Blog Archives - North Florida Writer

Old Soldiers Never Die, They're Just Neglected

2/28/2015

I have a friend who is an older veteran, a retired senior NCO in the Army who served multiple tours in Vietnam in a long career of service to his country. He sadly has contracted a very serious cancer, is undergoing treatment at a nearby VA facility and is courageously fighting the fight for his life.

He recently was means tested by the VA and told that he would no longer be able to receive his care there because he doesn't meet the income requirements. No one seems to know what will happen next. He is worried and confused.

He is going to Texas to be close with family and find care. And it's quite possible that he contracted the cancer from Agent Orange but, of course, the government will do all in its power to deny that and send him on his way. This is just horrendous but, then again, he doesn't know the what and where of the final result so we'll just have to pray as we wait and see.

Thinking about this situation, it really is troubling to know that our good men and women in uniform who did all that was asked of them in harm's way are now being forgotten. And while this is happening, millions of illegals are being treated much better than our courageous vets, not to mention our lawmakers who are treated like royalty for the rest of their life while refusing to lift a finger to save our country from hell. If I didn't believer in a Judgment Day in the hereafter I would truly be angered beyond belief, but I know that we all, including our President and Congressmen and women will have to "face the piper" eventually.

There is something dreadfully wrong with a nation that treats her soldiers this way and I think America will have a great price to pay. It saddens me, for I know when my turn comes it will probably be even worse. America, wake up and pay attention. The very things that have been so dear to us are being destroyed routinely. Integrity and honor no longer are important to those in power and both our President and Congress should be ashamed.

Dear Lord: We thank you for Thy love and Thy grace and we know that Thou has the answer to all things. We pray for the care and well-being of our military veterans in their time of need. Many of our honorable soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are now in the stage of their life where they need good medical care. Many have physical issues connected to military service late in life and are deserving of help from a grateful nation yet are being rejected and turned away. Give those who legislate and administer programs the wisdom and commitment to fully meet the obligations that our country made long ago. A grateful nation cannot be successful without tending to its obligations and meeting promises made to our uniformed forces now that their work is done. We ask for Thy help for them in Jesus' name, Amen.

What Three Freedoms Did We Lose Yesterday?

2/27/2015

Sometimes we hear the term "red letter day" to refer to a great day in history. Well, today we have a "black letter day" because America lost three of her freedoms yesterday.

What do I mean? Well, today we have lost freedom of speech, the freedom to bear arms and something so basic to the governance of America that I shudder to think of it: the Law of the Land. The only last truly free communication channel, the internet was taken over by government, the freedom to bear arms began a slow death by Obama dictating on his own what kind of ammo we can have and the precedence of constitutional law has been obliterated.

Oh, we won't see too much difference right away, there will be a string of court battles. But as time goes on the government will gradually increase the pressure and more and more options will drop off the radar screen until they have us right where they want us: totally at their mercy. This is how tyranny works; it gradually moves in so that we slowly become accustomed to what is taking place and then it doesn't seem so severe. They count on all of us forgetting the past, just like good little lemmings should, while their select crony capitalist enterprises thrive at our expense.

Regarding the internet, once it is federalized, the rules of use will grow, the limitations on how competitors will operate will increase and our ability to totally and freely communicate will become more and more limited. As the government dictates more and more what the content can be, the information will become a victim of political correctness and those who don't play by the new rules will likely lose their access or worse. Expect many websites to be terminated or censored and over time net users will gradually accept the new policy and any content which the government finds objectionable will be no longer available. That, my friends, is severe limitation of freedom of speech. And it has all been done by executive fiat where no consideration of transparency and public review of the proposal has been allowed.

The most popular ammo used by hunters and sportsman for the AR-15 has also been banned by Executive Order. What makes us think it will stop there? As people become accustomed to the change, more and more ammo options will be banned and Obama will have orchestrated gun control without taking a single gun. And why do you think he is so interested in eliminating a citizen's ability to arm him or herself? Because it's the last means available to protect ourselves from unlimited government power. It is impossible to defend our other rights under a tyrannical reign without a strong self-defense capability. The Founders knew that and in our hearts we know that as well.

Finally, the President has been able to mute the Constitution in general also by Executive Order (actually, it wasn't even an order, just a memo by Jeh Johnson, Homeland Security Director). It could have been stopped, but the weakness of Mitch McConnell and the pending cave of John Boehner will result in no defensive action. Cowards always show their faces clearly in times of pressure. And as for the judge who has put a temporary stay on Obama's plans? With no evidence that the legal Congressional power of Congress will be used by the legislature, as the case advances it is likely to be thrown out. The will of the people in a court room rests with those we elect; when they fail to act to express their authority, the courts are likely to consider that an indication that they are okay with the President's actions.

Expect increasing pressure on the free expression of religion as we already find more and more left-appointed judges challenging our right to openly and free worship and speak about our Lord. The thought police has already attempted several outrageous assaults on religious freedom, as seen in Houston, Texas and Lake Worth, Florida. In the latter instances building inspectors and codes enforcement have harrassed city churches and even a business license has been initiated, but it is subject to court action.

But can we trust the courts? After all, remember the court decision on Obamacare where Chief Justice went so far as to rewrite portions of the law to force fit it into a document that he could justify. Think about it, a Republican confirmed justice did Obama's bidding for him? The tentacles are attached everywhere.

Can we turn this around? Technically yes but politically probably not, at least not without courage and determination which seems missing in action. With nearly two full years left in Obama's term, Congressional cowardice has just opened the door to more egregious actions by a man intent on controlling everything you do. After all, a bully or tyrant will push things continually until he faced blowback, of which there is none. We very well might not recognize the country at all by then. Hopefully, we can change things in two years, but if we do it will take at least several generations to undo what has been done. And unless there is a huge change in Republican leadership policy, or replacement by a party that truly stands for freedom, we can continue more of the same.petuity what has been done.

The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave has been turned into the Land of the Crony Capitalists who will hold the wealth, while the rest of America, the serfs, will be left to the crumbs that are left for them on the table. What a sad state of affairs the once strongest nation on earth finds itself in and we have no one to blame but our stupid selves. Freedom is expensive and is costly, even sometimes bloody. It appears that Americans have lost leaders who even care about freedom and that's a hard thing to change. God help America.

Mitch McConnell: The Leader Who Can't Lead

2/26/2015

Poor Mitch McConnell. The man walks around looking like he's seen a zombie in the room as he talks about how the Republicans want to lead and they will prove that they can. Well, Mitch, the problem you face is that you have no idea of leadership and because of your deficiency, the Senate has changed little since Harry Reid held your position.

Wait, you say, McConnell is trying to move legislation while Reid just piled it up on his desk. In a sense, you are right but let's talk about what McConnell is really not doing and by design. And Harry Reid, by the way, was no leader: he was merely a tyrant in a body that is supposed to be the center of political discourse. McConnell refuses to stand his ground as Majority Leader and is looking for a way to cave to the minority Democrats. I really think he should change his name to Spelunker since he is likely to be in another cave any day.

Mitch McConnell is a living example of why I always try to judge someone by what he or she does not what they say. And in his particular case, if McConnell were to operate under the concept of to thine own self be true, he would be in deep doo doo. He's a man with no core other than wanting to be in power and please his masters at the Chamber of Commerce, the voters be damned.

Let's take a little walk down memory lane to the start of the Obama Presidency. As the Mitch talked and talked about Conservatism and fighting with all he had, yet he always gave in early, never pressing the point, complaining that since his party was the minority in all aspects of Washington politics, he could do nothing. He would tell us to just give him one of the houses of Congress and we can at least stop things.

Well, the Tea Party came into full fury and the House became Republican in 2010, yet the new Speaker was weak and McConnell never put any pressure on the lower House. In fact, he wheeled and dealed behind the scenes and allowed the Democrats to outmaneuver him on everything. And Obamacare became the law and he then said that he wouldn't give, but just give him a majority and we'll turn things around.

Of course, the next problem wasn't really McConnell's fault, for Romney was nominated and although a decent man he didn't have a conservative bone in his body. Just another moderate up against an extreme left wing machine and, voila, back to the drawing board. The only positive thing in the 2012 election was that the House didn't go Democrat, but even so, Boehner would do nothing to really fight, he just put on a little show.

So then McConnell tells us to give him the Senate and he'll fight for us. Don't trust any man who says he'll fight unless he's worn the uniform. Conservatives turned out in droves to drive the vote and the Republicans won big, picking up nine seats while the Republican majority in the house expanded as well. And what happened? The day after the landslide McConnell holds a press conference saying that their would never be another government shutdown, which is really an inaccurate use of words since only 13% of government was closed. McConnell thereby telegraphed to Obama that he would do NOTHING to stop the Administration.

That's what he has done, over and over and over while the American voters fume. He lied, he did everything he could to defeat good conservatives with a backbone (remember Chris McDaniel), and now we have the likes of McConnell, Orrin Hatch, McCain, Flake and Graham standing with Obama more often than not. Oh, yeah, we also have good old Thad Cochran who probably isn't even sure where he is. They talk a good game but everyone realizes that it is just a game to them, a game that enriches them at our cost.

Of course, now McConnell says that if we only elect a Republican President, things will really get better. For who, Mitch? All the big money is pushing for Jeb "Pro-Amnesty, Pro-Common Core, Pro-Internationalist" Bush, a man who after being a pretty good Governor has opted for a big swing to crony-capitalism. I, for one will never vote for him. I will only vote for true Conservatives who can be vetted by verification first, then trust.

And as for old Mitch? If the Republicans keep the fossilized RINO element in the power structure they will be gone and McConnell will be finished. Have you had enough, folks? If so, work for the Conservative wing of the party to have a good competition amongst a bunch of good candidates with real Conservatism in their soul, then settle on one candidate to take on the Establishment. That way we can win, otherwise we will beat each other to death in the fray and watch the RINOs pick another loser for 2016.

Now let's get to work.

From Blindness to Sight

2/25/2015

I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. - Words from Amazing Grace

Jesus performed many miracles, using them to show His grace and power and help many who were blind to his purpose and meaning to finally see the Way. No better examples are found than the story in the Gospel of John, Chapter Nine, where he heals the man who was born blind.

One day as Jesus walked by a blind man seated in a place where he might get a few coins from sympathetic passers by, his disciples asked Him, "Who was responsible for the sin that caused the man to be punished in such a way, Master, his parents or himself?" Jesus answered without hesitation by telling them that no one was punishing him, but his affliction was being used by God as a means of showing him the Way.

He knelt down beside the man and spat ono the ground, then formed with His hands two eye covers out of the resulting clay which he placed on the man's eyes. He told him to go to the Pool of Siloam (meaning sent) and wash his face. Siloam was a man made pool created at the end of a water canal which was built to bring water into the City from a river outside the walls. It was to provide water in a time of siege, not uncommon from foreign invaders at the time.

Upon washing, the man who had never experienced sight could now see clearly. His friends and neighbors were skeptical and the Pharisees at the Temple didn't believe. They even called this adult man's parents to validate, but all they would say was that the man could see but they didn't know how it came about. You see, all except the man didn't believe. The parents clearly knew but were afraid to proclaim Jesus for all were warned that anyone believing the Christ would be excommunicated from the Temple. But the man who could now see, despite the threat, stood his ground about the story, listened to the words of Jesus and followed Him, and accepted banishment from the Synagogue rather than denying Him.

The story is a a good biblical example of the words cited in the hymn quotation. And, of course, the message applies directly to spiritual sight, because while many of us can physically see, we are often at the same time spiritually blind. If you want to inherit the Glory of God's Kingdom when this life is done, open your spiritual eyes by opening your heart to Jesus. Then you will truly no longer be blind and your sight will be brighter and more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

Praise God for all things and thank Him for the wondrous gift afforded us through the death of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Accept His gift of spiritual sight and live forever. Hallelujah! .

If DHS Shuts Down, It's On Obama, Not Congress

2/24/2015

Whenever I think about the Department of Homeland Security, my mind immediately thinks about Brian Terry (pictured here), the Border Patrol agent murdered by cartel traffickers during the Fast and Furious scandal. The stonewalling continues, but it is clear to most of us from testimony heard that the feds were running guns to Mexico in an attempt to use them to justify more gun control. Agent Terry had the misfortune of losing his life at this time, unknowing of the travesties that his own government was involved in while he tried to help keep our border safe.

I bring this up because the clamor today is about the possible lack of funding for the Department of Homeland Security which Obama is trying to pin on the Republican Congress. The Border Patrol is a subordinate entity of DHS and Obama knows full well that 83% of the department is considered essential and any pay held back will be reimbursed in full. All of the Border Patrol agents are essential; they will not go home during any shutdown. So will the Secret Service, the TSA and most other regular functions. Furthermore, the only funding to be held back is for those entities of DHS which are administering Obama's illegal Executive Amnesty, an action which fails to meet American law standards.

So to make it simple, folks, any shut down of DHS is entirely up to Obama. All Congress is trying to tell the President is that he is not above the law and his amnesty proposal requires action by Congress. Obama only decided to use this option because, like the man-child that he is, he pouted and stomped his feet at the idea of Congress trying to hold him accountable.

You won't hear any of the above from the mainstream media because they are totally "in the tank" for anything he wants to do. And I only pray that the Congress has the intestinal fortitude to stick to their guns and let him do what he is going to do. It is easy to figure out and explain that Congress is not the culprit, for if they actually hold the line they are just performing the duties that they are bound to by the Constitution. No President has the right or the authority to step into the legislative action process. His duty is to carry out the laws, not create them.

And there's a point that no one in Washington is willing to talk about. Really, what difference does it make if DHS is funded or not? After all, DHS has certainly not done anything to improve our security. It has groped good citizens with a vengeance, has refused to protect our border, has allowed disease and thousands of illegals to enter the country unfettered and has lied about it repeatedly in hearings and in front of the press.

And while the House has thus far been holding strong on defunding Executive Amnesty (although we must keep our fingers crossed when it comes to wishy-washy Speaker Boehner), it's the Senate that is the weak link at this moment in time. Why they would want to surrender their authority to a man who holds them with disdain makes me wonder. Does he have something on each and every one of them or do they, as i suspect just want to continue business as usual while they rake in Chamber of Commerce cash?

Oh, well, that's a subject for another time, but for now, let's pray that the system which our Founders so brilliantly designed will be followed. And Mr. President, do what you must but be aware, America is waking up to your folly. And once America finally wakes up, she usually takes corrective action. The 2016 elections aren't that far off. If you want to see your party shredded at the polls, just keep it up.

And America, God bless the soul of Brian Terry. May he rest in peace in a better place.

The Media and Scott Walker: The "Christian Question"

2/23/2015

Just a week ago I wrote about the mainstream media and how they would try to destroy Scott Walker now that he is showing signs of strength if he runs for Republican nomination. They came at him with the argument that his lack of a college degree made him unqualified, a nonsensical answer and then they learned that most Americans didn't give a whup about the college connection, particularly the Ivy League.

But the media, of course, has their devious reasons. They will push for Jeb Bush, for they know that despite his money and connections the Republican base will not vote in sufficient numbers for him to defeat Hillary Clinton or another liberal of her ilk. Only the National Republican RINOs either haven't, or don't want to, figure that out. If they get their way, te 2016 election will end up just as disastrous for the Republicans as the candidacies of John McCain and Mitt Romney in the last two election cycles.

But now Walker is having questions raised about his answer to the question: Is Barack Obama a Christian? Even a number of conservatives are taking the position that he must know that Obama is not a Christian while the liberals, of course, scoff because the Wisconsin Governor would say definitively that Obama is a Christian. I find the whole debate nauseating and those who don't like Walker are just reaching for anything and they aren't getting anywhere.

I personally feel that his "I don't know if Obama is a Christian or not" is a perfectly okay answer. I personally would have answered it differently but, then again, I'm not standing in front of microphones in the spotlight with ravenous reporters attempting to reach an "I Gotcha" moment. No, Walker opted for the argument that he doesn't know Obama and he doesn't know what's in his heart. He even smartly stated in front of the reporters that he had no idea if they were Christians or not either.

I also liked his added retort that he was amazed how everyone is jumping on Rudy Guiliani for his comments about Obama's attitude toward America when they never question any of the ridiculous and sometimes downright disgusting comments that Vice President Joe Biden routinely makes. Oh, that's right, there is a double standard if you are a Democrat. Bravo, Scott, for bringing that out.

Realistically, I think that Scott Walker knows just like most of us know that Obama say he's a Christian using his membership (I don't know if it is still valid) in Rev. Wright's church of questionable doctrine, but that in his actions he surely doesn't show any signs Christian belief. His general course of action is to use Christianity as a whipping boy to cover his favorable treatment of Muslims and positions on so many social issues are contrary to biblical Christian doctrine.

That said, why would Walker want to even bother say any more than he did, after all he is getting heat for saying nothing and all the media is trying to do is put him down. I have no problem with what he said. As the son of a minister himself, he knows that Obama will be judged by God for his actions just like everyone else when that Day of Judgment comes.

I think we've got much bigger things to worry about, like taking Obama to task for ISIS, big government abuse of power, taxes and the IRS, Amnesty and so much more. And while Walker is not perfect, no one is. There are several issues that I disagree with him on but he has shown that he knows how to run a state government, a Blue state no less, and he has done so quite well. So let's get on with the business of electing someone that flyover America can live with and, frankly, I think Walker is one of several that fall into that category. He may not be the best but, then again, we never know until we find out, do we?

As far as Obama's real beliefs, the man has lied so much that I don't think anyone would believe him if he did tell the truth. The only thing that will make me happy is the day he leaves office. We just need to make sure a Democrat or a RINO doesn't follow him. 'Nuff said.

Have a great week and God bless all of you.

God's Warmth Comes on a Late Winter Sunday

2/22/2015

Too much ice means a destroyed crop.

Yesterday our recent unseasonably cold weather started to break and I was looking forward to more seasonable Florida weather. We aren't built for extreme cold down here, our homes aren't designed for it, our attire likewise isn't adequate and, of course, if it gets too cold our citrus crops suffer greatly. So the better weather was a blessing but today's weather offers the icing on the cake to our differing winter lifestyle.

This Sabbath Day's weather forecast: Sunny with a high near 80. God sends his warmth on a late winter Sunday when we need it. From upper low to mid 20s forty eight hours ago to mid 50s last night with a wonderful afternoon ahead, wow.

I remember as a boy enjoying the snow and hoping for a day off from school which seldom came, but now later in life I prefer the warmth. And maybe part of it is as I grow older I begin to seriously contemplate my mortality which, of course, we all must face someday. But the warm sunshine on a Sunday afternoon gives me a good idea of what the future will hold, for as a believer in Jesus Christ and making Him my Lord I know that His Light will shine one me with Everlasting Warmth in the life to come. And it is both a comforting and an exciting thought, trying to imagine the glory and beauty of His Kingdom. Sunshine and warmth offer just two wonderful indicators of how wonderful it will be.

Dear Lord: Thank you for the warmth of the sunshine which you provide us. And help us to always remember that all of the natural gifts that you give are but a small sample of the wonders in the Everlasting Life to come. Keep us steadfast and true, avoiding temptation and faltering ways, knowing that with you we will be provided gifts so precious and wondrous that we can't even imagine them. We praise you for your love and the grace that you have given to we mere mortal sinners and for the forgiveness that granted therewith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a wonderful Lord's Day and remember to worship Him wherever you might be. God bless.

Saturday Dawns with Warmer Weather, Hallelujah!

2/21/2015

We've had a very unseasonably cold few days down here in Florida and while it can't compare to what you folks up north experience it has been a challenge. After twenty years in Florida, the blood thins and the cold really gets to the old bones once the temperature gets in the 30s and below.

Checking the weather forecast online early this Saturday I see that it will be sunny and warm today, temperature in the low 70s and tomorrow near 80. Voila, what wonderful weather after a cold spell. I'm not sure what we'll do today but I'll guarantee it will be outside. Maybe we'll take a bike hike, go to the lake for a picnic lunch or even try our luck with a little fishing. All I know is it is just one of those days that make late winter so special in North Florida. God's definitely shining His Light and Warmth on us today.

I hope wherever you might be that you have the good fortune of a wonderful day. If you're up there in the cold where you're used to it, perhaps a snowmobile ride, some ice fishing or maybe a sleigh ride. Whatever it is, enjoy the free time with those you love and, if you have little ones, cherish the moments like this. Believe me, they all grow up way to fast and those memories one day will be very important.

Dear Lord: Thank you for the weekend and for giving us leisure time to spend with family and friends. We know that family and friends are important and that we need to savor the moments that we have like these. Help us to use them wisely and appreciate them. And remind us that tomorrow, the Lord's Day, we are called to honor Thee for all that Thou hast given us, for all that we have is truly a gift from Thee. Bless us and keep us safe and prepare us to face the work-a-day world again on Monday when this respite us done. In Christ's name we ask, Amen.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Marco Rubio Disappoints Conservatives Again

2/20/2015

Things looking grim, Marco?

I remember back in 2010 when Marco Rubio chose to run for the U.S. Senate after Mel Martinez decided to resign. Martinez had clearly been in the RINO wing of the Republican Party and the Florida Republican base wanted to defy the Establishment and put in office a good Conservative. Rubio campaigned as a Conservative, he still does on many issues, but his performance has been flawed dramatically by one major issue: immigration.

Now I know that Rubio is a first generation native born American, born after his parents escaped the Castro regime in Cuba in search of a life where opportunity came with hard work. And it is unquestionable that his parents worked hard to give him the opportunity to advance to the position he holds today and that he truly loves America. But when he betrayed the trust on the immigration issue by allowing himself to be used by Chuck Schumer and other liberal Democrats he took a major hit from those who otherwise liked him. And while he has tried to walk that back, he has continued to dance on the tightrope, feeling his way along while holding his opinions close to the vest.

In the past few days he has once again betrayed what he claims to stand for by endorsing an unencumbered Homeland Security funding bill. He claims that the stakes are too high with ISIS and other terror threats to tighten the purse strings on the agency. The only problem is, the agency that is tasked with keeping America secure has done anything but that. It has worked directly for the President's objectives of open borders and unfettered access by illegals without sufficient checks of background, health or even our own national need for them. With 93 million working age Americans out of work, many of whom have given up hope, the last thing we need is millions of illegal aliens, most not speaking English and having no desire to assimilate entering the country.

And there is an even bigger issue and certainly Senator Rubio understands this. President Obama has clearly violated the Law of the Land, the Constitution, with his Executive Amnesty program and Rubio has claimed to be a total believer and supporter of constitutional government. This decision by him belies his true colors, showing him to be just another RINO when he is put in the ringer. After all, without following the Constitution which is the basis for Law in this land, how can you call yourself a Conservative?

So, Mr. Rubio, why do you support funding when you must know that over 80% of the DHS employees are considered "essential employees"? This means that when the short period of the shutdown is over, they will be paid in full because they will not be out of work, they are required by position to continue working.

And why are you so quick to sell out the Constitution when you make such a habit of saying you stand for the Constitution? Actions speak louder than words, Senator, and your actions speak loudly.

I would suggest you give up any notion of running for President as you are going nowhere. And I would also suggest that you do what you say, for Conservatives are watching you closely in Florida and we really don't like what we see. Can you be forgiven and thereby salvage your Senate seat? Only if you show true devotion to the cause you claim to represent. We've seen enough False Prophets in the Republican Party in the last generation to last a lifetime.

You might just consider going back home, rebuilding your reputation as a Constitutional Conservative and who knows, since you are a young man perhaps you could one day be Governor. As far as Washington is concerned, you are probably done and you have no one to blame but yourself.

Take a good look at yourself and listen to what your constituents are saying, not the Chamber of Commerce, the K-Street lobbyists and the McConnells and McCains of your party. They represent nothing but a money pit and do you really think that's what service is all about?

Stand for something and truly work for it or just sit down and leave the public service field. You'll be less embarrassed that way. I trust you will make an honest decision on which way is the right way to follow. Truth and honesty is what America is looking for.

Sammy "Houdini", A Real Butthead

2/19/2015

A little more than a year ago, Sammy came to live with us when he needed a home. The cute little year old goat needed a new home when his former owner could no longer handle him. We figured he'd be a great companion for our Shetland pony, Angus. The paddock stall seen in the picture was built with two sections so that each of the "roommates" would have their own little space.

They get along pretty well most of the time, but when Angus gets bored he likes to pick on Sammy, trying to bite him in the hindquarters during the chase. It's never serious, however, and I think it's really a game as Sammy usually maneuvers away and into his resident quarters. But recently, Sammy has exhibited a bad habit which seems to be here to stay.

What kind of habit, you ask? Well, it seems that Sammy has learned how to climb the fence although we have not been able to identify the actual location or see him do it. In the afternoon, prior to evening feeding of the animals, Sammy climbs out and runs into the pasture where the horses graze. Sometimes he gets into a bit of trouble as the horses will surround him, just standing there daring him to try to get out of the blockade. And then he just goes over to the corner where the fence adjoins his paddock and lays low, awaiting my arrival to bring the horses in for dinner in the barn.

Sammy uses my activity as a way to "horn his way in" to the yard adjacent to the horse barn and that's where the real trouble comes in. You see, Sammy loves to eat the thorny rose bushes as well as the hay bales stacked in the barn. And when I come with a lead line to take him back to his paddock, he tries to headbutt me. It's not dangerous, just a nuisance since his butting motion, raising himself up to come crashing down like a ram is practically slow motion and I know that he really isn't trying to hurt me. Nevertheless, should he get his licks in it can be painful. Eventually I am able to collar him around the neck like a calf roping move and lead him back home with the lead line.

The Great Pyrenees dogs, however, run when they see him coming. Valentino got a good headbutt one time when he thought he was just roughhousing and he doesn't want a repeat. Even Kaz the Great Dane doesn't relish a one on one with Sammy. He used to chase Sammy around the yard but the headbutt move bewilders him.

Sammy does his Houdini act in the morning after sunup in addition to his evening adventure and so far I've seen no indication of him going out at night. Should he do so, he would be a prime target for a hungry coyote. They do prowl the outer pasture beyond the mesh fencing and he wouldn't be able to defend himself. However, since I once saw him back in the paddock after early spotting him in the field, perhaps he would escape by just climbing back in.

Sammy is just another one of our special little creatures here at our little landlocked ark. We love them all, enjoy their idiosyncracies and view them as individual blessings from God. Sometimes people ask me why we love them so much and I just respond that it's largely that they don't talk back like people do. Having said that, one must always keep an eye out for a new maneuver for, after all, they can always surprise.

So I guess I will stay busy rounding up Sammy and returning him to his home and his equine pal every day. After all, who would Angus chase around the paddock if he didn't have his little buddy Sammy?

And besides, all of the animals offer a good change of pace from the daily diet of Obama. These guys offer a good outlet to forget about what's going on out there in the cold, cold world. I think we all need that.

Have a wonderful day and God bless.