Montana State Capitol: update

Montana's Historic Landscapes

In 1982, two years before I began my survey of all 56 counties for the state historic preservation office, I took on a very meaningful and fun assignment—developing an interpretive tour of the recently restored Montana State Capitol.  Jim Mc Donald’s firm in Missoula had developed a comprehensive study nd they and the many partners and contractors restored the grand spaces of this turn of the twentieth century building.

Designed by the firm of Bell and Kent, the Capitol is a jaw-dropping public space, which spoke of the state’s dreams and ambitions at its beginning. No matter how jaded you might be about politics and politicians today just a walk through the corridors of grandeur, and power, of the Capitol will remind you that democracy does matter and we the people continue down the demanding path of making ourselves rise up to democracy’s promise.

Plus the 1982 project was just…

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Remembrance Day

Among The Joshua Trees

The text was posted at Facebook by my friend Scott Ruch along with the picture.

Today, however you chose to call it, Armistice Day, Rembrance Day or Veteran’s Day, is a difficult one for myself and my family. On this day 27 years ago, we lost my Dad to cancer. As an Airman and then Soldier, I suppose it was most appropriate.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

Dusty…

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On the passing of Captain McCain

It is far from my best but it is my take on the passing of Captain McCain.

Among The Joshua Trees

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…

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I lost a Shipmate….

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Darryl Hinkle was my friend and Shipmate. I made four deployments with him over the course of my career.

He was in VAQ 132 when I was ship’s company on Independence and in VAQ 137 when I was in VA 145 on Ranger. He also served in VP 26 with my brother in law, Greg Duffy.

May his Memory be a Blessing.

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Medical Fun and Games…..

The latest scuttlebutt and such…………………….

Among The Joshua Trees

After calling and calling the VA at Sepulveda about my CT Scan that I had on May 8th, the neurology called back and wants me to make an appointment…….

I can’t fathom why they just won’t send me the information. But after all the bullshit, I guess this is a step in the right direction. I still have to find out if my regular doctor who is my primary provider under the Veteran’s Choice Program has the results as well. After work this morning, it’s phone tag part whatever as I quit counting.

The colonoscopy is to be done on Friday the 28th, two days from now. I won’t get a check in time until I talk to the nurse on Thursday. I told this clinic that I need to know ASAP on Thursday so I can get some sleep before the preparation begins……….I think I actually got through.

It…

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Social Media Update Link

Social Media Update

I am done with the social media scene. Everything is at the link above.

ORPO Sends.

About last Thursday…………..Life It’s Ownself……

Here is what I know from my appointment last Thursday…………….

Among The Joshua Trees

This is what I posted at Old Retired Petty Officer this morning…….

About Last Thursday

But for the sake of not using links all the time here is the entire post………………………

On this past Thursday the 13th of April……………….
I had an appointment with the neurologist at the Sepulveda Veteran’s Ambulatory Care Clinic in North Hills, California in the San Fernando Valley. It is such a fun drive in because of the 14, 5 and 405 Freeways. This is a regularly scheduled thing for yours truly as I have had peripheral neuropathy for almost 2 years now.

I showed up on time even with the traffic. The neurologist I see is a young guy and I like him. I hope the Department of Veteran’s Affairs tries to keep him. We did the usual talk about how things have been with my feet and lower legs have been concerning the new…

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B-29 “Doc” takes to the skies again after 60 years

Wichita Aircraft Workers bring “Doc” back to life!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Among The Joshua Trees

The B-29 “Doc” made its first flight in 60 years Sunday morning.

Source: B-29 “Doc” takes to the skies again after 60 years

This was at KSN TV from Wichita, Kansas!

Doc flies again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wichita Aircraft worker volunteers made it happen! If I was still there, I would have helped out myself!

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The Santa Barbara Fire

Among The Joshua Trees

The big fire down by Santa Barbara is at 4,000 plus acres. This morning the smoke showed up in the Antelope Valley. At sunrise we realized it wasn’t high thin clouds.

I had to fuel my pickup and stop at the exchange before heading home. When I left the exchange, I could smell the smoke. Jets taking off were disappearing in short order on climb out from the base.

On the way home, I broke out my Trusty Nikon and grabbed a few pictures at the California City Boulevard turnoff. I give you those pictures.

Cal City Boulevard looking North

The San Gabriel Mountains

Another shot of the San Gabriel Mountains

Looking West toward the Tehachapi along the utility service road parallel to the 58

Another view of Cal City Boulevard

I also decided to include the link to the latest on the fire from KTLA 5 out of Los…

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Midway 74 Years Later and the Dauntless on My Desk | Steeljaw Scribe

Among The Joshua Trees

An excellent post from Steeljaw Scribe on the Battle of Midway.

Source: Midway 74 Years Later and the Dauntless on My Desk | Steeljaw Scribe

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