Bubba J

Bubba J is a puppet in the Jeff Dunham concert series. The man is seriously funny. Bubba is a gigantic redneck. I guess so am I.
Tomorrow afternoon there is a monthly county supervisors meeting. What that means is there are 21 older men and 3 women publicly discussing county matters. Most of us have no earthly idea of what the hell is going on or why we are there. Some of us like to put on a show for the public and media. I've already done all of that years ago and have no real purpose to be on TV looking like an asshole and/or speaking like one.

Anyway there is more bitterness than I have ever seen and it has to stop somewhere. Yup you guessed it, I am one of the leading candidates to become the new chair. But it will only be temporary  because  do not intend to run again. I just want to see if I can guide these folks through the next four or five months and wait until the "new guys" get their feet wet and learn about county politics. Not that I am any whiz but I ain't bad either.
I'm tired and my Geritol awaits ( I don't take that crap) so I need to bail out for the time and I will be back with more news later.
I feel like that jerk in Brooklyn; ever read or watched the Brooklyn Kid. Punch that in on the net and catch a load of this piece of work.
We'll talk!!!

CRITICAL

I have been away from my blog for a time. I missed commenting. Then I sat back and started to read the garbage I have been sending out. No wonder no one answers or blogs back (if commenting back is what you do.)
I had to attend a county meeting this afternoon and as quick and pointless as it was I was glad I went. It is the county process at work. Then I began to examine that process.
Why do we need this committee? My group oversees the operation of the county nursing home and 100 patients called clients. I don't know how the hell you get called a client, they aren't buying or selling anything. They are just trying to stay alive.
It is never fun for me to see some old-timer sitting in a large chair with a sheet tied around his/her chest so they don't fall out on the floor. Tragic to reach that stage in life. Amazing isn't it? We pretty much go out of life, unless there is an early exit, they way we come in. No hair or teeth and we can't walk. That really sucks huh?
Many of us spend time in our lives doing for others. We volunteer, run for politics and unsundry other things. We are right too. Just listen to some of the political  conversations we have. Hell we have the worlds problems all solved without ever leaving the neighborhood. Why in the hell don't the big decision makers listen to us? Why are we not invited to the state capitals, the white house, before congress, Wherever? Crap, I'm right most of the time. All you have to do is ask me. Besides I get to make my decisions right after I found out what the answers really are and what goes best or sounds and looks best. Isn't that what a politician does best?
I have a best friend. No kidding. Guys like him don't come along a often in your life. You need to get old to find that out.
Anyway my friend is very intelligent, witty and wise. But not as wise as I. He makes a lot of noise in his field, has written a boat load of books and is very well known in the literary circles as well as on many of the worlds stages. But you see he has remained my friend because he isn't upset with me because I don't agree with a number of his positions on things. He allows me that but he doesn't keep coming at me nor me at him. I haven't changed his mind and he hasn't changed mine but I have learned one thing. I can be like a bull in a china closet but now I have learned not to open my mouth for fear something will break. It seems to work.
My wife has some hams and eggs frying up for me so I have to cut this short. But just so you know. No more candy-ass comments in my blogs. If my pal thinks I'm a redneck then I must be and I will write what I feel and not what you, or anyone might be comfortable reading. In the remaining time we have we will have fun, not take ourselves too seriously and enjoy. Stay tuned to this blog and I'll take you along for the ride.

Oh The Weather Outside Is rightful #9

It has been snowing on and off most of the day. That's enough to tarnish the balls on a brass monkey. Too early for this.
Why would this be important to anyone? Well, it probably isn't for most people, me included, but there are others entrenched in a real funk. Ah, but I digress.
In my last blog (I have been just northwest of the Twin Cities for the weekend) I said I was composing ideas for a book. You probably thought so what? Didn't read the blog again did you? You are reminding me of the Manning brothers. This is an HD blog.
You know what? I have just written a ton of stuff and somehow most of it went flying into cyberspace and I am not in the mood to try to remember all of my clever remarks. That put me in a real bad mood. I have to go have a glass of red wine and cut this off for now. I may be back later but don't hang by your thumbs waiting.
You have been a good audience anyway and if my missing text shows up please inform me so I don't go talking about the same stuff again. Oh yes, my picture is real. The hat has a Notre Dame logo.
See ya.

Precursor to Chapters

I'm told I am supposed to give my entries a title. Sooo, I have decided to number chapters. This way it can be like a "make-believe" book. Well, maybe not so make-believe. I have had thoughts of writing for more years than I care to remember but each time I decide to discuss it with someone I get discouraged with comments like "oh everyone wants to write a book" or all cops and ex-cops want to write. Bartenders want to write about drunk experiences.  I did that too; bar tend I mean.
I've decided there are so many things to write/talk about that the supply is endless.
Then you hear "who will want to read you?"
Everyone! I'm a pretty interesting old guy. I pay my wife well and she encourages me.
One of these days someone is going to pick up on this blog and "poof" before you know it there I go.
I like to tell folks I buy my friends. Otherwise I wouldn't have any. Most folks are like that they; just don't know it.
I am retiring from my/our business in December and then can devote more time to writing and making notes.
Hmmm Devote. Is that what you do when you don't vote for someone?  By the way, I even have political stories to tell. I actually met Eisenhower. More to the point he addressed me. More about him in my tales. Nice man I thought.
I am worried that when I write I won't know where I stopped and will have to go back to the beginning and read it all over to find my place. Ah ha says I. I have figured that a blog with chapter numbers will do just fine. Not too shabby.
So I will shut it down for now and ponder my thoughts and put the little gems away in my memory bank.
Oh and by the way, I learned in English 101 never to begin a sentence with "and." Ha, watch me.
Oh, and one last thing for now.  I am going to introduce you to my good friend Cyrus. It will be easier talking to him than trying to talk to a keyboard. I do expect however he will be a smart-ass and there are going to be some disagreements.

Harv7

Today was supposed to be a day off. NOT!! Had a dental appointment at 8:30AM. Getting some work done on the ole jibs. Jo, our new very cute dental professional assistant met the wife and I and was directed to a nicely appointed side/rear exam room. Cutting to the chase here, my doctor/orthodontist came in and we decided to make some impressions in my trap. Dr. Leo had a "tooth builder" we'll call him, come in and a 3-way took place. No not what you're thinking for God's sake. We talked about making a new partial bottom denture to match what is going to be done topside.
Everything went fine and I was appointed back at 4PM.  No problem. Jo met us again and helped us engineer another "break-in."
Parked helplessly in the reclining chair Dr. Leo took an impression of the lower jaw that extended to the chin, neck, chest, waist and stopped somewhere just north of the right knee. After the goop is formed you are supposed to be able to just slip the holder thing out and transfer that information to however they do it. That is if it comes out at all. That became questionable. The goop hardened too much and the struggle began.
Finally Dr. Leo, who has a pretty good grip with his fingers put his foot on my chest and pulled and pulled and pulled. Finally success. My intestines came out with the appliance as did the toenails of the left foot. It was not pretty because I have toenail fungus and they are ugly.
However all is well that ends well and I drove my tired and hurting lips back to my office and then home vowing to enter this in to my blog. It has been so entered.
I can't wait to go back. This time I am going to put an IUD in my mouth and scare the hell out of everyone. Except Jo cause she's a "keeper."

Harv 6

I have made any number of attempts to bring my blog up to date but the computer won't cooperate again. Last time I got a message, or notification, or threat even, from Google that they had formed a new deal for which I had to sign in all over again. I tried. Repeatedly!! No luck. Finally the brains of the mob (wife,) came up here while I was downstairs throwing a fit, and did what Google asked and got me logged back in. So here we are.
Mainly I wanted to write about my last county supervisors board meeting.
Had I previously mentioned that an elite group of GOB's (good ole boys) want to build a $30 million justice center? Contains a jail, courtrooms, and a whole bunch of things. God knows we need a new jail and need to make room for another judge but we are broke. Our 2010 budget has no money in it and will be pared down from last years budget.
Taxes will skyrocket. More people will be foreclosed on and a whole bunch of problems exist. After a 5 hour debate the GOB's won 14 to 10. We will proceed with this monstrosity in the face of the public.
It almost seems as though there is nothing more to be done but I haven't given up yet and am still leading the "anti-group."
We'll see. I will continue to post updates.

Harv 5

Just keeping up the blog. The past few days has been stuffed with political happenings. I know it isn't, but it seems as though I have other supervisors coming to me constantly and expecting me to perform some miracle as far as county decisions are made.
I have decided this really isn't a lot fun mostly because of the time it takes away from my business and my wife and home.
There is a big recall election coming up in a couple of weeks and changing over some county board members could mean some major changes on the board of 24 supervisors itself. There is a growing opinion that the chairman should be replaced and I am being considered. I already did that as a younger man and am not sure I want to do that again. Money is better though. Nah!!! don't need that.
That's all for tonight. Got to watch the rest of Fox news.

HARV III

It is a little after 7PM and already getting dark. That makes me think that it is getting a little dark in life too. Remember Old Blues Eyes singing "when I was 21 that was a very good year....."
There are things that we all want to do. So many of us want to write. Me too!! But so much stuff happens to prevent us from following a dream or even an idea we just chuck the whole thing.
Nights I lay in bed thinking about the past and the things that have happened and the things I witnessed. Many incidents are downright depressing and not enjoyable. Many others however were really funny, stupid and misunderstood but happened good or bad. They were still funny.
So I have decided to put them down on paper. I need to make notes, set up scenes and see what I can learn about presenting my case. Good play on words for an old ex-cop huh?
Who will read this rambling mess of words you ask? My family and one good friend who I intend to have an ongoing conversation with throughout the book.
How long will it take you ask?
Why do you ask so many questions?
Does it matter?
I was thinking today during church when the guest pastor was telling the congregation about being thankful to God for getting us through the tough spots in our lives. We've all had them he said. I remember all too well I thought. Then it struck me.
You know, there is nothing I want. We wish for materials things, good health, happiness, nicer home, new car, more money. I have all of that and a fantastic wife of more than 30 years. What more could I ask for.
So I am going to paste my police years, my non-police bitter years, my business years and all the rest of it together to get folks to where I am or at least down the path that got me here.
That's enough for this time but I'll be back.

Harv-2

Beautiful Wisconsin early autumn day. 68 degrees, couple of clouds here and there. There is an Octoberfest going on in La Crosse. Big four day beer party describes it best. Event is very near the U of Wisc. La Crosse campus. Need I say more. Each year they pull a couple of dead college kids out of the Mississippi. Party grounds are right on the river.There is also a "Cran-fest." A huge celebration of the end of the cranberry season. Little village called Warrens in western Wisconsin. 850 crafts vendors and 350 swap meet venders selling junk. This thing is huge. Last 3 days. Been going on better than 20 years. Billed as the biggest "swap-meet" in the world. Warrens, by the way, has a population of 12. Normally it is tiny. OK, 350 residents. That's small. Can you imagine keeping your business private? They even know when you go to the bathroom. Welcome to rural america
For about 4 hours today I was playing Paul Bunyan. Had my chain saws out and cut up some downed trees. Then hauled my wood splitter out of my shed and split up the wood. Only got wounded a couple of times. Nothing serious. Stacked all the wood too. Now we have wood for the fireplace(s) for winter. Doesn't save much on the heating bills but it's nice to have a fire going on the cold snowy days. I have gotten to the point where I can do without the cold though.
Enough for now. Wife made a chicken casserole for dinner. Weight Watchers!! YUK. It works though. We are lifetime members and put on a few so now we have to take them off.
Adios for now.

Harv II

Bargaining

I just finished a two page diatribe on a meeting I had today. I pressed PUBLISH POST and the sucker message must have gone into cyberspace because like 3 others it did not post. Truth is I really am not happy with this dumb-ass Apple computer or its programs and I don't like the keyboard. Anyone want this; it's brand new. I have three Dells. I'll stick with them.
C ya

Friends

This morning I got up and went to the fitness club and worked out as I do most early mornings. After the workout I stop at a convenience gas station store and grab a cup of cappacino. Friends I have made over the years usually hang out over a bunch of for sale cases of soda. I was a bit off schedule this AM so the guys had already gone. I was in a good mood and joked back and forth with the help. On my way out one of the cashiers took my dollar and sniped that her register wasn't open and snapped up my dollar with a real attitude. Obviously not a morning person. She's probably 20 years old. A tall slender bottle bleach blonde who got herself pregnant about two years ago and isn't very happy obviously. I wonder if it would be alright to go in tomorrow morning and tell her she can cause folks to have a real shitty day based on her attitude or simply slap her upside the head?
I think of what my wife asked me long ago. "Why do people hit other people?" I calmly replied "BECAUSE THEY LISTEN THEN." Worked at Parris Island years ago.
Well tomorrow is another day and we'll see how it goes.

Meeting

Had a County Human Services meeting all morning. This is the 11 member committee that oversees all of the county "give-away" programs mandated by someone else, i.e/ state, feds, etc. and makes you the taxpayer pony up the dollars to pay for them. Five of us are county supervisors. Learned today, one juvenile boy was taken out of his home and placed in a special care home. $9,000 a month! Not bad huh for some punk that wants to do drugs and booze on your dime and won't play by the rules. Any suggestions out there?
If I remember I will zero in on my grandson next blog.

Acorn

What a mess. Have been watching with interest. A whole bunch of cans of worms have been opened up here.

Harv

My second and probably brief message. Got home from work (my business) ate some veggies, dip and a glass of wine and decided to come upstairs to my new cave.
Had a friend that taught me how to blog. He left for a speaking engagement so now I am trying it alone. Big deal for a guy that has problems sharpening a pencil. My friends name is Wesley J. Smith. Punch that in on the internet. Very interesting man. Lawyer, writer, etc. check out his bio. His wife is Debra Saunders, a syndicated columnist for the SF Chronicle. Quite an upscale couple. Wesley has 12 books out. They have a 100 pound dog named after one of the 3 muskateres.
I am hoping this blog will help me along the way to retirement and give me something to do in addition to politics. Oh yes, I am a county supervisor. Trying to figure out if I am a good one.
Enough for now I think till I get the hang of this.

In the Beginning...

I have no idea what I am going to write about but it will be interesting . . . to me anyway. I am about to retire after sixty years of constant and hard work.  Not sure how I will deal with that.  But I look forward to seeing what happens and to where God points the way. Join me!