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. 

Unexpected Changes!

Huge life change this past week and decided to terminate employment with Walmart and help my new partner Angela with her life and children. I feel this is a much more rewarding thing to do and one I feel am very good at. Work at Walmart was starting to get very monotonous and recent changes with the new managers. where I have seen a huge lack in managing skills and alack of employees to run an efficient store. I was getting tired of doing the work of many for a tiny paycheck. I did leave in good terms and who knows what the future will bring. I can say I have lead a non "conventional" life. I continue to move on and let life guide me as it has steered me in many unexpected paths and has taken care of me.

Natalia also started school this past Wednesday and to my surprise my ex has been extremely nice. So I know she's on her medications and I soon expect for bad times as usual from her. But I am now more stable and it bothers me less and less every year that goes by. Picked up Natalia on Friday afternoon and everything great. Slowly setting up new routines as I have two other boys to take care off. It has been a surreal week and one full of surprises and the unexpected. So far it has been very long rewarding days for me.

"No more let life divide what death can join together"

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

Friday was a nice day as Natalia was with me and Pablo came home. All of us together had another game night. However not many games were played. Next time I expect full participation as it is a tradition I want to maintain. We played a few rounds of the new Lego Minotaur game and Disney HeadBangz. Pablo and I got some good hits on the Lego game. I was a bit disappointed we didn't get it on with the Survive: Escape from Atlantis game on Friday night but Natalia was wanting to play other games and watch a movie.

Another drill weekend and still thinking of going IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) and not have to be present at drill any longer since I am no longer being paid and retirement is a ways away for me. Sadly I was not able to continue to serve in the manner I had intended. Seeing the changes made recently, it is a Navy I no longer want to be part off. However a few members there are convincing me to keep drilling normal and take advantage of opportunities as it seems are easier there with less nonsense to get approved. This administration is really trying to take away the benefits of veterans and cutting careers as to avoid collecting retirement benefits. This drill weekend I saw the retirement of HM2 Zapata as he left out the back door after serving 20 years in the Army and Navy combined. Also the retirement of MMCS Hamilton after 42 years of service and many in a volunteer status. Those are the true heroes nowadays. So far I will continue drilling a month at a time and possibly start volunteering for funeral detail as my new schedule allows for that honorable job.

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 and happier person for knowing the truth. 

"Are All Your Guys Dead, Dad?"

We missed the parade in town Friday afternoon but made it to the festival on Saturday. Not as big as years prior but always a nice morning outing. The highlight was the Fireman's Brigade where the kids made a line. However I don't think the firefighters from Arrowbear and Running Springs went up against each other, as that would have been nice to see. Our festival had a few nice carnival type games where prizes were handed out to all kids and Natalia was given a nice teddy bear. Also this was the last weekend of the Book Reading program at the library and Natalia accomplished her 45 books. However the prize was a burrito and soda from Bakers. WTH?

Last normal days with Natalia this weekend as she starts school this coming week and I was forced into a shorter schedule with her. Went out with Angela and her boys to dinner on Thursday and had another excellent game night with them Friday. Survive: Escape from Atlantis was another hit and I was the first one out while Natalia again won. How does a 5 year old keep winning this game? The highlight of the night was when Natalia asked me - "Are all your guys dead, Dad?" She knew all my little guys were taken by the sea creatures! Too funny, Also we played King Of Tokyo where I got a rule wrong and played Order's Up! for our game night. Can't wait until next Friday again for our regular Survive grudge match and other possible new games as I have many more in my collection.

Sunday was a more eventful day starting early on my drive down I came across an overturned vehicle and stopped to provide any needed medical aid, and none was needed. I stayed to dovert traffic along with a few other concerned citizens until CHP and others arrived to secure and clean up the site. Luckily I left early and still made it in time to drop off Natalia. However that too didn't go quietly as my ex decided to argue and insult me again in front of Natalia in regards of clothes for Natalia for school. I normally record these incidents but my phone has again been giving me issues. I just refused to argue and told her I would dicuss this matter in a more private setting. Also made it to the ride on time and that was a pleasurable ride as usual. Just Luis, BikeWife and me present and we discuss in some details the workings and maintenance of a vehicle with a true Mexican! LOL. Work sucked as usual with the lack of direction from the awesome management team and as usual short staffed. Again another day I came close to quitting, especially with a great offer on the table. Without going into any details Sunday started horrible for my friend and my day ended very concerned and with a possible sign from above for yet another change in my life.

"When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue, when you start to get mad ... You should do what I do! Just tell yourself Duckie, you're really quite lucky! Some people are much more ... Oh, muchly much-much more unlucky than you!"

- Dr. Seuss

Natalia had her first fall this weekend and my corpsman/daddy skills were put to the test and I passed with flying colors! Really nothing a wet towel and a shoulder to cry on didn't fix. I hope her mother doesn't accuse me of abuse and start another false claim.

Finished reading Seveneves and found it entertaining at the beginning and slowing down and for me falling flat at the end. The ending felt rushed and could have gone more pages to develop more the new generation and the earth survivors. Was hoping for a shocking ending. Now back to a historical read in Victory at Yorktown where I follow George Washington in the fight at Yorktown and the incident with Benedict Arnold and the hanging of Major John Andre. Skipping the previous book Valley Forge as I have not gotten my hands on it yet.

Don't forget to catch the latest No Agenda Show. John (Buzzkill) and Adam (Crackpot) deconstruct the media stories and uncover what really is happening in a funny way. After all, once you are no longer a sheep and are awake you have to but laugh at the stuff governments pull on its people.

GenCon over and out of the many Dice Tower videos, here is a short video of the Con.  

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.