Category: Pointless Pontification

This unlucky bucket catches whatever random stream of consciousness that doesn’t fit elsewhere.

Epic Win or Fail Life Forever?

by Damon Caskey

Once or twice on the Paris Pike I have passed by what appeared to be a replica of KITT (if you don’t know what that is, stop reading). It even had the license plate “Knight”. Figured I was either seeing things, or it was just a silly knockoff.

Later I spotted the same car in a parking lot and went in for a closer look. Turns out, this guy actually has one of the original KITT prop cars from the show and uses it as an everyday driver. Unfortunately, it hasn’t received the best of care. The scanner still works, but everything else is more or less scrap, and as you can see he has replaced part of the light array with yellow fog lamps. Still, the man drives KITT for his daily commute. Coolest thing ever or the definition of lame? You decide.

Ty Brown Says It All

by Damon Caskey

Around midnight I wrote this post about Osama Bin Laden being killed; especially how it made me think of Collin and his birthday (today). How awesome a birthday present for him to be involved in that operation, as there is a good chance he would have been.

Then this morning Ty Brown posted this great little piece into Facebook about it. I feel that it gets the point across far better then I could, so I will leave you with his words:

Collin would have been 34 today but he was killed fighting for us in a war that we did not choose, want, or start. But the news that the SEALS took Osama out last night, probably the guys he fought with, really made me think about a lot of things.
What can you say about those guys? They do their job and don’t ask for any glory, they don’t go on national tv and take credit for acts they had nothing to do with. They do their job and I for one feel safer for it. However I am not celebrating because of this, because it’s not over.
One life taken no matter how symbolic or justified, can heal the wounds of those lost, close the divide in mankind that created this war, or give us the peace we all desire. It’s a long and complicated journey and we cannot lose sight of that fact. My flag is flying, is yours?
Ty Brown proudly flies his. Do you?

Ty Brown proudly flies his. Do you?

To answer your question Ty, yes. Yes it is. Over my heart since 1999, and God willing will be still be there whenever it stops beating.

Just a little reminder every day.

Just a little reminder every day.

 

 

 

Bittersweet Ending

by Damon Caskey

So it seems we finally got Osama Bin Laden. I’d like to say a lot on this, but even if the news wasn’t still trickling in I’m not really sure I’d know what to think.

It’s good news naturally, but in some way I wish we had caught him alive. The dead cannot experience pain, fear, humiliation, or failure. Osama certainly deserves a nice dose of all these and then some. It may not be right, but I can’t help hoping his last moments were filled with abject terror and agony.

Honestly though, my thoughts keep turning to Collin. I know how important this was to him, and were he still here it is a good chance he would be one of the personnel making history as we speak. If not, at least he would have been able to see it. That he died before Osama’s demise, and while under the command of Mr. Obama both sicken me to the core. On top of all that, as I write this, I just noticed the hour has past. Today would have been Collin’s 34’th birthday.

Better that I shut up now before lapsing too much into soap-boxing. Congratulations to our armed forces for a job well done, and for the monumental tasks still awaiting them.

DC

Cow Economics

by Damon Caskey

This is a very old joke, but in many ways is quite true and still relevant. Even better, it’s been updated to reflect the current world state (and I couldn’t resist adding a bit to it myself). Without further adieu, enjoy this lesson on economic systems employed around the world; demonstrated using the always reliable cow model.

Don't laugh; you’re probably looking at the median of political intelligence.

 

Socialism

You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbor.

Communism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk.

Fascism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk.

Nazism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and shoots you.

Bureucratism

You have 2 cows. The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other and then throws the milk away.

Traditional Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.

American Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyze why the cow has dropped dead.

Enron Venture Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You sell three of them to your publicly listed company using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull.

Andersen Model Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You shred them.

French Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You go on strike, organize a riot and block the roads because you want 3 cows.

Japanese Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You redesign them so they are 1/10 the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon image called ‘Cowkimon’ and market it worldwide.

German Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month and milk themselves.

Italian Capitalism

You have 2 cows, but you don’t know where they are. You decide to have lunch.

Irish Capitalism

You have 2 cows. They are drunk and so are you.

Dutch capitalism

You have 2 cows. You are not satisfied with the amount of milk they produce. You hire a cow manager who fires one of your cows in order to urge the other to work harder. When you find out that milk production has declined, you fire your remaining cow and reward the cow manager with a huge bonus.

Islamic Capitalism

You have 1 cow, 1 bull, 1 calf and an abundance of grass. You sell the all grass to buy explosives, strap them to the calf and send it to your neighbor’s yard. Then you shoot the cow for exposing its udder and blame your neighbor when the bull starves to death.

Russian Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You count them and learn that you have 5 cows. You count again and learn you have 42 cows. You count again and learn you have 2 cows. You open another bottle of vodka.

Swiss Capitalism

You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you. You charge the owners for storing them.

Chinese Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim that you have full employment and high bovine productivity. You arrest the newsman who reports otherwise.

Indian Capitalism

You have 2 cows. You worship them.

British Capitalism

You have 2 cows. Both are mad.

Iraqi Capitalism

Everyone thinks you have many cows. You tell them you have none but they don’t believe you and bomb the crap out of your country. You still have no cows but at least you are part of a democracy.

Somali Capitalism

You have no cows. Your distant neighbor tries to bring you a cow, but you shoot at him until he leaves for interfering with your business. Afterward you manage to find a cow and send it to eat the neighbor’s grass. You are surprised when the neighbor shoots your cow.

Australian Capitalism

You have 2 cows. Business seems good. You close the office and go for a few celebratory beers.

Arkansas Capitalism

You have 2 cows. The one on the left is kind of cute…

A Geek’s World Ending

by Damon Caskey

I stumbled onto this article comparing the Mac OS X vs. Windows XP. Obviously outdated, but even so I thought it really stood out as the rarest of combinations; an every man’s view point on how OS X stacks up to XP and done so with a completely open mind. Worth a quick read for anyone interested.

I’ll leave my own MCSE tainted opinion out of it. For now. 😉

DC

Go With The Snow

by Damon Caskey

Christmas is getting closer, and still the snow is falling. While I know in all likelihood we’ll be looking at 40 degrees and sunshine once Christmas arrives, I still can’t help getting my hopes up.

Tonight I went on a quick food run, and just like always I found myself going giddy from the sight of snow cover. How can you not love the serenity? Even the sound is pleasant. I’m a high strung nervous type anyway (yeah shocker), and for whatever reason I’m incapable of shutting out background noise like most people can. The muffling effect a good snowfall causes makes a sublime break from that constant sensory overload.

Here are a few pictures and one quick video showing off my seriously lack of maturity. See you in the snow!

For The Love Of Fish

by Damon Caskey

I bet that title looks like I’m trying to apply some witty synopsis as a discussion launch point. I’m not.

It’s time for lunch, I’m stuck watching a progress bar fill on a database operation, and I’m craving some fish. That’s pretty much it. Jerry’s has a really good fish dinner, and Golden Corral used to have breaded tilapia that I couldn’t get enough of (yes, my tastes are that low brow). Neither helps much now, since one is 30 miles away and the other long gone. Maybe Tolly Ho’s has some kind of fish, but I don’t think so.

I doubt the question I’m about to ask will do me much good because A) Who in their right minds would actually be reading this blog, and B) I can’t cook anything outside of a campfire. But I’ll ask it anyway. Does anyone out there know any decent breaded fish recipes they are willing to share?

On the subject, are there any restaurants within walking distance of Memorial Coliseum with tilapia, catfish, or something similar on the menu?

DC

Dreaming Of A White Black Friday

by Damon Caskey

This morning brought on an amazing surprise, and put me in one of those thankful-for-it all kind of moods. I know, I know, that’s what Thanksgiving is supposed to do, and I assure you it did. It’s just that now I’m kind of giddy about it.

This year Nichole, the kids and I spent our first Thanksgiving at home. Normally we’d travel to her mother’s and then my grandmother’s, but that all got delayed or fell through. Instead Nichole cooked up a great little dinner and we all enjoyed a day of doing nothing productive whatsoever. Almost. Nichole did have to cook, while I found myself messing with our generator and fuel storage. I’m told lifting and carrying a 5000w generator isn’t the best idea in the world. Probably doesn’t improve matters when its 10 gallon fuel tank is full. That advice however, does not take into account my level of awesome, so yeah.

It’s probably a sad thing to say, but we found it very awkward trying to speak a grace or state our thanks. I’ll take it that means among other things we don’t eat together nearly enough. Who these days has time for that sort of thing? OK, let’s be honest. Who these days bothers to make time for that sort of thing? I can’t blame Nichole, she always wants to do sit down suppers. I’m the guilty party. Being raised in a small business family, I grew up eating largely on the run. Nowadays the very concept of gathering at a table each night would feel a little weird.

Never-the-less, how nice is it to sit down, enjoy a good meal and family without running each other ragged? I definitely need to add “celebrating Thanksgiving in pajamas” to my list of simple pleasures. Being able to do so is one of the many things I am thankful for. Speaking of thanks (you know, kind of the point of it all), I would like to list just a few of the things I’m thankful for. Putting them here for an audience that doesn’t exist to not read is somehow easier then saying it all aloud. Must be a guy thing.

First, and probably obvious, is the family. Connor, Caydence and Nichole are my life, whether or not I want to admit it. That they are healthy, happy and much more then I deserve. Sure they can get on my last nerve, but isn’t that the point? Same goes for the rest of the family.

As odd as it sounds, I am also thankful for myself. Boy doesn’t that sound egocentric? Probably because it is. To clarify though, I find it pretty easy to get down on myself. Who doesn’t now and then? But when I think about it, that’s stupid on a stick, because I am truly blessed. I’m in better health than almost anyone my age I know, and going by the numbers probably in the top ten out my class from a career success standpoint. That’s kind of funny really, because I was dead last or close to it during school. None of that matters though. What does matter is being able to do my job, which is to provide for my wife and children. The way I see it, you could be licking toilets clean for a living. If it’s keeping the kids fed, warm, and dry, then you’ve done what you’re supposed to. When so many people are out of a job, lost to calamity or fallen victim to self made inflictions (gambling, drugs, etc.), I’m glad to be part of the boring 2.5 kids and picket fence crowd.

I’m also thankful for our friends in the service. Guys that are out there sleeping in the dirt so people like us can fight over black Friday sales or sit in our cozy houses writing in meaningless blogs. Families who gave up their sons and daughters, like the Trent and Thomas family, who have two sons that will never return to give thanks again. Kids who probably didn’t plan to be heroes or war veterans when they signed up, but kept their end of the bargain when the call to arms came. Veterans who already gave their fair share, but still strapped it on and joined the young when our country needed them. They deserve all the thanks we can give, and a practical expression of that is even better.

One last thing I was thankful for, albeit a tiny one, is what promoted me to write this. I had no plans to write about Thanksgiving; there is nothing I could say someone else hasn’t said better many times over. But this morning there was an unexpected surprise outside, a rare site in Kentucky this time of year: Snow! Just a little dusting, but still enough to cover the fields and usher in the holiday season. Sure the sun came out later, but just waking up to a snow fall somehow turns me into a silly little kid. I had not seen the weather report, so it was a complete surprise, which made the whole thing even better. I’d have sooner predicted Detroit losing by less than 20.

Call me crazy, but the first snow is probably my favorite day out of every year. I’ve always loved Winter, and growing up hasn’t changed that a bit. Getting a dose this early gives me hope that maybe we’ll have our first White Christmas since 1995, that a lot of recent losses maybe have a reason after all, and to stop for just a minute to take stock of all the good around. Hope can be a rare thing. When it comes, you have to latch onto it, even if it’s gone with the 10’oclock sunshine.

So what are you thankful for? The normal things? Or maybe something a little unconventional like, well, snow. I’d love to hear it. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend and God bless!

DC

Deck The Halls

by Damon Caskey

No one really felt all that well today, but it didn’t stop us from getting out the Christmas decorations. We always like to set up a little early so as to have time to enjoy them.

Duties took the usual split.

  1. I drag the boxes out and down from storage.
  2. Nichole does pretty much everything else (or so she says).
  3. Kids decorate and top the tree.
  4. We touch up and I fix whatever Nichole couldn’t reach, while making fun of her height of course.

This year we also had Cammy to help. No doubt she’ll just love taking it down for us. Happy Holidays all, and hope to see you at our annual Christmas Party.

DC

Gathering of Heroes, Remembering Collin Thomas

by Damon Caskey

I haven’t said or written much about Collin since his interment, and to be frank I have tried not to think about it. In the last year or so I’ve attended several services for lost friends or loved ones and it does start to wear. Best thing to keep from dwelling on them is to stay busy and not think on it at all. I mean what is there to say? It hurts, it sucks, and then what? When you are a nostalgic person like me, memories are overwhelming enough as it is.

Even so, the last few days Collin had reentered my mind. This is usually the time he would get some shore leave, and stop in for a visit. Sometimes he’d be in for a week, sometimes just a day. That was the nature of his life and career. However short or long, we always tried to make the best of it. Maybe the guys would get together and head out for some Lexington night life. Maybe we’d hang out at Cody’s to relax and shoot the breeze. Or grab some guns and go bird hunting, in truth nothing more than an excuse to walk around the woods. Sometimes we just listened while Collin would tell what little he could about his experiences.

So a few days ago I almost caught myself calling up Cody to see if he had heard anything from Collin. That of course was a painful reminder that none of us will be hearing from Collin again. It seems I do this a lot, and may continue for a long time to come. Not just about Collin, but about anyone that is no longer with us. I wonder, is this the same with others? Do you sometimes find yourselves acting as if someone was still there? Anyway, in a strange turn of events, Cody actually called me up the same day to let me know a memorial was taking place at Collin’s grave site on 11/5/2010.

It should come as no surprise that many of Collin’s team, officers, and others couldn’t make it to his funeral service. That again is the nature of their work. So to give them a chance to see his site and a final remembrance, a large contingent of his fellows were flown and bused in for an informal grave side memorial. Close family and friends were also invited. The notice was short, so Cody and I made an effort to get the word out among our circle of friends, thankfully with some success.

It was a spectacular sight once we were there. No less then a full sized tour bus and several more small vehicles were needed to carry all the personnel who came just to get a glimpse at Collin’s final resting place. Army, Navy, even the Air Force were represented, and I’m not talking about new recruits either. These guys are the ones doing things you don’t hear about in the news, themselves all laden with medals and accolades. Collin’s commanding officers were also on hand, speaking on his behalf. It all served as a powerful reminder of the type of person he was. The overcast and chilly day was also in my opinion a more somber and fitting setting then the blazing summer sun during his funeral service.

Afterward a lunch gathering was held. It was great experience to meet some of the men serving with Collin and I wish we could have chatted some more. It was also wonderful to speak with the Trent and Thomas family. I’d be lying if I said their being kindred political spirits had nothing to do with that. Also, I consider it a huge honor they wanted a copy of the article I wrote on Collin. It’s always nice to know that good people think well of anything you do. Adding to that was the opportunity to converse with rarely seen friends like Brandon, Justin, and Paul.

I think all in all it was a fitting tribute to Collin and Veteran’s Day. Not just for the speeches and honors, but undeniable proof that a forthright man or woman can have influence even when their physical presence is gone, and they need not be famous to do it. In this case the type of influence to bring people together from literally around world and haling from all walks of life; common civilians, retirees, and the most dangerous warriors this world has ever produced all standing together at a tiny cemetery in the middle of Appalachia. That’s what one man did this November, and to me, that is what Veteran’s Day is all about.

DC

Fallen Hero: Chief Collin Trent Thomas, 1977-05-02 – 2010-08-18

by Damon Caskey

Navy Times Article
Morehead News Article
Service Announcement

2010-08-19 07:39 on my way to work, I got a phone call from my closest friend Cody Bumgardner informing me that Collin was killed in action during an Afghanistan operation. I honestly don’t know what else to say on the matter, so this may well come out as a lot of rambling nonsense. If it does I apologize.

I’m not a hero worshiping type – outside of family I can count on my fingers the number of people I genuinely look up to. But Collin was at the top of that list. The things he did spoke for themselves. He was a Navy SEAL, and a highly decorated combat veteran whose list of medals and accolades would lengthen this article to absurdity. In short, he was the quintessential badass. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Collin was to put it simply, a good man.

For the most part, he was a clean cut, low key kind of guy. It made a hilarious contrast with operational pictures where he sometimes resembled Grizzly Adams meets Deliverance. At all times Collin had a wry sense of humor and quick wits to go with it. I’ll never forget a bird hunting trip the day after Thanksgiving in 2004. I jokingly asked what the birds must think about us. Without a second’s pause he brought one down with an all too casual crack shot and answered “He’s tired of being a bird. Eeeking out a living on seeds… We’re doing him a favor”. Another one I recall (after having his watch broken) “…now I can’t tell time, I’m gonna clean your clock!” Yeah, these might not sound funny in text. But the quickness, ease, and delivery just made it perfect. Replaying them in my head with his voice still gives me a chuckle. Any time spent with Collin, and it was rare considering his profession, was loaded with moments like that.  Collin wasn’t without a temper either. I could tell you a few stories about some individuals he put in their place here and there. Never a pretty sight, but always hilarious.

All in all though, what I admired about Collin was the general panache in which he carried himself. He wasn’t gung ho or pushy, he just took calamities in stride and got things done. Plans go bad. Make new ones. Girlfriend did him wrong? That sucks, time to get another. No shore leave? Send a postcard and go back to work. Guys like that command respect, and they deserve it.

He was the only human being I’ve willingly shared a “bro hug” with. If you knew me, that’s saying something. That goes double for admitting that as I write this I find myself holding back a tear or two. The one solace I can take from this is knowing through proper channels and other means I can’t talk about that he took plenty of those sub human heaps of excrement with him. I don’t have to wish or imagine Collin didn’t go down easy.. I KNOW he didn’t, and the rest of his unit is still out there taking the fight forward.

My heart goes out to the Thomas family, who also lost Edward (Collin’s cousin and another good friend from football) at the Pentagon during 9-11. They are a proud military family, but this is a hard blow no matter who you are.

If you read this, please recall that Collin died protecting the comforts and freedoms we repeatedly take for granted. Right now there are many more out there just like him. Sadly, he isn’t the first or last to make the ultimate sacrifice. Remember to keep them in your prayers at least. Freedom has not, nor will it ever be free.

Should you be a friend of Collin’s as well, I hope to see you at his service. Be well.

DC

Leslie Joell Cummins-Blevins 1979-2010

by Damon Caskey

On June 20, Sunday morning I discovered this message post by Mike Cummins:

My oldest sister passed away today. She fought cancer as long as she could, and much longer than any of us expected. Just as the last family member showed up to say their good-bye’s, she left us. Leslie Joell Cummins-Blevins 1979-2010. She is free now. Thanks to all who have and continue to pray. Truly, thank you.

Leslie had been sick for some time, having been treated for stage four melanoma since January. I admire her courage for trying to fight the disease. The survival rate for such a diagnosis is less then 10%, yet she still tried her best. But Leslie was always tenacious like that.

I wish I could say something witty and profound here, or even just pour out some maudlin grief. Unfortunately I can’t really offer up any of that. Leslie and I haven’t spoken in over fifteen years, so the loss I feel over her, while devastating, is obviously nothing compared to what her family must be going through. I wouldn’t dare insult them by claiming otherwise. What I can do is spill some memories. Brief and long ago as they were, I think it shows just how quickly and deeply Leslie was capable of touching others.

You know those infatuations we all get growing up? One right after another? Observation tells me that most people have dozens, if not more during their childhood. I’ve had four total, one of whom I’m now married to. Another was Leslie, who also happens to be my only real “ex”. We met in World Civilization class, and I’ll never forget how comfortable she could make people. I’m a pretty nervous person in general, and practically deadlocked around around girls. Even with Nichole, I was always extremely wary of myself and took careful stock of what I did/said. But Leslie would have none of that. She wanted to know the “real” you, whoever that was, and she was very good at digging through the BS to find it. When you discovered she liked what she saw, it was like being on top of the world.

In other words, Leslie was for a time, much more then a girlfriend. She was a best friend. Our relationship lasted a paltry nine months, and I don’t blame her for getting sick of me. You can’t expect a girl to not get bored with a guy who hangs on them like a lost puppy.

If there is one thing Leslie doesn’t do, it’s anything halfway – even breakups. But that’s part of life no? Fifteen years later I still cherish every memory of her. Note passing, driving lessons, Eagle Lake, Maysville, Camden Park, and so many more.  Even the annoying stuff like that weird dumping fries in the bag thing she used to do. Nah, that’s a good memory too.

Leslie wasn’t some pristine little doll with no faults. She was a vibrant, beautiful, intelligent woman with hang ups like the rest of us and a spirit you couldn’t help but love. I certainly did, and it’s fair to say deep down I still do.

Now I’m just one individual, but in her short time here Leslie has had that kind of effect on many more. At her visitation, several rooms were filled to the brim with well wishers and friends. Obviously her ability to reach others served her well as a teacher, parent, and friend everywhere she went.

As I write this, I also find myself thinking about the family. Jenny, Micheal, and of course Mr. & Ms. Cummins. But mostly her husband T.J. and their children. As a father, I can’t imagine what it must be like trying to explain that Mommy can’t come home anymore. T.J. was always a stand up guy, and it’s a good thing because he has a long road ahead of him. All of them do; hopefully remembering that both children carry a portion of their mother in them will help.

Personally, I regret never going to see Leslie during her fight against the cancer. I would have loved to congratulate her on her family and let her know in person Nichole and I were pulling for her. I never did of course. I was afraid she might be upset and instead sent well wishes through Jenny. Now I realize that was nothing but silly cowardice. In my position she would have been there in a heartbeat and now it’s too late. Instead, I hope by sharing this blurb and keeping her memories I can preserve a tiny bit of her, and perhaps not be so cavalier toward time spent with my own wife and children.

Farewell Leslie, you will always be missed and loved.

DC

Around The Sun Again

by Damon Caskey

Tis my birthday. Figures I would forget and have to be reminded by Nichole. No big anyway, who really looks forward to a birthday after 21? For that matter, 21 was pretty meaningless to me since I don’t drink. So yeah, 18 for voting was about the last time I really looked forward to or cared about my own birthday. That said, I’m not above leveraging it for some food. 🙂

Nichole fixed hand breaded drumsticks for supper, one of my favorites. Man that was the stuff. Also, is it any coincidence the A-TEAM premieres today? I don’t think so. Though I seriously doubt it will live up to the old show (how could anything compare to Mr. T?), we’ll definitely be there tomorrow night.

Another nice touch was a message from my mother about how proud of me she was. It’s a really nice thing to hear. I know the family loves me, but I can’t help wondering once in a while if I disappoint them.

On a last note, what had to be the coolest part of this day was Connor and Caydence coming home with a cake. They were so proud of finding one for daddy. I usually worry more about preparing them for adulthood then entertaining their levity. But to see how they took such pride with everything reminded me to relax a bit and just enjoy them for once.

All in all it is just a nice evening home with the family. Lame? Perhaps. Trite? Probably. And I say so be it. The best things in life are free, simple, and right in front of us.

DC

P.S.: After posting this, I checked my personal mail, and found a gaggle of birthday wishes over on facebook. So let me address each of you who took just a few seconds out of your day for me:

@Michelle Martin: One more year removed from the ketchup packs. Remember how long ago it seemed when we were thinking about how long ago that was? Ahh well, that’s part of life. You’ve always been a dear friend and I’ll never forget all the silly stuff we pulled together.

@Hunter Pratt: Yes little cousin, I am in fact 33. You seem surprised. I’ll take that as a complement, and don’t forget that 33 or not, I can still waste you and the other HHH crew on the track. 🙂

@Matt Dillon: Kind of ironic that you and I are cousins yet you and Nichole know each other better, especially with us both working on campus. That’s the price of a busy life though. We need to start hanging out more; feel free to shoot me a mail or stop in my office sometime.

@Tori Earlywine: Good times in elementary no? It was always cool having you as a neighbor, even if two miles away. I’m glad to see you are doing great these days. Thank you and stay well!

@Sarah Bumgardner: What are you doing posting about my birthday. You have a new arrival of your own any day now. I’m excited for you and the difficult but rewarding world you are about to enter!

@Teli Perkins: In some way I always thought of you as kind of a big sister I never had. You know, having the wisdom of two whole years to pass down. Funny how back then that was a lifetime. Have to say it was pretty cool of you to cart Brandin and I around too. Some of my favorite memories were just chillin with you guys in the world’s coziest living room. It was great to see you and meet your children. Here’s hoping to again soon with you back in state!

@Jessica Fugate: Anyone related to anyone else that can put up with my mother for five days a week has to be one of the good people. You have a beautiful family Jessica, and I hope good things keep heading your way!

@Tiffany Sprague: Tiffany, I always thought you were amazingly put together. A straight man amongst the eccentric extemp crew if you will. Except in the guise of a lovely young woman. Likewise I was happy to see you too, and hopefully the next time won’t be 15 more years down the road.

@”Mister” Huff: You, me, and Rough Tuff Jimmy Cluff at a Pondo show. That’s all I’m saying. Well, except that my girl, makes you wanna have it. Yo’ girl, got paid like Danny Havak!

@Melinda Fox: You have ever been a leader, and proved it again in organizing Ms. E’s send off. I always admired and look up to that quality in you. Also, don’t forget what I said about caring. It is what makes you you, and distinguished from those who don’t. If you ever need anything, just give me a shout.

@Nichole Caskey: It goes without saying I cannot imagine life without you. You have given my the gift of your love and the most wonderful children a man could ask for. But really now. Slaving over a hot stove to make a cake? You must have really gone all out to mold up that plastic covering it came in too. I’m impressed. 😉

@Rebecca Craft: Looking back, it always seemed as if you made an effort to draw me out of the so called shell. I find that especially admirable considering the obvious crush I had on you all through Sophomore year; that had to be embarrassing. But then, getting peeps involved was just kind of your way yes? A great quality. I also have to thank you for teaching me the appellation of “moreheadian”. I still snicker saying that out loud.

@Ryan Perkins: You too are one of the good people. Not once can I think of a time when you didn’t have a smile or grin. I hope that hasn’t changed. You, me, Brandin, and the rest of the gang need to get together!

@Rachel Kingsland: It would be pretty pointless to sing praises here, because you already have the best endorsement I can possibly give to a person; entrusting you and your family with our children. What else can I say?

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Small gesture though it may be, just taking the time to do it made an already great day fantastic! Now that’s enough sappy talk from me. It’s actually Saturday morning as I write this extension and time for breakfast. I can already smell the leftover drumsticks, oh yeah…

Cheers!
DC

Memorial Day

by Damon Caskey

Normally I have no trouble putting my thoughts to words, but Memorial Day seems to be an exception. No doubt if I tried it would quickly degenerate into a political rant against the left, loosing the point before ever getting started. So instead I think I’ll fall back on someone with a much better perspective. Mr. Sloan Gibson, President and CEO of the USO has this to say:

Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of millions of Americans who risked their lives to ensure our freedoms.

It’s a time for us to pause from our usual routines and honor all that their commitment has meant to us, our families, and our country.

We ask our men and women in uniform to put themselves in harm’s way, and we’re confident they will never shy away from even the most difficult of challenges.

Sadly, we also know that some of them may never make it home.

But each day, I am reminded about the other casualties of combat. When I visit a military hospital, I see young men and women who are facing a life they could never have anticipated. I see their wounds, witness their limitless spirit, and am inspired by their determination as they work to recover.

So on this Memorial Day, let us honor those no longer with us. But let’s also take a moment and thank those who do return, and offer them our gratitude and the opportunity to have full and productive lives.

I couldn’t agree more. To Matt Smith, Colin Thomas, Herman Walker, and all the other brave men and women out there sleeping in the mud: Watch your backs, kick some butt and come home safe. We salute you!

DC

Like A Log With A Dog

by Damon Caskey

So this is the first real entry. Well, not counting the “About” thing.

It really just hit me this morning; for the past couple of months I’ve been sleeping really well, and by that I mean only waking up twice a night instead of ten. It’s also been a bit easier to go to bed in the first place. On a good night, I might lay down at 23:00, whereas before I’d consider 01:00 an accomplishment.

The difference it seems, is Cammy, our newest addition to the family. As it happens, I’ve been surrounded by German Shepherds since literately before I could walk. The first was Suppy. I gave her the name when I was eight months old. Must have been going for “Snoopy”, but my mother went with what came out. Poor dog. Through the years there was Kissy, Jackie, Whistle, Bret, Sybil, Moose, Chong, Zero, Shauna, Rambo, Shady, G.G., Hanzou, and Hixon. Each and every one was a dear friend, in some ways far closer then any humans I knew.

When the last generation died off I cried like a baby for the first time in twenty years. Sure there is Spike and Coco now, but that’s in Morehead and they aren’t mine.

For a lot of reasons I wish sometimes I could go “home”; just one more time I’d like to run up that driveway, backpack in tow and be tackled by a flurry of paws, tongues and fur. Of course, those days are long gone and there are more pertinent things to think about. Still, having Cammy is like having a little piece of home back. Just like all the others before, Cammy will never replace the hole they left, but has already made a place of her own. She’s long since won over Nichole, who before had always been scared of so called “big” dogs.

It’s also great knowing she’s there to help watch over Nichole and the kids just like the previous generations helped watch over me. That’s no small comfort, and for that I can look forward to getting six a night for the first time in fifteen years.

DC