On the passing of Captain McCain

I have been watching the “conversations” about John McCain on The Book of Faces since the news of his passing broke in the news media and I must say the some of it upsets me.

First, yes I did vote for him in 2008. No regrets there. Good, that is out of the way.

John McCain served his country admirably and with distinction in the United States Navy. His last tour was in command of Attack Squadron One Seven Four which was one of the largest squadrons in the Navy, responsible for the training of Naval Aviators and Maintenance Personnel heading to A-7 Light Attack Squadrons in the US Atlantic Fleet. That is an awesome responsibility. Nuff said.

There are the rumors of his behaviour while he was a POW during the Vietnam Conflict. As far as I can see those are just that, rumors.

If individuals cannot show some form of decorum regarding his death, they have some serious issues as human beings from the point of view of this Old Retired Petty Officer. At this point, the man’s political views are a moot point. Dignity and respect should be given to his family in the manner of one’s chosen beliefs and values. I have seen comments from a few Christians that are quite frankly reprehensible at best. Some Christian behaviour on their part.  Cancer is a vile thing. It took my Dad and I have had it myself. When Captain McCain made the decision to stop treatment, it was a decision to be taken lightly. My Dad did the same thing.

When the funeral happens in the near future, I truly hope that all of us take the time to bow or cover our heads as whatever religious custom dictates in respect and reflection for a truly good man who gave his best to his country. Remember this one thing, their are those who truly believe that he was a hero. If you chose to believe otherwise, that is your choice. I will not criticize you in an open forum for that. My own upbringing and sense of values will not let me attack you.

The best I can do today. The afflictions of the years and mileage are having an impact on the thought process today.

Just remember this one thing. Only G-d can truly judge us.

ORPO sends.

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Out and about(Canadian Inflection)

Went to do a few things…. Gas in the Civic, Cigars and some things from Rite Aid.

The Trusty Nikon needed to be used ya know. Today is a mix of smoke and dust as the wind is up a bit here in the Southeast Kern County Desert at Casa de Sharon y Glenn.

Oh, it was 104 degrees……. Hot and the air feels heavy, if you know what I mean.

Yep, I admit freely that I do love this desert. When I was with Herzog on the GPS Ballast Trains, the home office always knew that I would go to the desert.

There has been some interesting things concerning the illegal marijuana growing operations in Cal City lately. However, some folks are upset at the two unsolved murders that occurred here. It is a dichotomy of a different sort.

#desertwanderings

Desert Wanderings, aka, A run to Ridgecrest and the Upper Mojave and gratuitous Plane Pr0n.

The Fremont Valley and Indian Wells Valley have been getting smoke from the Ferguson and other fires on the other side of the Sierra Nevada Range.

It was also extremely windy coming back south to Cal City on the 14. I have some pics on my phone that I will post later.

I also had to get pics of the static aircraft at NAWS China Lake.

Trains and Clouds

I hauled the Trusty Nikon with me on the way to work on Thursday afternoon.  I had seen a large buildup to the East from Cal City. I even managed to catch an intermodal train rolling East through Edwards heading to it’s crew change in Barstow. Apologies for the vehicular traffic on the 58. It is one of the few major East to West routes through the Sierra Nevada Range at Tehachapi.

All were taken with the 55-200 lens in auto.

Made a trip down below today

I had an appointment with the podiatrist at the Sepulveda VA ACC today. I got new inserts and ankle braces. Yippee………

On the way back I stopped at the Lamont Odett View Point and broke out the Trusty Nikon.

I hope you like the results.

The ubiquitous Air Force Plant 42…… Skunk Works, Secret Squirrel Stuff……

Beyond is Rosamond Dry Lake on Eddy’s Airplane Patch.

Desert Wanderings: 5 May 2018

No Cinco de Mayo for me……..

I did the usual pop run to Mojave this afternoon. I have more important things like the Stanley Cup Playoffs…….

I did take the Trusty Nikon with me…..

Included is a picture of Missus ORPO’s new car that she won at the last home game of the Bakersfield Condors.

I think these may be ex-United airframes.

 

Missus OPRO’s new Chevy Spark

#desertwanderings  #mojavespaceport  #boneyard

Desert Wanderings: 21 April 2018

I had to go to Mojave to get things at Stater Bros Market for Missus ORPO. I took the trusty Nikon along. I got some shots of the yard where the components for the wind turbines are unloaded from special flat cars for movement to the area where they are assembled and put into service.

I have included random shots of other stuff as well. Enjoy.

#desertwanderings

Monday run to Lancaster…..

Pictures ensued…..

I had to take a release form to my VA doc from my dentist. It seems he is worried about the mixing of medications used for doing the dental work that I need and the ones the VA has me on. Another fun process………..argh……… The dentist also thinks it is a good idea to wait until the urinary issues to be resolved before I have teeth pulled and some oral surgery……

I have to admit that this stuff is getting old….. If it ain’t one thing, its another.

Seeing as the Trusty Nikon was in the car, I decided to grab a few pics on the way home. The H-60 was a pleasant surprise. It was shooting touch and goes at Mojave and I got lucky enough to get a few shots of it. The day is windy and we are under a wind advisory beginning at 1600 PDT…. The wind blows in the desert….. Big surprise isn’t it!

So here they all are!

Click them to enlarge and please enjoy!

ORPO Sends.

A look at the Hometown….

I was actually baptized in the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus…….

It’s a long story, OK? Perhaps one of these days……

Enjoy the pictures………..

via Back on the Hi-Line at Havre

Searles Junction and The Fremont Valley

Hard to believe but I haven’t posted in two months……..

I had to run to Ridgecrest to get a new prescription filled for Missus ORPO. The base didn’t even know if they could order it so I hit Rite Aid here in Cal City this morning. The closest one with it was in Ridgecrest.

I decided to take the Trusty Nikon today. The following are shots from the return trip……

The Lone Pine Branch ends beyond. This was the line that the Nisei and Issei were transported on to Manzanar.

Sunday afternoon in the Mojave Desert

I had to do some Christmas shopping for the Missus today. The Trusty Nikon got some work.

Desert Morning…..Last Thursday

I had to go to urgent care for my diverticulitis……

Picture taking ensued……..

America, America

Walking on an empty cement parking lot, it snowing
And my face has taken on a winter storm

I remember how good friends we used to be, now knowing
We were younger and protected from your harm

America, America
You are so far away
Your fossils are the children of today

And though there’s joy in emptiness
I cannot say your absence fits the joys of living

New Coffee Machine

Mrs. ORPO bought a Kuerig 2.0 sometime back and I was introduced to using one on our last trip to the Central Coast. The billeting at Camp San Luis Obispo has replaced the traditional drip coffee makers with Kuerigs. I admit that they make a “damn fine cup of coffee.” OK, I love that line from the TV show, “Twin Peaks.”

Ten years ago…11 September 2007…

I know it’s a day early but I have to work tonight starting at midnight.

I turned 53 on my ballast train on the BNSF KO Subdivision in North Dakota. I had tied up the previous night in Jamestown ND. It was a spot dump and went very well and I was done before noon….

I know it was a significant day in the history of Our Republic…..but I was kind of busy.

Tomorrow is the completion of another trip around the Sun……..

After the events 8 years ago with my left kidney, I have been more or less objective concerning the attacks that September day 16 years ago…. I’m still here. If symptoms had manifested, I would have had to get my affairs in order.

To those who may get upset over my viewpoints please remember this one thing, I was facing a major surgery to remove said kidney with the “large mass.”

I will put on my kippa tomorrow and say a prayer for the memory of those lost that day and those who were lost going in harm’s way to kill the perpetrators.

Old Retired Petty Officer Sends.

May Hashem guide you in your day……………………………