WINTER HAS ARRIVED HODGEPODGE

     We have enterred a period where our daily high temperature stays below 30 and our lows are in the single digit. In short, it is freakin' cold and winter is here in earnest. We also have had a couple of minor snow falls, three inches or less. I am happy with snow not being as prolific as it was last winter. Other less enlightened types, AKA Snow Bunnies, are not as happy as the rest of us. 
     Today is Wednesday which, as you all know, means it's time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. I hope that you enjoy this week's edition!

1.  Speaking of skating...when did you last 'skate on thin ice', 'skate over the details', 'encounter a cheapskate', or just plain skate?

     I often skate on thin ice. Most people have something that prevents them from giving voice to some of the things that they are thinking. I don't have one of those so I often say things that causes my beloved SWMBO to roll her eyes and to receive looks of sympathy from other people. My being 6'4" tall and 300 lbs I don't get punched in the mouth a lot, despite the fact that it is sometimes well deserved.

2. What would you say is the biggest problem of people your age?

     By the time that we unserstand a little something about how to live life,. .  our bodies, and often our minds, are incapable of taking advantage of our knowledge. Perhaps, that is another indicator of the wisdom of God.

3. What's your favorite accessory? Is it something you wear every day, often, or only on special occasions?

     I sometimes carry a Smith & Wesson revolver concealed upon my person from time to time.  I don't carry it every day, just when the spirit moves me. I am a firm believer that I am primarily responsible for defense of my family and myself.

4. January 20th is National Cheese Lover's Day. Are you a lover of cheese? What's your favorite dish made with cheese? Last thing you ate that contained some kind of cheese? 

     I am a cheese lover. I enjoy extra sharp cheddar cheese. My favorite dish with cheese in it is Lasagna.

5. What's something guaranteed to make you roll your eyes? 

     Listening to anything that comes out of the mouth of our President and/or his former Secretary of State.

6. Your favorite book series? 

     My favorite book series is anything by Tom Clancy. Since Tom has gone on to his eternal reward, I like Vince Flynn. Also, Vince has shaken off his mortal coil. My next choice is Brad Thor.

7. Why did you choose your profession? 

     I developed a profound appreciation for the U.S. Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantee's for us and our progeny. Spending my life defending that document, that idea, from all enemies foreign and domestic, seemed like a noble way to serve my community and support my family in the process. I did not get wealthy but I am very rich.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     I have been seeing a lot of stories in the news media where a child has been beaten to the point of death, or serious bodily injury. The children were younger than five years old in many instances and the offense for which they were beaten?  They had the temerity to act like children...they cried! 
     I cannot fathom what is wrong with these people who would injure a child in this way or to that extent. There is a special place in hell for such people! I am certain that God's heart is broken at the suffering of these innocents. I wish I knew an answer as to how to stop it. My inclination is to visit a similar beating upon the abusers but I fear someone has already beaten me to it while they were young.
     May God have mercy on these children!