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Praetorium Honoris

Monday, December 18, 2023

God Bless us one and all!

 Well, Campers, it's been a busy week.  Mrs. J has been slowly getting the house ready for the familial invasion starting this next week.  The pick up of Little J last week went well.  He's now able to sleep through until about 4AM and doesn't necessarily need a nap in the afternoon.

However, just because HE doesn't need a nap doesn't mean that Miss B doesn't, so he tends to take one at the same time.  Frankly, I'm jealous.  LJW also seems to be a bit less stressed now that he's home.  I can understand that.

On a related stanza in the song of my life nowadays, we are in the process of moving his family into my Sister's house on the property.  It's quite a bit bigger, and although a mobile home, is much nicer than the cabin they've been living in for a year.  With a little bit of luck, they'll be together in their next assignment  sometime next year, but this should be a bit nicer quarters in the meantime.

Once they've moved into the new temporary home, we'll do a little bit of renovating on the cabin and return it to the B&B role it had before.  Got to keep the Turista's happy and divest them of a bit of vacation cash.  

Ain't America Great!

In the ongoing "I'm not the Executor, dammit, I'm the Administrator" saga, I am meeting with my lawyer as you are reading this.  We're getting closer to closure on this excruciatingly painful period.  My Sister's car is all but sold.  I've got the cash in hand, but...

You knew there had to be a "but" dinch'a?

When we went through my Sister's papers, I found all sorts of certificates in a file, so I grabbed that file and put it safely away in my file cabinet at home.  We're leaving to meet to exchange paper with the buyer and I search the file for the title.

You know what's next don't you?

All sorts of official papers in that file, except one. I asked my Sister several times that day to tell or show me where the title was as I searched her house for it. For some reason, she declined to reply.

So, off to the Courthouse.  "Yes, Sir, for $42.50, we can get you a new title.  You'll receive it in the mail in about two weeks."  Fortunately, the buyer is a friend and knows where I live. She said "Keep the money cause it'll burn a hole in my pocket".  So, thankfully, that bump in the road is not the Grand Canyon. 

Yet.

On the Mrs. J front.  She's doing ok, not great.  A daily nap and reasonable bed time have helped. And the good news is she's finished her second cycle of Chemo (4 to go). The Doctors involved gave her an early Christmas Present.  This time, she's got a two week recovery period instead of just a single one.  No meds, no infusions, nothing but rest, recover and regain strength for two weeks!

I suspect that all involved in the process are celebrating Christmas and that might have had an impact on the scheduling.  I'm ok with that, Mrs. J is also.  Thank you Lord and Happy Birthday.

On the Dog Front.

Well, the melding of two dog families (three in each) has been an adventure.  We've had to make a lot of compromises on all three fronts, the human front, the Black Dog front and the inherited dog front.

The Inherited dog front.  L to R. Gryndll, Bentley, Atticus

 The Inherited Dog Front are, based on size and age, expecting to be ruling the roost. As my Sister's sole duties were working and feeding the dogs that expectation could be understood.  However  my Sister's house is completely fenced in, so they're used to being outside when she's at work.  Unfortunately, due to a poor fence design on my part, our fence has one gate and the fenced in area includes the garage.  So, if we need to leave the house, we need to open that gate.  Since the dogs love to explore our 40 acre property, they gleefully make a beeline for the open gate.  Consequently,  I've learned an awful lot about the layout and topography of the property as well as how effective Mesquite needles are at drawing blood.  My duty for this week is to find someone who can fix this fence for less than a brazillian dollars.

But, it also has had an impact on the other dogs, making them a bit timid about going to "do their thing".  Sometimes they're even artistic about it.  For example, I don't think Rembrandt could do this as well as Annie did.

Dad! When I say I need to go pee, I need to go pee...NOW!

Oh well, I've gotten pretty efficient about cleaning up things lately.

On a separate note, I got invited to Lunch with the Old Gang from the IT department in the school district.  Of the 5 people who attended, only one was still with the district.  The last replacement they hired is getting paid $14/hour.  That should tell you something about how things are going.  Holy Crap!  Only $2240 per month before taxes and such!

No wonder only one is left.  That having been said, it was very nice seeing them and telling "Remember when..." stories.  The one remaining at the school, gave me a small present.  I had had it hanging over my desk when I worked there, but forgot it when I left.

I  think it fits nicely on the door to my workshop, helps me get in the proper mood and relax.

I just figured out that next week's post will be on Christmas.  Hope all y'all (especially you, Beans) have been especially good this year.

God bless us one and all!

Peace out Y'all!

*Just learned that another of my Heroes passed.  Don Pardo of the Famous "Pardo's Push" has entered Valhalla.  Never met you, but your story influenced me tremendously.

Pardo's Push.  Read it, or we can't be friends.

Source

 Risking your life for your wingman.  The absolute definition of a "Fighter Pilot". Rest in peace, My Friend".

 


34 comments:

  1. Ah, two weeks for Mrs. J to rest up, good to hear that juvat. Vacationers cash is best cash also and there goes the cash for the fence........:) When I read about Lt Col Pardo years ago, I was surprised to find out he was reprimanded for losing HIS aircraft, it took years for official recognition of that feat.

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    Replies
    1. Nylon,
      Yeah, we're grateful for the extra rest time and praying it helps.
      Re: Col Pardo. It's my firm belief that there were/are two types of pilots, Fighter Pilots and Pilots of Fighters. Between Korea and Vietnam, the latter group, because they're more politically adept, became the majority in command positions. Anything that might make them look bad (e.g. loss rates) was verboten. It's my humble opinion that those leaders, both military and political, are a prime cause for the Vietnam debacle. Fortunately, when I came in, most of the leadership positions in the squadrons were filled with Fighter Pilots, not the other version. I learned an awful lot from them and believe that a large portion of the Desert Storm campaign was a result of that transition in the Air Force as well as the similar ones in the other services.
      Unfortunately, it appears that the wheels have turned and the Pilots of Fighters are back in charge. Afghanistan being an excellent example. The folks in the front lines did well. Their Leaders? Special place in Hell reserved for them.
      My $.02 or as Sarge may say "Your mileage may vary"

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  2. Crazy level bravery and loyalty to fellow warriors. Keeping them out of the VC's hands at the risk of destruction.

    Silent scream at the AF reprimanding his actions for so long.

    Rest in Honor old warrior.

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    Replies
    1. Michael,
      Agree completely, see comment above.
      Thanks
      juvat

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  3. Good to hear that all is going well and maybe weller. Wth all you have on your plate, pace yourself so you don't burn out.

    The Eve of the Feast
    Troparion — Tone 4
    Mary was of David’s seed, / so she went with Joseph to register in Bethlehem. / She bore in her womb the Fruit not sown by man. / The time for the birth was at hand. / Since there was no room at the inn, / the cave became a beautiful palace for the Queen. / Christ is born, raising up the image that fell of old.

    Kontakion — Tone 3
    Today the Virgin comes to the cave / to give birth to the Eternal Word. / Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe! / Glorify with the angels and the shepherds / the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a little child!

    The Nativity of our Lord and God
    and Saviour Jesus Christ.

    Troparion, tone 4: Thy birth, O Christ our God, rose upon the world as the light of knowledge; for through it those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Sunrise from on high. O Lord, glory to Thee.

    Kontakion, tone 3: The Virgin today gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One. Angels and shepherds glorify Him, and wise men journey with a star. For a young Child is born for us, Who is the eternal God.

    May you all have a blessed Feast of the Nativity, and may God bless you and keep you safe and healthy through the coming year.

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  4. Joe,
    Very interesting and I'll admit I had to do a bit of researching to see what it was all about. (For others in that boat, a here is a synopsis
    Thanks and same to you.
    juvat

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for that link. A good, concise description. I think of Troparia and Kontakia as short, topical hymns. As to the "Tone 3, Tone 4" I'm not musically inclined., but the tones in general refer to an 8 week cycle of hymns https://churchmotherofgod.org/terminologies/eight-tones/ that I haven't figured out. For those of you so inclined, here is the music used in the Orthodox Church In America Diocese of the West https://dowoca.org/liturgics/liturgical-music/ (can't figure out how to embed the link in text)>

      One thing your link brought to mind, in the west Laudes was a separate service from Matins and the 9th Ode (Magnificat) was chanted at that service. Which gave rise to a saying for a person who was somewhat addled, "He'd sing the Magnificat at Matins."

      Delete
    2. My pleasure, Joe. I enjoyed reading the words and doing a little research. Helps me enjoy the season.
      juvat

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  5. Good to hear that Mrs. J's treatment is on track. A nasty business is cancer.

    We're both written about Pardo's Push here on the Chant. I'd provide links but it's Monday, I'm lazy, and ...

    Couldn't even finish the sentence, that's how lazy I am.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarge,
      Thanks, yes it is.
      Here's your version. The only other post that mentions it is today's.
      Lazy Monday's during the Holiday Season are authorized at the Highest Levels. Enjoy.
      juvat

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    2. How did you search? I found four mentions of Pardo's Push other than today, the one I wrote (which you cite) and three separate posts in 2020: here, here, and here.

      Delete
    3. Google- "Pardo's Push" site:"oldafsarge.blogspot.com"
      juvat
      BTW moving still sucks!
      ;-)
      juvat

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    4. At the top left on our home page is a search box. Works better for blog content.

      When has moving ever not sucked?

      Delete
    5. I'll give that a try. Thanks
      juvat

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  6. Juvat - Sigh. All the paperwork except the one needful thing...

    Glad Little J is getting adjusted and everyone is back together (for Christmas, no less). How much time does he get before his next assignment.

    Continued prayers up for Mrs. J.

    Pardo's Push - Wow (yes, I read it; we are still friends). How utterly bureaucratically *&$^&!!!! that he gotten written up for losing a plane instead.

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    Replies
    1. THBB,
      Yeah, the bureaucracy always needs just ONE more piece of paper. It's what keeps them employed. Gotta love 'em.
      Thanks
      If you notice the fin flash on the jets, it's FP. That was the 8TFW's Vietnam ID. They later moved to Korea where it was changed to WP That would be the Wing that the Juvat's (and the 35TFS) belonged to. Many of the senior Captains and Majors had been in the 8th during Vietnam. They did an great job ensuring that us LT's knew about the history and that they would accept nothing less than our very best efforts every sortie, every time.
      I'm proud to have been a member of that unit. As I suspect another member of this blog team is also.
      juvat

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    2. Indeed, best fighter wing ever.

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    3. The 8th is excellent in my opinion, 18TFW was also excellent
      juvat

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    4. Well, we did serve in two outstanding wings.

      Delete
  7. I first learned about Pardo's push on the TV show J.A.G. which fictionalized the true account, but credited the real story. There was also an even that happened in my airwing when we were in Fallon, and this clip borrowed the story as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5_uB6wB7R0

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tuna,
      Yeah, I've seen a few of those, Fortunately, early on, I learned the "Real" story of the episode. And from people that were close to the event. My only regret is I never got to meet the man. RIP!
      juvat

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  8. Glad Mrs Juvat's doing well. At this point in time, renting a maid to deep clean once a month might not be a bad idea. She can supervise, but when/if she gets tired she needs to rest. I know, one more expense, but might be a good treat for her.

    Doggies? Yeah. One thing about Kegan the Wondermup is he'll poke me in my kidneys with his nose and then progress to pouncing on me to get my attention if needed, or rattling the door, or the ultimate, poke Mrs. Andrew. No puddle releases yet. Not bad for a 135lb dog...

    They make this stuff called Nature's Miracle that enzymatically cleans pee and gets the 'locked in' stench out of one's flooring or bedding. Should be available at the HEB or on scAmazon.

    Other than that, yeah, Pardo. Guy should have gotten a chest full of medals for that. Damned bureaucracy. Of course, if we had been able to attack their airbases and AAA positions like we could have, Pardo might not have needed to push. Again, damned bureaucracy and LBJ (hwack-ptoooie.)

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    Replies
    1. Beans,
      Funny you should mention the deep cleaning lady. We've had one on payroll for about 6 months, does a great job. Day before yesterday, did the house, LJW and gang are moved into (that's why comments were delayed until now). House was in spectacular shape.
      Re: Pardo. Frankly I've seen the MOH awarded for less. Shoeclerks, who needs them?

      Delete
  9. My uncle gave me a stack of Reader's Digest mags when I was a kid. They were taller than I was... from the 50's into the early 70's. I read about the most amazing thing I'd ever heard of: 2 f-80 pilots used their aircraft to hold up another f-80 whose pilot was hypoxic. The airflow over their wings provided a cushion for the other f-80. They got him down to a breathable altitude and saved him. Those kinds of ideas in the middle of a crisis really taught me a lot. Read all you can, and don't dismiss creative solutions.

    Do they still sell training collars that buzz when the dog approaches a buried wire? Like an invisible fence?

    Excellent news on the family. Happy Christmas!

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    Replies
    1. STxAR,
      Hadn't heard about that episode. Gonna do some research. Thanks for the lead.
      Don't know about that collar. Might be an option. I'm thinking a couple of 20'ish pieces of fence on either side of the driveway with a gate on both. (So the mower can get from one side to the other) . I think that should take care of the gate bolting.
      juvat

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    2. Yes, you can still get electric dog fences, think they are called Invisible fences...work well as long as the dog is wearing the collar...there is a fairly short training period of the dog learning exactly how far they can race before they get into the potential zap zone.

      Suz

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    3. Glad Mrs J gets the holidays off!! Remember, hydrate, rest, lather, rinse, and repeat for the next 4 cycles!!

      Glad the dog integration/owner training project is progressing...it is hard to train up new owners for sure, plus adapting to an entire pack of new siblings. Vinegar 1/2 cup in 1 pint of water in a spray bottle also works to remove the smells of "Whoops" sites.

      Hope Sarge got back home yesterday from the Cape before about 5PM last night. I am in his backyard---well, figuratively speaking--- the hotel is in Seekonk. We moved the travel day up a day so we weren't fighting the wind and rain on Monday. Plenty of both wind and rain overnight Sunday and through Monday until about 3ish or so. Lot of trees and power lines down in Rehoboth. But we got over to my uncle's house and back safely with only small detours each way. Plus he has a generator, and the hotel has power. But some high school was closed at 9AM as the wind was blowing the shingles off the roof and the maintenance guys weren't willing to get up there and get it fixed today. Whodathunk?!?!? 60mph winds with gusts into the 70's....duh!!

      Definitely like the new sign on the workshop! Sets the right mood for all who enter there.

      Suz

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    4. Suz,
      Thanks for the info on Electric Dog Fences. Gonna have to weigh the costs of that and 3or 6 collars versus the adding a couple of 20' sections of fence. Course if the dog collars come with a STFU button on them to remotely zap Gryndyll, I'd have gotten some sleep last night. Dog barked at who knows what constantly for at least a couple of hours. I'm thinking a nap is in my near future.
      juvat

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    5. Suz (2)
      Winter Storms in Fall? Blasphemy I say!
      That having been said, glad damage was minimal and all are safe and warm.
      Thanks, so do I.
      juvat

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    6. Suz - Seekonk? Dang, that is my backyard!

      We got home before the storm rolled in, very glad for that!

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    7. Sarge,
      You live in Rhode Island. Isn't everything in your back yard?
      Asking for a friend.
      juvat

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  10. Merry Christmas, Juvat, God Bless you and your family.

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    Replies
    1. StB,
      Thanks Scott, same to you and yours.
      juvat

      Delete

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