Game Night & No Txiki

Missing Natalia (Txiki) this week and missed the last activity night at Barnes & Noble for the summer with the Dr. Seuss events. I highly doubt she was taken to participate in those as she so much like the activities at the bookstore. Next week I will slowly have to adjust to a new schedule with Natalia as she starts kindergarten and it was "unimaginable" for the judge to have her go to the school up here as I am home more often and a much safer and nicer school district up here.

This week I am all alone as Natalia is spending a summer week away from me. I have been feeling rather good lately (mentally at peace which has been hard to come by the past years) and felt like going on a nice run. Went on a 10km run out in Green Valley Lake (2N13) out and back the fire road among some light rain and awesome views of the high desert and Lake Arrowhead. Timed at 1h 12m and I felt good the whole run and maybe should have extended it a few more kilometers. Next time for sure.

"It is not a lack love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages"

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Friday and Saturday night I was very happy to have had a game night, Sadly without Natalia but in great company. A little short but I hope this becomes a tradition for Natalia and me as well as with my new friends family as Natalia and me have been gaming for a while now and having a great time. This weekend I brought Forbidden Island, Smash Up and Survive: Escape from Atlantis! (Can't wait for new re-theming Survive: Space Attack!)  to the table and all were very well liked. Sunday afternoon a short Heroscape game and my BBQ spread for my guests. Next week Natalia will be here and she will get to participate in the fun. Overall my mini four day vacation was filled with boardgames shared with my new friends.

 My reading has again slowed down and slowly trying to finish Seveneves as I am in the last 100 pages. I will say someone has been keeping me distracted from my reading. No complaints, however as it has been a much need and hopefully life changing distraction.

Rant: Again another scandal and this one I feel is a very big scandal that must be investigated fully. Planned Parenthood, an organization by Margaret Sanger which publicly had an agenda of genocide towards certain races is finally being seen by the public. An organization which receives money from the government (that means you and me and we have no say so in that matter) and many corporations has been a proponent of abortions and controlling population have been profiting by selling body parts and in exchange controlling population. Planned Parenthood has been slowly concentrating into certain regional areas where "Black Americans" reside thus committing genocide. No outrage there as the PR department of Planned Parenthood is in full gear throwing distractions such as "Cecil The Lion".  Not only should this organization be banished but also a deep look and exposure of the true agenda it has and those behind it. But so many of us are "sheeps" and are easily mislead and distracted by other stories. Soon the Lion story will be replaced with another and another to keep this story off the media. Also along the same agenda is the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation with their many "vaccines" always tested in African regions which also has been having the same effect.

Not many TV shows catch my attention but Penny Dreadful is one that was brought  to my attention and to my interest as I love unique characters and especially those based on classic literature coming together in a nice story.

Life Changes?

Nice cool days up here and Thursday decided to go for a short walk by Keller Peak. A short walk on one of our normal areas and Natalia ended up waist deep in water. Can't blame her, she is my child and nothing a towel and the washer can't fix. Friday was another great day as we made our way to the Lego store and to the bookstore for geek fan day activities in great company. Saturday again we stopped by the market, library and park as usual in a rather warm morning. However Saturday we had some very special visitors come up to our cabin to share a few hours and a few games. I really enjoyed playing Survivor with four players and Natalia again managed to sneak in a win. How does this happen? Later it was off to Natalia's grandparents for a BBQ spread.

Still slowly reading Seveneves and it has slowed down a little past the half way point and hope for a strong surprising finish from Neal Stephenson.

Sunday I was blessed to again be able to go on another ride with the AARP folks and a little warm but as always a great ride among great company even though a few of us only joined us partway through the ride. I am getting the itch again to go for a long trail run and since I have a few days off coming up and deciding to spend them at home sharing if possible with my new connection. I will say I am feeling more at peace with myself and less stress lately which is a great thing for me.

Later this week thunderstorms are expected for a few days and I am hoping for that and ready for the storms we have been getting lately. Maybe even lower temps are forecasted. This weekend Natalia sadly will not be present in the house and I will miss her and hope to spend more time with my new "hopeful" companion getting to know each other more. Maybe some running and another mountain bike ride this coming Sunday. Also hoping to learn a new game to share and experience.

Check out the Dice Tower preview videos on GenCon. Here is part 1 of many more.

Fearsome Twosome

Fearsome Twosome is what Natalia called us on Thursday. Another great few days with Natalia and Thursday we hit the bookstore, comic book store and stuffed our faces with shrimp tacos. Friday we went back down to the bookstore for Minion day and it was OK. Not really any effort for activities and it felt forced on the store but Natalia won the final prize which was a poster of Scarlet Overkill. We also picked up a few more figures for Heroscape and Saturday was Star Wars day at the bookstore and another trip was made. This one I was unable to make it and my parents took her. Sadly I missed that activity.

The Navy finally screwed me over this weekend. Seems the new Navy is becoming automated and trying to take out the human intervention. I was pushed to a volunteer unit as I failed to log on to a system that works part of the time. Even after I received order to 4th Marines Airwing. Those orders they cancelled and stuck me in a volunteer unit not being paid. The good news is I no longer have to put up with my older unit and its lack of leadership and huge favoritism. I am now in a non paid status but with opportunities still to pick up side "orders" and among great people with the "no nonsense" politically correctness attitude. I may be concentrating in the funeral honors and hopefully do those for side money and the great honor that comes with that task.

This weekend our area got hit pretty good with rain and much welcomed. Haven't seen so much activity like this in the two days it hit. Hope to see more rain as it is being said we may get this winter. But again weather forecasters are usually never right. Other than predicting global warming and the end of civilization!

Rant: This weekend as well at the Navy reserve center I was not fully amazed at the "bullshit" security implemented. I feel bad for those that feel it was actual security. I went ahead and pointed this out and some was fixed the next day. But what I am still amazed is how the Navy and I am sure other branches choose and pass orders that force us to cower and take measurements to show we are not in the military. Hide your uniform, don't wear your uniform in public or worse be seen wearing it. Wow! What's next, make sure all our flags are taken down at home and any identifying images/items.  But no surprise that our president now chooses to honor the incident by lowering the flag a week later, after so much complaints were made and I am sure were finally seen by this administration. Thanks, but no thanks. Let worry more about a drug addict like Whitney Huston whom contributed nothing to this nation but giving her this honor.

Summer By The Fireplace

A change in weather last week. So far it is mid July and really no hot days. I am sure they will be here but so far a cool summer and even winter. As you can see on Thursday Natalia wanted the fireplace on and decided to make some smores for her.

Temperatures warmed up a bit as the weekend hit and we went to the park as usual and spent all of Friday smoking some pork shoulder that was to repeat again. Natalia is on track as well with the summer reading program at the library and got a prize. I know she doesn't read yet but I read to her every night and I find it entertaining as well. Another normal work week and drill weekend coming up and I am hoping my change of unit will not affect drilling where I have for years.

Still reading Seveneves and an entertaining read thus far. I must say Stephenson's writing has got me thinking and getting a little scared at the scenario he has painted. This is yet another long novel by Neil Stephenson and hope to get thorough it by months end.

Got some Heroclix super hero figures to have more fun with the Heroscape game and maybe next month start budgeting some more terrain. Heroscape is a very fun game that Natalia and me really enjoy. Also found a game about the Natchez Trace called Breaking The Devil's Backbone at the thrift store. The game doesn't see very good but I will play it with Natalia as it gives some historic references.

Sunday was another pleasant ride with the AARP folk out to Mt. Roubidoux. Nice temperatures and as always a nice outing with great company.

Among the few perks at work, I get to listen to stupid questions and if lucky idiotic behavior. Yesterday I was asked for waterproof soil for planting. Then not long after that I was asked by a person how seeds work? Hmmmm. Well, the seeds go in soil and you water it and they grow to whatever the seed is. However, I wouldn't use waterproof soil for that! LOL.

This week the new DC Comics movie, Suicide Squad got a trailer release and I must say it looks entertaining. But not a movie for children.

Happy Treason Day

Independence Day spent with Natalia watching the fireworks. This year we decided to see them in Big Bear and it was rather nice. I was amazed how fast I found parking. In the end a nice day as Natalia got to play in the lake and watch the show with me and her grandparents. Along with the festivities Natalia wanted to play Zombie '15 which we lightly played and she liked fighting the "fatties". Also a bunch of puzzles as Natalia is quickly doing them almost blindfolded. Overall another great time spent with Natalia.

Sunday was another great few hours spend riding with my people. A very nice pleasant ride to see and feed the wild donkeys. A few nice pictures posted on Facebook. Again, looking forward to another ride next weekend.

Finished reading to Try Men's Soul and found it a nice educational read. I will read the others in the series. My weekly trip to the library I saw Seveneves sitting on a table, another lengthy novel by Neil Stephenson and I picked that up for my next read.

No Agenda Podcast has posted Show 200.7 Redux which describes the birth and reason for the show and its structure. A must for every new listener to see why this is the best place for information. Clearly no agenda or corruption in discussing today's happenings and sometimes great history lessons. 

Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist is now on Netflix. See the inside story of Pantani and his struggle. I feel he was set up as gambling was allowed during that time and Armstrong may have had a hand on accusations as we now see some of his nasty actions and his involvement with the UCI and his payouts to the president and organization. A true sad story that took the life of a person.

Summer Starts

Another normal week and Natalia is in summer break so we don't have to rush up so fast for school. However she still wants to come home early. Another BBQ spread on Saturday and this time tri-tip, my specialty was on the smoker. This past week I watched all of the Planet of the Apes movies and clearly the first one was the best followed by the sequel. Sunday I got to meet up with my mountain bike group for a pleasurable ride out to the citrus park and back, and as always a nice Sunday morning. 4th of July celebrations this weekend and no idea what to do as last year around Lake Arrowhead was a bit of a nightmare finding parking.

Finished reading The Forge Of God and found it entertaining but not great. I will however read another Greg Bear novel in the future. My current read is a historical revolutionary war novel following George Washington. I am hoping it catches me quick and I move through it at a rather fast pace. So far I am on track with my reading goal for the year.

"Perhaps we Americans need a good thrashing now and again to wake us up"

- Benjamin Rush, 1776

I read many children's books and among the many a few stick out as good stories. One of those is a book called My First by Eva Montanari. A nice story where the ending was the best part. I highly recommend this book to any parent.

Rant: Again we are seeing more and more racism being spread by the media and administration. I feel years back we were clear in our way to overlook race but seems that is far too profitable and advantageous to politicians to create and keep alive. However I am seeing very few realize this and point it out.

Also pushing more and more banning of items. Now banning historic flags and even historic events. I am amazed people can even think of this. Let's ban history, books, events and facts.Apple has even gone as far as removing many civil war theme games from the app store. Come on Apple, remove all civil war items such as books and games and any civil rights items. This administration should also destroy all civil war battle grounds and monuments as it represents hate. Now I have better bu all the civil war books and games I can before they are banned.

Fire On The Mountain!

Fire on the mountain as summer is here along with fire season. This one far away from me in the area of Jenks Lake. Friday morning Running Springs woke up to some haze and the smell of smoke in town. Nature doing its thing thinning out for new growth. Saturday morning I get an email asking for CERT members to help in the logistics area. Sadly I have Natalia and my BBQ was going.

A great week as Natalia has been with me all week. She has been wanting to stay in town and not go anywhere. I was hoping to take her to a big comic book store, but maybe next week. Natalia and my parents got me a big popcorn machine for fathers day and I am guessing it is more for Natalia. I no longer have the huge house to store such items. Also this week I decided to change my flags around.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority" 

- Benjamin Franklin

Still slowly reading Forge of God and an entertaining read. This week I saw news on a new Ghostbusters movie and quickly lost hopes just seeing the cast. This week also received two more games. Got Just Desserts and Forbidden Island. Both good games but Natalia preferred Just Desserts. I am guessing for the them and a little more simplicity.

Meanwhile at work another new manager and she is bringing in her friends and I can already see changes again. The new upper echelon doesn't seem friendly to employees and doesn't surprise me. Already seeing changes that are screwing with some employees causing them to not spend their days off with family for no reason. I can already see work hours being cut to save on overhead and increase bonuses.

Last week I received the Sons of Liberty series and found it very entertaining. I did wish there was another episode showing after the summer of 1776 with scenes such as Valley Forge and after the summer of 1776.

Graduation!

Another normal work week and Natalia's last days of pre-school. Her graduation ceremony was today and it was very nice and special. I feel sad that she will not be attending the school up here as it is much smaller, cleaner and she already has many friends she has been growing up with. Natalia will be with me the whole week and fun everyday as usual. Planning doing some ribs this weekend and see how they turn out again.

Drill weekend done and as usual not without its nonsense. However  a little limited to Saturday as I spoke my peace. Again lack of workers but we did have a few missing. However it would have been the same. Amazing still the laziness and worse yet, the lack caring by the LPOs. One good note about drill is the PT being done early. I am glad to see almost the whole unit participating and I am a believer of PT as it creates cohesion and brings us all closer.

Got a nice stack of games from a fellow in a board game group on and so far all the titles have been decent to good. So far this week Natalia and I have been playing a bit of Order's Up! and Enchanted Forest. Also slowly introducing Natalia to Indiana Jones, The Temple of Doom is not really the best movie.

We got some thunderstorms a few days back, but not as heavy rain as I would have wanted. But we did get our thunder. All the windows quickly were opened for the sounds and smell of rain.

My current read is The Forge of God by Greg Bear and I believe this is the first book I have read from him. So far a page turner and your typical alien on earth story. My last trip to the book store didn't catch my eye on any new titles.

Field Trip!

Another great end of the week with another unique and great field trip. This time was a local visit to the Helipad and the Arboretum trail for a nice short walk and great views. Last time Natalia walked the trail she was 3 and seemed much longer as I had to carry her part of the way. This time it was a fast walk as I realized it is a short loop.

Another quiet few days at home and even though the temperatures were a little cooler it didn't stop Natalia from playing with water balloons every day. In the end 100 water balloons were exploded. Saturday ended with some BBQ, some time at the park and some board games with Natalia. Sunday I opted to not ride and go for some one on one suffering on my 10km run. It warmed up a little and again 10km seems to be my limit thus far. I wish I can break this and move up to 15kms. I am sure more running would help.

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

- Henry David Thoreau, On The Duty Of Civil Disobedience

Finished reading Old Twentieth and found it entertaining with a nice ending. I feel this book would make a nice movie. Joe Haldeman has not failed yet. I look forward to Seveneves by Neal Stephenson and The End of All Things (Conclusion to Old Man's War) by John Scalzi. Currently decided to re read A Wrinkle in Time and hope to finish that rather quick and search for a new read.

Two pumpkin plants planted on some big tubs and now we will see if they survive and better yet, produce some pumpkins. Also slowly I am seeing the hummingbirds find the new feeder I put up.

Rant: Lately we are seeing more and more the resistance to drive minimum wage up. So many negative propaganda claiming it will destroy businesses as they won't be able to bear the burden. Please find out where such views are coming from and you will see it is from the elites and those very wealthy that keep getting richer from the work of so many. Sit an analyze that the minimum wage has not increased to keep up with inflation. That figure you will never see. Or if you do t will be fake and full of false reports and analysis. Much like the figures for "global warming". The charts showing how the livable wage should be over $20/hour to keep up with inflation. Funny how the elites get to pick what goes up and who stays down. How such firms pay millions in advertising to tell us that the working class can't make any more or the system will collapse. Really?

On another rant, seems the state of Pennsylvania is trying to pass a 40% increase of taxes on tobacco at the wholesale level. This clearly will drive out many of the wholesalers there as stores would buy from out of state. Maybe being so greedy to increase revenue they should cut on their own government programs and outrageous salaries. It wont be long until they go after the retailers themselves. Amazing how so many do know remember history. The tax on a leaf that caused the tea parties is here again. Hmmmm.

Tiresome Week

Normal week at work and feeling tired. Changes again at work with personnel moving to other stores and a new store manager. Now to see what climate is set. This time means schedules don't get made as departing managers tend to not care. Seems to usually be the trend. For some, if it doesn't affect them they do not care. I have been amazed that the store took on a huge loss as compared to prior years and our store manager was moved down but I have yet to see the person in charge of asset protection be held responsible.

Today is a much cooler and overcast day as opposed to the previous days. Natalia has a local field trip tomorrow and that should be pretty good. Other than that it will be another few days of us hanging out and entertaining ourselves.  Maybe introduce her to Indiana Jones as she as mentioned him a few times in the past and asked about the ride at Disney.

Still reading Old Twentieth by Joe Haldeman, and so far a page turner and hope to have it finished by this weekend. Also picked up 2 John Wayne releases in Cahill and Train Robbers.

Finished reading In The Garden Of The Beast and found it educational and another book everyone should read to see how this event in our history took its roots and made its change. Call me crazy and a conspiracy nut but some of these changes made by Hitler and his group are happening now and being implemented by our government. Goes to show so many do not know their history. June 30, 1934 marks the day WWII started. On that very early morning Hitler took over Germany in a fast and brutal way. However the United States refused to see it as they were too busy trying to be friendly and having their debt re paid, but many warnings were made.

I've noticed on my rides around Riverside the amount of homes with grass and flying the American flag. I though both items were illegal. Very glad to see such displays. Also up here some streets have installed flags on utility poles which is also good to see.

Rant: I receive no government aid but it seems I always get screwed by it. Even worse is I serve and sacrifice for this country and nothing. But that has always been the case here. Lots of talk and fake shows of appreciation but nothing fundamentally done to thank, help and honor. I do it because inside I am one of the few built to do it. To help those that do be safe and help in any possible way for them to be safe and be with those they love. Anyways, I already know I pay for the food and more for many welfare recipients with my tiny check but recently I went to cash in my recycled bottles and seems some bottles are not accepted as they belong to the WIC program and are free. Well, I didn't get my juice for free, I paid for it. Either way no 5 cents for me. Thanks California!

Fallout 4 has a trailer posted and I can't wait. However only for current Gen systems which I do not have. Damn!