Another Year Gone!

First, I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! Ours was wonderful and full of family time.

We have reached the final hours of the year 2008. It was a busy and historic year.
I have much to be thankful for, and much to be hesitant about as well. I pray mightily that our new President and other elected officials will govern with open hearts and minds. I fear we may see a much more restrictive way of life in the coming years.
I hope that I am wrong!

I will spend my New Years working. Trying to keep my citizens safe and free from harm. Often inflicted on themselves, but still, I will try to protect those that I can.

In the coming year, I hope you are better and happier than ever before.

I wish all a happy and blessed New Year!

The Reason I Celebrate Christmas!

Each Christams Eve, my children look forward to our reading of the Christmas story from the book of Luke.
It is one of my favorite things ever!



Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1:In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2: (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3: And everyone went to his own town to register.
4: So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5:He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6:While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7:and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels 8:And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9:An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10:But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11:Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12:This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13:Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14:"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15:When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16:So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17:When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18:and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19:But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20:The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

My Visitors!

My in-laws have come for the Christmas festivities! They are planning on staying until late February.
I welcome their visits...wife is happy....kids are happy.... much construction work is done by my father in-law free of labor charges.
When we speak to them during the warmer months, they often marvel at our decision to live in this "god forsaken desert"!
As they spend the days here in late December, and our highs run in the low 60's, while the temps at home are in the below zero range, they do not marvel so much at our choice of residence!

Thanks To Larue Tactical!

Larue is famous for their customer service, and for their support of our military.


They are also famous for their Beverage Entry Tools.


It is an annual gift to their customers, and they are much sought after.


I received mine in the mail delivery today!


Thanks Larue!

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/StoreFront.bok

Note To Online Retailers.....

PLEASE SPECIFY WHAT SHIPPING METHOD YOU USE!!!

We do not receive mail at our home. It is part of my habit of completely shielding my family life from my work life. I choose to not take a chance on someone who I have dealt with as a lifeguard in the human gene pool, finding out where I live.

My mail goes to a PO Box, and UPS deliveries go to my office. The Postal Service does not know how to deliver mail to my street address, and vice versa for UPS delivering to my PO Box!

So why should I as a customer, have to try to guess which address use when making a purchase online!?

Is it some form of trade secret that keeps a seller from stating " we ship via brand x"?!

It would seem a simple addition to a checkout system on a web vendors site.

So... please make all your customers lives a bit easier by specifying!

2009-Dodgers-Glendale!

Spring training this year will be a big event for my son and I. This will be the first year that our favorite team will be within a short day's driving distance of our home.

The LA Dodgers will be at their new facility in Glendale, Arizona. We are very excited.

It is a rare occurrence that we allow our children to miss a school day for less than being very ill.
They generally receive perfect attendance awards from school.
We will be making an exception next March.

The ability to watch our favorite team play in a small stadium in great weather is too good to pass up. I guess it may not seem like such a big deal to some, but it is to the boy and I.
He has made his dad proud by carrying on the tradition!

I have been a Dodgers fan for over 30 years. I can still remember the excitement of the last World Championship in 1988. That is the year that Kirk Gibson became one of the greatest Dodger players ever. And he did it with one hit, and limping around the bases!

Baseball is not the most important thing in life. But it is a way that God has blessed our family with that much spoken of quality time!

Gifted!

My wife and I met with some muckety-mucks from my sons school this afternoon.
They put on quite a production to explain to us that my son is a gifted child. They explained the very in depth testing process that was used to determine this fact. They then asked us what we thought.
I informed them that we had long ago determined he was gifted. It was obvious to anyone who knows him. His teacher added that she had known he was gifted when she met him at two years old.
My wife smacked me for my comments. She did not smack his teacher!
So...thanks to The Lord for our gifted son!

EXHAUSTED!

But a ton of fun got me to that point!
It was a beautiful day today. Temps were in the high 60's, very little breeze, clear and sunny.
I have been chomping at the bit to test some new toys. They have been fondled much and put back in my safe, but today, they went to the range.
I shot and shot, and then shot some more. I tried out 4 new rifles. I believe all four to be keepers.
I purposely did not take a spotting scope with me. I figured on such a great day, I would get some exercise walking the 100 yards up and back after each shot string. I may have been a bit over ambitous! I did get exercise, but by the last string, I was ready to drop!
All in all, a great day at the range. No malfunctions, all rifles are sighted in, and I am comfortable with their reliability.
Now for a hot shower and a dinner of the ribs my wife has been slow cooking all day!

A Very On Point Article!

This was sent out in Brownell's November Web Bench, and is from Frank Brownell. It has some very pertinent points for gunowners!

Meanderings From Some Crowded MindsDear Folks, Around here, we've talked a lot about what may lie ahead for the gun industry. And if we thought it was almost surreal before the election, times have gotten even stranger after the election. The economy is still wildly yo-yoing and nobody can tell you where it's all going. But what we can tell you is that the firearms industry is having gang-buster sales - one of the few really bright spots in the economy right now. There is one heck of a rush to the local gun shop and online gun stores. Of course, this is panic buying... all those folks who figured "it couldn't happen", or "I'll get a gun sometime", are now realizing that we are going to have the most anti-gun administration this country has ever seen. One that doesn't believe or care about the second amendment being a personal right, despite the Supreme Court ruling, or their election promises, or about self-protection, or about the castle doctrine or any of those other issues we gun owners care about. So they are rushing out to buy the guns while they still can. I'm telling all my gang here to hunker down and ride out the storm. In two years we have a chance to re-do the House of Representatives; in four the Presidency, the House again and some of the Senate. Of all the factors causing the current buying rush, the Obama-nation effect has the largest impact because of the Democratic agenda and their penchant for banning guns. The current make-up of the House and Senate, being almost filibuster-proof, also adds to the fray. Keep in mind it was the Dems who put together the most restrictive weapons ban law we have seen. Word from those in the know is that the Assault Weapons Ban will come back for a vote - hi-cap mags for rifles and handguns are just the tip of that mess - however, this time there won't be a sunset clause. They also want to close the so called "gun show loophole", limiting private sales of firearms between individuals. We should expect the first shot across the bow not long after January 20th. They also plan to try to slip this through with little warning or discussion. For those of you with gun shops, basement gunsmithing businesses and retail gun stores - something my Dad, Bob, told me about years ago still runs true today: When auto sales and durable goods purchases are at an all time low, our business, the gun business, will do well. It's really simple when you think about it. If people are taking part of their income to buy cars and keep their washing machine and refrigerator up-to-date, they have less disposable cash in their pocket to spend on their hobby. If they are not buying cars, houses, or expensive stuff for their homes, they do have a little left over for hobbies. Add to that "pocket change" the fact that when gas prices drop one penny at the pump, it puts one billion plus dollars back into the economy. Oddly enough the combination of all of these means the consumer has more dollars to be spending right now for less expensive items. If you're one of those buying, buy wisely. Cheap is still cheap and often crap. Was, is, and will still be in the future. If you're buying for the future, go with the best you can manage. Go with the products which are going to last the longest. Another odd thing has happened. We're all trying to bulk up our retirement funds. Most of those were invested in equities, that's stock market talk for "stocks". And, frankly, the stock market got trashed. So, now the advent of the "New 401k". Many people are reducing or stopping participation in the former programs and spending their money on something that retains its value in good times and in bad. People are buying guns. Most gun values don't seem to have gone down and they certainly haven't seen the 40-60% loss in value like our stock market has. They may be the recession proof investment plan. From our side - the industry side - the whole industry is building up inventory as quickly as possible and filling back orders as quickly as possible. This huge demand has caught everyone flat-footed. Everything AR-related is flying off the shelves and there are ever increasing back-order positions. If the ban does go through, any extra capacity built today to handle that demand will go unused so manufacturers are being cautious and wise in their investment in building up production capabilities. What this means to all of us is that everyone is going to have to be more patient and let this all work through. Taking all of these into account, we've seen a perfect storm created for the firearms industry. Everyone I know, which includes even some very left-leaning democrats, has purchased or is considering purchasing a firearm. The whole nation seems to clearly understand what is at stake if there is going to be some type of firearms ban in the future. They are investing now and all those new gun owners give us something to build on. What we all have to do, manufacturers, shops, sport shooters and hunters is work together to get our message out. All those panic buyers who might not have owned an AR before can be strong allies if we get them out shooting. So, keep working with the new shooters, the kids, the ladies, the neighbors. We have to have enough participants in the shooting nation to push back. The stronger the industry, the louder our voice, the more contacts who can carry our message to the Representatives and Senators. Which brings up the final point - and then we're through. We have got to pull together. In numbers comes our strength. So - join the NRA. Add your voice to theirs. There are twelve million of us who say we are members of the NRA, but only around four million plus who have paid dues. Only with numbers will we be able to push back on any legislative action that will ban our rights as guaranteed under the second amendment. Check your membership status now. Join up for this next twelve months, and continue to carry the economic enthusiasm you are feeling now into helping our industry survive the next four years.

We Have Decoration!

We traditionally put up our Christmas decorations over the after Thanksgiving weekend.
We were a bit behind this year, but today it was accomplished!

Well, it will be by tonight! The tree is up and lit, we will finish the trimming when the kids get home from school. Everything looks great!

It did seem to take a bit more effort to get into it this year. I suspect it is due to all the other issues currently flooding my life. Concerns over the economy, the direction our newly elected political machine will take, and questioning if I should switch employers in light of the aforementioned issues!
I am really tired of the people I work for right now.
Oh well.... that can all wait until after the first of the year. For now, we are ramping up the Christmas spirit, awaiting arrival of the Wisconsin grandparents, and trying to finish up our shopping.
Amongst all this, we are still maintaining a focus on the reason for Christmas! And as blessed as we are, it should not be hard!

Is This What We Have Become?!

This story makes me ashamed of our level of materialism!

Wal-Mart worker dies after shoppers knock him down


NEW YORK – A worker was killed in the crush Friday after a throng of shoppers eager for post-Thanksgiving bargains burst through the doors at a suburban Wal-Mart, authorities said.
At least four other people were injured, and the store in Valley Stream on Long Island was closed.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in Bentonville, Ark., called the incident a "tragic situation" and said the employee came from a temporary agency and was doing maintenance work at the store.
"He was bum-rushed by 200 people," co-worker Jimmy Overby, 43, told the Daily News. "They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me. They took me down too. ... I literally had to fight people off my back."
Nassau County police said the 34-year-old worker was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 6 a.m. The man's name was not released and the cause of death was not immediately known.
A police statement said shortly after the store's 5 a.m. opening time, shoppers "physically broke down the doors, knocking (the worker) to the ground."
A metal portion of the door was crumpled like an accordion.
Shoppers around the country lined up early outside stores in the annual bargain hunting ritual known as Black Friday. Many stores open early and stay open late, and some of the most dramatic bargains are available in limited quantities.
Among the bargains offered by Wal-Mart for Friday were Samsung 50-inch high definition Plasma TVs for less than $800.
Witnesses told the Daily News that before the store was closed, eager shoppers streamed past emergency crews as they worked furiously to save the worker's life.
"They were working on him, but you could see he was dead," said Halcyon Alexander, 29. "People were still coming through."
A 28-year-old pregnant woman was taken to a hospital for observation, and she and the unborn baby were both reported to be OK, said Sgt. Anthony Repalone, a Nassau County police spokesman. Four or five other people suffered minor injuries, he said.
Ellen Davis, a spokeswoman at National Retail Federation, said the group knew of no other incident where a retail employee has died working on the day after Thanksgiving.
Wal-Mart is working closely with police, company spokesman Dan Fogleman said.
"The safety and security of our customers and associates is our top priority," Fogleman said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families at this difficult time."

It Is Thanskgiving!

I am truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for!
Today I will sit down with my family in our great country, and give thanks to The Lord for all of these blessings!
I pray that all my fellow citizens can be just as blessed!

Making A List And Checking It Twice!

Spent a great deal of time examining the sale ads for Black Friday!
I hate the day after Thanksgiving anywhere but in my own home. With the need to scale back on the Christmas expenditures, I will suck it up and fight the crowds!
There are some good deals to be had. I think the retailers are as nervous as everyone else on how much money will trade hands this shopping season.
It is my hope that the wife and I can limit ourselves to just a couple of the "big box" stores on our quest. We shall see! Much of our gifts have already been purchased, so it is not nearly as desperate a search as some will be on.
Also note, the financial "experts" are warning against purchasing gift cards from many stores.
It would seem that insider information points to many stores calling it quits right after the end of the year. Many are big name chains!

I Have Officially Spent Too Much Money!

I felt it very prudent to stock up on certain tangible items while the opportunity to do so still existed.
I now have a stock of these tangibles that should last my lifetime!
Yes, I spent more money than I would have preferred. And used the credit card which I try not to do.
I did feel that it was a now or never situation though.
I guess in the long run, the new administration is stimulating the economy. Even before they actually take office.
So, once again friends, buy beans, bullets, and bandages while you are able!

MagLula Magazine Loader....Great Product!

This is a magazine loader of a quite innovative design. I recently purchased one for my AR-15 magazines.

It allows you to load a 30 round magazine in seconds. No sore thumbs after a day at the range!

It will also allow you to unload the same magazine in a flash. I often need to switch between different loads based upon the situation. This little jewel makes it so easy.

The LULA is available for a variety of rifle magazines, as well as a seperate type for pistol mags.

http://www.maglula.com/

It Appears That Change Means " Do Over"!

Well, another cabinet post filled with another Clinton Administration veteran.
I will still pray everyday, that I am wrong about our new President, and he makes our country a paradise of milk and honey.
In the mean time, I am circling the proverbial wagons, and planning for rough times ahead.

My Bible Passage Pick of the Week!

Ephesians:6-
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

A Fine Example of Customer Service!

I recently decided that it would be prudent to purchase some stripped lowers for future AR-15 projects.

I had heard good reports on the quality of Anvil Arms lower receivers. I contacted Jon Kruger, the president of Anvil. What a fine fellow he is! He assisted me as if I had been a longtime customer, and communicated exceptionally well throughout the process.

Anvil also offers laser engraving on the lowers, which I took advantage of on this trial run.

The receiver above is an example of the engraving....

I received my order promptly, and with emailed tracking information as soon as the package left Anvil's door.

I am exceptionally pleased with the quality of the lowers! Thanks Jon!

If you have a similar need, I recommend giving Anvil Arms a try.

http://anvilarms.com/default.aspx

I fear the time for sitting and watching has passed!

A wise man once said...." Buy beans, bullets , and band-aids". It would appear that many are now doing so!
As for the bullets... you will have some difficulty stocking up on many varieties. Ammunition, and its related magazines and other feed devices, are becoming scarce at most places.
I hope people are actually buying for practical uses, and not for future sales to further greed!