The recent jury decision in the Zimmerman / Martin case came down a couple of days ago. Though, I am sure this whole case is far from over. I am not real familiar with the legal system but feel that there will be other cases stemming from this. First the civil case of wrongful death, much ;like the O.J. Simpson case. Even though found not guilty by a jury, a civil suit rendered a somewhat different conclusion. They found O.J. liable for the death and gave a cash value award to the family of Nicole. Of course they were not able to fully collect as he then manipulated money to avoid paying the penalty. Fortunately, "Karma" or fate or divine intervention came around and left O.J. sitting behind bars, finally.
With social media, I am seeing so many varied opinions on the results of the Zimmerman / Martin case. People jumping to conclusions one way or another. Mostly people that little more information than the general public and what the "mainstream" media has peace meal fed to the everyone. Depending on your news source, you either get a slanted story portraying one or the other as the "fine upstanding" person full of goodwill and charity. The other one is portrayed as evil, up to no good troublemaker. Each version applies the same characteristics to each of them as they wish to demonstrate how the opinion that particular news outlet wishes the public to perceive them.
I wasn't there, and the ones that were close to the scene are offering sketchy narratives. No definitive testimony or proof fully tells the whole story. Each of the characters in this story will have to one day stand before the final True Judge, God. Then they will receive their justice, which one? I have no idea. All I know is that I am tired of hearing about this case. Was it racism? Was it "Stand your ground"? Could it have just been two people in the wrong place at the wrong time in a wrong frame of mind being mixed in fate's blender? What if's will be the headlining stories over the next few days. I think it is just another case which we, the general public will never know the answer to. Speculation only adds flames to a heated debate and can put rifts between friendships if you allow it.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
family contacts
This morning I had another e-mail from a very distant relative in Germany. Through the Ancestry.com site and my online subscription, I have several online trees posted and open for public view. By the way, these trees are privatized. Privatized means if it has been 100 years or less since your reported birthdate and no death date has been reported, your information is not viewed publicly. That keeps personal information private so no one can see any information about a living individual without their permission. I take everyone's identity serious and take all measures to ensure identity theft is not ian issue. Sadly, it is identity thieves that make getting research information harder and harder to obtain.
I have many family members here that have asked for family information and I gladly share the ancestors information but not any on the living individuals without their specific consent. There are many cousins and cousins cousins ect. many may know of this family branch or that buit not the whole picture. Some relatives choose to remain somewhat annonymous and I honor those wishes. Others want to "over share" a little too much information. As a sort of self appointed family historian for the Clark side and a minor historian for the Wilz side, I get information from fmaily memebrs and add that to the ever continuing family tree.
I actually have several trees going at present. I need to consolidate them and sort through, re-organize and discard a great deal of information I have obtained over the last few years. It seems that my intrest in the family tree project and even the book I am working on move into and out of priority. At present, I am somewhat focused on a number of things that do not include family tree. With the upcoming retirement and subsequent move getting closer, I have been concentrating on organizing stuff, packing, fixing up and planning for new.
We, my husband Mike, my mother and myself are going to be moving in October. That means we are also fixing and selling this house in Irving, sorting and packing stuff here and making the plans for a new home and garage in New Mexico. I am also still trying to work full time ( or close to it) with getting runs delayed or cancelled. My job driving a truck keeps me away from home for periods of 28-48 hours at a time. There isn't much you can do while driving down the road..except drive down the road. Mike is retired and he can do some stuff while I am gone. Mom doesn't do a lot, she is getting pretty frail and her hands have started to atrophy a little from not using them as much as she should.
Back to the trees, I have received a letter from a guy in Germany that is related through my Great-Grandmothers family. I am not sure of the exact relationship but we have common ancestors. I find that making contact with distant relatives is somewhat gratifying. Finding others with the same family heritage often gives a little different perspective on the lives of our ancestors. For instance, This relative in Germany, 1) How did his family end up in Germany or my branch end up in Russia prior to WWI? 2) Why does one branch of a family pull up stakes and travel halfway around the earth for a new life, and the remainder stay in the Home country? 3) Are there any family resemblences/ traits common in both branches of families? 4) What were the religious, political or social positions of the various families? Just a few points to consider when delving into an extensive family tree across generations and countries and philosophies.
I have many family members here that have asked for family information and I gladly share the ancestors information but not any on the living individuals without their specific consent. There are many cousins and cousins cousins ect. many may know of this family branch or that buit not the whole picture. Some relatives choose to remain somewhat annonymous and I honor those wishes. Others want to "over share" a little too much information. As a sort of self appointed family historian for the Clark side and a minor historian for the Wilz side, I get information from fmaily memebrs and add that to the ever continuing family tree.
I actually have several trees going at present. I need to consolidate them and sort through, re-organize and discard a great deal of information I have obtained over the last few years. It seems that my intrest in the family tree project and even the book I am working on move into and out of priority. At present, I am somewhat focused on a number of things that do not include family tree. With the upcoming retirement and subsequent move getting closer, I have been concentrating on organizing stuff, packing, fixing up and planning for new.
We, my husband Mike, my mother and myself are going to be moving in October. That means we are also fixing and selling this house in Irving, sorting and packing stuff here and making the plans for a new home and garage in New Mexico. I am also still trying to work full time ( or close to it) with getting runs delayed or cancelled. My job driving a truck keeps me away from home for periods of 28-48 hours at a time. There isn't much you can do while driving down the road..except drive down the road. Mike is retired and he can do some stuff while I am gone. Mom doesn't do a lot, she is getting pretty frail and her hands have started to atrophy a little from not using them as much as she should.
Back to the trees, I have received a letter from a guy in Germany that is related through my Great-Grandmothers family. I am not sure of the exact relationship but we have common ancestors. I find that making contact with distant relatives is somewhat gratifying. Finding others with the same family heritage often gives a little different perspective on the lives of our ancestors. For instance, This relative in Germany, 1) How did his family end up in Germany or my branch end up in Russia prior to WWI? 2) Why does one branch of a family pull up stakes and travel halfway around the earth for a new life, and the remainder stay in the Home country? 3) Are there any family resemblences/ traits common in both branches of families? 4) What were the religious, political or social positions of the various families? Just a few points to consider when delving into an extensive family tree across generations and countries and philosophies.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
A basement in New Mexico
To begin, let me say that my heart and prayers go out for the people of Oklahoma that have endured and lost so much in recent days. I have many relatives in the area and haven't been able to contact very many so far. I am optimistic that they are doing well. Many people survived the destruction by being able to go into a safe room, storm sellar or basement.
In light of that, I wonder why building a home over a basement would be such an uncommon thing in New Mexico. New Mexico has on occasion had tornados over the years. Those were admittedly not anywhere near the strength of a Category 4 or 5 but more in the line of 1 or 2.
All over Kansas and Oklahoma, "Tornado Alley", there are many homes with basements. Even mobile homes can be set up over basements and often are. Yet, in New Mexico, the mention of a basement seems to only get questioning looks and responses.
We had been planning on having a basement built and a home built over it. That has been set to the wayside. Not gonna happen. then the idea of getting a modular or mobile home and having it set over a basement was the second plan. That, too seems to be a pipe dream. Our intention was to have a safe room for security as well as a secure gun room. Again, not going to happen. Perhaps after we get our home set up and moved in, we can build a cellar/basement on our own. Maybe with access through the garage or shop. That will have to be determined later.
In light of that, I wonder why building a home over a basement would be such an uncommon thing in New Mexico. New Mexico has on occasion had tornados over the years. Those were admittedly not anywhere near the strength of a Category 4 or 5 but more in the line of 1 or 2.
All over Kansas and Oklahoma, "Tornado Alley", there are many homes with basements. Even mobile homes can be set up over basements and often are. Yet, in New Mexico, the mention of a basement seems to only get questioning looks and responses.
We had been planning on having a basement built and a home built over it. That has been set to the wayside. Not gonna happen. then the idea of getting a modular or mobile home and having it set over a basement was the second plan. That, too seems to be a pipe dream. Our intention was to have a safe room for security as well as a secure gun room. Again, not going to happen. Perhaps after we get our home set up and moved in, we can build a cellar/basement on our own. Maybe with access through the garage or shop. That will have to be determined later.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Concerns about my own "carbon footprint"
I have never really been a "tree hugger" type person. I have however, been a person concious of the environment and my general surroundings as well as my personal effect on those surroundings.
I have some cousins that are much more in tune with the environmental issues of today. I think that their lifestyles and personal notes on social media sites have made me more aware of those same issues.
I know that my job is not very "green" but I also know that my company as well as many other trucking companies are diligently trying to adjust their fossil fuel usage as well as producing fewer amounts of pollutants. Yes, there are more and more restrictions on diesel engine trucks and that prompts the companies to respond with better emmission standards for their vehicles. It doesn't however, seem to place similar restrictions on the diesels found in railroad engines. That is a contradiction , in my opinioin, since our government subsidises the railroads a great deal through financial assistance, fuel cost incentives and tax breaks.
The trucking companies are following the newer federal and state guidelines out of necessity. These guidelines are also helping the "bottom line" as it seems that making the vehicles more fuel efficient and less polluting also makes them more economical. One of the simplest yet surely one of the financially frugal rules concerns idling. Since the implementation of diesel engines, they have been manufactured to withstand being run continuously for hours, even days.
During colder weather or on much colder climates, it was not incommon for a truck to remain running for days. Diesel fuel doesn't react to vey cold conditions very well unless you have additives that ensure it will not "gel". When diesel sits still gets so cold, it becomes thick and is not easlily pumped through the system to be ignited. Once diesel is gelled, it can take hours and a great deal of work or vendor expense to get it back into servicable condition. While the diesel remains running, the simple vibrations and heat produced by the engine can usually keep the fuel from gelling unless very drastic confitions exist.
Modern refining process produce a cleaner burning more stable product. Idling restrictions make for cleaner air and cleaner running vehicles. Drivers are being more aware of the implications of excessive idling on the environment. Companies are being more diligent in encouraging employees to be more conservative with their vehicles. All of these work towards a cleaner environment and less expensive mode of transportation of goods,
I have some cousins that are much more in tune with the environmental issues of today. I think that their lifestyles and personal notes on social media sites have made me more aware of those same issues.
I know that my job is not very "green" but I also know that my company as well as many other trucking companies are diligently trying to adjust their fossil fuel usage as well as producing fewer amounts of pollutants. Yes, there are more and more restrictions on diesel engine trucks and that prompts the companies to respond with better emmission standards for their vehicles. It doesn't however, seem to place similar restrictions on the diesels found in railroad engines. That is a contradiction , in my opinioin, since our government subsidises the railroads a great deal through financial assistance, fuel cost incentives and tax breaks.
The trucking companies are following the newer federal and state guidelines out of necessity. These guidelines are also helping the "bottom line" as it seems that making the vehicles more fuel efficient and less polluting also makes them more economical. One of the simplest yet surely one of the financially frugal rules concerns idling. Since the implementation of diesel engines, they have been manufactured to withstand being run continuously for hours, even days.
During colder weather or on much colder climates, it was not incommon for a truck to remain running for days. Diesel fuel doesn't react to vey cold conditions very well unless you have additives that ensure it will not "gel". When diesel sits still gets so cold, it becomes thick and is not easlily pumped through the system to be ignited. Once diesel is gelled, it can take hours and a great deal of work or vendor expense to get it back into servicable condition. While the diesel remains running, the simple vibrations and heat produced by the engine can usually keep the fuel from gelling unless very drastic confitions exist.
Modern refining process produce a cleaner burning more stable product. Idling restrictions make for cleaner air and cleaner running vehicles. Drivers are being more aware of the implications of excessive idling on the environment. Companies are being more diligent in encouraging employees to be more conservative with their vehicles. All of these work towards a cleaner environment and less expensive mode of transportation of goods,
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Mom says she wants her room to be blue. That is not one of the paint options available from the manufacturer but I can certainly paint it before we get all the furniture moved in. THis is going to be such an adventure. I just have to try to maintain my composure until November 1, when I officially retire. Or..October 4 when I take my last vacation before retirement.
Just imagining all the things involved in this process will surely keep my imagination going.I don't believe I will have to worry about getting tired when driving. I can count pieces of furniture when trying to go to sleep. So many ideas. Budget! Budget! Budget! I must not let my imagination outrun my checkbook.
My nephew
I had a great visit with my nephew Christopher his wife Kristin their son Troy and Chris' brother Clayton. A very nice family I am proud to call mine. Christopher looks so much like David it makes me miss him that much more. Christopher and Kristin named their son (now 3) Troy. His full name is Troy Albert Lyon. He was named after 2 of his grandfathers. I know that was such an honor for dad. Fortunately, dad (Troy) got to meet little Troy before he passed. I know it made him very proud that Christopher thought that much of him.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Decisions...decisions
Well, yesterday proved to not be as fulfilling as anticipated. The home we had hoped to have built was just too far out of our budget and to downsize it to an affordable amount would have left us with far less than we wanted. It was an interesting adventure trying to design a home with the HGTV program for building ang landscaping.
Right now, it looks like we are going the route of a Solitaire home. They are very well built and maybe even better built that a dsite built home as they have to be engineered to withstand a trip down the highway. Mike had a Solitaire home many years ago and was very happy with its design and construction, He also had a job or delivering and setting up mobile homes back in the mid 1970's.
Now we have to determine what we are willing and able to spend , not only on the home but on the site preparation, garage and any additional expenses that may arise from this endeavor. We will be adding a new water line from the water meter to the site. We are also going to have to have a new septic tank and line placed. Then there is the slab/pad to set the home up on. Do we get it dug down 2-2.5 ft. or have the plad put level in the ground?
The garage will probably be about 30'X30'. A nice size for our toys. And then I am sure we will at some point have an additional shop built as necessary. Be sure, though, the shop will not be blocking any views. The views from this location are great in just about every direction. The site the house will be set had been built up for the old house. An area of about 50'X50' sits about 6-8 ft higher that the surrounding ground. This will also enhance any views.
It is time to get busy , ready to go see nephew and his beautiful family.
Right now, it looks like we are going the route of a Solitaire home. They are very well built and maybe even better built that a dsite built home as they have to be engineered to withstand a trip down the highway. Mike had a Solitaire home many years ago and was very happy with its design and construction, He also had a job or delivering and setting up mobile homes back in the mid 1970's.
Now we have to determine what we are willing and able to spend , not only on the home but on the site preparation, garage and any additional expenses that may arise from this endeavor. We will be adding a new water line from the water meter to the site. We are also going to have to have a new septic tank and line placed. Then there is the slab/pad to set the home up on. Do we get it dug down 2-2.5 ft. or have the plad put level in the ground?
The garage will probably be about 30'X30'. A nice size for our toys. And then I am sure we will at some point have an additional shop built as necessary. Be sure, though, the shop will not be blocking any views. The views from this location are great in just about every direction. The site the house will be set had been built up for the old house. An area of about 50'X50' sits about 6-8 ft higher that the surrounding ground. This will also enhance any views.
It is time to get busy , ready to go see nephew and his beautiful family.
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