It's Christmas

Christmas is here and my first Christmas Eve and day with Natalia. It was a great day and Natalia woke to many presents in addition to her earlier ones last night from her grandparents and me. Christmas Eve spent with people I love and care and ended with a big smoked turkey and some unique gravy my dad prepared.

"Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more..."

-Theodore Geisel

No snow or any weather during the week as we were expecting some light flurries. However we woke Christmas day to a very light dusting of snow for that white Christmas. A day spent by the fire building Legos, racing cars and learning new games to play later. Even Yuli received a new toy from Santa. To our surprise Santa seems to have left his bag (or at least one of them) full of toys for Natalia. More Legos, magicians cape and a bingo game among other things. Only Takenoko hit the table and didn't get the love I was hoping for from my mom. However, the bingo game and big turning wheel was a hit and somehow Natalia managed to win the most games.

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time"

- Laura Ingalls Wilder

This Christmas season my goal was to put myself in that spirit and regain the energies, feelings and thoughts from times past to maintain through out the coming year to share and instill inside the souls of those I care, love and share life with.

 

Christmas Week

Christmas week is here and I am looking forward to Christmas Eve. Lots of ice and getting ready as we may get some light snow a few days during this coming week and during Christmas day. One never knows up here what we will get.

Sunday Natalia sang as part of the Christmas program and said the  opening prayer at primary. It was a very nice time. During the week I had the pleasure of spending a few days with company relaxing by the fire, watching fun movies and playing games.

"The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances"

- Martha Washington

I decided to stop reading the current superhero comics as it has been a waste of my money. So many lame stories out there to make money. I started to read the more "independent" titles and so far out of my four reads, all have been good and I will follow them. Marvel's latest reboot of the universe and remake with Secret Wars have not caught my interest and from what I read thus far, it is just lame.

This week I started to read another McDevitt book as I find him to be one of my favorite authors. Hope to have this finished by years end. This weeks classic comic book was Fantastic Four #5, where Doctor Doom made its first appearance.

Check out this great documentary about the Galactic Civil War.

Santa, Han Solo & Washington! What A Week!

Warm temperatures during last week and by the end of last week it all turned around. No real amounts of snow but the roads were very slippery. It was very dangerous in the mountain Friday and I found myself crawling at points to not slide.

Natalia had her church Nativity show and the Christmas dinner and after delaying it due to the few caught in accidents and traffic it went very well. As always a small great group of people and children that Natalia knows well. Santa made another surprise visit this year which it is always great.

The following day, Sunday Natalia and I made the wet cold drive to recreate the first continental congress with the Mountain Fife & Drums. That was a great evening with great music and short history lesson. Even got to see General Washington in his pony named Macaroni.

"Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble"

- George Washington

This week I received a great surprise y being taken to see Star Wars Episode VII with some great fans. I was not disappointed at the movie but shocked to see the theater was more than half empty. In all it ended up being some great days accompanied by great people. I even go to sit in Deadpool Santa's lap for my Christmas list. I look forward to this week as it will be my first Christmas day with Natalia as due to schedule and my deployment I was unable to spend such a magical day with her.

This weeks classic comic book was Fantastic Four #13. This comic introduced us to the Watchers and this is a race I hoped made more appearances and is used today in current story lines. Hoping to see the Watchers make a obscure appearance in the movies. Also read this week Batman Hush again and find this to be a good story with many characters that I believe would make a good movie. Finished reading Valley Forge and found it to be a very good book. This last book completes my usual new years resolution of reading 30 book by years end. Now I am back with one of my favorite authors in Jack McDevitt and his newest novel, Coming Home.

Check out the Dice Tower gameplay of the new Warhammer Age of Sigmar game between Rob Oren and Sam Healy .

'Tis Beginning To Look Like Christmas

After two weeks not seeing Natalia, I was very happy to pick her up on Friday and be with her. A little late for my usual decorating and house transformation and may not get everything out this year. Slowly getting in the Christmas spirit this year. Natalia was able to see Santa twice this weekend and her joy and spirit cannot be described. Times like this I feel very lucky and happy.

Drill weekend and no drama this weekend but amazed to be asked to help. Nope, I am just sitting here doing "me". Also this week I was not able to go on a ride but did manage to make it to a game night with just 2 others but always fun. Played Sushi Go and the basic Carcassonne game along with Ticket to Ride. Again two new games I would play again.

"Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation"

- George Washington

Saturday at March ARB while helping a few guys with some issues I had a great surprise to see 2 soldiers I served with and sent many a days with in my deployment. I was very happy to see them and talk a little. But as usual in the military life we quickly depart and move on and hopes to come across each other again.

This week comic book read was Captain America #1. Another of those "holy grail" comics and found it very good and long. A few stories of Captain America during this historic time. Also read a few other comics this week and still interested in the new Howard the Duck series and the new Captain America series. Still reading Valley Forge and thus far one of my favorites in the series as it shows the struggle of this new nation and the struggles with its brand new government not really wanting to help. I can already see why our government is the way it is now as it was like this from inception.

Day Of Thanks

This Thanksgiving I was not able to spend with Natalia or see her this week and knew it was going to be a bit hard for me still. However I had some great company come up and spend a few days. Snow was expected earlier part of the week and we were blessed with some snow Wednesday night into Thanksgiving. I could not have asked for more this week. Fireplace on for days, sledding and some shoveling!

"Remember, Skynet is Genisys"

- Kyle Reese

Still slowly reading Valley Forge and for my comic book pick of this week, I went with Spider-Man #129. I am not a Spider-Man fan at all but this one marked the first appearance of The Punisher. I was very disappointed to read such a lame story to his creation.

Finally watched Terminator Genisys and I really liked this movie. A great ride and a great tie in to the other movies and the universe. Watched Blade Runner again this week and was shown an alternate ending I had no idea existed (see below). Also a few games hit the table this week and I think Dixit was a winner. I also played solo Legendary Encounters Aliens through all its movies and found it an entertaining game but with its limitations. Sunday my day didn't go as planned but in the end I learned to play 1775 and played like a little kid the Revolutionary War.

Thanksgiving Holiday? Please read the real reason for this holiday as it never was meant to represent the "Pilgrims" arrival to this land or all its commercialized and misinformation told. Please read John C. Dvorak's real reason for the "holiday" and the Proclamation of Thanksgiving by Abraham Lincoln.

Dinosaurs, Mummies and Bears?! Oh My!

This weekend was lucky to be able to see the Natural History Museum and I will say, that I really liked it. Natalia had a great time seeing the dinosaurs and the show. My favorite has to be the North American halls as I found the displays and backgrounds amazing and would send hours staring at them. Also, a mummy exhibit was being presented and I will say being inside those rooms is a humbling experience to see and feel the area.

This week started my VA claim with first appointments to doctors. I will see thus far it has been rather fast and accommodating but I am sure some of my later concerns will be hard to document and get seen for.

"A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure."

- Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Warmer temperatures this whole week and most of the last snowfall has melted off. Expecting rain or snow flurries later this week but I don't really believe weather forecasters. We will see what we get if anything.

This week I hope to learn one or two games well and watch Terminator Genysis along with cleaning up the house, getting my outside organized and ready for winter. Time to bring up the snow blower and shovels.

Read Orphans in the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein and found the book rather good and would recommend it. Started to read Valley Forge but unsure if I will jump to another book and save this one for later. Also I have been reading The Picture of Dorian Gray on and off again as I find the book entertaining and full of great quotes.  On my current attempt to read many classic comic books, this week I read Action Comics #1 which would be the "holy grail" of comics. This week I also made it to a game meetup with some fun people and played Small World, Coup and Bang the Dice Game. All games I would play again as I found them fun.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

The Snow Has Arrived

The game Outfoxed! arrived this week and we cracked it open and got a few games in at home and took it to the grandparents house where we played a few more games as well. Thus far a hit with both of us but I see it getting repetitive soon. Trying to be serious for the picture but Natalia couldn't be serious for long.

Drill weekend done and as usual another waste of my time. However always great to see my unit and hear all the stories. Hoping to put in paperwork to not have to show. Being there I am useless and something I do not like is doing nothing all day. I have to learn real hard to simply do nothing.

"This is Ripley. Last survivor of the Nostromo. Signing off."

- CWO Ripley, USCSS Nostromo

Got some snow on Sunday and it was more like hail piling up. I would say this to be the first snow storm of the season. A dusting but it will stick around for a few days. As usual a few warmer days during the rest of the week and now await what may be coming next week.

Finished reading Childhood's End and found it a very good book with a great story and ending. I am trying to read one classic comic book a week, like an origins story or first appearances of famous characters. I can do this due to them being digital comic at a price one can afford. This week I read Fantastic Four #12 where the Hulk met the Fantastic Four. I was hoping for more.

Watching Terminator Salvation this week in anticipation of Terminator Genysis that  hope to watch soon.

The Mountain Fife & Drums are doing their Christmas concert December 13 and I already got my tickets. I hope to be there with Natalia and others. I saw this band a few years back in the Lake Arrowhead Christmas parade and they were spectacular. I am excited to hope to hear them again.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

Apple Harvest 2015

A very nice weekend as we finally picked up our apple harvest of this year and got a bunch of apples for cooking and a bunch of smaller tasty granny smith apples. A couple of bumps in our heads as apples fell down, but a great time as usual. Now to divide them as we give away most of them.

Saturday my Natalia and my mom played a few games and we had a great time. My mom learned and liked Ticket To Ride where she beat me 140-90. Also played an older thrift store find Game of the States where Natalia beat me. However I finally got my revenge in Blokus where Natalia and her Grandma decided to mess with each other while I went for the win! No pictures of that glorious event. Sunday the revenge Blokus match where I also took the win. Sunday I made it to a game meetup and played one game of Specter Ops and this is a game I would play again. No mountain bike ride as all the AARPers where out doing individual activities.

Started to read Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End as it has been reviewed as one of his bests works. Excited to read it and have high hopes for this novel. Also read a few comics this week in the digital format as it is possible with the earlier comics. Finally read Daredevil #1 and started to read the current Secret Wars. I must say I am very lost in Secret Wars.

Veterans day was very nice as I spent the day at home with guests and played some games and watched Alien and Aliens movies. Slowly re watching the Terminator movies in preparation of Genysis.

Overall a quiet few days in the house by the fireplace having fun. Waiting to possibly see Santa Claus for the first time this year next weekend if possible as I have drill this weekend.

Check out the Dice Tower 2015 Christmas Shopping Guide

Green Light On The Hill

Cold temperatures and expected a few inches of snow from the "experts" and as usual it felt short. It is cold up here but didn't' get any snow other than a very light dusting. Never believe the forecasters as more often than not they are wrong.

Natalia with me for a few days and back to our normal routines. Relaxing up here with her and having fun. A bit cold outside but always things to do.

This week I found out about the Greenlight A Vet "movement" and put up my light 24/7. I laugh at the few "dumb asses" out there complaining about the price, and the stores putting up displays in promotion. Even a few saying it is bad to show support as it shows the "bad" people where we live. What?! Now my light is one 24/7 and not ashamed or scared. Following this event, this week we saw the return of LtCdr Armstrong back from yet another deployment. Hoorah Sir!

I found myself in a comic book store this week to check out the new comics and story lines. I found this to be a mistake. Much like a kid in a candy or toy store. I picked up a few of the #1 releases and most of the main Secret Wars story. To my surprise I liked the new Howard the Duck story and may continue to see how it ties in as he holds one of the Infinity Gems. I will say I am not amazed of the so many story arcs created. Just have to stick to a few and follow them. Impossible to follow all. Clearly Marvel is trying to push the Inhumans to us all with its new movie coming out in the future.

"If you loose your purpose ... it is like you're broken."

- Brian Selznick, Hugo Cabret

Finished reading The Other Log of Phileas Fogg and was hoping for a more action packed book with more characters, but in the end I didn't like the book. Still deciding what to read next. U.S. History, sci-fi, or fantasy? The choices!

Check out the No Agenda Player. A web based audio player to listen to the Best Podcast in the Universe. Easy access to the many topics and links. 

Check out the Star Wars Imperial Assault game for the Jack Vassel Memorial Fund.

Halloween & Car Problems

Last weekend was quiet at home and some more bathroom work, which some took a turn for the worse and more work to be fixed. Then last Sunday morning my car problems started thus cancelling my mountain bike ride and most of the week. I tackled on installing a new starter to in the end have battery problems as well and a new battery and a trip to the mechanic to find this out. Needless to say some of my savings were used up.

Natalia was with me just an overnight this weekend but as usual we have fun and we were both very happy to see each other. She received a few more surprises from her grandparents for Halloween and we spent most of our time at their house, Played some games where as again she beat her grandmother and me in Blokus. I wished her a great time out "trick or treating". I will see her again in a few days back to our normal routine.

Went on another 10km run during the week and Sunday morning met up with the AARP group for a nice mountain bike ride under nice weather. Finally got to see Anthony Johnson (aka 4%) after about 15 years. As always we all have a great time and manage to find things along the way to entertain ourselves with. As you can see Linda found the Iron Giant laying in front of  a house while we tried to lift him up.

Finished reading The Gods Themselves which is praised as a great sci-fi book and I didn't find it that great. It does have some new concepts and a bit of hard sci-fi. Overall I found this book entertaining. Received the book Hugo Cabret and read it this week and found it a nice children's story and unique with its many images as part of the story. Started to read the Other Log of Phileas Fogg and see how that story goes. Already have another stack of books I want to read. No movies this week and waiting for Terminator Genysis to release soon.

"He who fights monsters should see to it that he himself does not become a monster"

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Learned Pandemic and looking forward to playing this with others soon. However, played a few games of Pandemic Saturday and no wins. This game is brutal. Planning on learning Legendary Encounters: Aliens this week.

Weather this coming week expected to change and we may see sub freezing temperatures during the nights all week with a possibility of some light snow. A change from the warmer windier temperatures of this past week.

Who knew Vin Diesel was a "geek" inside. 

Movies, Games & Plumbing

Watched a few movies this week as I haven't seen any movies in weeks or longer. Watched Avengers Age of Ultron and found it pretty bad and not worth seeing again. The movie had no story and no tie to the Marvel universe. Another movie watched was San Andreas and found that more entertaining to my surprise. Also watched Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and liked it. This week introduced a young person to Big Trouble in Little China as I haven't seen that movie in many years and still a cheesy cult classic.

Played Smallworld, Survive! Space Attack, Marvel Legendary as well as Catan Jr. this week a few times. Have Legendary Encounters in my game room table hoping to get that learned this weekend. Maybe the Mountain Communities Board Game Group will get together this weekend and I can get in some games and maybe some smack talk.

"To be good is to be in harmony with ones self."

- Oscar Wilde

Went on a nice run with a "pacer" and felt good until a new set of shoes started to horribly bother me. Forgot my nice Salomon Sense Mantra 3 shoes that I have been feeling good running with. I felt I could have done my 10kms under the hour and gone longer without these issues and my pacer starting to "poop" out. There is always a next time.

Still reading The Gods Themselves and was hoping to have it read by now. Past the halfway point and starting to pick up the pace again. A nice read thus far and very hard sci-fi by Asimov.

Sadly this week I will not have Natalia with me and was hoping to have company over most of the weekend relaxing and cooking but that is not to be. Maybe go out on a mountain bike ride and hit the trail with an old friend Anthony "4%". So far the plan is stay home, clean up and keep working on my plumbing issues around the house.

Below is a short documentary on the life of a trail runner and adventurer. Men who lead simple lives in a  world where so many of us do so much to complicate our lives. 

Raining Acorns

Lately there has been a great amount of acorns falling from the trees. I feel this is nature telling us it may be a hard winter by providing food for squirrels and spreading its seeds for more trees. Again another week with thunderstorms forecasted and nothing really hit. Thus far temperatures have been a bit warmer and we will see how October ends. I had planned to collect apples from my parents as well as my trees but it may have to be next weekend. Never hurts to wait a little longer.

"I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose."

- Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study In Scarlet

Catan Junior hit the table again this week and I have to say this is becoming a standard for us to play. Also Natalia and I had our first game of Survive Space Attack! and so far a bit more ruthless than the original game. This week I pulled the trigger and ordered Legendary Encounters: Aliens and hope to get my first game in this coming week and have high hopes for this game. Sunday ended with my first game of Smallworld with Natalia along with Blokus and Strawberry Shortcake Strawberry Land game.

Bathroom slowly coming along and now down to the smaller things and connections on an older house and that is always many trips to the hardware store.

This weekend Natalia and I went to a birthday party where we both had a great time playing Nerf guns, water fights a bouncer and a fort, yes a fort.

Finished reading the first Sherlock Holmes story, A Study In Scarlet and found it short but an introduction to the characters. I may read another Sherlock Holmes story. On a trip to the book store I found an Asimov book on the wrong place and saw it as a sign to pick up the book. That book I am now reading is The Gods Themselves and it is reviewed as his best book and one of the best science fiction books. So far I liked the first third of the book, but a the second third is a bit odd for me. Also this week I stopped by a used book store and picked up some books of interest. Among those is the Dragonlance Chronicles Trilogy that I feel started all these long fantasy stories and characters. I do wish I would have found the original covers. I may reread these books again soon.

I would like to share this awesome video by Beasts of War of an X-Wing table layout of Endor. Truly epic and awesome.

Cute Jawa

Star Wars day at Barnes and Noble and I have to thank the 501st Legion and the Mandalorian Mercs for showing up for some awesome photos. Natalia loved to hang around all of them and get many pictures. Natalia as well as me, loved the Jawas that were present. I am going to make Natalia a Jawa costume one day as she wants to wear it around to make others smile and have pictures taken with. Even Lord Vader had the special voice and their entrance to the store was awesome.

Finished reading The Lost Princess of Oz and as with all the books in the series this one carries a special charm. Also read the Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving and found it entertaining. Decided to start reading the first Sherlock Holmes novel, The Scarlet Letter. If this interests me, i will continue to read the other stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

My bathroom remodel is slowly coming along but looking good. Now I would be happy to occupy this room as I haven't used it since I bought the house.

This week Natalia and I learned to play Catan Junior and she likes the game and collecting parrots. I will say she beat me in the first game. Also learning to play Survive! Space Attack and so far another fun game with a few new additions and a little more ruthless than the original game.

"In truth, no living creature can know much more than his fellows, for one may know one thing, and another know another thing, so that wisdom is evenly scattered throughout the world."

- L. Frank Baum, The Lost Princess of Oz

Again warmer temperatures this week as usual for October and who knows how this month will end. No runs or rides this week. Truth is I rather sleep in and relax at home with Natalia all weekend.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

Not Quite Autumn

Another drill weekend done and getting used to doing nothing. It took me this long to get to know how the system works. PRT done and hope they do not loose my scores again. Amazing how people don't do work and hurt careers and no one takes responsibility.

Made it to another game night Saturday for a little bit to play just two games played; Spyfall and Coup. We moved out session to a private home around the corner from my house with an awesome collection and game room. I thought I had a decent game room, wrong. Spyfall and Coup, I would play again. Also played a few games with Natalia as usual and pulled out our Charlie Brown Halloween game and got it on the table for the remainder of the month. Also this week a surprise at my door as I received my pre-order of Survive! Space Attack and I can't wait to learn it and play this with Natalia. Looking forward to this Friday and the weekend with Natalia as I have no plans but with her.

"People are very fond of giving away what they need most themselves. It is what I call the depth of generosity."

- Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Grey

Finished reading Night of the Hunter and again falling for the story line. This book sets up the future books and I am sure I will be reading those soon. Found the 3rd collection of Wizard of Oz and picked it up and started to read The Lost Princess of Oz (book #11). I love these stories as they are simple to read and full of characters and the world of Oz. Also been reading The Picture of Dorian Grey again slowly and have been finding lots of quotes from Wilde.

No running or riding this week and hope to get on the road or trails soon. However I did start the bathroom remodel in my tiny bathroom upstairs after about four years of planning. Picture coming soon.

October thus far has been a traditional one with cold days and hot days. This past week we got some low temps bringing very light flurries and in a few days triple digits down the hill and maybe a repeat this coming week.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

On To Autumn

A weekend without Natalia and I missed her as usual. Sunday went mountain bike riding with my people on a nice stroll as usual and in the afternoon I had nothing planned and the local newly formed Mountains Community Board Gaming Group was meeting up in Crestline. Headed back up and had a few hours of nice games. Played all new games for me which were; Sentinels of the Multiverse, Dixit, Concept, and Hanabi. All games played today I would play again. Hoping the group keeps going and grows a little more. Another drill weekend coming up and I get to spend some time with Natalia.

Another week of horrible news of the passing of Javi Chavez of the 558th MP Company. He is another soldier I had the pleasure of spending many hours with while on deployment. I am again shocked on the news again. What is happening?

"Ordinary people waited till life disclosed to them its secrets, but to the few, to the elect, the mysteries of life were revealed before the veil has been drawn away"

- Oscar Wilde, The Picture Of Dorian Grey

Temperatures starting to cool and up here the feeling of fall is starting to be felt. Possibly first snowfall next week but I have my doubts.

Finished reading The End of All Things by John Scalzi and found it entertaining and somewhat "twisted" in the beginning. The book seemed short and I was hoping it had more in the story. Started to read Night of the Hunter Companions Codex #1 which follows Drizzt again. Amazing how R.A. Salvatore simply revived the characters to keep the stories going, but I am glad he did.

Bought  few more new games in the Barnes & Noble and Target sales. I now possibly have too many games. Picked up Spyfall (to play with the group), Fall of Pompei, Smallworld, Catan Junior and Pandemic.

Rant: This week we finally saw Russia concentrate in Syria and targeting Isis areas and support Assad. I will say this may not end well as it may start to come out how Isis is a CIA operation backed by us. I know many will think I'm crazy but just wait. Already seeing US supplies in their hands. We are so concentrated into overthrowing governments where clearly this is about the gas lines going through the country. Sadly military personnel may have to suit up and spend many months in the area sacrificing their family and possibly their lives in such an unnecessary conflict. I remember not long ago the weekly ISIS videos and tons of media hype. Where has all that been the past few months? Hmmm.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

Beat Ya'

Again a great time with Natalia but limited due to my obligations with the US Navy. This weekend we played Blokus with my mom and I beat Natalia. I am not ashamed to say I beat a 5 year old, as she beats me in so many games. She had some fun at the local camp playing outdoors games with her friends and grandparents and Sunday I brought my mom over to eat and relax at home a few hours.

Friday I went out on a 13km run and again under a bit of heat. The heat always drains me and it didn't fail this time. I found myself pushing along between 8-10kms and the last stretch I stopped  a few times. I am hoping to slowly move it up to 15km runs. Maybe as the weather starts to cool off.

"If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be"

- Yogi Berra

Finished reading Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson and found it very entertaining read and just the right length. Not as technical as some of his previous works which was good to move the story along. I would compare this title to Seveneves which I recently read and found this story to be similar but moved along at a much better pace. My next read is another science fiction title in Scalzi's new story, The End of All Things. I do look forward to this new part of the huge Old Mans Universe. I was debating this or a fantasy title that I have not read in a long time. Maybe next time I will trap myself in the newest R.A. Salvatore's novels.

Another drill weekend gone and still showing up and serving. I like this unit as it is a bunch of seasoned vets and get things done efficiently. I am sure this unit will grow as the Navy downsizes and forces people here as I was forced here. Hopefully things won't change much. Our unit CO is a real character in the sense he has been around every aspect of the Navy and has much inside knowledge of the current worlds events and its possible outcomes. Maybe there is an opportunity for me to do something again totally different and meaningful if the right assignment arrives.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

Again this week I saw horrible news in the passing of PFC Shih (U.S. Army 491st). Whatever happened has got to stop. I do not want to keep reading of young "oath keepers" passing away. I spent many months serving alongside with the 491st MP unit as a U.S. Navy Corpsman and got to know many of them and share many hours together. I know thee news came as a shock to us all and him like all will always be missed and remembered.

This weekend Natalia and I again spent all our time "geeking" out looking at the new Star Wars items and playing board games. I scored a few nice games at a thrift store and played most of them. It never seizes to amaze me how a 5 year old beats me in many of these games. We played some Monopoly Junior, Angry Birds Star Wars, Loopin' Chewie, Blokus, Dino Checkers and proud to say I got Natalia introduced to Cthulhu with Cthulhu Dice (She beat me 3 times taking all my sanity). Blokus turned out to be a game my mother liked and wants to play it again, so I left it there for our dinners.

Natalia did have two questions this week; Why doesn't Darth Vader fly if he has a cape? Who will win between Darth Vader and Hulk? The second one may be easier, as the Force will win! But why doesn't he fly? Hmmm.

Natalia's primary class got to sing in church this weekend and say a few words about God and what they are thankful for and things they like to do. I will say I was at the point of crying a few times with the performance and answers. I truly know I am doing good by her and she will grow up with good morals and guide.

Out of the many books I read Natalia, I was happy to read to her this weekend, Fearless Frosty (my autographed copy) and I think Natalia liked it. This week I also hope to finish Blackout and move on to a sci-fi book I was gifted which I have been looking forward to reading.

Rain expected first part of this week and lower overnight temperatures. We will see if autumn is starting to get to us earlier or if we will have a few hot temperatures in October. October has always been an unpredictable month up here as it can either be hot with fire dangers or snowing.

Check out this fan battle and statistics between Darth Vader Vs. Doctor Doom

As You Wish

A warm week thus far and no runs for me this week. A decent weekend for not spending it with Natalia. Hung out in Palm Springs by a pool with an awesome view for a few hours and had everyone spend the night up in the mountains. A decent hike with the boys and Yuli and was hoping Deep Creek had a running stream but it is the middle of summer. The week overalls thus far has been one of more adjustments for me and find myself getting in the routine. I am sure it will change as doing what I do now is ever changing and challenging.

Still slowly getting through Blackout and thus far not a good read for me. Not much in the time travel aspect but it does touch on the timeline of the London bombings during WWII. This week I am ashamed to say, I finally was treated to watch The Princess Bride movie and enjoyed it.

"Please consider me as an alternative to suicide"

- Prince Humperdink, The Princess Bride

This weekend the Car Wars Card Game hit the table and it is a fun game where we get to attack other cars and defend attacks ("Take that game"). A surprise this week I received the new Star Wars X-Wing Force Awakens Edition game and was happy as it has been a game I've been wanting to try out and add to my collection. Still haven't played it but got the basic rules down. I missed another (2nd) Mountain Communities Boardgame meetup on Wednesday and hope to make the next one or hope they can change the day of the week as I am unable to make it those days lately.

This week was a huge week for two of my "brothers" as Doc Sayarath and Doc Phillips both welcomed babies to their lives. Sayarath with a baby girl which no doubt is his and Phillips a healthy boy. These two will make great dads and will find their lives with a new joy for life.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

Running & Geeking

Another week adjusting and only got to be with Natalia a few hours Friday due to labor day holiday agreement. As always I feel bad and sad to not spend more time with her, as she always asks me to spend more days with her. We took the hours together to check out all the Star Wars toys and games. A few of the new toys look cool and maybe pick up a few of the Star Wars skinned mainstream board games.

This week I got to go out on two runs and the temperatures were a bit cooler than weeks prior. Still running my normal 10 kms and feeling very good. This week I also got two great surprises in a pair of new running shoes and the new Kim Stanley Robinson book, Aurora. I was gifted the new Salomon Sense Mantra 3 which are a very nice pair of trail/road shoes. This weekend doesn't seem like I will be going out for a mountain bike ride this weekend but hope to find some time next weekend.

This week Nate Phillips will be a father. I had the pleasure to have spent far too many hours with this man and funny that almost a year after I got to know his real name. He will be a great father and in a way I feel bad for the mother as now she will have two kids to take care off.

"What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loose his soul?"

- Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Grey

This past weekend learned to play Awful Green Things from Outer Space and find it a nice entertaining game for two players. However, the board is too small for all the counters to be placed. Treated myself to a few new games this week and hope at least one of them hits the table and its liked. No game night on Friday as I had Natalia for a few hours and was able to go home and clean up as usual and take care of the cabin. I am hoping to this weekend get everyone around the table for at least one good game. Still slowly reading Blackout and so far I am not awed by the story. I do hope in the second half it starts to get interesting with the time travel aspect.

Another week getting adjusted to my new life and so far so good. as usual challenges but I am finding my place and routine. One thing is for sure, I am glad I made the choice. Challenges as usual and being tested constantly but I know I am needed and I do want to be needed and help raise two boys along with Natalia.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth from the Guardians of Reality (John & Adam). 

Rough Road

This week has been a rough road for me with the changes and challenges that I now face, as well as having to get adjusted to not seeing Natalia as often as I would want. These are challenges and adjustments that I can handle, as much of my past experiences have helped me to be able to take care of others and deal with an ever changing environment. I went to Natalia's school on Monday for a few hours to see her and see how her school is going. I am not fully content on the teaching curriculum but sadly I have no choice in that matter. Being a father in California we really don't have many rights that are enforceable. I can say she was surprised and very happy to see me and she is very well behaved. I can already see that she is ahead of many in her class, thanks to preschool and my interactions with her.

Friday I picked up Natalia after school and went to see my grandma (Natalia's Great Grandma) as she is staying at my uncle's house for a while and soon heading back to Puerto Rico. The weekend spent at home relaxing after a long week away from home. Feeling a little sick and hoping to recharge my batteries for the coming week. No mountain bike ride for me this weekend but looking forward to one next weekend and hope the gang can come out and play.

"Nowadays people know the price of everything, and the value of nothing."

- Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Grey

I got horrible news from my "brothers", that Doc Nicholas Alexander Lanphier has passed away. I can't get any details as it seems no one knows and I feel one that knows won't disclose. Either way these news are felt inside. This was is a huge shock as he was recently married and became a father. He will be remembered by me as well as by all his "brothers". I can say, one of "ours" is waiting for us in Heaven.

Finished reading Victory at Yorktown and moved on to Blackout. Been wanting to read this book a while and was able to pick it up at the library. This week also on a trip to Barnes & Noble I saw the new John Scalzi book, The End of All Things and I almost lost it. What a geek I am to get super excited about a book. I love The Old Man's War universe that Scalzi has created and very happy to see he is still keeping it going.

This week I finally got Ticket To Ride to the table for a first play through and get to learn the simple rules. I can already see it will be a game that will hit the table many times due to its simplicity. The many other maps for this game will also be an added pleasure for the game. This week I received The Awful Green Things From Outer Space (1980) which is an older game getting a reprint and slowly getting the rules down. No game night this past Friday and I was disappointed no one wanted to play any games. Also this week my Loot Crate package came in and don't know if I will keep subscribing to this service.

Check out this fan made Marvel Vs. DC movie. 

Adjustments & Challenges

Another new week and already with a few challenges as the air conditioner unit failed and I found myself having to get a little familiar with the unit to troubleshoot. After a few unsuccessful calls for repair men in this heat wave I got lucky as a repair man was parked across the street and nice enough to do me the favor of changing the broken piece quickly and cheaply. Goes to show me again how things tend to solve themselves. Also this week I will be doing some driving dropping off and picking up the boys from school. This week however I will not be seeing Natalia and already saddens me we won't spend time together. I had to take the time to explain to my ex the agreement she came up with as it was too complicated for her to figure out.

A week mostly away from home and adjusting to my new "job" and life. It has its challenges but nothing that I can't handle and deal with. Another game night Friday and a bit short and not as fun without Natalia. A new version of Monopoly hit the table as I am slowly introducing more complex and thematic games. The big winner was Alex Friday night in Monopoly Avengers Edition. Also Smash Up, Survive (becoming a tradition) and King of Tokyo hit the table this week.

"I was not designated to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let us see who is the strongest"

- Henry David Thoreau

I spent most of the week driving all over the Inland Empire and getting my car fixed and all went well. Stopped by the local cigar lounge to chat with the locals about "everything and anything" and took Pablo to a pretty cool comic book store I ran across the way. Saturday the boys got new bikes and they were lucky I was there as I have had expensive experience around bicycles and the sports' many facets. Sunday I was blessed again to go on a ride and a short one but as usual full of fun and joking around. Lunch with the gang and some "forbidden" subjects were discussed, but that is the usual.

Overall it was a week of new things for me and full of great things everyday, This however has slowed my reading down and hope to have this book finished this week and move on to another. I wish I could read much faster as there are so many stories out there I want to read.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed, entertained and a happier person for knowing the truth.