We have returned from Northlandia and back in the saddle and ready to prolong this project for a little longer.
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I took this picture of my TV channel guide a day or two before I left for Northlandia. No, not the Scorpion Kin... The one above it.
You'd think someone would notice the problem. And I don't have any idea what the actual name of the program is.
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I met others in Northlandia who used to read this blog and have left because of the occasional political statement. Therefore, I have decided to refrain from politics. I met others on my trip that simply don't care about facts, failure or decay in our politics. If a person yells "Fire!" in a crowded theater and there actually is a fire, and nobody cares, then it is time to save yourself.
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A few months ago I had a cyst on my back removed. It was benign but annoying. It also set off the TSA scanners whenever I went through security. Little did I know my scanner alerts would continue in another area. Last Wednesday when going through the Quad City security scanner, it alerted our intrepid TSA employees that my groin area was a potential national security threat.
Just as the guard looked over at another guy, he said, "Uh oh." I glanced over at the imaging screen and noticed a yellow area lit up on my junk. I had a momentary feeling of pride but then I was corralled in front of other passengers and frisked. I can't say it was an intrusive grope, but it was a bit embarrassing to be frisked in that area in front and back in front of everyone. I put my best face forward and decided to exploit the moment with thoughts that for just a few moments anyway, my, er, package, was the most important potential threat at Quad City International.
Some guy finished the inspection by taking what looked like a band aid and rubbed all over my hands and palms. He then placed it in a scanner and it all came out OK. I was sent on my way and proudly picked up my size 14 shoes off the conveyor belt. I looked around at my fellow travelers with a bemused expression of, "yeah, uh- huh, that's right. That's how we grow 'em in Seaton."
What set it off? I don't know. Was it sweaty balls? Or that metal cap they used on my 2nd vasectomy? I don't know, but I'm getting my ticket soon for a return trip just for the free grope.
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Do I have this right? Memorial Day is for all dead people. Soldiers and Grannies. Veteran's Day is for live service members?
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A funny thing happened on the way to getting pictures for you. I went to one of my favorite Emerald City places to take night pictures. The Country Club is nice and dark with no streetlights to muddy up the pics. I was at the number 7 green area when I noticed a spotlight checking out my truck. Being a good citizen I climbed back up the steep (very Steep) cart path to the west parking area. As I suspected a police car was doing a building inspection and noticed my slightly rusting 23 year old Ranger with Florida plates. He questioned me and why I was there. I explained I was from Florida, visiting my very well-known brother, Mark Blythe, Wombie to his friends, and that I was taking pictures of the Milky Way.
Officer Lewis told me I had to leave because I was trespassing. I asked if I could finish my picture taking. Frankly, this was the first clear-sky night and there was no guarantee I'd get any more. He replied with perhaps a little exasperation by saying, No. You. Are. Trespassing." He told me I would need to get the owner's permission. Having been associated with this place all my life I knew there was no "owner". It is a member association. There may be a president or board, but there is no owner. But I decided it wasn't worth getting belligerent (see, sometimes I reason things quite nicely) and traipsed back down to retrieve my camera and tripod. I'm sure he noticed my heavy breathing coming back up but to his credit as a lawman, remained on the scene until I had packed up and left.
The next day I went to the Club President and he gave me a notice I am allowed on CC grounds at any time of day. So there. I'll see you in August, Mr. Law.
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Taken from my seat whilst preparing to land at QC Airport on May 8.
A fat. plump tree frog taking in the coolish temps of the North.
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