Friday, October 4, 2024

Worn Down to a Nub ...

Winchendon, MA
Source
I grew up in New England, so I'm kinda partial to the place.

Now I've lived in Japan, Korea, Colorado, Nebraska, Mississippi, and Germany. I've also spent lots of time in Texas, California, Virginia, Louisiana, and Maryland.

Texas doesn't really count though, all my time there was spent in Air Force training. Didn't get out much but traveling through Texas I had some awesome BBQ at a roadside place in Junction City.

But I, being born and raised in New England, expect to spend my twilight years here as well. If I can pull that off and The Missus Herself doesn't veto that plan. Oh well.

Clyde, The Rocking Horse
Winchendon, MA
Source
That rocking horse above, yclept Clyde, no really, has been a fixture of Winchendon, Massachusetts since I were nobbut a wee lad. The original was getting kinda weathered, so rather than lose that singular attraction, the town fathers had a new one built, the spitting image of the original, which still exists in storage, somewhere.

Now I've been driving past that attraction for 25 years now, it's on the way to the Homeland of Vermont/New Hampshire. I hope I'll be seeing it for a few years to come.

We shall see.

Damn, that's all I've got? Yup, didn't sleep well this week, allergies are acting up, got a low grade sinus thing going on as well.

So sorry folks, short rations today. Anyone care to ID those two guns in the opening photo?

Anyone?

Bueller?




Posted by at
Labels:

12 comments:

  1. Joe LovellOctober 4, 2024 at 4:23 AM

    https://www.silverhawkauthor.com/post/artillery-and-armour-in-the-usa-massachusetts-1

    Spanish bronze rifled gun mounted on a wood carriage. Dolphin carrying handles, royal cypher of King Charles IV of Spain.

    https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d3c6d0e106af90561564f7/66a389f111b48214c460e111_60f5e79dbe3036c108b4c7c5_220px-Royal_Monogram_of_King_Charles_IV_of_Spain-svg.png
    Royal cypher of Charles IV (Carlos Antonio Pascual Francisco Javier Juan Nepomuceno José Januario Serafín Diego; 11 November 1748 – 20 January 1819) was King of Spain from 14 December 1788, until his abdication on 19 March 1808.

    German First World War 7.7-cm Feldkanone 96 neuer Art (7.7-cm FK 96 n.A.), (Serial Nr. unknown). In front of the War memorial.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 4, 2024 at 4:48 AM

    We all have a different idea of that place called "home".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 4, 2024 at 5:50 AM

      Truly. Gotta say New England is NOT one of them. Liked Maine to visit recently. Cousin's house in Tidewater VA could work; if he'd be kind enough to convey the deed. Rocky Mountain West is closest for me though the Colorado Front Range is no longer in consideration due to politics and population density.
      Home is where my Bride is. Love to have the kids closer, perhaps someday.
      Boat Guy

      Delete
    2. OldAFSargeOctober 4, 2024 at 7:32 AM

      Any Mouse @ 4:48 - Yes, we do.

      Delete
    3. OldAFSargeOctober 4, 2024 at 7:34 AM

      BG - I lived on the Front Range, it's changed and not for the better. I miss the Ft. Collins of the '80s I called home for over three years.

      Delete
    4. AnonymousOctober 4, 2024 at 8:15 AM

      The Fort Collins of today is unrecognizable to anyone who last visited more than 5 years ago. huge apartment/condo complexes stretching far beyond the outskirts of the old burg. Airport by route 14 closed and redeveloped. "Homeless" infestation on the fringes of the old downtown area which is now filled with yuppy bars, brew-pubs and trendy restaurants. I go thru there several times a year and each time it gets bigger (which is synonymous with worse).
      John Blackshoe

      Delete
    5. OldAFSargeOctober 4, 2024 at 8:55 AM

      What used to be open fields across the street from where we lived is nothing but buildings, all packed together.

      Saddens me greatly.

      Delete
  3. Toirdhealbheach BeucailOctober 4, 2024 at 7:07 AM

    Sarge, I have been struggling a lot with the concept of "home" lately. For the last four years I have never really been anywhere, at least rooted: 3 weeks a month in New Home, 1 week a month at The Ranch. Now I am mostly in New Home 2.0, except for shorter periods at The Ranch - and the fact that the rest of the family is back in New Home. The whole thing feels wildly unsettled.

    I am person that simply wants to "belong" to a place. Right now, I belong no-where.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OldAFSargeOctober 4, 2024 at 7:36 AM

      After 24 years of being on the move in the USAF, I don't really feel as if Vermont is my "home" any more, even though it's where I'm from. New England in general works for me, but I also feel drawn towards Maryland and Virginia for many reasons. Probably due to visiting family in that area over the past 25 years. Though I have family in California, I've never really felt drawn to the place.

      Delete
  4. Joe LovellOctober 4, 2024 at 9:06 AM

    Home is where your spouse is. The physical location of lesser importance. As long as you can smile and say, " I love you," and mean both, you're Home.

    ReplyDelete

Just be polite... that's all I ask. (For Buck)
Can't be nice, go somewhere else...

NOTE: Comments on posts over 5 days old go into moderation, automatically.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)