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This weekend, our scout pack will be participating in Wreaths Across America. I too the boy once before, a few years back. It's pretty cool, and a nice way to honor those who sacrificed.
I'm especially excited about this year, because I saw in the news some a@*&!$& is attacking the event and trying to get it ended.
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The boy and I participated in Wreaths Across America, along with some other scouts from our pack and several thousand other folk. We were proud to do so.
Of course, the torrential downpour that hit while we were laying wreaths sort of put a damper on things. Many umbrellas were destroyed by the accompanying high winds. By the time we left, we were soaked pretty thoroughly.
And I'd do it all again, in a heartbeat.
Merry Christmas!
Thought you might like the creativity of this Elf on the Shelf picture.
Have a safe Christmas!!
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Something brought to my attention that, come April, I will celebrate my 17th year as an ex-smoker. Quitting was one of the best decisions I ever made.
It also got me thinking of the reprehensible practice of “Big Tobacco” marketing their product to young people, even children in a way. They weren’t the first to sell young people a product or belief that would ultimately prove unhealthy (mentally and physically), and they aren’t the last to have done so. And, of course, they didn’t twist any arms, or make people smoke by threat of force. It was, ultimately, my own choice. Still, that peer pressure, and seeing other people you respect and look up to engaging in the same activity, can be a powerful incentive.
Hopefully, those engaged in such activities today will soon be rejected by society.
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Despite the grumpiness of my previous post, I do actually enjoy these Pinewood Derby workshops we put on every year. I think this is my fourth time helping out at one. I bring my band saw, to help the scouts make their major cuts on the wood car blocks.
I also bring some old drafting equipment and sanding blocks to help with the before and after work.
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Just for shits and giggles, I watched the extended edition of Fellowship of the Ring. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I last saw it.
I think I’ve finally resigned myself to the fact I’ll never get a better film version of the trilogy. Jackson’s movies, while far from perfect and containing much for which I’d gleefully slap him across the face with a 2x4, is the best we’ll ever get.
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Still, the existence of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, coupled with the eventually forthcoming TV show, give me hope I will one day see a (hopefully) faithful adaptation of the Dragonlance Trilogy.
Lord knows, after the travesty that is Game of Thrones, we actually need a well done fantasy involving dragons.
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Just for completion’s sake, I watched Lord of the Rings parts 2 & 3. Again, I’ll stand by my thought this is the best version I’ll ever get.
Still, it never ceases to amaze me that otherwise gifted storytellers actually think they can tell a classic story better than the person who wrote it. What arrogance.
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‘Tis a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Weather-wise, anyway. If I recall correctly, the small humans have a three day weekend coming up.
Then, a week from today, I’ll be running Check-in Night for my last Pinewood Derby. At least, the last one in which I’ll have a scout participant. Next year, I might still help out with the workshop, if they need me.
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Got a text from a scout leader the other day, asking me if I were busy tonight. I should have said yes, and made something up on the spot.
I did not, however, and now I'll be bringing my bandsaw to another pack's meeting tonight to help some kids start on their Pinewood cars. Well, it's not like I don't enjoy helping them.
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Well, the boy decided which Scouts BSA troop he wants to join. Not the one I’d have preferred, but at least he’s continuing on, and will have to opportunity to learn a lot of great skills.
My only real problem is that the morons in charge of the troop decided to go to Colorado for summer camp. Which, of course, means I’ll either have to go with them as well, or the boy won’t be able to go.
It’s not that I don’t think the boy can make it a week without us. It’s just that IF something did happen, I’d have to make my way all the way there by myself.