Time for buying & for learning about you ....

I've got shopping on my mind

I'm thinking new computer, maybe; new camera, maybe; new firearm, maybe; some new music, probably.

My primary computer is a bit over four years old. The monitor for my backup (1991 model) went to computer heaven a few days ago, and it could be time to turn this one into the backup. Any recommendations?

When I bought this computer, I also purchased a pretty basic digital camera to go along with it. I've never been a particularly good photographer, although I bought my first camera at the age of five (plenty of practice) and I've frequently hung out with photographer-types at work (plenty of expertise available to teach me). It could be time for me to get a "decent" camera. Any recommendations?

It might be time for a new rifle or pistol. My "gun habit" is to buy, sell or trade a few every year, so the number grows gradually. I do not suppose many life-long metropolitan dwellers would understand this idiosyncrasy, but I am a country boy and received instruction in the use of rifles, shotguns and handguns the summer of my tenth year. For the next few years after that, my life revolved around hunting and football. Then, I discovered girls, and my interests blossomed.

In case there are any "gun nuts" out there in never-never land, my most recent purchase was a "Thanksgiving present" for me last November. It was a Fabrique Nationale 6.35 mm (.25 caliber) semi-automatic pistol. This type was called a "Vest Pocket" pistol back in the good old days. It's small. They were manufactured between 1905 and 1940, plus a few later presentation pieces.

There is no complete serial number record to track these pistols but, through bits and pieces of information, I am relatively certain mine was manufactured in 1919. The most fascinating factor about this pistol, to me, is that it was made in Belgium and, by contract agreement, these particular firearms were never available for sale new in the U.S. That means mine had to travel some considerable distance before arriving here. How? Who knows? Maybe in the luggage of an American tourist or soldier returning from Europe?

Me and "old stuff." What can I say?

Before the Vest Pocket, I had gone since last February without a gun purchase. That was a Winchester Model 94 (which means this model was first introduced in 1894), .30-30 caliber, lever action with a tang sight. There are conflicting databases regarding serial numbers for Winchesters. One puts my rifle at late 1940 or early 1941 manufacture; the other at 1942. Sort of old, no matter which date is correct.

My routine is to drive a car on day-to-day business. But, when weather dictates or when I travel, I drive a Suburban. And, in my Suburban, there always dwells what I call my "truck rifle." This old Winchester became my new truck rifle, replacing a Ruger Mini-14. My truck rifle becomes my canoe rifle when I shift from roadway to waterway. (Remember, I have seen lightning strike the unprepared, and I would rather be accused of paranoia than be caught unprepared.)

As you might guess, I really do not need any recommendations regarding firearms, but I never turn down a suggestion. I have not kept track of what is happening in the arena of computers or digital cameras, however, and really could use some advice there.

What can I learn from you?

I have mentioned previously that I was first drawn to the world of blogs last August to read the writings of one particular individual. The next step did not come until sometime between Christmas and New Year's Day, when I started to browse the blogs. About three weeks later, I began one myself.

Even though I'm writing here day after day, the primary reason for my presence continues to be to explore the work of other people, and to learn from them and about them. Life is a mystery to me (if it isn't to you, please explain it to me), and there is nothing so fascinating as people. By that, I mean individuals who lived yesterday, as well as those who do today.

Some bloggers sort of chat about daily life, some chart their trips, some write poetry, some post photographs, some demonstrate their proficiency in the use of profanity, some talk about hobbies, some offer advice and support, some promote causes, some are peddling their wares. The diversity is amazing.

In any case, more than anything else, I'm here to learn about you and you and you. Just don't ask me why, because I'm still working on that. Part of the mystery, I guess. Partly innate and insatiable curiosity, I am certain.

If anything more comes from this "adventure" than learning, so much the better.

Music Note: Listening to "Guns N' Roses" ....
(Guns and roses -- the story of my life)
Specifically, "Use Your Illusion I & II" ....
(Can only stay away from this band so long)

Spies, writing and step-dads on my mind ....

Here, in the photo to the left, we see Ziva making short work of an agent for a terrorist organization. That's her on the right, coming in low with the "knockout" punch. What a woman. Never have to worry about muggers with her around. And, in the photo to the right, we get a better look at her. Rather petite, but a guy does not want to get on her bad side. It would be nice if she'd be willing to leave the ball cap in the closet.

Ever dated an Israeli Mossad agent?

While my mind is in turmoil and I struggle to remain cohesive in the fog somewhere above San Francisco, I think it is time to turn my attention toward determining exactly what type of woman would suit me the best. (Yes, I know it's a two-way street, but a guy has to start somewhere, and this hardly is an exact science. It takes time.)

How about someone like Ziva David, a character in the television show NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)? Ziva is an Israeli Mossad Liason Officer attached to the American unit. Her persona is that of a woman who has been around men all her life and is not afraid of men under any circumstances.

This is a young lady who can throw a knife better than anyone since Jim Bowie and can shoot a handgun better than anyone since Dirty Harry. She can take out at least three guys in 30 seconds in hand-to-hand combat, she speaks three or four languages and she looks great in an evening dress. On a quiet Sunday afternoon, we could go outside into the yard and practice knife throwing or a bit of judo. I'll bet the neighborhood kids would love to have someone like Ziva around to play with -- rough and tumble and cute. Many fine attributes, indeed. A Ziva-type has a lot to offer, however, this does not mean she would not also have to be a bookworm who loves history and has no fear of canoeing into the middle of nowhere.

Well, while I contemplate the Ziva-type, in days to come I'll think of a few other possibilities which might match up well with me. (This is more fun than thinking about politicians.)

I don't care what you say, writing is work!

When I began this blog, I had no idea whether it would last more than a single day. (I think that happens to quite a few people.) So, I decided that no matter what, I would write at least a few words every day for the first month. I think I will make it, and then maybe swing into a "write as the mood strikes me" pattern. That is how many, if not most, bloggers seem to be doing it.

Writing has always been work for me, never done for pleasure or relaxation, as seems to be the case for many bloggers. Writing under deadline pressure or being limited to a certain number of words to explain all the relevant details of a particular event can take the fun out of the exercise. That probably is another reason I periodically will scout around for a "mock sabbatical."

Remembering old "step-dad's" music ....

My step-father (an informal title in this instance) lived on Long Island in New York for a decade or so before returning to Minnesota and settling down in the "old home town." While in the vicinity of the "The City," he managed to attend a number of Broadway productions, mostly musicals, and also more than a few operatic performances. He particularly enjoyed stuff from the 1940s and 1950s. The music caught on in my head from hearing his albums being played once or twice a week. Tonight, his influence is being displayed through the music to which I am listening.

Music Note: Listening to Mario Lanza ....
Specifically, "The Student Prince" ....
(Drink! Drink! Drink!)
(To eyes that are bright as stars when they're shining on me)