HURRICANE HARVEY HODGEPODGE!

     Unless you are living in a cave completely off the grid you are aware of the devastation that has occurred, and is continuing to occur in southeast Texas as a result of hurricane Harvey making landfall. I cannot imagine the concept of rainfall being measured in feet as is the case in Texas. The photographs coming out of Texas are heart breaking. 
     I am happy for the weekly diversion from reality that is the Wednesday Hodgepodge. What I mean to say is that it is good to have something else to focus my attention on for awhile. Join me in prayer for our fellow citizens affected by hurricane Harvey and now...the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Can you believe we're rolling in to the Labor Day weekend? What's a project you'll labor over this fall?
     I cannot say that I am surprised about the arrival of Labor Day. It happens every year about this time. (Parum pum crash!) All kidding aside, the older I get the more quickly the time seems to pass by. 
     One project that demands my attention as the prospect of winter begins to loom on the horizon is getting caught up on the yard work. It has been difficult to give it the attention that it requires for a variety of reasons, some reasons being legitimate, other reasons not so much. #Ihateyardwork 

2. Tell us about the best perks you ever had in a job?
     One of the best perks of being a police officer was the things that I got to do that most people never get to do. I was assigned to work with the U.S. Secret Service on two occasions. 
     The first time was when then Vice President Dan Quayle came to Litchield NH. I got a peek behind the curtain and see what the Secret Service actually does to prepare for a visit and how they conduct themselves during the visit and during the aftermath of a visit.
     The second time, I was assigned to augment a neighboring police department to help with airport security for a visit by then President George H.W. Bush. On this occasion I got to see some of the toys the Secret Service have in their vehicles that support a presidential visit. I also witnessed the communications set up and the make up of counter sniper teams. 
     At one point during his visit, as the president was leaving I was standing on the tarmac about 25 yards from Air Force One as the president got out of his limousine and boarded the aircraft. It is the closest that I have ever physically been to a U.S. President.
    Both of those details made for a long day but it was a lot of fun.

3. August 31st is National South Carolina Day. Have you ever been to SC? Any desire to go? According to Southern Living, these are the top ten things to do in South Carolina...

Explore Charleston, bike, golf or relax on Hilton Head Island, see the beach and the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach, visit the state museum in the capital city Columbia, observe the wildlife and natural beauty of the Ace Basin, take a walk or hop on a trolley and check out Greenville's charming main street, visit Fort Sumter where the Civil War began, stroll through Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden in Bishopville leaving time to check out The Button Museum, also in Bishopville, see Morgan Island (also known as Monkey Island)-home to nearly 4000 Rhesus monkeys. 

Which is most appealing to you today? If you're a SC native, resident, or frequent visitor what would you add to the list?
     I have never been to the Palmetto State. Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach appeal to me should I ever have the opportunity to visit.

4. Beef, pork, country-style, barbecued, baby back, spare or short...your favorite kind of rib? What's a dish you enjoy that really 'sticks to your ribs'?
     My favorite rib is barbecued pork spare ribs with medium hot bbq sauce. A dish that I really enjoy that sticks to my ribs is homemade, AKA SWMBO's, beef stew. It is simply AWESOME!

5. What's one important skill you think every person should have? Why?
     One important skill that every person should have, and there are several other needed skills besides this one, is the ability to sharpen tools. This includes kitchen knives, hunting knives, chisels, axes, and any other tool that holds an edge. 
     When it comes to getting things properly done, sharp tools are essential. Knowing how to sharpen tools is also a much needed and valuable basic survival skill.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.
     In my opening paragraph above I indicated how heart broken I am over the pictures coming out of southeast Texas. Here I'll share my pride in the conduct of many of our fellow Americans in general, and Texans in particular.
     This disaster has required "All Hands on Deck" to deal with the devastation and to save lives. The U.S. military and first responder agencies have conducted themselves in such a way as to reflect great credit upon themselves and their respective agencies, going above and beyond to the strict call of duty in many instances. No surprise there.
     What has reinforced my hope in the American people are the every day Americans who have risked their lives to save their neighbors and fellow Texans. Neighbor helping neighbor is the order of the day. There is no regard given to race or gender or political affiliation or any of those things that so often divide us. 
     Another group of Americans deserving of thanks are those who have come from the far flung corners of America bringing bottled water, food, and other disaster relief supplies to the Lone Star State. 
     Then there's the "Cajun Navy," those private citizens who own small boats who responded to the area and are going from house to house looking for survivors. Several thousand survivors have been rescued to date.
     This proves my thesis that the American people are a noble and compassionate people...period! So, my fellow Americans please pray for all of those who have been affected by hurricane Harvey and if you are able, donate to a relief agency. God bless Texas! God bless America!