anniversary

It’s March 6, Again!

…and I cannot believe I’ve been blogging for TWO YEARS!

Two years ago, today, I began writing this blog.
I’d been on disability, and passed the time on the Internet reading blogs.  I was frankly looking for some female friends who liked guns, and found some female gun bloggers.  Unfortunately, these were in Ohio, Indiana and Idaho.  They became my blogmothers.  (Note-to-self:  find female gun bloggers in AZ!)
I had no clue what I was doing.  Some would say I still don’t.
In the past two years I’ve learned to write in paragraphs, write about those things I know, and to be disciplined. (sometimes)
I’ve written at least one blog post daily (sometimes two, occasionally three, once or twice four) every day.
And I’ve included a cartoon, a tasteful photo of a beautiful woman and a You Tube clip of my choosing, every day, as well.
And a quote of the day.
I told a couple friends locally I was writing a blog, and, before I knew it, I had followers (!)
Follower number 10 was North , the first person not actually known to me at the time.  Since then he and many others have become friends!
As of this post, I have 89 followers, including a female blogger in Pakistan.
Over 164,821 pageviews! (if we include the 84K from the first year’s BLOGGER version)  5,397 comments, (some of which weren’t even from me!)
I’ve written 1,146 posts, about 2/3 of which were of my own authorship (not stolen borrowed or expounded upon from another blog).
And I’ve made many friends in the United States, and around the World.
I’m proud to say I’ve actually met some of these folks, and spoken with others on the telephone.  Some have regularly communicated via email.  A few have become close.  One even gifted me ammunition!  I’m both proud and humbled.
And still amazed.
One of my early followers was my good friend Mark Bell, who passed away February 1, 2012.  He told me one of his first stops every morning was Guffaw in AZ.  I like to think he still stops by.
I will continue to strive to report the facts and truth as I know them, for as long as I am able, and I care to.
And perhaps a few more PI stories.
I’ve tampered with amended The Usual Suspects to add those who have been friends and contributors and delete those who have stopped blogging.  Sadly, some have passed away.
My thanks to all of you for your support.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Guffaw

Ground Hog Eve – AKA February 1

One year ago I was anticipating tomorrow being Ground Hog Day – that silly ‘holiday’ alleged to determine if Winter is on her way out, or lasting six more weeks.  Based on the prognostication of a marmot; a woodchuck.

It was a Wednesday – the immediate previous Sunday, Mark Bell and I had attended the Central Arizona Blogshoot in Casa Grande!  My car is kinda old and infirmed (as is her owner) so he offered to drive us.

We arrived late, but Kevin Baker and company showed us a great time!  We met some other gun bloggers and some other shooters – great fun.  Then Mark drove me back to Phoenix, and we had a late lunch at Original Hamburger Works.  I was unable to attend the shoot this year.

Part of the reason for missing it is my ride is gone.  On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, three days after the shoot,  Mark Bell passed away, suddenly.  His wife called me Thursday, Ground Hog Day, to give me the bad news.  It’s a year later and it seems as yesterday.

I tend to get overly emotional, to react rather than act.  I am getting better.  Mark was my teacher.  I never saw him lose his cool or express strong anger or rage.  He was always rational and soft spoken, even in disagreement.  A man of fine character and deportment.

A few years back, I was in the middle of trying to refinance my house (the one I lost last June) and the appraiser asked that I paint the trim.  Now, I’m no painter, and being disabled would make this an arduous task.  Mark volunteered, and I insisted on paying him, because, after all, it WAS work.  He agreed, and said he would take it out of my extra re-fi funds.  He accomplished the task in a couple weekends, and I got the financing.  And I cut him a check.  This was in late November.

Christmas afternoon I was between family Christmas get-togethers, and there was a knock at my front door.  It was Mark, with a present!  He again thanked ME for letting him paint (!) said he used the money for presents for his family.  There was room for an additional present.  Mine.

I was dumbfounded.  It was the complete Capitol Record selections of Frank Sinatra on DVD!  Wonderful!

Of course, every time I listen to Sinatra, I think of Mark.  And other times, too.

I love you and miss you, my friend.

Remember – hug those you love and tell them you love them.  Because you never know.  Groundhog Day Eve will never be the same.

How Time Flies…

January 26, 2013…

January 26 has always been a weird day.

• My Mother passed away on this date when I was in primary school.  I’ve very few memories of her.
• My nephew Brian was born on January 26, 1966.  Guess that makes you almost OLD, huh bud!
• And I left my last employer on this date in 2009, admitted to the hospital, as I was having difficulty breathing.

Turned out to be diffuse large cell lymphoma.  I spent the next six months enduring chemotherapy, weird pain, weakness and hair loss.  And weekly doctor visits.  It looked for a while that I wasn’t gonna be around to write this blog nonsense.

But, here I am .   I’ve been more than fortunate.

People sometimes gasp when I recount certain chapters in my life.  My leg disability at age 12, loss of my daughter, and being a cancer survivor.  While I’ve had my moments, it’s nothing compared to Brigid’s brother and his battle against lymphoma.  Or CoolChange (c)(c) watching over his beloved wife, now in hospice.  They need all your good thoughts, and prayers, if that’s what you do.

And if you donate blood, please continue to do so.  Or start.  And mark that organ donor spot on your driver’s license.  It’s the least we can do.

Sad PS – Rick (CoolChange) announced in his blog today that his beloved wife passed @ 5:55 yesterday.

Bill of Rights Day

Today is the 221st Anniversary of the ratification by the Commonwealth of Virginia of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, making it the Law of The Land!  Of course, this document doesn’t grant rights, it simply enumerates some important rights lest the federal government forget they exist.

Two such enumerations come to mind today – Amendment I, reminding the government we inherently possess the rights to peaceably assemble; to petition the government to redress grievances; to prohibit the government from establishing religion; and prohibiting government interference with free speech and the press.  Without which I might be restrained from writing this blog.

And, Amendment II, reminding the government the people inherently possess the right to keep and bear arms, without infringement.  The lynch pin.  A measure without whom the other nine amendments would be left to the whims of said government.

“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”  -  Thomas Jefferson

Arab Spring – Celebrate It!

courtesy AFP/Getty images – U.S. Consulate, Benghazi Libya

GEE, whoda thunk?  (misspelled for effect – see previous post)

Yesterday was a horrific anniversary for our nation.  If you saw my post (and the posts of many others) you’d have read about the loss, dilution, forgetting of American Culture and History, and the consequences we have reaped.

Then, the news arrived…

Violent protests in Cairo over a largely unviewed film alleged to insult Mohammad.  And the rocket attack in Libya, killing our ambassador and three other staffers.  American flags burned, buildings looted and our citizens and officials killed.  Coinciding with the anniversary of September 11.

The administration reportedly issued an apology for offending Muslims, and is sending in the Marines to beef-up security.

An apology?  Seriously?

“The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others.”  (U.S. State Department)

The President did say he strongly condemned the ‘outrageous’ attack.

Of course, this is the paradox.  Just because we supported the removal of the previous regime(s) doesn’t automatically mean the replacements will be U.S. friendly.  No matter how much money and materiel we bribe aid them with!  Sadly, this is a lesson we have never learned.

I’ve stated before political correctness will be the death of us.

I’m not for starting wars.  But, I am for protecting ourselves and our citizens.

September 11th – Remember, We’re Americans

Never forget.

The Israelis, Jewish folk and freedom-loving people every where intone this phrase when referring to The Holocaust.

With regard to September 11, 2001, we should have the same exclamation, the same passion, the same outrage.

The same remembrance.  All Americans.

While I remember many specifics from that day; what came out later regarding Flight 93 really resonates with me.

In similar circumstances, would I, a crippled, physically slow, older, overweight, guy – who hasn’t been in any kind of physical training or conditioning since 1986 – have the cojones to rush homicidal terrorists armed with sharp objects?

I’d like to think so.  And I’d like to think I’m not alone.  This is the American Spirit.

Americans are famous for going the extra mile, against the odds, to combat evil.  Just ask any WWII, Korea or Vietnam veteran.  Or veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars.  Or the cops and firefighters who voluntarily went in,when everyone else was leaving.

In addition, Better Wisdom and Pith,  an opinion, courtesy of Roberta…

It bothers me when we give such criminals the dignity of soldiers; it bothers me when we’ve let them swipe a whole day from the calendar.

And it bothers me a lot when the lamestream media drape the day in deep black and use it to tell us we’ve got to bend ourselves to the State; that the State was attacked, and the State responded, and only the State can protect us from the awful scourge of superstitious goat-herders….

Take a moment today and remember.  And commit again to the American Spirit.

Never forget.

h/t Roberta X

Today is the 67th anniversary of the first use of atomic weapons.

Borepatch, today addresses the counter-arguments brought forth every August 6 regarding the use of atomic weaponry in Japan, effectively ending World War Two.  This remains a difficult subject, as many civilians were killed as a result of U.S. actions.  It is interesting to note that President Truman had no previous knowledge of THE BOMB, until he assumed the Presidency only a couple months earlier.  But, he made the decision to act, undoubtedly saving the lives of millions of American troops and countless Japanese.

Go to the link above, and read his assessment and make your own decision.  And if it’s your way, say a prayer for all the dead in all wars.

And thanks, Lonnie, for reminding me.

Well, Here We Are, AGAIN…

It was ONE YEAR AGO today I began blogging. Who knew I’d still be at it a year later?
I started a blog beginning with a post on BLOGGER entitled Well, Here We Are…
Much has happened in this year:  Government wholesale abridgement of rights, inflation, unemployment, war, protests.  In other words, nothing much has changed.
My friend Mark left us, suddenly.  My stepmother passed away.  And I got a year older.
Not much wiser I’m afraid.
I did change from BLOGGER to WordPress as a blogging software platform.  Less user-friendly, but more elegant looking.
All the posts and comments from the previous Guffaw in AZ have been imported to
this blog.
If you followed me before, please follow me again.
Hope to see you around my new digs!

Thanks for continuing to stop by!
Guffaw

March 6, 2011, a date which will live in infamy…

(post transferred from the previous BLOGGER blog Guffaw in AZ)

One year ago, today, I began writing this blog.
I’d been on disability, and passed the time on the Internet reading blogs.  I was frankly looking for some female friends who liked guns, and found some female gun bloggers.  Unfortunately, these were in Ohio, Indiana and Idaho.  They became my blogmothers.
I had no clue what I was doing.  Some would say I still don’t.
In this year I learned to write in paragraphs, write about those things I know, and to be disciplined. (sometimes)
I’ve written at least one blog post daily (sometimes two, occasionally three, once or twice four) every day.
And I’ve included a cartoon, a tasteful photo of a beautiful woman and a You Tube clip of my choosing, every day, as well.
And a quote of the day.
I’ve rarely repeated quotes, pictures or cartoons, unless it suited me.  After all, it is my blog.
I told a couple friends locally I was writing a blog, and, before I knew it, I had followers (!)
Follower number 10 was North , the first person not actually known to me.
As of this post, I have 48 followers, including a female blogger in Pakistan.
Over 84,000 pageviews!  2,817 comments, (some of which weren’t even from me!)
I’ve written 655 posts, about 2/3 of which were of my own authorship (not stolen borrowed or expounded upon from another blog).
And I’ve made many friends in the United States, and around the World.
I’m proud to say I’ve actually met some of these folks, and spoken to others on the telephone.  Some have regularly communicated via email.  A few have become close.  I’m both proud and humbled.
And still amazed.
One of my early followers was my good friend Mark, who passed away February 1.  He told me one of his first stops every morning was Guffaw in AZ.  I like to think he still stops by.
I will continue to strive to report the facts and truth as I know them, for as long as I am able, and I care to.
And perhaps a few more PI stories.
My thanks to all of you for your support.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Guffaw

PS – As of Today 03/06/12, I’m moving Guffaw in AZ to WordPress.  I don’t know if it’ll be any better than BLOGGER, but, it couldn’t be much worse!
Here is my NEW BLOG Link:  Guffaw in AZ 
(armedlaughing.wordpress.com)
Same email, same other nonsense, as I figure out how to work the WordPress software.  No ads or You Tube, yet.  All my blog posts and comments from this blog have been exported over there.
Hope you all will continue to follow and read Guffaw in AZ.
No one has been more surprised than I!
(no comments here, making you move over there!)

Happy Bill of Rights Day! (not so much!)

Today is the 220th Anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.

We should all celebrate by:
assembling, speaking, publishing, worshiping (or choosing NOT to), possessing and carrying arms, denying quartering of troops in our homes, denying searches without warrant, not incriminating ourselves, demanding a jury trial, protesting ‘cruel and unusual punishment’, and retaining and exercising our rights as ‘the people’.

Anything less would be silly, or perhaps treasonous.
Of course, our government has placed restrictions on these rights.  How did that happen?

THIS JUST IN, AN ADDENDUM TO THIS POST - 
Habe Corpussle (1968) Posie lawyer and owner of J & X Florist shop. Hid Posie from the Police. Also Lawyer for “Human hair gang”. (Dick Tracy)
NO JOKE –
Celebrating Bill of Rights Day by Waving Goodbye to Your Rights (by Left Coast Rebel)
… In case you were distracted by events in the Russian elections recently, I’ll tell you what you missed here at home that might remind one of what happens routinely in Russia.
The right of Habeas Corpus was just suspended.
As part of the defense authorisation bill that funds the US military, the President himself can decide to detain anyone, American citizens included, indefinitely – perhaps at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - if he suspects that they are a terrorist. And he would use the military itself to do so. On suspicion alone, no formal arrest, no rights given, no attorney, no arraignment, no trial, no judge, no jury. 

Passed on Bill of Rights Day!  Can you say IRONY?  Sure you can…

h/t No Lawyers – Only Guns and Money, Cato @ Liberty, Clayton Cramer’s Blog, and especially Rev. Paul et al