we are working on tractors and the like he's always right there.
I have not heard directly from Larry and friends since our last visit/attack. Captain tells me they are well and interacting well with the soldiers. He tells me the community is now defended and the community is more at ease. Our soldiers have really become family. And I think a few soldiers are eying some of the single ladies. Our troop strength and numbers remain constant with a squad rotating out for 2 weeks. Most of the men are single and take they're leaves with gusto. So far nothing drastic has happened with their leaves as they tend to travel back to base.
Gardening has slowed to a crawl. We are canning and prepping apples, walnuts and persimmons from the fall harvest. Corn and beans will be harvested soon, as long as this rain stops. The military has brought us a new tanker of farming diesel. We were hoping to start this week on the beans but with rain it'll be a week or more before we can start. The hay harvest went well considering we forgot. We have enough to last through the winter as long as we manage properly.
Doc is going to administer flu shots in October. We are fearful of the winter as disease can spread quickly. And with medical assistance at a minimum, we are more susceptible to severe cases and even death. We discussed at the last Elders meeting of how to handle this potential. Right now we are keeping our discussions discreet and have made plans for an area just outside of town for a new cemetery. The old town cemetery isn't well kept and quite frankly we are nervous about digging graves there. Who knows what we'll uncover by accident. Doc tells us that Smallpox and Measles are becoming quite an issue in the larger communities (cities). Even Chicken Pox is being considered a threat. We have already agreed if anyone showing up from outside our community will be put in a quarantine area for 72 hours. We will provide them food and water but no physical contact. Doc will provide the military protocol and we'll follow his lead. He'll have the final say so on accepting anyone into the community based on their health.
We've not had any foot traffic lately. Military reports of travelers on the roads are few and far between. I'm assuming that when winter starts to set in we will see more people.
Our wild dog situation is decreasing in population as we are dispatching any canine without an orange collar. Some of the teenagers go on hunting parties with 2-3 military escorts. It's teaching them skills that will be useful later in life. And quite frankly, it gives them something for entertainment outside the community. So far they've discovered a cave that has potential for a shelter or hideout. We've not explored the depth of the cave but right now it extend at least 100 yards and is approximately 6 feet in height and 12 feet wide at places. Not the most luxurious place to live but will do nicely in an emergency. The teenagers have also been noting locations of game spotted. Deer is in quite the abundance and we've decided that each family, regardless of size, will be allowed to harvest 2 does and 1 buck. Our smoke houses will handle the limits and we've limited the hunting to weekends only and for two weekends. Squirrels and other small game will have no limits but excess hunting will not be allowed. These small game critters could become a valuable survival source if things go drastically wrong.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Cataclysm - Post 28
September 20 2012
Christmas in September! The military came through with our needs and then some. Not only did they supply enough goods to last the winter but brought a few surprises for us as well. Chocolate candy bars...you don't know you've missed them until you taste the succulent sweets for the first time in over a year. Some of the children ate so much they became OD. lol Was a sight for sore eyes to see kids zipping to anf fro on a sugar high. Soda...pop...whatever you call it tastes so good. We've not had any refreshments like this in over 6 months. Tobacco...oh the smells of pipe tobacco and cigars. Cigarette tobacco was included in the shipment and those who craved a cigarette were anxious to get some rolled. We have set aside some of the goods as barter goods. We were all joyous with our gifts.
The mood has lightened around the community. Children are being schooled by the community and a teacher among the soldiers. School days are Monday through Thursday 9am - 5pm. We have also included a trades schooling for adults willing to learn a trade or craft. While this will be conducted during the winter months, some are excited to get an education. We've begun construction on a schoolhouse with the supplies from the town.
We are becoming concerned over the wild dog population. It's apparent people are dying off as the dog population has increased 5 fold since Spring. Most of the community dogs are work dogs such as Border Collies, Shepherds, etc...and have been fitted with a collar of orange distinction. All other canines will be dispatched on sight. We are increasingly concerned of rabies spreading throughout the wildlife. Something like this could hurt our supplement of food and could take a toll on out own canines.
Corn and bean harvest is coming soon so journal entries might be light. Also my shoulder is aching as the weather starts to become cooler. I fear its going to be a rough winter nursing this shoulder. Doc says its healed nicely as I've retained over 80% of my movement and strength.
Our community meeting went very well and we covered most topics without any disagreements. Everyone is building an outhouse in case the water freezes. Septic tanks/systems will be pumped within a month. The military scavenged a septic truck and we've been cleaning about 2 tanks a day. We have taken the waste to a local rock quarry and dumped on site. And as we quickly found out, September isn't the best time to empty septic tanks. lol So we've decided for now to stop emptying tanks until colder weather. Doc reported that community health was very good and he's happy with the current status. He and I talked after the meeting and he's preparing for a wave of newborns this time next year. Firewood is stocked and with sufficient supplies to all families. We are now planning on clearing another 50 acre wood area before winter. This wood will be kept as inventory supply and passed out as needed. Food supplies are progressing nicely and we are all confident on a much needed harvest. We will use most of this as barter and for the military. They have far more resources and can trade for better goods.
And the leather making is becoming a nightmare. But we all knew that would happen, right?
Christmas in September! The military came through with our needs and then some. Not only did they supply enough goods to last the winter but brought a few surprises for us as well. Chocolate candy bars...you don't know you've missed them until you taste the succulent sweets for the first time in over a year. Some of the children ate so much they became OD. lol Was a sight for sore eyes to see kids zipping to anf fro on a sugar high. Soda...pop...whatever you call it tastes so good. We've not had any refreshments like this in over 6 months. Tobacco...oh the smells of pipe tobacco and cigars. Cigarette tobacco was included in the shipment and those who craved a cigarette were anxious to get some rolled. We have set aside some of the goods as barter goods. We were all joyous with our gifts.
The mood has lightened around the community. Children are being schooled by the community and a teacher among the soldiers. School days are Monday through Thursday 9am - 5pm. We have also included a trades schooling for adults willing to learn a trade or craft. While this will be conducted during the winter months, some are excited to get an education. We've begun construction on a schoolhouse with the supplies from the town.
We are becoming concerned over the wild dog population. It's apparent people are dying off as the dog population has increased 5 fold since Spring. Most of the community dogs are work dogs such as Border Collies, Shepherds, etc...and have been fitted with a collar of orange distinction. All other canines will be dispatched on sight. We are increasingly concerned of rabies spreading throughout the wildlife. Something like this could hurt our supplement of food and could take a toll on out own canines.
Corn and bean harvest is coming soon so journal entries might be light. Also my shoulder is aching as the weather starts to become cooler. I fear its going to be a rough winter nursing this shoulder. Doc says its healed nicely as I've retained over 80% of my movement and strength.
Our community meeting went very well and we covered most topics without any disagreements. Everyone is building an outhouse in case the water freezes. Septic tanks/systems will be pumped within a month. The military scavenged a septic truck and we've been cleaning about 2 tanks a day. We have taken the waste to a local rock quarry and dumped on site. And as we quickly found out, September isn't the best time to empty septic tanks. lol So we've decided for now to stop emptying tanks until colder weather. Doc reported that community health was very good and he's happy with the current status. He and I talked after the meeting and he's preparing for a wave of newborns this time next year. Firewood is stocked and with sufficient supplies to all families. We are now planning on clearing another 50 acre wood area before winter. This wood will be kept as inventory supply and passed out as needed. Food supplies are progressing nicely and we are all confident on a much needed harvest. We will use most of this as barter and for the military. They have far more resources and can trade for better goods.
And the leather making is becoming a nightmare. But we all knew that would happen, right?
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