Will the US Ever Become CA?

At first glance, this scenario appears improbable, even unthinkable. Yet, a careful examination of California’s historical trajectory over the past several decades reveals an underlying inevitability that cannot be easily dismissed.

In my early childhood, my family relocated to California, initially settling near San Jose before moving to Garden Grove, a modest city south of Los Angeles. At that time, the population was barely fifty thousand, and Garden Grove High School stood alone as the sole secondary educational institution. As I approached my high school years, the city’s growth became evident, with four high schools emerging. Today, Garden Grove has expanded to a vibrant community of 172 thousand residents, reflecting the dynamic transformation of this Southern California suburb.

During my teenage years, a popular sentiment circulated: families would visit California for a vacation and ultimately choose to make it their permanent home. This notion wasn’t merely a baseless rumor; I personally witnessed numerous acquaintances who, after experiencing the state’s allure, decided to relocate and embrace the California lifestyle.

Its reputation speaks volumes, rendering further explanation unnecessary. A brief encounter would swiftly illuminate the circumstances, and I’ve already delved into the underlying details previously.

However, lately, people have started going the other way, rapidly, to the point they lost a U.S. representative. There was no way I could have imagined that just 5 years ago. I should have. I left the Golden State over 40 years ago. Although there is much I miss there, I have never regretted leaving the crowds and later, the political climate.

As I consider all I’ve observed, I am starting to see many parallels between CA and the US. Right now people come here and then stay. If not for immigration laws, there would be far more here. And eventually, it too would become crowded. It would lose many of those things that draw people here. Conceivably, all those who decided stay, might decide to leave as have those from California.

I mean, who wants to live in a country that is run by tyrants who call themselves communist? I don’t think I will live to see it. However, I am beginning to think my sons will. I’m beginning to think my generation will be the first generation to leave a worse country than we received. And, by the way, a worse and more dangerous world.

Horses as Pets

I enjoy writing on a diverse range of topics. Since I haven’t encountered a prompt about horses before, I decided to explore the subject independently.

In the early 20th century, horses were the primary mode of transportation for most people, while only the affluent could afford automobiles. This was a stark contrast to the modern era, where cars have become ubiquitous and accessible to a wider range of the population.

Keeping horses has become a luxury that only the affluent can afford. For the majority of us, driving cars has become the more practical and accessible mode of transportation. However, some individuals may still need to rely on walking to get around.

In the future, if the environmental movement continues to gain momentum, the majority of people may have to rely on walking or using non-motorized forms of transportation, such as horses. Only the wealthiest individuals will likely have access to motorized vehicles.

I have never owned any horses, nor have I ridden any. The closest I’ve come was riding a motorcycle, though that is not very close to the experience of riding a horse.

Over the years, I have developed a strong interest in owning a small herd of horses, perhaps around six. This desire is not driven by any intention to race them or use them for practical purposes, but rather a personal fascination and appreciation for these majestic animals. The idea of caring for and interacting with horses on a regular basis holds a certain appeal, as I believe it could provide a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. While the responsibility of owning and maintaining a small stable of horses would be significant, the potential rewards in terms of personal fulfillment and enjoyment make it an enticing prospect that I have considered pursuing.

I would care for them regularly to ensure their well-being and provide them with a sense of purpose. Although they would be considered pets, I would shower them with affection and attention, treating them as beloved companions.

I adore horses and watching them gallop fills me with joy. I’ve had the pleasure of petting them before, and it seems they enjoy the interaction as much as I do.

While the idea of owning horses may seem appealing, the practical realities of providing for their needs on a limited income can present significant challenges. Maintaining a horse requires substantial financial resources to cover expenses such as food, shelter, veterinary care, and other necessities. Given the constraints of living on Social Security, it may be prudent to explore more feasible hobbies or activities that align with your current financial situation and lifestyle.

Maybe when I get to heaven, God will let me have a few horses. I think that would be nice.

Snow and Ice

Ten inches snow. When I heard about it, I wanted to think of an angle on it. I mean it is winter. It is the season for snow. People have even written songs about. You’ve heard them. Snow Ride, White Christians, Baby, it’s Cold Outside, and on and on. You have heard them all.

It’s why they make snow plows, don’t you know? It’s why people have skis and sleds. Sometimes, I must resort to getting out a snow shovel to clear my driveway.

Wait a minute. Where did you say that snow is? It doesn’t snow there! It seldom even gets cold there. I know. It’s what my teacher told me in school and I know she wouldn’t lie to us.

But what will they do? How will the planes take off and land at the airport? Do the people there even have snow shovels? Do they know how to use them?

Well, I do guess it is weather change. Hot summers, cold winters. Sometimes, hotter. Sometimes colder. Being as I grew up in Southern California, I’m not so much of a fan of either. Although, like the rest of us, sometimes, I get a little surprised now and again.

When You See a Rat…

One thing I have learned over the years is that if you see a rat, you have an infestation. Invariably, if you do nothing, you will start seeing the rest.

Best thing to do, get a couple of big tom cats. In a while, you’ll stop seeing rats or rat signs. I’m not trying to say that one thing has anything to do with the other, but I kind of expect it does.

Now why would I say such a disgusting thing? Well, look around. Have you noticed the rats (dems) have startwd squeaking, scurrying around and heading for the saltwater. Clearly, rats don’t like the seawater, but they prefer it to the alternative.

It would seem to be that the word has gotten around, Trump means business. Even though he is not yet in office, They realize the jig is up. Even the media is starting to try to eat their words, though a little too late.

Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, NM has to be one of the best kept secrets as a place to visit in the country. I would have never discovered it but I stayed there one time during one of my many trips back and forth on I-40. I stopped at a motel and looked out at the near distance and saw one of the most beautiful mountains I ever saw.

The sun, as usual was setting in the west and it set the mountain aglow, almost as if on fire. It seemed an impossible picture. If I had a couple million in my back pocket, I would love to buy a home near that mountain. I would love to see the vision of that mountain almost on a daily afternoon.

Unfortunately, between one thing and the other, I was never able to move there and likely never will.

By the way, later, I found out that the mountain, Sandia Peak, has a tram going to the top. So it is, you can enter the tram at about 5000 feet above sea level and get out about 10,000 feet above sea level (not exact numbers but pretty close.)

Indeed, most people don’t think of Albuquerque as being so high but it is. Fewer people think of it being at the base of such a huge mountain, but it is.

It is also somewhat odd. The west side of the mountain is just almost vertical while the east side is something of a gentle slope, where some folks actually ski. That’s right. You can ski in central New Mexico and the land there is magnificent.

Oddly, there are hiking trails on the west side that are marked out. As you can well imagine, some of the trails are more difficult than others. Moreover, if I could have, when I was younger, I would have loved to explore some of them. Of course, the problem was that, whenever I went through Albuquerque, I was always on my way through. I could never take the time to explore the mountain or the city.

Many times, I wished I had spent a week or two there. I regret I didn’t. However, I did take the tram to the top and back twice. Both times I had a sandwich and soda in the restaurant at the top. After, I hiked a little of the trail that goes along the ridge.

As I said, if I, could I would make that trip at least once a week. I would never tire of it one bit.

However, I must admit, if I moved there, I would likely have learn how to spell it. Quite frankly, I don’t know if I could ever manage that.

Flight?

Thousands of years ago, birds learned how to take flight. It took us many eons after. As the flies and bees were hovering around, man was still proud that he could go about 50 mph on wheels. And here’s something for you, we still don’t have a clue how a fly lands on the ceiling up-side-down. I’m not sure we will ever figure that one out and I am not sure that they even have brains. That is something of a blow to man’s ego.

Inadvertently, they discovered that the one most scary part of a pilot’s mission is the return to the carrier and putting his plane back down on the deck. This, of course, after years of practice. Can you imagine if we had to land upside down, you know, like the fly.

There is no telling how long man tried to copy the birds. Of course there are some images back from the middle ages. However, there were no photographs of anyone soaring through the sky. I suspect there were many instances of failure.

Some have suggested that before the original sin, man was able to fly. I don’t know. Don’t ask me to confirm that one way or the other. I wasn’t there. I don’t know anyone to ask. However, the Bible does say that Adam was given dominion over all the animals. The question arises, if Adam was to have dominion over the birds, how was that without him being able to fly?

You have no idea how many times that I have dreamed I could fly. You know the bad thing about that. I always wake up. I often wonder if flying would be anything like what it felt like in my dreams.

Wouldn’t it be slick to be able to go up to 5 or 10 thousand feet and look down on the world as the birds do? Now here’s a question. If I could fly, would I be able to land on a ceiling stay there up-side-down? Lacking the proper feet for the task, I think I might land and then immediately fall.

If we were able to fly, can you imagine if God had allowed us to continue to fly after Adam ate the fruit? It didn’t take a generation for the first killing. If we could fly, I’m not sure we would have lasted until the flood. The mid-air flights and murders would be very common.

If God took away our ability to fly, I don’t think that was all. To be sure, the Bible does say Adam had dominion. There is no telling what other abilities He originally provided.

My guess is, when we go to heaven, we again have these abilities again. Who knows? Maybe we will again fly like the birds, but without wings. Perhaps I will be able to even land on the ceiling.

Worth Repeating, Maybe

It has been a while since I last said anything about our trip to the Grand Canyon. You know, not everyone gets to see the Grand Canyon. I have been there three times. And yes it is a big hole the ground.

We were at the overlook near the hotel and looking at the plateau that was somewhere half-way down. We were looking at it for 3 or 4 minutes when a stranger off to my right that said, “There are people down there!” Exact words.

I squinted and strained my eyes and saw no one. I turned to the woman and asked, “Where?”

She pointed out a landmark and she said that they were just a little past that. Again, I strained my eyes and sure enough. I still wouldn’t have seen them but they were moving. Again, I remind you, the plateau is only about half way to the bottom. If somehow I were suspended above the canyon at the current altitude in a way that I could see the river, there is simply no way I’d have been able to see a person, maybe with a telescope. As I said, it is a big hole.

When we first arrived to the first lookout, my wife and my sons started watching squirrels. I couldn’t get them to look at the canyon. I mean we have squirrels at home, by the dozens. They were getting the chance of a lifetime to see the canyon and all they wanted to see was squirrels.

Well, at least they were Grand Canyon squirrels. I should have taken movies of them. I could have sold it, you know. I could have advertised, “genuine Grand Canyon squirrels.” I mean my wife and kids liked watching them. Why not others?

A side note, people are permitted to walk to the bottom of the canyon. However, they do need to check-in before they start. Also, everything that goes down must be carried back up. No littering allowed. The fines are very stiff.

Finally, another caution. It is much easier going down than coming back up. It has often been compared to climbing a mountain in reverse. That trail coming back up is the same, but it will seem very much more longer.

Daily writing prompt
Describe your most memorable vacation.

The Method of the Wolf

As the wolf pack approaches the herd of buffalo they know they stand no chance against the herd. Therefore, likely to some degree by instinct, they seek to separate out the one. Generally, they look for the week one or the one that doesn’t remain close to the heard. The stragglers are the natural target of the pack.

The herd has not the intelligence to know that if they were to always charge the wolves instead of running away, the pack would have to search for dinner elsewhere. The wolf diet would not include buffalo. There is no way the pack could survive the trampling of so many hooves.

We as humans know better than the buffalo, right.

Yet, when Hitler took over Germany, he used the same method as the wolves. When he took over most of Europe, he used the same methods as the wolves. When the Bolshivics took Russia, they used the method of the wolves.

We called it the domino affect, where one small nation falls after the other. However, the truth is they were following the example of the wolves, whether or not they were aware of it. Always seek out the weak and separate. Then in days, they take over Hungary or Romania. The method failed in Afghanistan, but because of the help of the US.

Today, even at this time, the communists play the part of the wolfpack. They have imprisoned hundreds of innocent people from January 6. We, the herd, did nothing. Now what stands in the way. The herd has been scattered and we are in fear.

We live in fear of the woke and we live in fear of a justice system that is controlled by the wolfpack.