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Sunday, August 30, 2020

Real Men Do Cry

Hello Everybody, Frank here.

Do real men cry? Let's address that issue.

Now, this is being addressed from a male's perspective, so if you're going to take issue with it because you're coming from a female perspective, or a snowflake perspective, please continue reading, you might find something of moderate value.

Do men cry? Absolutely. Let's say you have a good friend die, old, young, it doesn't make any difference. Is it okay to cry? Sure it is. If it's your little girl's wedding day and you're passing her hand from a loving, caring daddy to that brutal, barbarian about to receive it, of course it's okay to cry, because you know your daughter is going to a safe home. If you're giving her hand to a limp wrist snowflake, it's still okay to cry, and you know why. When you drop off your child at school for the first day, it's okay. When you listen to our National Anthem and your eyes get misty. There are lots of times it's okay to cry.

So let's go ahead and get this issue out of the way. Do real men cry? Absolutely. Real men are not ashamed or afraid to cry. Some people would say, hogwash, that real men don't cry. The guys that say stupid crap like that watched too many John Wayne movies when they were little, or whatever the current equivalent is now. Don't get me wrong, I love John Wayne movies, but John Wayne was an actor. He played roles that we as men associate with.

Something a little personal here. For years, when I was younger, I would cry on Veteran's Day. Sometimes I would cry for a long time. Now I am 70 years old and bunch of men my age died in Vietnam. I used to cry that day. November 11th. It's still a special day to me, but I haven't cried in years. 

I wonder if I will cry in the future when I realize that my country is gone. Do you think there will be a holiday celebrating the defeat of America? Maybe there will. Maybe there won't.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are losing our country. I didn't cry on Veteran's Day when I was a child. I didn't cry on November 11th until after my first time serving my country, and I did not serve in Vietnam. I have never cried before a funeral or before a wedding. So, am I going to cry after we lose our country? Who knows.

Here at this site, Thoughts From Frank and Fern, we've talked about gardens, dogs, cats, radios - ham radios that is, and we've talked a lot about the collapse of our society. We've talked about dark clouds on the horizon, the wolf at the door, brace for impact. And yes, we, you and I, have talked about these things. We also talked a great deal about preparedness, things we're going to need. So, we've talked about lots of things here.

If you are not prepared for the wolf at the door, you are not going to be prepared. Most supplies needed for preparedness are out of stock and have been for months. It is too late. Do I need to stay that again? No, just back up and reread the last couple of sentences. If you're one of those type that's going to go buy a gun and go steal from Grandma, good luck on finding a gun or ammunition, because Grandma has hers.

But as you probably know, you're not going to be buying any bulk food either. You're not going to be buying land either. The cost of land has skyrocketed. If you're going to go live with your prepared cousin, you had better make sure you are welcome. What are you going to bring to the table?

I know there are people that can't leave where they are. I know there are people that don't have the means to buy extra food, they live paycheck to paycheck. I read an article a couple of weeks back about a guy that was going to install a solar system right before this thing goes down. Is this the same guy that's going to buy wheat and bandaids and bullets?

Moving on. We have a virus shutting down our country. Is it real? Yes, the virus is real. So is the flu, the common cold, heart disease, diabetes, all of these things are real, but we have not shut our country down for all of them except one. Everyday a major agency somewhere issues a different story about effects, numbers and how to deal with this virus. Are we getting the truth? No. There is no truth. How can it change everyday? We can kid ourselves to believe that there is new and improved research, and there probably is in some cases.

Do you believe the lies? Have we ever been lied to before in history? Do we need to go down the list? Oh, let's see. The Kennedy assassination, the Gulf of Tonkin, 9/11, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and the list goes on and on and on. We are being lied to every day, every single day. 

Moving on again. Our government has tried to overthrow our current president for four years now. They, "the government", has projected lie after lie with no proof, just accusation. I can't see where that is going to change, but I can see where it will accelerate dramatically. Look at the rioting. Look at some of the decisions the mayors and governors are making. Who is controlling these people? Many of these elected officials have obviously sold their souls. They are going to do anything and everything they can to stop, infiltrate, change, cancel, distort, pick any word you want. They are going to try to affect the results of the upcoming presidential election. Write that one down boys and girls. 


We talked months ago about the long, hot summer coming. We now have an active virus shutting us down. If you want to, call it a bioweapon. We have rioting in several cities. Read for yourself, find out what is happening, it's happened before. They've disrupted churches, the educational system, the workplace, medical facilities, transportation, entertainment, the supply chain of everything including food. Ponder these things.

Do real men cry? Our country is dying. They are winning. The election will be disrupted. I'm not crying yet, but I can certainly see where we are going, and for that I will cry. 


There are so many examples of evil happening our world right now. It's not just in our country. What is happening here is an orchestrated event, it's controlled. These people are very well organized. They have been practicing on citizens of the planet for decades. We are about to lose our freedom. We've been losing it for years and we've done nothing, therefore, history tells us that we're going to do nothing. I can go on and on, and so can you.

It's been a while since we've talked. There really isn't anything to say. Some people say, I don't want to know all these bad things, so I don't watch the news. Fair enough. But that doesn't mean the events aren't happening just because someone chooses not to watch them. We both know that the vast majority of news is a lie.

Yes, real men cry. And so do real women. I don't think this is salvageable. I don't know what it's going to look like in the future. I do know that these issues cannot be resolved. There is too large of a divide between massive groups in our country. If you can get prepared, do so. If it means opening your mind and seeing what's happening, be aware. 

So you don't think we can lose our country? Ask King George. A very small group of people, some say 1%, some say 3%, took, from an advanced military, the colonies at that time. So, can a small group of people take something from a large group of people? Absolutely. Do the majority of people support the rioting and the fighting going on in congress? Does it make any difference? We have lost. The other side is practicing everyday, refining their skills. They have the laws on their side. You can't criticize, it's against the law. Don't think it's not going to happen, because it's happening right now, everyday in front of our eyes. I'm sorry. Maybe now I'll go cry.


In about 60 days things are going to change, and if you think things are bad now, just wait, it's going to be a very hot summer. I think you understand what I mean.

Please comment. Fern and I are doing fine. We've tried to make some final preparations. Don't get on the bus. Prepare your mind to do the unthinkable. Give your spouse a kiss, tell everyone you love them, and enjoy the times we have left.

When you kneel down tonight to pray to God, ask Him to bless our country.

We'll talk more later, Frank

 

39 comments:

  1. So much evil and wickedness, and they're not even trying to hide it any more. I am stressed beyond belief. Just putting one foot in front of the other, trying to top off preps, and praying A LOT. All I can think of to do now is to throw myself on the mercy of God.

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    1. Hi, Chipmunk.

      We have that same discussion in this house about they're not even trying to hide it anymore. What concerns me even more is we have a large portion of society that seems to think that they are right in what they do. Remember, in the last election, they won the popular vote. There is a whole lot of people out there that want what they offer. It's not just a bunch of those baddddd politicians, it's the people. That is my concern.

      Frank

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  2. Frank and Fern...good to hear from you once again and know you are doing well. While things still feel fairly normal in our area, we are fully aware that the Big Boot/Shoe is about to drop.

    Our garden only provided about one third of what we normally receive. Our fruit trees are providing little fruit as well. Our corn and beans started off looking wonderful, however we have watched them dry up with the extreme drought. We are in an area approximately 12 inches short of normal precipitation. Harvest generally begins the third week of September, but we will most likely start this week. Also had damage from the Derecho that went through on August 10th.

    I have the feeling that there will be many who will cry and weep as we go further down the road of destruction. I would recommend, as you often have done, not getting on the bus.

    Stay strong and pray often, CW

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    1. Hi CW. Our garden also produced poorly this year. We don't have a reason why, but in our area most gardens produced poorly. We think it has to do with the solar minimum.

      It's always good to hear your reports about grain production. Some are talking about the possibility of food shortages, especially animal feed shortages.

      Take care, and thanks for your comment.

      Frank

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  3. So sad but true. We have lost our country. Some years ago you told us this would happen. You even mentioned a pandemic as a good possibility. At that time I just discounted that. I never dreamed we would have a pandemic much less a man-made one. After all we have the best meds in the world. Yeah, right. I’ve thought of other articles you and Fern wrote before 2016, You were so right on the money back then about what was coming. Dec 25, 2015 You said we would have a war and posed the questions would it be between Americans and foreigners? Religions in this country and other countries? Based on the color or one person’s skin? The rich and poor? You also listed other groups and you answered no to each of these. You said it would be ALL of these. Very good prophetic call. It will be worth your while to reread “The Line Has Been Drawn” Dec 25, 2015.
    Because of your warnings we are in a pretty good place with our preps, but, as Fern has asked “what will you do when the preps are gone?”
    Thanks for your warnings over the years and yes if you haven’t heeded them it’s too late. BJ in GA

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    1. Hi, BJ. Thank you for your kind words. We are in trouble.

      We went back and reread the Christmas article. Many people have seen this coming for years. It's just this time, it is right in our face and I'm afraid it will snowball out of control come November.

      I don't know what to say anymore. Thank you for sharing.

      Frank

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    2. How can I find the Christmas article?

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    3. https://thoughtsfromfrankandfern.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-line-has-been-drawn.html

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  4. If at all possible, do what Ol’ Remus used to say.

    “Stay away from crowds”.

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    1. Hi, Matt. By all means, stay away from crowds.

      Speaking of Ol' Remus. I believe he is sitting on a creek somewhere watching the leaves change color with is 22magnum at his side. And I truly hope that he is happy.

      If he is reading this, and I'm sure he is, I truly, truly wish him the best.

      Frank

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    2. Frank, it is my understanding that Ol' Remus passed away sometime in June...what a loss of a wise man. I miss his weekly reports.

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    3. CW, thank you. I want to believe that Ol' Remus decided to retire. I am aware of the posting of his demise.

      He and I shared a couple of emails and twice he featured an article of ours which was one of the highlights of my writing experience. He appeared scholarly, extremely knowledgeable, proper and an overall good man.

      Do you remember the stories he would tell about his screen door? It was a while back. I want to believe that he is retired, and since he read our blog, I know he is reading this.

      Thank you, Frank

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    4. I think you are correct...he most likely retired.
      I am not familiar with his screen door stories. Maybe they will be made available again in the future. I know he did have some troubles with his computer and past reports. Thank you, Frank.

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    5. Many of them are archived at: https://woodpilereport.lundissimo.info/

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  5. Frank...I don't know what to do any more. I am too feeble these days to whoop anyone's backside and way too old to take a beating. I have talked to those who believe all will be well and to those who see no need to prepare, to no avail. I can write a pretty good rant, but then I am mostly preaching to the choir. Our world has become upside down and sideways.

    I weep for my grands who will likely never know what peace is. Or what it is like to go where they want, do what they want within the law or say what they want without repercussions.

    These days find me preparing as much as I can as soon as I can while I still can. Every conversation with family ends with the words, "I love you." And I find that prayer is ongoing.

    God help us all.

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    1. Vicki, it's a pleasure to hear from you. It's comforting to know that there are those with a solid foundation as the world is spinning in free fall. Fern thoroughly enjoys reading your thoughts. She shares with me what you're up to.

      Keep your head about you, because not everybody can see what's coming. There are days that I wish that I didn't, but I'm truly glad that I do.

      Godspeed, Frank

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  6. I agree with all you have said. I do feel scared like many, but always remember to "Never Give Up". Keep doing all you can to prepare and move forward in the fight against evil. Fight against those not wanting to be a part of the America We all know & love. Many of us out here are much older than most. No matter what, do what you can and listen to the writings of Frank & Fern. "Never Give Up".
    God Bless you all. God Bless our country and those of us standing up for what is right.

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    1. Hi, Mark. Thank you for the comment.

      There are lots of older folks that read and share on this blog. Most of the comments are courteous and polite. We don't always agree, but the comments are almost always civil and courteous. It's too bad the rest of the world isn't that way.

      There are times it would be easy to give up. I've thought about it. But you're right, "Never Give Up".

      Bless you, too. Frank

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  7. Things are definitely not looking good, and I do not anticipate a long-term political solution. For the most part I think I'm able to take things as they are and not focus too much on what could have / should have been. That being said, people who feel under-prepared for adversity can still improve their position somewhat. We've been in a little bit of a lull for the last couple of months where some things have almost returned to what we think of as normal (it may take some effort to find what you want, but it can often be done). Some critical components (like pressure canners)are in short supply. One can do pre-orders with some merchants, wait, and hope for the best...

    However, it is true that people who have nothing at this point are in a very difficult position even if they can find a few items. It takes a lot of trial, error, and practice to build the skills to do the kinds of things one might feel a need to be able to do going forward. Blogs like yours and those of many of your readers are important resources. People who have some resiliency in their lives are less susceptible to faustian bargains because they have alternatives.



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    1. North GA, good morning.

      I had a friend contact me recently and ask what do I do? I told him on your way to work, stop by the store and buy some canned and dry items that you normally eat. On your way home, do the same thing. Do it everyday. If you need to, go to a different store.

      This is a way to start. In a short period of time, you might have a months worth of food. That's a whole lot better than your little boy looking at you saying, "Daddy, I'm hungry."

      Buy what you eat, eat what you buy. There are ways.

      While you're at it, learn a new needed skill and practice it. YouTube is a good place. But you've got to practice.

      I told him always keep your gas tank full. Tell your family everyday that you love them. "Daddy, I'm hungry" are words you do not want to hear.

      Thank you for your comment. Frank

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  8. Like you I fear the future but have not lost hope. God Bless!

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    1. CQ, as long as we are breathing, we have hope. If we're not breathing, then we are in a different place. Since we are having this conversation, there is always hope.

      Never quit! Never give up! And don't get on the bus.

      Have a good day, Frank

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  9. Scared? Nope, I know that the Lord has my back all I have to do is keep my eyes on him. Eager for his return!!

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    1. Hi. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

      In the parable of the 10 virgins, half were prepared, half weren't. Half got to go in and be with the Master, half didn't. God has ordained me with the responsibility to prepare for my household. I do not take that responsibility lightly.

      I recommend all prepare. Spiritually and temporally.

      Thank you again, Frank

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  10. Hi Frank and Fern. I've continued to read your blog, but it's been a while since I've commented. Our family has been doing everything we can to prepare for what lies ahead. There are some extended family members that ignore what's happening around them, and hopefully they will open their eyes soon. I pray God is merciful to us all, but it is soulfully painful to watch as our human race changes so radically. God help us all.

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    1. Hello, thank you for reading and thank you for your comment.

      It's tough having people that you care for that just can't see what's coming. Either they see it or they don't. Either they prepare or they don't.

      This is going to sound a little cold, but I believe this is how most people truly feel. I would encourage others to take heed. If they choose not to, that is their choice. There are some people we have agreed to take care of, parents primarily.

      The others? When the time comes, will be turned away. I cannot and will not jeopardize my family for those that have the time but choose not to prepare.

      If a man's house burns down, I will be one of the first to help, but that's not what we're talking about here.

      It may sound cold, and it may be, but that's the way it is.

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Frank

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  11. Frank, what you may not realize is that "the others" are very afraid, too.

    And, just for my own curiosity - if everything is a "lie" what will going out and voting do? No one will believe the results no matter which side "wins".

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    1. Hello Bornfreev.

      Everybody should be afraid. We should all be afraid, our future is in jeopardy.

      The issue of voting? This is a Republic, voting is what we do. Yes, I think both sides lie, but I would certainly rather vote for the lies of Donald Trump and his group, than vote for the lies of Joe Biden and his group.

      That's what we do in a civilized Republic. We vote and then we sharpen our swords.

      Frank Feral

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  12. Glad to see you posting again, even if this one is a real downer. I can't say I disagree about preparing, just took 21 quarts of chili out of the canner, beef stew next.

    But, maybe I'm too optimistic, but I don't foresee losing this country to the scum causing all these problems. You mentioned Ol' Remus, and I ran across a quote from him at Survivalblog.com:

    “Middle class America is no less violent than any other people. They seem passive because they’re results oriented. They rise not out of blood frenzy but to solve the otherwise insoluble. Their methods of choice are good will, cooperation, forbearance, negotiation and finally, appeasement, roughly in that order. Only when these fail to end the abuse do they revert to blowback. And they do so irretrievably. Once the course is set and the outcome defined, doubt is put aside. The middle class is known, condemned actually, for carrying out violence with the efficiency of an industrial project where bloody destruction at any scale is not only in play, it’s a metric. Remorse is left for the next generation, they’ll have the leisure for it. We’d like to believe this is merely dark speculation. History says it isn’t.” – The Late Ol’ Remus

    The above quote is one option, another awaits Trump's reelection when he can take the gloves off without political repercussions. If he does, the miscreants will scurry into the woodwork like the cockroaches they are, but surely by then the DOJ will have defined who the Gepettos are pulling their strings. Those will be Federal charges and trials, out of reach of the local Soros backed DA's authority.

    We won't quickly beat back this attack on our Republic, but it can and will be done. We'll survive.

    Ozarks Tom

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    1. Ozarks Tom, thank you and thank you for the quote from Ol' Remus.

      I believe that Trump will win the election. Whether he is allowed to take office again we'll see. Lots of variables in play here, but it won't be long. What is it now, 61 or 62 days?

      I believe we're going to see political posturing that most cannot even conceive. We'll know soon. But we really won't know until January.

      Thanks again, enjoy the chili. Frank

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  13. Glad to hear you're doing well! I wish I could argue your points, but sadly, I cannot. I really do appreciate the time and effort you both put into your blog -- it does help! Not taking: the knee, the vaccine, the bus! And not giving up!

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    1. sbrgirl, three very good choices. Enjoy the time we have left.

      Frank

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  14. Frank,
    Thank you for your article . It is very depressing and sad but I believe that is the reality of the times we are in. The country I once knew is either gone forever or may be great again in the far future.
    There is something terribly wrong in our country and I think it has been leaning in this crazy direction for many years. Truth is very difficult to find and verify . Our leadership at all levels is corrupt and I do not think it will be fixed only by voting new folks into office.
    As 2 old people we can only prepare for difficult times as best we can. That means food,
    clothing and shelter and a way to protect what we have.
    We no longer talk self reliance to anyone. The time to get serious about being self reliant is past. The storm clouds are blowing in and we are getting a rain shower or two now but the real uncomfortable weather will be here soon.
    We have family members and freinds living in a dream world of denial of the reality of things around them. I feel sorry for them and all I can do is pray for their well being.
    Blessings to all.
    Bluesman


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    1. Hi, Bluesman.

      I tried for years to convince people to see what was going on around them. Never once was I successful. We have also quit talking to anyone about preparation. There is one young man I talk to, but he came to me and asked.

      There are still some small things people can do, I written about it, talked about it. Stop by the grocery store, buy some regular items and get a couple of extras. Do it every day. Do it in the morning, do it in the evening. No one will notice, most will think it's just regular shopping. Buy the stuff you eat, eat the stuff you buy. In a short time, you'll have a years worth of food.

      But you need water and shelter and protection. People need to get their heads straight and quit playing little games with themselves.

      I enjoy every day. Sometimes what's happening really bothers me, it gets to me. This thing that is here and coming, I want my mind 100% sober.

      The waters of the tsunami are starting to retreat. Pay attention.

      Frank

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  15. First thank you (and Fern) for your constant source of enlightenment, encouragement and perspective. We are on the bus as best we know how to be and can see that the bus is leaving quickly in spite of our repeated counsel to friends and yes, some family...I'm woefully apprised of the attitudes of many out there who don't believe it's going to rain,or even the existence of rain. We still tether our prayers for these folks and hope that the Good Lord will open the eyes of their understanding...meanwhile we continue and look up...

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    1. Hi David. We here at Frank and Fern associate being on the bus with being on a boxcar in Poland during WWII. I have no intention of ever getting on that type of bus.

      Otherwise, you can't change friends or family, either they see it or they don't. Or they can't quite accept the obviously changing reality. Many just cannot deal with it. Their minds will not allow them to go there.

      It's time to start closing the hatch on the submarine. 60 days, 90 days. It will be here before we know it.

      Prepare. Frank

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  16. Good to see you both hanging in there, this blog has been a nice respite from the storm. Self reliance has always been a goal of mine and while the time is too short to achieve it, I can strategize my time and acquisitions to at least (hopefully) blunt the hardship to come.

    Things are grimmer than I've ever seen, but take that with a grain of salt from someone closer to three decades than four. I finally ordered and started reading "The Fourth Turning" and it has been a huge weight lifted from my shoulders seeing how this is all part of a natural cycle of civilization (or at least as close as we get). So much rhetoric about this being the "last free election" and apocalypse staring us in the face, but this won't be the end of humanity. Heck it probably won't be the end of America, but there's no doubting massive unrest and change stand between us and calmer waters.

    Not to say we shouldn't strive to protect our Republic. The over/under for fighting evil looks to have been set at two and a half. The remaining escape plots to be had are the least habitable and the most likely to be ignored. The AWFLs funding and enforcing this garbage can't scold you if you aren't anywhere to be found. I gave up on social media years ago and never did miss it.

    Skills in focus these next couple months are low impact camping, wilderness medicine, basic carpentry and plumbing. We've become accustomed to a higher standard of living than we need, but running water and a sturdy roof overhead puts you pretty far up the ladder.

    Remus touched a lot of people and will not be soon forgotten. I believe he did truly pass and hope he is enjoying his reward. If he is simply retired, for real this time, I hope he enjoys that too. Fellowship is what makes a life out of an existence, and fellow travelers are worth their weight in anything we care to measure.

    Keep your powder dry, hope the next garden goes better, and may the Lord bless you both.

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    1. Hi Evan. Nice comment.

      Starting from the bottom and coming up, I believe that Ol' Remus is on vacation, a well deserved one, but then, so is Elvis.

      Moving along. That is true, cultures, societies and empires cycle. There is a big difference between twelve midnight and twelve noon, a lot of darkness between the two. We all read about the dark ages, there were active economies going on all over the world, from the time of Christ all the way through to the renaissance to da Vinci. Read about King Alfred. They had active trade all over the Mediterranean. But then I guess that makes darkness a relative term.

      Poetry is quaint, the reality of what's coming ain't going to be romantic.

      Thanks for the comment. Take care, Frank

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  17. Late to the party. There was a group of us since 1960 trying to tell folks but they wouldn’t listen. Pity. Enjoy your blog.

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