Well, the sun is going down, the Reds just gave up an 11-run inning to the A's (after they were leading 7-2 - - aren't spring training games just the greatest) and I got a decent round of golf in today (decent for an old guy). So what is it that's on my mind? Well, just a few things...
1. A few weeks ago, my grandsons, who are both Boy Scouts, had a weekend camping outing. This particular one was really special for me because one of the training events on tap for the weekend was their shooting qualifications for merit badges. This wasn't a big deal for Q as he is pretty comfortable with shotguns. He shoots trap and has earned his merit badges and an NRA badge that he can wear on his scouting vest. In fact, he now owns the all-time marksmanship accuracy record for his troop in his trap shooting. He said he hit 49 out of 50 clay birds. Pretty good.
2. The other really cool thing was the younger grandson, H, earned his merit badge with the .22 rifle. This was clearly a remarkable accomplishment because he was really apprehensive about guns. He, Q and I went to the range a couple of weeks before the camp-out and we (Q and I) worked with him shooting the .22 (loading, maintaining a sight picture, breathing, pulling the trigger as opposed to jerking it, etc.). I saw his targets pinned up on his bulletin board in his bedroom. I was proud of him, Q was proud of his little brother, and I think H was pretty proud of himself.
3. One of the things that has come out this time of year is the Southern pine pollen and the trees are full of those yellow pods, just waiting to release that sinus-killing powder. When I lived in Ohio, I don't recall having an issue with pollen, but boy do I have an issue with it.
Can't you just hear those little rascals..."We're coming for you!! Get ready!!"
4. BUT -- it may not be for long, as it seems all they know how to do down here these days is cut down trees to clear land for housing developments.
Every week sees a new plot of pines cut down. When we moved here, there were trees everywhere and the forests really made this area special. Not so much now. In fact, if things keep going as they are now, the town of Wake Forest will soon just be called Wake as there will be no more Forests. I have never been classified as a tree-hugger, but some of these places look pretty bare. If they were just harvesting trees, that would be one thing, but they are putting up condos all over the place. Where are all of these people coming from, and why are they coming here.
Just one question for the town planners -- When is enough enough?
5. Oh well, there's nothing I can do about all of that. So I'm concentrating on something I can influence. Have to start getting ready for the 17th Annual Man Trip coming up in September. After looking at this clip, I think it's a good thing I've started already.
6. Well, one last thing. The trees and flowers are starting to come out this week. Really looks nice.
So that it for now. Gotta go clean my clubs.Spring: The season where the grass grows faster than your weekend plans. (Anon)
Hooah
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