Tuesday Tidbits

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.  

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A fat. plump tree frog taking in the coolish temps of the North.