Berg Eltz. Visited in 2017. Great place!Good morning D-League. It's currently 73° and clear here in Eastern Kentucky. This afternoon will bring another chance of thunderstorms and a high of 80°.
Everyone stay safe on this Friday.
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The monster was one of our joking names for Maddie. Smaller than your dogs, she was still big for a female boxer at 75 pounds and due to our exercise walks, she was very strong and in great shape. I was around a few German Shepards in the service. They controlled their weight at about 100 pounds and Maddie was stronger than most of them. She was also tired enough that she didn't get in much trouble at home. As an aside, during the war, the Germans used G Sheps as guard dogs because they were vocal (they would bark and tell prisoners, no you are to close to the fence). They used Boxers to hunt snipers or black marketeers because most boxers are quieter and would be on the suspect before they even knew there was a dog in the vicinity.
SC, I'm missing something. I understood she was just starting there. So how is she a 4th Year Cadet? Or does 4th Year mean freshman in layman's terms? Thanks.Acceptance Day had beautiful weather to hold their festivities. My son emailed me some photos of our granddaughter being accepted as a Fourth Year Cadet at the USAF Academy. The CBT is behind and the hard work has paid off. This is a day she will remember the rest of her life.
My son had a little over an hour with her before they had to say goodbye. He returns home tomorrow. Enjoy the weekend young lady because Monday morning classes begin. Squadron Viking 9 report. Just keep smiling and trust in God. All is well.
BBUK, doe to your wow on my boxer post; Boxers would need to be trained for that job. They are extremely people friendly. A few years back, they were developing a new breed of dog in the southwest to deal with feral hogs. The dogs were so mean that the handlers couldn't deal with. They bred them with Boxers to make them more people friendly.
Yes, they do it a little backwards. You advance from 4th year (freshman) 3rd (sophomore) 2nd (junior) and the seniors are First. The Fourth Class cadets are referred to as "Doolies," a Greek word δοῦλος ("doulos") meaning "slave" or "servant." First Class Cadets are referred to as "Firsties". They do not use the terms freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior.
I have learned a lot about the Air Force structure at the Academy. Of coure I started at ground zero. I am an Army man and knew very little about the AF. In the Academy structure there is the Cadet Wing. First Class cadets hold the positions of cadet officers, Second Class cadets act as the cadet non-commissioned officers and Third Class cadets represent the cadet junior non-commissioned officers. The Fourth Class are the lowly "airmen". What we called privates.
There are Four Cadet Wings and they are divided up into Squadrons. Each Cadet Wing has 10 squadrons. There are 40 Squadrons and all four classes make up the Squadron. They live together and train together with each class having certain duties and responsibilities. The "Firstie" are the leaders since they are acting as the officer corp. She is assigned to Viking 9. Viking 9 would be the 9th Squadron in The First Cadet Wing. Etc. A slave or servant must walk on certain blocks as they go through the complex. They have to yield to the Firsties and salute. This will be the rule all year. There are a host of other rules as well.
I have talked to a few grads of the academy and they told me the Espirit De Corp is off the charts and they will be bonding over the next four years it will remain with them the rest of their lives.
It is hard not to be proud of her because I know what she sacrificed and dedicated hours and hours when most kids were out joyriding and partying. She wanted to fly jets since a child and she knew only the best would get that chance at the Academy.
By not being Cardinal fans, you guys missed Mike Shannon who just retired from the Cards radio. he wasn't a great announcer technically. When he first started, he was brutal, but he was a barrel of laughs. He was known for Yogi Berra type statements, especially after about the sixth inning when the ice cold Busch started kicking in. He was a teammate of Stan Musial, so he had stories from way back.
He was known as Moon because as teammates used to say, "He can't be from this world!
Bernie, I certainly remember Mike Shannon as a player. I would have put him with the Cards a year or two after Musial retired, coming in as 3rd baseman after Ken Boyer.
There was a time in the mid-1960s when I was such a fan I could list all the starters on NL teams.
Here’s my guesstimate of the Cardinals in the 67 series against Boston: Cepeda, Julian Javier, Dal Maxville and Shannon around the IF. Brock, Flood and someone in the OF. Tim McCarver catching. Gibson as ace.
I know as soon as I post this the other outfielder will come to me. But pretty close. I was 11 that summer and followed the NL fanatically -reading box scores in the Cincy papers, reading SI and sporting news, keeping baseball cards on every teams’ key players, not just the Reds.
EDIT: Roger Maris was the other outfielder. I swear I didn’t look it up.
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I would never voluntarily swim in any waters in Louisiana...this doesn't help.
I always enjoyed listening to Shannon on the radio.
Roger Maris was the other outfielder. By that time, his numbers were way down, but he was still a solid fundamental player. Shannon always called a ground out to second to bring in a runner from third a Roger Maris rbi. shannons rookie year was Musials last.
Haha. See above. I came up with Maris before I saw this post. I guess Shannon was the back up in 63, and 64 to Ken Boyer.
I knew the Boxer's that I've personally come in contact with to be friendly, that is why I reacted that way. Thanks though, extremely interesting. (I do laugh at the snorting that the pug-noses seem to have.)
I'm wit ya. I will do some ocean swimming but if I cannot see the entire area and I mean everything in fresh or brackish water, I am not swimming in the southern most areas of the U.S. ... In my brief few years of experiences on the coasts (Atlantic and Gulf coasts I have seen some, how do you say... varmints....
Glad to see you back. Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health.
Congratulations to your granddaughter. That's definitely something to be proud of.Acceptance Day had beautiful weather to hold their festivities. My son emailed me some photos of our granddaughter being accepted as a Fourth Year Cadet at the USAF Academy. The CBT is behind and the hard work has paid off. This is a day she will remember the rest of her life.
My son had a little over an hour with her before they had to say goodbye. He returns home tomorrow. Enjoy the weekend young lady because Monday morning classes begin. Squadron Viking 9 report. Just keep smiling and trust in God. All is well.
A couple of interesting things about Roger. To get him to play his two years in St Louis, Auggie Busch set him up with a large beer distributorship in Florida. Jacksonville I think.
Roger and Whitey Herzog had been teammates in Kansas City at one time and were friends. They lived in the same town in 1961 when Roger hit 61 homers. Whitey was building a new home after the season, actually physically building it himself. Whitey said first thing every morning Roger showed up with his lunch box and tools. He and Roger built the house and Roger would not take a penny for his help.
Moon went to college and was friends with the son of Musial. He was a star football player. Moon actually started as an outfielder. When the Cards got Maris, they moved Moon to third to make room for Maris.
Last year about the middle of August we transplanted a Maple seedling (in honor of JP) that had taken root in Mrs. M flower bed and asked the D how to protect it during the winter. I think it was Mr. Rooster who told us to try to protect it by putting something around it. It made it through the winter just fine, it was about 6" tall and now one year later JP's tree is 8' tall!!!!! Why ask Siri when I can ask the D!!!!
65 years ago today, AB went national, and made Dick Clark a household name. Loved the 70s broadcasts.
Me and the BB got our ears lowered this afternoon. My darling cuts our hair. One thing that has been a serious challenge is cutting the BB's hair. Been a war ever since we started. (My Darling was a Barber for several years and a good one. When we lived in SA she made a heck of a living.) Anyway the last few haircuts the BB has settled down in bunches. He even suggested the haircut this evening to My darlings and my complete shock. (He did change his mind later but they are tons easier than they have been.)
Anyway, it has been a while. Have a peaceful evening.... John Wayne may actually be calling. (The Quiet Man... unless I change me mind...)
(Been a long while since I watched a John Wayne movie...)
Anyway, it has been a while. Have a peaceful evening.... John Wayne may actually be calling. (The Quiet Man... unless I change me mind...)
(Been a long while since I watched a John Wayne movie...)
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Which one is you in the picture Warrior?
Which one is you in the picture Warrior?
Not Warrior but the one with the Meanest Mug in that group of Mean Mugs...
(Easily spotted in my way of thinking...)Another Roger Maris tidbit. Roger holds the national high school record for most return touchdowns in one game. Two kickoff, one punt and one interception. He scored a fifth touchdown rushing.
Bernie, I love your St Louis Cardinal stories, keep them coming. When I was a boy the Cards and Yankees both held Spring Training in St Petersburg, FL. I attended many exhibition games to watch them play. Musial was a huge part of my youth and I admired him and his batting stance that was so different from everybody else. Another of one my favorite Cards was Red Schoendienst. He played a mean second base with his sure hands and quick throw to first. Hall of Famer.
Roger Maris had the Budweiser distributorship in Gainesville, FL. right off of I-75. He built it into one of the best in the country (I guess Gator fans love their beer) and it became the subject of a high profile court case when Budweiser tried to swindle the family out of it by making false accusations. The family filed a $250 million dollar lawsuit and the Maris family settled for $125 million. Some say they actually got more than that because some other financial matters.
Here is a short clip of Red. You could always count on him for a clutch hit. I really do love the old baseball stories the D League posts. Good stuff and fond memories for me because I grew up with the greats of the game.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=red+schoendienst&&view=detail&mid=8D886C4D0AC6E2CC7F668D886C4D0AC6E2CC7F66&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=/videos/search?q=red+schoendienst&FORM=HDRSC3
Good morning from ATX. Currently 79°F and clear with a few clouds. Slight rain chance. We may keep it in double-digits for a change. Stay tuned.
Found a slightly ripped $1 bill while out walking by auto repair shops near end of our street yesterday. Some lady strolled right past the money just before me and failed to see it. Crazy.
Service appointments scheduled today. Must take Rogue to dealer at 9:30 am and truck at 12:30 pm. Considering Rudy's BBQ for dinner.
Heading out for a hike soon.
Wishing happiness and health for all our fellow D-League members.
Found a slightly ripped $1 bill while out walking by auto repair shops near end of our street yesterday. Some lady strolled right past the money just before me and failed to see it. Crazy.
Service appointments scheduled today. Must take Rogue to dealer at 9:30 am and truck at 12:30 pm. Considering Rudy's BBQ for dinner.
Heading out for a hike soon.
Wishing happiness and health for all our fellow D-League members.
Good Morning D
Another nice August day in these parts. We will have plenty of sunshine coming our way as we hit a high of 90°. Currently we are 73° as the sun rises and starts to warm us up. Our chance of rain this afternoon is the usual 40%.
I have an important meeting this morning at 9:00 AM down in Dade City, so I best get going. I wish all a healthy day with sunshine and good tidings. Prayers for all in need.
I love the Coast of Scotland
Another nice August day in these parts. We will have plenty of sunshine coming our way as we hit a high of 90°. Currently we are 73° as the sun rises and starts to warm us up. Our chance of rain this afternoon is the usual 40%.
I have an important meeting this morning at 9:00 AM down in Dade City, so I best get going. I wish all a healthy day with sunshine and good tidings. Prayers for all in need.
I love the Coast of Scotland
Thanks for the earworm @AustinTXCat now I have the bandstand music in my head.
The cool one.
Which one is you in the picture Warrior?
That was my biggest smile ever in a picture.Not Warrior but the one with the Meanest Mug in that group of Mean Mugs...
Going out this morning to have new tires put on the Sportage. More money spent to bring it up to safer conditions and road worthy.Good morning from ATX. Currently 79°F and clear with a few clouds. Slight rain chance. We may keep it in double-digits for a change. Stay tuned.
Found a slightly ripped $1 bill while out walking by auto repair shops near end of our street yesterday. Some lady strolled right past the money just before me and failed to see it. Crazy.
Service appointments scheduled today. Must take Rogue to dealer at 9:30 am and truck at 12:30 pm. Considering Rudy's BBQ for dinner.
Heading out for a hike soon.
Wishing happiness and health for all our fellow D-League members.
Good morning folks. A beautiful day but already a bit muggy. Some of you may recall that a couple months ago I got a cortisone shot in my knee and had a pint or so of fluid drained off it Yesterday was the day the cortisone completely wore off, and my knee is back to cantaloupe size.
So, I’m back to a subtle but noticeable limp. In a few weeks I’ll be back to Deputy Chester limp, and I’ll have to go back for another round.
But I can still get around and the woods are full of interesting things, so back to my hike.
I hope you all have a good day.
So, I’m back to a subtle but noticeable limp. In a few weeks I’ll be back to Deputy Chester limp, and I’ll have to go back for another round.
But I can still get around and the woods are full of interesting things, so back to my hike.
I hope you all have a good day.
Good morning D-League. It's currently 72° and rainy here in Eastern Kentucky. This afternoon will bring a chance of isolated thunderstorms and a high of 84°.
Here's to good health for all in the D-League. Stay safe on this Saturday.
Here's to good health for all in the D-League. Stay safe on this Saturday.
I have seen cotton mouths in the Green and Barren rivers in my part of Kentucky; however, the lake that my house was on in Jacksonville, FL was full of moccasin's. We even had one in the den one night. Sherry went ballistic.
So I would say that it is best to watch where you swim in any southern state. Plus my dad always said that a copper head was nothing but a dry land cotton mouth. The area I grew up in is copper head and rattle snake country.
Good morning. It is a sunny 80.4°F and we are supposed to get to 87° with a 50% chance of rain. I bet we make 90!
May start a rack of ribs today if I get to feeling squirrely.
You all have a good Saturday.
May start a rack of ribs today if I get to feeling squirrely.
You all have a good Saturday.
I did know him casually as he was a top dog and I was down in the middle. However, I did not come into contact with him until we merged with the B&O/C&O side of the house.
In 1983 the B&O/C&O offered me a job in Cincinnati for their automotive team and Hays was in the office the day of my interview. I stuck with the Family Lines side and now I am glad I did as my retirement was better on that side of the house.
Hays always looked like Cawood Ledford to me.
Did you know he just passed? Long obit in WSJ today.
Not until you posted.
Sir, (Good afternoon all...)
My Dad used to say.."A rattlesnake will kill you, a copperhead would make you wish you were dead." (Not sure of the entire truth in that area but it sounded about right.)
I cannot tell you how many times I should have been rattlesnake and copperhead bitten. At least six times off the top of my head.
That is one of many reasons I KNOW God protects me personally. God intervened saving my life so many times.
Snakes, knives, guns, ... My prayer and desire is, I will fulfill God's plan for me ...There must be something he has in store for me in that area. I know this, without a doubt.
Here's the obit:
"When Hays T. Watkins was 4, his parents noticed that he had memorized at least two dozen license-plate numbers and could match them with names of the cars’ owners. A newspaper in Jefferson County, Ky., described him as a “perfectly normal boy” with “an abnormal love for reading numbers.”
True to form, the numbers prodigy grew up to be an accountant. Less predictable was his ascent from a junior staff job at the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway to the chief executive’s post at the rail giant CSX Corp.
Mr. Watkins, who described himself as a country boy, negotiated the 1980 merger of Chessie System Inc., owner of the C&O, with Seaboard Coast Line Industries Inc., creating CSX. Mr. Watkins ran CSX—variously as president, CEO and chairman—until he retired in 1991.
Eager to create one-stop shipping, Mr. Watkins launched a trucking business and acquired Sea-Land Corp., an operator of container ships. CSX also bought barge and gas-pipeline operations. The company later sold most of those assets to focus on rail services. Customers relied on logistics companies to find the most efficient ways to move freight.
Mr. Watkins died July 29 at the age of 96.
He never had a career plan. “Everyone would be better off, I believe, if they simply concentrated on doing their very best and then basically let nature take its course,” he wrote.
As a rail CEO, Mr. Watkins inherited an unusual asset—the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, which came with three golf courses, riding stables and a bunker designed to serve as a secret nuclear-bomb shelter for members of Congress. It had been purchased in 1910 by the C&O railroad.
Mr. Watkins loved the Greenbrier and decided to add other resorts. In 1986, CSX bought two Caribbean resorts and a third in Jackson Hole, Wyo., from Laurance S. Rockefeller. Two years later, under pressure from investors to stick to the core business, CSX sold those resorts for a sizable profit.
The Greenbrier, in bankruptcy proceedings, was sold in 2009 to Jim Justice, now governor of West Virginia.
Hays Thomas Watkins Jr. was born Jan. 26, 1926, near Louisville, Ky. The family moved to a farm, where they grew tobacco and corn, after his father lost his job as a bank cashier during the Depression. Young Hays learned to steer a horse-drawn plow and graduated as the valedictorian of his high-school class in New Castle, Ky., at age 16.
Determined to escape farming life, he enrolled at what is now Western Kentucky University, where he supported himself by waiting on tables at a boarding house. He joined the Army near the end of World War II, learned Japanese as part of preparations for a planned invasion, and then was sent to the Panama Canal Zone after Japan surrendered.
Mr. Watkins resumed his studies and earned a degree in accounting. He followed that up with an M.B.A. degree from Northwestern University, where his thesis was on “the separation of railroad operating expenses between freight and passenger services.”
The C&O hired him in early 1949, only to lay him off two months later when a coal strike slashed revenue. He briefly returned to the farm and hitched himself to the plow before being rehired by the C&O.
He met Betty Jean Wright on a blind date. They married a year later, in 1950.
He worked for a spell as an internal auditor at the railroad company. “One of our more interesting findings,” he wrote later, “was the lack of basic accounting knowledge by officers and key employees of the accounting department.” He created a course to teach them the basics.
Eventually he caught the eye of Cyrus S. Eaton, chairman of the rail company, and began attending board meetings to provide financial data. In early 1971, to his own surprise, he was named chief executive of what became Chessie System. During his first year as CEO, another coal strike cut deeply into revenue. The company skipped dividend payments for the first time since 1922. Mr. Watkins endured calls from furious investors.
As railroads lost freight business to trucking rivals, Mr. Watkins wanted to diversify and combine various means of moving freight under one corporate umbrella, he wrote in a 2001 memoir, “Just Call Me Hays.” The company in 1981 advertised “a truck-rail-truck combo providing door-to-door, single-system freight service at money-saving prices.”
Customers, however, were accustomed to working with a variety of transport companies, and most didn’t feel the need for a single provider. “They just were not going to change,” Mr. Watkins concluded later.
Diversification into energy and resorts didn’t pan out. Wall Street analysts “still looked at us as a railroad,” he wrote. “Everything else was extraneous.” As the company ventured into new realms, some of the railroad equipment deteriorated, and CSX lost market share. By the late 1980s, CSX had begun selling off peripheral activities and concentrating on its core.
Today, CSX doesn’t own barges or ships. About 93% of revenue comes from railroad operations, though the company also has a modest position in trucking. Last year it acquired a trucking company specializing in transport of bulk liquid chemicals.
Mr. Watkins, who lived near Richmond, Va., is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty Watkins, along with a son, three grandchildren and a great grandson.
He hated sloppy desks and was eager to toss unessential papers. A neat desk, he wrote, is “the sign of a neat, quick mind.” He worked on the New York Times crossword puzzle daily, in ink. In his retirement, he researched his family roots in England, Ireland and Germany. His genealogical database, stored in large ringed binders, contained about 30,000 names—another memorable number."
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