Happy new year all!!!

For all of our friends...

...and everyone!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine.
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld lang syne.

We twa hae sported i' the burn,
From morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll tak' a right good willie-waught,,
For auld lang syne.

-Robert Burns

May 2007 best 2006!

Part of our pre-occupation recently...

...has been Andrew.

Some of you may or may not remember this but back in February of 2005 I posted a brief note to this very young blog regarding our 6 yrs. old nephew, Andrew. He's the one wearing the red jacket in this 2003 photo. The other two are our grandkids.

He’s bpbil’s son. “J” (the wife) and I raised him for the first three years of his life until his alcohol and prescription drug abusing mother convinced the court in Washington State and subsequently Georgia that she was fit to properly care for him.

Needless to say, she wasn’t. Though it took almost three years for the courts to realize they screwed up again!

Well, we have Andrew back in our custody… at least for the time being. Evidently the Georgia courts have had their fill of his mother and her outrageous antics. I’m not sure what she did this time… we never really know but whatever it was it was enough for the judge to realize Andrew wasn’t being properly cared for by his mother and needed to be placed in a more nurturing, secure environment.

Andrew had been placed into a foster home “off and on” over the period of time his “mother” was supposed to be caring for him.

He did luck out though. He was well cared for by his foster family. Miss Maree and her friends provided fantastic support and love for him throughout the past two plus years.

Early in December of this year we got the call from Georgia authorities. They wanted us to fly back to Georgia and spend some time with Andrew before any decisions were made as to whose care he should be placed in.

So, on December 15 the wife and I flew to Atlanta.

From the start it was an uphill battle. On the night of December 14 we experienced one of Washington’s most destructive storms on record. Our flight was scheduled to leave Seattle-Tacoma airport at 11:55 a.m. the following day and we were scheduled to arrive in Atlanta at around 7:00 p.m. (Georgia time). We didn’t get out of Seattle until almost 7:00 p.m. (Washington Time). By the time we arrived in Georgia, got our rental car and drove to the motel it was 5:00 a.m. (Georgia time).

Needless to say we were a half day behind schedule before we even got out of Seattle.

The following days went great, we went to court on Tuesday, December 19 and the judge awarded us temporary custody of Andrew. Andrew flew back to Washington with us the following day.

And he’s here… for Christmas with his cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

We are indebted to Miss Maree, Mr. and Mrs. Davys, Miss Eilene, Jesus, Ebony and all of Andrew’s friends and foster family in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Without their love and support who knows what would have happened to him?

Yep, it’s a merry Christmas!

Bailey, Hannah and Andrew are inseparable. They're inventive and are making up for lost time!

It's nice to hear Andrew laughing again. Very nice!

The child knows far to much about courts, foster care and the legal system. He deserves an opportunity to simply live a kid's carefree life, grow up, learn and have fun, knowing he's loved and supported.

Everyone, please have a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

Okay, about this Santa fellow...

...you're telling me he slides down that little chimney over there?

C'mon, who do you think I am? I mean, I was born on September 5 not yesterday.

I've seen pictures of that jolly fellow. I've sat on his lap. I saw how large he is and you're telling me he can fit his... errr, how can I say this delicately... rather rotund body down that sooty little chimney?

I don't think so!

And what about that sack he tugs along with him everywhere he goes? How the devil does he get that thing down the chimney?

I mean, I'm just curious.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not skeptical... just a bit curious as to how he does it.

Okay, I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical.

A little bit but hey, that's a logical reaction isn't it?

Besides, the thought of him trying to get down that little sooty chimney really does conjour up some rather humorous visions... mental images of sorts.

Actually, it could lead to a downright hilarious scenario if you just apply a little imagination.

I mean, think about it... our little chubby friend slides down the chimney in his clean, furry, best red and whites lowering his bag of goodies before him as he descends.

Just as he's about to plop onto the fireplace deck he realizes no one opened the damper. Now that would lead to a rather difficult and challenging predicament.

And... if done without any lingering negative after affects it could be funny as all get out.

Now that's funny, yessiree!

At least to me... in my own little world.

But then again, my cousins might enjoy it as much as I would.

The trade off would be that the goodies won't get delivered. So, in the long run it's not worth it.

Someone just needs to remember to keep the damper open. I mean, why push the issue if it doesn't need pushing?

Grandma!!! Grandpa!!!

DooGooder's vanished! Where'd he go...

...and why?

Does anyone know where DooGooder (aka: DG) disappeared to? His blog isn't up anymore, his profile isn't there anymore!

The last time I looked, Boise, Idaho was still around. The last time I heard anything from DG on this blog was when he posted a comment to one of my little posts on October 20, 2006.

After that, I commented on his blog not all that long ago.

So, does anyone know what might have happened to him? I'm curious, concerned and a bit bewildered.

That's the thing about this internet and blogging stuff... you can fall off of the face of the earth with a simple tap of the left mouse button.

DG, if you ever read this... good luck. We had some fun, didn't we! Take care guy!

What's your American accent?

I found this little quiz this morning while I was out blogging around. Now, I was raised in the Pacific Northwest so you'd think the results would have been a bit different. Anyway, here's my results...

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The South
The Northeast
The West
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Have fun!

Sue Tagged Me!

Sue, Sue, Sue, Sue--- She tagged me! So, pay attention! This is a simple feat.

According to the rules… each player of this game starts with the “6 weird things about you”. People who get tagged need to write to their blog their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly:

“In the end you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blogs that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments section and tell them to read your blog for more information.”

So… weird! What’s weird about me?

Weird…

Different, annoying, odd, peculiar, something that’s definitely not of the ordinary…

1- The hair on my chest and belly coupled with my nipples and belly button looks like the extraterrestrial icon, ET. (My kids told me this years ago!)

2- My toes are double jointed. I can bend them more than 90 degrees backwards (except the one’s I broke). J cringes when I bend them back.

3- My legs are short and stocky, my torso’s long and thick, my head is large. Chalk that up to my Welsh ancestory.

4- I track humans across wilderness areas and bring them back “home”. A game I play.

5- I crawl into people’s minds and get them to tell me what they’ve done without them realizing they’ve told me what they’ve done… until it’s too late. Puzzles I solve.

6- I tend to identify with too much, too often. Again, the puzzles.

Okay… so much of this is weird I admit. On the surface it looks innocent. In depth it’s consuming. But I can control it… all but that ET crap and the toes!

Alright, who’s being tagged?

Cathy
Steve
Ed
Harley
Andrea and Justin
Dad

The Wal Mart husband...

This post came to me via email from my father. It's one of those "urban legend" type emails that's floating around out there. But, for those of us out here who simply loathe "shopping"... we can identify!


"Mr. and Mrs.Fenton are retired. Mrs. Fenton insists that he go with her to Walmart. He gets bored with all the shopping. He prefers to 'get in and get out', but Mrs. Fenton loves to browse. Allegedly, here's a letter sent to her from the store's management.

Dear Mrs Fenton,

Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and may have to ban both of you from our stores. We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment. All complaints against Mr. Fenton are listed below.

Things Mr. Bill Fenton has done while his spouse was shopping in Walmart:

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in House wares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the restrooms.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in house wares... and watched what happened.

5. Aug 4: Went to the Service Desk and asked to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.

6. Sept 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. Sept 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.

8. Sept 23: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'

9. Oct 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.

10. Nov 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, asked the clerk if he knows where to find the antidepressants.

11. Dec 3: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.

12. Dec 6: In the automotive department, practiced his "Madonna look" using different size funnels.

13. Dec 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browse through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"

14. Dec 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the fetal position and screams "NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!"

And last, but not least ....

15. Dec 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!"



I'm pretty sure I'd be in trouble at home if I had as much fun as our Mr. Fenton character did.

But it's oh-so tempting...

The Greatest Show on Earth...

...an American tragedy.

I really had to sit out a day and watch in awe at what just happened all around us – to our nation, our tattered image. I was beside myself. I mean, I had my ‘druthers regarding where I wanted concessions made in our government and where I didn’t want them made. And as it should be, some of my hopes were realized and some weren’t – that is to be expected. Such is the case for my somewhat conservative nature and view of things. I realize there are others who don’t see everything the same way as I do and will vote otherwise. After all, this is democracy isn’t it?

So overall, I wasn’t all that concerned or heartened about the election results. Being a “non-partisan” type of guy I guess you’d say I was a bit contended – nothing more... other than “relieved”.

Relieved because the show leading up to this year’s grand finale was frightening, at best. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this year’s row.

Mid-term elections in the United States normally don’t normally draw much attention away from the local Friday night high school football games let alone from global occurrences, but this year’s mid term did.

The way I saw it the Republicans offered up power, control and the Democrats took them up on their offer. It’s as plain and simple as that. If you don’t want someone to take something away from you well, you shouldn’t act like you don’t want it. If you want something, act like you want it – like you deserve it and most likely it will remain yours – until you abuse it.

This mid term, well it was a lot different than most--- a mean, hard pressed, “he said – she said” affair. It had all of the makings of one of those terrible marital arguments that leads up to months of daily spats and grumblings, if not divorce. Those types of spats where issues are never fully resolved – where wounds seem to never totally heal.

Emotions ran high as accusations from all parties were tossed around, little need for supporting evidence - those “Get the word out! Right, wrong or indifferent get the word out and then move on” types of accusations. Charges of corruption, dereliction of duties, immoral behaviors, fraud, money laundering, pedophilia, racism, - you get the idea.

Heroes were called cowards, cowards were called heroes. Otherwise good men and women stooped to embarrassingly questionable, unreasonable, disgustingly irrational levels of tactics and behaviors just to get elected – for the flavor of power, control.

It wasn’t just the Democrats - It wasn’t just the Republicans, the Libertarians, the independents, the Communists, the Socialists.

It was a free for all. An orgy of greed, of bad manners, lies, deception - of spoiled brats fighting for dominance, for what “they” have and what “they” want. A child’s sugar hyped birthday party void of any adult supervision.

It was an embarrassing portrayal of our “democratic” process played on the world’s stage for all to see. American Politicians - the lowest of lows - play their party politics board game again.

Ah, the seduction of power!

And like all worldly plays (good, bad or indifferent) that draw these types of audiences, the masses of world observers that this one draws – well, it’ll be back on stage in another two years so stay tuned!

The actors, players, stagehands, producers, directors and writers are already writing, rehearsing and acting out in preparation.

Politics – you really have to love it!

NOT!

Wow... last post October 4th???? Time flies...

...you know, I forget sometimes how much I miss blogging.

I've been trying to "tie up loose ends" regarding work and haven't really paid much attention to the blog.

Bottom line, it was a very busy summer and now the fallout is beginning.

I returned from Dayton, Washington today and took some time out on Skate Creek to catch some of the incoming Fall changes.

I used to fish up here with the son and my brother and his son ten or so years back. The creek had fish, my flies and their worms caught them... bottom line, we had fun.

The son was... what? 14-15 years old??? We'd fish from dawn to dusk! Most of the time catch and release. But we'd definitely quit at dusk... the bats came out at dusk.

We'd eat the food we cooked over the fire... the toughest steak I've ever had and we slept in our tents, dreaming of the next day... that HUGE fish... the RECORD BREAKER!

But, in all we simply came to the "creek" to live, relax, forget and move on.

The creek was "all healing"...

So, when I have to head over to the Southeast regions of this wonderful state I travel the less traveled paths much like a person I know in Montana. I go past those places where I remember our fun, our absolute release from stress for a precious couple of days.


I drive on, knowing that I've spent time here in these elements... time that, to this day my son respects, admires and returns to... time spent with one of my brothers, one of my nephews, my son and I...

...now it's time to move it to the grandson and his generation!

I'm moving him from the lakes to the streams... and fly fishing!

He's got the touch.

an artisan's blog!

...it's time to introduce culture here.

I've added Audrey's Blog to our links list.

She built her blog which discusses art and culture...

enjoy!



Yah, we'll still have our rowdy times as well.

Our own personal seahawks fan club...

...Reese style!

Daddy's showing off her Seahawks attire! (easy on the "pink" jokes people!)

According to Son, she's adjusting to the crowd noise and is expecting a win after the "bye"!

(phew... that's good news!)

I mean, they got thumped on by a pretty good Chicago team last weekend. But then again it's a long season.

Anyway, check out our little Reese... snuggled up and sleeping on Daddy's shoulder.

Ya' gotta love it!

These are those memories you'll never forget Son!

And here's Mom with her back to me...

but I got a pic of her...

with her back to me...

...but it's a pic of her and Reese.

Which is what I wanted, a pic of Mom and Reese.

So, what's left in this ensemble?




How about Mom, Dad and Reese?

They're "happy as all get out" and that's what matters!

...a fantastic couple... a fantastically budding family!

We're one group of happy campers here!

I've got chilled beer and wine in the ice box... help yourselves. This Seahawk's fan base is growing by the year!

...ain't it nice?

i love the fall... family, friends and barbecues...

...it's refreshing!

And now, as summer's behind us and fall's taking a grip I'm reluctant to give up on those little backyard get togethers where whatever is edible can be barbecued.

That's one of my beliefs, I guess. "If it can be eaten, it can be cooked on the barbecue".

You either slap the item on the grill itself or use a cooking grate or copious amounts of tinfoil... did I just date myself even more?... tinfoil???

Hell, I was raised calling it tinfoil or "Reynolds wrap". One or the other.

Anyway, the stuff's priceless when baking potatoes, sauteeing mushrooms and shrimp, ...scallops... whatever.

I love the stuff and should have bought stock in the company. I'd be paying my own dividends... but I didn't buy the stock. I just use the product... a lot!

I got off track, sorry.

So, back to this wandering post.

Okay, for the record... let's save some keystrokes and call it bbq.

Thanks!

Now, back to my story...Because my summers are so active at times (like this year) I can't bbq as often as I'd like and we... J and I... can't have the family and friends over as much as we'd like unless she or someone else fires up the grill themselves.

Besides, spending time cooking something on a grill that's running anywhere from 300-400 degrees (Fahrenheit) on a 90-100 degree summer's day isn't always that attractive.

Let's be frank, it isn't attractive.

The natural and generated heat coupled with copious amounts of Merlot can lead to rather extremely curious discussions and rather undesirable results from the grill of the bbq.

Sooo, I rejoice when the season changes!

Fall creeps in, the days are shorter, the temperature changes are much more noticeable... accomodating, the food cooks better, the merlot tastes better, the bees aren't as interested in what you're cooking and....

and...

...FOOTBALL'S on the tube!!!

North American football that is.

But FOOTBALL, North American football... football... our version of football at it's best!!!

College (Go 'DAWGS!!! go Coug's!!!) football!

The SEAHAWKS!!!

Youth leagues, middle schools, high schools!!!

Ah football, family, friends, barbecues, steaks, chicken, ribs, 'shrooms, shrimp, veggies and kabobs!

Top it off with a shared bottle of merlot, burgundy or another red... bringing it home.

...it doesn't get much better than that!

a bit more about Ryegate...

...Golden Valley County and the good ol' boys of the Golden Valley County Sheriff's Department, prosecutor's office and the adjacent Musselshell County Sheriff's Department.

You see, 'round there Sheriff's are the soopreme authority. Yessiree.

I now have enough information (I think) to write about what actually occurred on June 09, 2006 and the months subsequent to that date.

Of how the Golden Valley County good ol' boy sheriff fishy Floyd Fisher didn't return $1,907.00 in cash and a 1992 Dodge Stealth for quite some time... the car that a Musselshell county sheriff's female deputy told my source that her son was going to "look good driving around in..." and the cash that was returned in different denominations than the cash that was seized.

Hmmm, how's that happen if it's retained as evidence? Shouldn't the cash returned actually be the cash that was seized? I don't know about RYEGATE, MONTANA but in the rest of the United States, evidence (cash especially) is supposed to be protected and is supposed to follow a very regimented chain of custody.

Given the comments by the Musselshell County Deputy and fishy Sheriff Floyd Fisher, perhaps the "return" of this evidence... the cash and the car... was never an option until someone intervened and made things happen.

I will say the County prosecutor bailed from the whole scheme rather quickly after she found out my source simply wasn't going to be bullied and walk away.

I wonder where the original cash disappeared to and how good ol' boy fishy Floyd acquired the cash he eventually returned to my source. Did he have to secure a signature loan??? Speculation on my part, nothing more.

It's an interesting story and as soon as I'm through sorting things out I'm going to post it.

This crap is happening out here and it has to be addressed!

Oh yeah, on a good note, Dan the FBI man... thanks for the help... it seems to have done the trick... your good work coupled with the tenacity of a disgusted and "fed up" father seems to have changed some minds in Ryegate. You're a good man Dan.

Stay tuned

she's here!!!!

...Reese is here!

Okay, she's been here since September 5 but I just wasn't in the "blogging" mood.

She's definitely here though! We've been blessed by another angel!

Her name is Reese Madison. She was 8 lbs 9 oz and 20.5" inches long when born! Yup!!! She's here!

...and let me tell you she's getting prettier with each passing day. Something J and I never thought could be possible... how could any baby get more beautiful by the day when they're born as beautiful as Reese was born.

We thought this was simply impossible! But then again, J and I were in awe with each of our children and all three of our grandchildren.

And proud grandma... who'd have thought it! When our son and daughter in law bring Reese through our door J is no longer functionable. She abandons whatever she's doing and is grabbing Reese immediately, "coo-cooching" her and coddling her.

I'm thinking I must have a wife who simply loves her newest grand daughter! But then, who wouldn't love the precious child!

Anyway, she's here...

Don't you think her Daddy's looking a bit proud?

...and a bit bewildered? LOL!

I'd post a pic of proud Mommy but no one forwarded any to me and I didn't have the opportunity to take any yet.

I do love to see the start of a new, budding, lovely family...

...they warm my heart at a time when my heart is in need of a good, heartfelt warming.

I can only think back and remember the times when J and I had our first... our lovely daughter followed two years later by our second... our wonderful son and remember thanking God and anyone else that would listen for the two most beautiful and healthy children any parent could ask for. Now I've been able to see the "next" generation plant their roots and begin to grow!

This is so fine! So damned fine!

And DG... thanks for the congrats!

Isn't life nice...

where is ryegate, montana?

...and why would I want you to know?

Well, it's going to be a topic of some posts here in the near future. Ryegate, Montana, Golden Valley County Sheriff, Emergency Services Director and all around county servant Floyd R. Fisher, a county attorney named Stacey Maloney, a guy we'll call Rick, a scofflaw we'll call Dude, a car, a police chase, an illegal search, some improperly seized cash ($1,907.00, US), some court ordered returned cash ($1,907.00 US), an FBI agent we'll call Anonymous, a girl we'll call Sue, local government, state government, tow bills, alleged corruption, alleged conspiracy, adjacent Musselshell county, the Musselshell County Sheriff, good ol' boys, a deputy sheriff or clerk or receptionist or whatever she is with a real bad memory we'll call Deputy Debbie until I can get her real name and U.S. currency ($1,907.00) in the wrong denominations.

Yah, this is going to be interesting. I'm waiting for the information to get here but the story's a damned fine story... something right out of a novel. Maybe a couple of exciting and gripping chapters out of an otherwise lazy, easy reading novel.

I'll take you to Ryegate, Montana, Golden Valley County's seat of local government. I'll introduce you to the town, the county, the state, the players and the situation(s)... calling your attention to particular practices, matters of fact that should have been reviewed... should still be reviewed in detail by some corruption watchdog organization somewhere.

Given the circumstances surrounding the incidents I'm thinking some things just aren't quite on the "up and up" out there in that neck of the woods. But, then again I can always be wrong. Let's see where the information takes me.

In the meantime, if you're so inclined I'd recommend googling Ryegate, Montana just to get a bit of background before I start posting the info.

And while you're at it check Maximum Advocacy's latest battle with folks in Nevada! Interesting stuff...

I guess it's not just a Thurston County, Washington thing... this crap is happening all over the place. But then again, I wasn't so naive as to believe it is isolated to just one county.

Either way, stay tuned for the Ryegate posts.

washington's burning...

...it is!

We have over 200,000 square acres of timber, prairie and agricultural property burning right now.

Some of these fires were caused by lightning and others were "human" caused.

Big fires, small fires and fires in between. We have fire crews from New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Montana and many other states here trying to get lines around our many big fires.

We're burning up here folks.

I've been running from fire to fire for the past several weeks doing my thing... my little part in the big picture. It's been hectic and at times exhausting. Not just for me but primarily for those out there on the line day in and day out!

Most of these fires are not in easy terrain either. One fire in particular has a "finger ridge" on it's north front that is about 50 inches wide at it's widest place and over a mile long. How do fire crews get a "line" on that?

And what does "human caused" mean? Well, it could be a myriad of things. It could mean escaped campfires, carbon particles from internal combustion engines with defective exhaust (motorcycles, chainsaws, etc.), errant smokers, sparks from dragging trailer chains, fireworks, children with matches, etc.

It can also mean those idiots who intentionally light fires for jollies, money or whatever.

Yeah, we're having our fair share of fires right now... more than our "fair share". This is the second most fire intense year in the state's recorded history... so far. And the fire season isn't over yet.

The predicted weather for the next week includes a "warming trend" that'll reach the high 80's to low 90's on the west side of the Cascade Mountains and will push into the high 90's to triple digits on the east side of the Cascades. Warming from the mid 70's (west) and high 80's, low 90's (east).

All I can say is it's been one heckuva season thus far.

So, that's a bit of what I've been up to. There's been some other stuff that's been sprinkled in the wife's and my life these past couple of months as well... including the latest on bpbil and his very odd wife and her "family", her alleged assault on him, his latest run in with the law, some other troubling news and some "good" stuff thrown in just to ensure life's not all bad... just challenging and difficult at times... here lately, quite often.

Just when you think you've some time to breathe and relax a bit something else flies in your face.

I'll be back...

Thanks! Be careful and enjoy!

Oh yeah, we're very close to having our third grandchild join the world. She's due anytime... That's a huge bright spot!

i'll be back soon...

I thought I'd mention that I've been away from the blog for quite some time... not intentional but necessary. I've been busy, pre-occupied... had to prioritize my time and quite frankly didn't have the urge nor energy to really post anything.

Don't get me wrong, I missed (and miss) every minute of it... and I've been lurking on yours. It's just that I've been out gathering experiences, stories to share and I'll be posting in the near future... when things "slow down".

The experiences... stories may range from bpbil and his latest antics to the Thurston County Criminal Justice System, bpbil's "wife" and her most unusual "family" (this could be a book in and of itself... though most would think it would be a work of fiction... moreover, science fiction), trips throughout the state regarding my work, domestic activities, depression, boats, fishing, friends, enemies, teeth, Grandkids, family, work and play.

Thanks for stopping by from time to time. I'll get back to it in a bit. I just needed to pull one iron out of the fire for awhile and focus on things closer to home.

a little quiz...

From Sue’s blog:

#1 - The book nearest me …page 18 line 4:
Well, it's work related and very dry reading but nevertheless, it's a reference book and it's the only book near me right now.

NESC Handbook. Fifth Edition
”on occasion, a greater lag time is given to allow for full implementation;”

#2 Stretch out left arm…..what do you touch?
Door trim

#3 last thing watched on television…?
Fox News.

#4 Without looking what time is it?
10:30AM

#5 What actual time is it?
10:00AM

#6 With the exception of the computer what can you hear?
Droning on by news reporter, constant ringing, dog barking.

#7 When did you last step outside?
About three minutes ago.

#8 Before this survey what did you look at?
Sue’s blog posts.

#9 What are you wearing?
pocket Tee Shirt

#10 Did you dream last night?
Yes.

#11 When did you last laugh?
This morning around 08:00 a.m. when a fellow worker called me. It’s been pretty solemn around here over the past several months.

#12 What is on the walls in the room?
4 bottle hanging wine rack, wrought iron clock with candles, shuttered mirror, southwest native american paintings.

#13 Seen anything weird lately?
Other than bpbil, his wife and her family... dolphins in the south end of Puget Sound. A small variety that is rarely seen this far south.

#14 What do you think of this quiz?
It’s alright. Not too thought provoking.

#15 What is the last film you saw?
Eight Below

#16 If you became a multi-millionaire what would you buy?
I’d pay off the mortgages of our son’s and daughter’s homes, ours and help anyone else I could (within reason) then I’d buy some remote property somewhere with breathtaking views so I could give the whole family a place to live in peace if they want.

#17 Tell me something we don’t know
I don’t like spiders almost as much as I don’t like attorneys! I like snakes better than both.

#18 If you could change one thing about the world, what would you do?
I’d mix in a little more compassion, understanding, tolerance, logic, sensibility, humility, perseverance and adventure and I’d mix in a little less rivalry, anger, greed, complacency, ineptness, dependency, ego and brutality.

#19 Do you like to dance?
Yes.

#20 George Bush?
A man in a thankless job making decisions that can’t always and won’t always please everyone... including me.

#21 Imagine your first child is a girl
Our first child is a girl... wonderful, hard working, energetic, intelligent, spontaneous... in so many ways like her mother! She’s married to a young man who was meant for her. J and I couldn’t have selected a better person for her even if we were given the opportunity to. They are the parents of two of our precious grandkids.

#22 Imagine your first child is a boy
He’d be just like the son we already have... he just would have arrived earlier. Honest, hard working, intelligent, unique, dedicated, compassionate, patient and married to a wonderful young woman. Again, J and I couldn’t have selected anyone more matching for him than her. Together they're the expectant parents of our third grandchild... grand daughter to be exact! Very soon!

#23 Would you consider living abroad?
Absolutely. It would depend on where but yes, absolutely.

#24 What would God say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
”You're a long ways from home. Are you lost?”

#25 3 people who will do this quiz:
I don’t actually tag. If you want to try it, go for it!

the 'sound, boats...

...and Whidbey Island.

"J" and I wandered up north of Seattle a month or so ago to look at a couple of "pleasure craft" that were being sold on Whidbey Island.

We took the ferry across from Mukilteo to Clinton on a pretty crappy, wet and blustery day.

We parked our car behind these two on the second deck of the ferry and went up to the third deck to enjoy some coffee during our little trip across the sound. This little storm blew in from nowhere shortly before we got to Mukilteo and stuck around for the rest of the day and well into the evening.

You see, I grew up here in Olympia and spent one heckuva lot of time on the waters of Puget Sound. Primarily, the southern end of Puget Sound.

I remember Dad taking me out in a little 10 or 12 foot Elgin rowboat powered by a Scott Atwater 7.5 horse power out board tiller motor.

There were some wild times on the sound with Dad and his boats...

When he bought a bigger boat, an 18 foot Thompson we would go out farther and stay out longer. It was a heavy, deep "V" bay boat that was perfect for Puget Sound. It would knife through those "sound" waves that would come up out of nowhere... when the squalls would blow over. It rode the water like no other boat would.

We felt totally safe in it... totally.

I remember mornings when I would be out in the 'sound in totally fogged out conditions... fishing for the elusive salmon. I'd hear a "whoosh" and then another "whoosh" sounding from the fog immediately next to the boat then I'd see the dorsal fins... Orcas in the sound. Every now and then I'd be at the right place at the right time to catch the native pod of Orcas passing through, feasting on salmon and seals.

That was when I used to think that life was almost perfect! Almost...

I, like my four older brothers, was out on the water every day I could get away and get out there.

I was a scuba diver. I don't dive anymore but did for years... sold my gear over a decade and a half ago and haven't dove since. But I've seen portions of the sound from the bottom up.

I have a huge respect and love for Puget Sound. I spent the day before I left for the Army in June of 1972 on the sound... fishing... from the old man's boat. By myself fishing.

I've only been back on the sound once or twice since. Dad sold the Thompson, bought another boat... a Starcraft and eventually sold that. He was done with the sound for awhile...

We always talked about it... always reminisced. We always wondered what the fishing was like "today". Hot days would crop up and we'd tell each other... "We should be fishing."

Dad in his 80's and me in my 50's... we're being drawn back to it... to Puget Sound. It's difficult to explain but we're being pulled back.

I want my son and daughter and their families to be able to enjoy a piece of that place... "the sound" much like I did so long ago.

I never thought I'd buy a boat... a boat for the sound at least. I never really thought I'd be back "out there"... even though I wanted to be.

I just didn't see a "need" for a "pleasure craft"... a boat. It goes back to that "need/want" thing I alluded to in my post regarding Steve's tag. I just didn't see the need for a boat but always wanted one.

But "J" and I went out looking anyway. Not real hard but looking at used boats (there's tons of them around here). Just about the time I had myself convinced that I no longer wanted one I saw an advertisement on Craig's List (Seattle) that caught my eye... an early morning ad. So I called and inquired about it and, after making arrangements to view the boat, motor and trailer, bought a boat... a 19 foot Bayliner Capri with a cuddy cabin and a 125 hp Force outboard motor on it. It was in great shape and the price was very good.

I thought getting "J" out in it would be a chore!

Not a chore at all... she's having as much fun with it as I am.

So, the old man and I... we're back out on the 'sound just putting along like the old days, having fun... drinking coffee on those foggy, chilly early morning floats.

Today we're going to take it to a lake in the county that's known for some lunker trout. I'll keep you posted!

Take care and enjoy your memorial day... we will.

you know...

...I was sitting here reflecting on a lot of things. On the kayak, on the grandkids, on "the wife", "the daughter", "the son", "Son in law", "Daughter in law", Dad, the grandkids, friends...

I was reading Cathy's blog and was comparing the attorney stuff... what a tragedy. What a shameful, self serving travesty attorneys seem to wrap themselves with. It's actually disgusting... sickening.

I was reviewing correspondence from local deputy prosecutors to some of the folks I work with today.

The attorneys of this country actually do hold themselves to a far higher "caste" than us uninformed, grovelling, blue collar citizens.

Anyways... back to my reflections...

A couple of weeks ago... Mother's Day... "J", "Son", "Daughter in law", "Daughter", "Son in law", "grandkids", "Great Grandpa" (AKA: Dad), daughter in law's parents... our friends and I had a barbeque on the beach. It was fun... nice, relaxing.

I haven't been in a fun, nice, relaxing environment for quite awhile.

So, I happened to sip the merlot...

...and kayak.

Not a good mixture... merlot and kayaking. When we got there the tide was out considerably.

This meant that by the end of the day the tide would be well on it's way in and we'd have consumed copious amounts of merlot...

...and we'd have the kayaks at our disposal.

...and the grandkids watched.

They watched as we pushed off and went out to sea... daring davey jones! Daring all that resides in the Pacific Ocean and it's bays and estuaries.

Challenging the very nature of "deep sea" itself.

Yup... we paddled out. Fortified by merlot... paddled.

Paddled into the rising tides until, alas gravity took over and promptly flopped my sorry butt upside down.
Where I was left to stand alone... by myself... humiliated... defeated.

The sea and the Merlot won out.

...and I stood alone, kayak bobbing upside down next to me.

...a derelict vessel among derelict vessels.

Merlot, kayak, sea... not a good combo.

But I laughed... at myself, with "them", with me. I laughed and enjoyed the fun we had.

okay... so Steve tagged me...

From Steve's All That I Am post. A good post by the way!

Keep in mind... this is an I thing...

Here's my answers...

I AM: a man who makes mistakes, a puzzle solver, a husband madly in love with his wife, a very proud father and grandfather, a son of a hero!
I WANT: peace, happiness, good health and prosperity for all of my family and friends, those I love to be good contributors to this world.
I WISH: for comfort for all.
I HATE: very little… there’s a reason for most everything. Ineptness, laziness. I do not like sexual predators or mean people.
I MISS: My Mom, my nephews, my father in law and mother in law. The 50’s and 60’s.
I FEAR: little… it all has a purpose… and fear of it isn’t productive. Perhaps the grandkids growing up in this odd little world and the challenges they face.
I HEAR: a rush of sound… constant hissing… whirring.
I WONDER: how I’ve lived this long. How I’ve been blessed with what I do have around me. About most anything.
I REGRET: Certain decisions I’ve made that have affected others. Not staying in the Army through retirement.
I’M NOT: a politico… a politically correct person… mean.
I DANCE: never as much as I’d like to. My own way…
I SING: when I get the urge… usually off key.
I CRY: silently… alone.
I AM NOT ALWAYS: the nicest person on earth, compassionate.
I MAKE: something of nothing… mistakes… people happy and sad.
I WRITE: more than I talk. I love to write… it’s a passion.
I CONFUSE: what is necessary from what is wanted.
I NEED: far less than what I have.
I HAVE: far more than what I need.
I LOVE: watching a sunset with the wife, a cookout on the beach, life, family, friends, challenges!
I SHOULD: Relax more. Pay more attention to the wife, those precious children of ours and our precious grandkids.
I TAG: Whoever wants to participate… but I’ll suggest DG, Ed, HarleyDreamer, (Justin and/or Andrea), (Kerri and/or Corey), Dad, Lynn and Cathy!

But don’t do it if you feel “compelled” to.

bpbil is out...

... after copping an Alford Plea.

But he's out. He's here with J and I and he's quite "jacked up".

It seems he's had quite the ride.

A female corrections officer tried to remove his wedding ring while he was in there. Why? Who knows... the other inmates were wearing theirs? Hell, the guy behind him was wearing his when she tried to twist his arm off and get to it. But then, that's another story... another blog post. There will be names and details... fun stuff.

His (gawd I have to laugh when I say this) attorney (court appointed and court re-appointed) seems to have really had a huge issue with me and the blog.

She had quite the candid discussion with him today after court. Bpbil is still filling me in... about today and other very brief conversations he's had with Deborah.

More future blog stuff.

And then we have a "man" who has pretty much revealed his soul. He claims to want to help yet buys time, does the shuck and jive, plays the "handshake", "honorable" card and sells me out in the end.

I have to admit I let him get me to agree to quit posting to the blog "and let things work".

...well they did.

Oh, he directed me to certain people so I could "expose the corruption and inequities of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office", that county's criminal justice system and a number of other things.

Yup, I made a tactical error that day when I talked to him on the phone. I agreed to "back off". I agreed to give "Deborah" some breathing room... What a farce!

I blew it!

I sold bpbil out that night without meaning to!

I should have just followed my instincts and kept on posting.

...well, those days are coming. We're going to learn a lot about this system in Thurston County, Washington.

... and I'll be linking blogs Skelly.

Deborah... I don't give "legal advice" so there's no need to discuss that with your "client". Perhaps you might want to try dishing some worthy advice out someday... that's what you're getting paid to do.

Oh, and we have some wonderful phone conversations to share as well... you know, those types between (gawd this is funny!) "attorney" and "client".

... and my maiden voyage on the kayak...

This blog ain't going to be pre-occupied with bpbil stuff.

the alford plea...

Alford plea... As defined at Wikpedia.com

"In the law of the United States, an Alford plea is a plea in criminal court. In this plea, the defendant does not admit the act and asserts innocence, but admits that sufficient evidence exists with which the prosecution could likely convince a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty. Upon receiving an Alford plea from a defendant, the court may immediately pronounce the defendant guilty and impose sentence as if the defendant had otherwise been convicted of the crime. However, in many states, such as Massachusetts, a plea which "admits sufficient facts" more typically results in the case being continued without a finding and later dismissed. (too bad this ain't Massachusetts, eh Deborah? You might have had to work for your money on this one if this were Massachusetts). It is the prospect of an ultimate dismissal of charges which engenders most pleas of this type.

The Alford plea differs slightly from the nolo contendere ("no contest") plea. An Alford plea is simply a form of a guilty plea, and, as with other guilty pleas, the judge must see there is some factual basis for the plea. Therefore, a defendant's prior conviction via an Alford plea can be considered in future trials; and it will count as a "strike" if a three strikes law applies. On the other hand, a nolo contendere plea is in no way an admission of guilt, and it cannot be introduced in future trials as evidence of incorrigibility. However, courts do not have to accept a plea of nolo contendere, and usually do not, except in certain nonviolent cases."

This plea originated in the United States Supreme Court case of North Carolina v. Alford (1970), 400 US 25. Under subsequent case law, an Alford plea generally has the same effect as a plea of guilty with respect to sentencing, and use of the conviction as an aggravating factor if the defendant is later convicted of another offense.

Some critics have spoken out against the nolo contendere and Alford pleas on the moral grounds that they undermine public confidence in the accuracy and fairness of the criminal justice system (these folks evidently have never been to Thurston County and seen their farce of a "criminal justice system"), sending some people to jail who are unrepentant or innocent (as in bpbil... his wife and his court appointed "attorney"... laughable at that... know this part very well); and that they dodge the "morality play" aspect of a criminal trial, in which upright civilization is vindicated and the community sees that the guilty are punished. Others see this as the major benefit of these pleas.

It's all a sham. The county keeps you in jail for 30-60-90 days on something you didn't do... they pile bills up against you for meds, food, etc., you start to feel the pressure... you have a piss poor attorney who's been assigned to "represent you" and doesn't talk to you or any of your witnesses for the first two thirds of your commitment, doubts what you have to say when she does eventually talk to your sorry ass and calls you everything but a liar when you claim innocence. Pretty much demanding you cop a guilty plea so she can "move on"... (thanks Deborah... damned good work... be proud!)

When you try to "flush" your (LOL) "attorney" the judge asks the "attorney" if she wishes to be flushed... and like the crappy turd she is she tells the judge she would like to remain on your case. The judge (in good faith... I'm assuming here that this judge is actually believing this attorney is "representing") denies the flush and the "attorney" (again, laughable) remains as the representative of your sorry, condemned, less than pillar of society ass.

...so you cop an Alford Plea... simply to get out of jail.

Damned good work Deborah Murphy, Thurston County, Washington State public "defender".

Be proud! Be damned proud! You'll certainly get your paycheck this month... but did you earn it?

I think not!

Skelly... thanks for the help... not!

But, I'm thinking you did try.

well, i knew better...

...yup, I knew better than to trust folks. Normally I do things on my own. I go out, do the job and get it done. I acquiesced to some folks that I shouldn't have... evidently.

I trusted when I shouldn't have.

I expected professional, unbiased responses.

In light of this I want to establish that the "pact" established earlier... much earlier is not so accomodating right now.

We've lived up to our agreements... THEY haven't.

So, when I return back home I'm going back to the slamming ways to get attention.

Oh yeah... I will name names and point fingers.

Phone calls are cheap.

this whole blog thing...

...must be contagious.

Yesterday, "Dad" and "Montana twin brother" stopped by for dinner. The conversation went from their trip, pictures, digital cameras and computers to blogging, in general.

Now Dad isn't any slouch when it comes to trying new things. Heck, we (he and I) broke into the computer world years ago. We'd used "word processors" prior to the day when word processors were actually popular... We'd tinkered with "Montana twin brother's" Commodore system and in 1983 Dad and I each purchased our own tape driven computers... the type that had to be connected to black and white televisions. Everything we did involved typing strings of commands in CP/M, BASIC (which was stored on tape) to get the computer to do anything.

The computer, keyboard, printer and tapes (one was a blank tape for "storage" and the other was the "program" tape)cost more (comparison wise approximately $600.00 back then) than the lightning fast cpu's bundled with printers, scanners, flat screens, keyboards and software we use today. It was manufactured by Coleco in 1983... called the Adam and could be used as a "stand alone" home computer system or as an "add on" to the Coleco game system. The bottom line... it was not user friendly... not at all.

So, why am I telling you this? Well, to let you know that Dad really never backs away from any new, innovative challenges... never. Actually, he embraces them. His hunger for information, for trying new, innovative things has always been one of his finer qualities. He has always led by example... that "follow me" type example as he sets out to master that which is new.

So, it didn't surprise me when he started asking me about "this blog thing... what is it?"

I tried to explain it to him... an online, running diary of sorts... an area where you post thoughts, happenings, experiences, jokes... anything your heart desires and your mind conjures up.

I tried to explain it but the more I tried to explain the more I realized I just wasn't being clear.

"Do you want a blog Dad?" I asked him.

"Yeah. Yeah, I think I do" he answered.

...and the rest is history. I grabbed the laptop, plopped it onto the dinner table logged onto my wireless router and hooked him up with blogspot. Within a couple of minutes he had his own blog and was posting his first post to it.

Not bad for an old fart!

This is just another bit of the internet evolution that happens daily... eh?

...and to think Al Gore caused all of this!

the old man...

...drove to Montana the other day.

Yup, hopped in the car and drove to Montana. 83 years old and he's scooting across three states to Great Falls, Montana.

Going there to visit one brother (the eldest... and he's old!) and bring back another (one of the twins) who's old too!

You see, I'm the youngest. At 53 years old I'm the youngest!

LOL!!!

They said it then... I can say it now...

A whole different meaning between then and now... youngest.

Anyways, Dad got back tonight with "Montana twin brother". They made the 16 hour trip in a bit under 14 hours.

Moses Lake is still suffering from the crosswinds, I'm sure.

The bottom line... it was good to have them here... home! "J" and I cooked up some food (I got to bbq)... shrimp, pork steak (I had salmon), acorn squash and condiments... all grilled... all gone.

So, we can rest easy tonight.

For once.

For awhile.

Thanks!

who wants to know what...

...about me?

Judging from these "statcounter" Recent Came From stats I'm believing someone's trying to learn more about me... hmmmm. Drop me an email and I'll try to accomodate you... within reason.

Here's the stats...

Date Time Came From Landing Page
19 Apr 20:34:20 http://caiunanet.blogspot.com/2006_04_01_caiunanet_archive.html http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
19 Apr 20:19:41 http://www.blogger.com/profile/6961366 http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
19 Apr 20:18:41 http://www.blogger.com/profile/6961366 http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
19 Apr 20:14:11 http://www.blogger.com/profile/6961366 http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
19 Apr 20:12:28 http://www.blogger.com/profile/6961366 http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
19 Apr 17:34:40 http://mynotsoperfectself.blogspot.com/ http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
19 Apr 16:57:04 http://www.blogger.com/profile/6961366 http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
19 Apr 16:56:50 http://www.blogger.com/profile/6961366 http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/

LOL... so covert.

UPDATE:

The IP address used in these profile searches... 134.39.244.81 is registered as follows:

Search results for: 134.39.244.81


OrgName: Center for Information Services
OrgID: CIS-70
Address: 3101 Northup Way, Suite 100
City: Bellevue
StateProv: WA
PostalCode: 98004
Country: US

NetRange: 134.39.0.0 - 134.39.255.255
CIDR: 134.39.0.0/16
NetName: CIS-1NET
NetHandle: NET-134-39-0-0-1
Parent: NET-134-0-0-0-0
NetType: Direct Assignment
NameServer: QUASAR.CTC.EDU
NameServer: APPLE.UW.WA-K20.NET
NameServer: CTC.CTC.EDU
Comment:
RegDate: 1992-06-02
Updated: 2001-10-22

RTechHandle: CA476-ARIN
RTechName: Administrator, CTC
RTechPhone: +1-425-803-9721
RTechEmail: ctcadmin@ctc.edu

OrgAbuseHandle: ABUSE135-ARIN
OrgAbuseName: Abuse Contact
OrgAbusePhone: +1-425-803-9721
OrgAbuseEmail: abuse@ctc.edu

OrgTechHandle: CA476-ARIN
OrgTechName: Administrator, CTC
OrgTechPhone: +1-425-803-9721
OrgTechEmail: ctcadmin@ctc.edu

...pretty interesting stuff here.

Oh yeah, and another side note...

The original "Anonymous" comment in response to my post on Sunday, April 09, 2006
entitled "we visited an inmate in the Thurston County jail..." came from IP: 66.102.15.83...

The comment Skelly left on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 11:23:36 PM in response to my "innocuous comments..." post came from IP: 66.102.15.83...

So that somewhat wraps up my original thought... either Anonymous is using Skelly's computer... or they're both the same person.

I know where I'd put my money... and I'm not really that much of a betting man.

At least he came out of hiding in his second post.

Now, to follow up on that voice mail...

Cathy...

...WOW!

Here's what Cathy posted to the comments section of Skelly's blog...

(Skelly quoted me re:) "I have every reason to believe…" I like that, very expert-sounding, but in fact, his defense attorney hasn't said anything of the sort.

Cathy:

"Aren't you inferring things that were not said? He didn't say that the defense attorney had said anything specific. He said that he "believed" that she would make a specific recommendation. Turns out he was right doesn't it? The defense attorney did exactly as he thought she would. Based on his experience he was able to predict exactly what would happen. I'm not sure why you or anyone else would take offense with the fact that the man had an opinion. Unless of course it's because his opinion shed a negative light on the position you hold in the legal system.

Sorry but being a Defense Attorney does not exempt you or anyone in your profession from criticism. If you are so bothered by it why not take it up with the multitude of Defense Attorneys out there who give the profession a bad name? Your time might be more productively spent doing that instead of ragging on some man who genuinely cares about his BIL. Go rag on those who might actually bring about change in the system instead of someone who no longer trusts the system due to a negative history with it.

"add the posting relative's speculation and expert opinion that bipolar is an affirmative defense,"

At no time has it been insinuated or even outright stated that bipolar is a defense. In my opinion you have quite the talent for twisting words around to make them mean what you want. The mere fact that he mentions that his BIL is bipolar does not translate into he should be given special treatment because of the fact. You pulled that implication out of thin air.

You know what impresses me? The fact that you are an over-worked Defense Attorney who has so much time for cruising the internet. Maybe the "unseemly amount of time" you spend searching the internet would be better spent working on that heavy case load you have. I'm sure your clients would appreciate your unseemly interest in their cases. But, hey, if you would rather search the internet and rag on people who are concerned about their relatives that is your business. Just as it is his business to be concerned and to express his concerns.

Seriously, don't you think this entire post and the question of whether or not you should have shared what you had found with the other attorney a bit sophomoric? It smacks of something you would expect from a high school kid, not an adult and especially not a member of the profession you are in. I would think you people would have better things to do than spend time discussing the fact that a perfect stranger has a negative opinion about your chosen profession. Then again, maybe you don't huh?
Cathy | Homepage | 04.19.06 - 12:39 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thank you Cathy! Thank you...

I wasn't sure I was making sense with my posts and I thought we were in this alone.

Thank you.

On a side note, I did have a fleeting bit of encouragement today but it fell through re: a possible ear... someone who I thought might listen. Oh well.

An update: I went to bpbil's arraignment today. He tried to dismiss Ms. Murphy as his public defender but the judge wouldn't allow it. Although the judge did offer Ms. Murphy an opportunity to "remove herself" from representing bpbil... she refused. She wanted to remain as his counsel.

...this is a travesty. An attorney who refuses to work with "the accused"... an attorney who will not discuss his case with him yet is force fed to him by the court! By the judge!

After she stated she wanted to remain as his counsel the judge then announced (with a chuckle) "Then you're still his counsel!"

It's all a sham...

After that he proceeded to chastise bpbil... telling him that the judge hearing his case would most likely "lock you up and throw away the key" based upon his prior criminal history.

Now that's an unbiased statement, eh?

Obviously, the judge was close to intimidating bpbil into copping the plea of guilty for something bpbil claims he didn't do... Innocent until proven guilty???

I will say bpbil continued to profess his innocence to the judge... something he's never done in the past. It fell on deaf ears.

When bpbil opted for a trial the judge told him he was entitled to a trial but he was obviously annoyed.

I know. I watched the proceedings through that point. Prior to hearing bpbil the judge was very animated, jovial, even entertaining at times. He was fun to watch... until bpbil appeared (on camera) and opted to "dismiss" his attorney. Then the judge's mood changed. It was no longer that pleasant, everyday jovial judge mood but an almost threatening, annoyed, chastising judge mood.

"You're going to lose" attitude by the judge followed by the affirmative nodding of Ms. Murphy, bpbil's "public defender".

They're willing to send bpbil up for years on misdemeanors... "lock him up and throw away the key... a long, long time." because he has a "bad record". Not based on the merits or facts obtained but based upon his prior history! Things he's already served time for that has nothing to do with these... allegations.

Piss poor follow up on the allegations though!

Where's the justice here.

Coupled with this was another charge of assault... three days prior, on March 19th. It's obvious they're going to try to bury bpbil in the system.

My question is if there was an alleged assault on the 19th of March... three days prior to the "original" charges why did his wife wait so long to report it? Why wasn't it reported at the time... much like the other ones were reported. Was she fabricating this assault much like the assault she admitted to "J", Donna (J's now deceased mother who actually despised bpbil's wife) and I to having fabricated back in 2002? Admitted over and over and over again... with what we thought was genuine remorse.

There are witnesses as to what bpbil was doing on the 19th of March and it had nothing to do with associating with his... wife... who is far, far less a person than bpbil's son's mother... the addict and alcoholic from Georgia.

No one seems to be asking these questions... no one seems to be following up on this information to confirm whether or not these assaults actually did occur. But then again, why would they? They have a convicted felon accused of a crime here. He has to be guilty! Look at his record.

They're simply taking his... wife's... (that's so damned hard to say... "his wife's." I can't believe he married that thing) word for everything.

I'd say put him on the box... polygraph him. He's offered to do it... so do it!

Then, offer it to her and her... offspring and trolls.

For what it's worth.

kathy's post on skelly's blog...

...was a bit intriguing.

Sorry all... bear with me. I'm a bit pre-occupied right now.

Kathy, you posted this on Skelly's blog.

"i appreciate when family members are coming through to support the client -- but sometimes fillial love doesn't take into account things like evidence. [then, there are the other times when family members just don't want to be bothered, even if they are witnesses.]

there is just no question that lawyers in the criminal system are overloaded. in a lot of ordinary trial-level cases, to tell the truth, there is not that much to argue about. defense lawyers don't hold some kind of magic "get out of jail" card.

but defense lawyers do have some magic. you want a trial? you get a trial -- even if you are likely to lose on the facts, and get a whole lot more time. we fight to get the state's evidence. we research and do the best we can to find out when that evidence is questionable and unreliable. we keep the state from cheating, or else explain how they are cheating. we look for witnesses, and work with them. we lose sleep trying to write the best arguments we can for the jury, or for the court.

we share our stories and problems, and brainstorm how best to help the client. because that is the whole deal -- how best to help the client.
kathy a | 04.18.06 - 4:55 pm | #"

I truly want to believe that you would "fight to get the state's evidence... research and do the best (sic) to find out when that evidence is questionable and unreliable."

I would love to believe that you "keep the state from cheating, or else explain how they are cheating."

I would embrace your idea of "look(ing) for witnesses, and work(ing) with them."

Re: sleep... what is that?

But, overall... the best and most encouraging comment you made was "we share our stories and problems, and brainstorm how best to help the client. because that is the whole deal -- how best to help the client."

If you believe... if you truly believe this stuff that you posted then step up to the plate and prod your fellow Public Defenders along with you... because, from what I'm hearing this just "ain't the case"... though I'm sure from your post that you're well intended.

Drop an email if you feel the urge to.

What I'm basically saying is justice ain't happening with bi-polar brother in law. His "Public Defender" made up her mind long before she ever talked with him.

...and it isn't "how best to help the client."

innocuous comments...

...from those who look upon us as Blog slaggers.

Did you know that if you write a post that might slight a public defender you're known as a blog slagger in their language. Of course, we're viewed as lesser humans... I've already experienced these conversations between public defenders and deputy prosecutors. True... family and witnesses for the accused are viewed as lesser humans, liars... those who will do anything... say anything to keep their family, friend from copping a plea.

Read the comments posted by those who read Skelly's blog regarding bi-polar brother in law...

Hell, read the comment by Mr. or Ms. Anonymous to this blog...

...I'll post it:

"Anonymous said...
"money hungry lawyers" Are you serious? Do you know how much a public defender makes? I can assure you, PDs are about as far away from being money hungry as social workers and non-profit workers. They're in the trenches, doing the Lord's work. As are Prosecutors, doing the Lord's work, and not "money hungry" either.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 3:02:44 PM"

You know, there was a day when I actually believed that. Early in my career I actually believed that these people... these attorneys were hard working, truth seeking, compassionate human beings who were working for the good of the accused... seeking justice for them and their cause.

Yeah, there was that day until I was invited into their conversations... their drunken discussions about this idiot or that idiot... discussions about how the public defender would love to get into the wife's or girlfriend's pants... or how the deputy prosecutor would laugh... screaming laughter with the public defender... back slapping, drink spilling laughter... bragging about how they flushed another one.

"He might not have done this one but he's done enough of the other stuff to make up for it!" or...

"He deserves it... don't worry about it. You did a good job with what little you had."... and then they laugh together... drink together.

This makes my skin crawl... it made it crawl then and it makes it crawl now.

I know there's some damned fine attorneys out there. Damned fine attorneys who are damned fine human beings and definitely know how to do their job! I just haven't seen too many around here lately. Not on this Thurston County criminal and family court side anyways. At least not any of those I've seen within the past three years.

Nope. It's either money or plead... no compromise.

I would think that an attorney who is interested in determining whether an "accused" (note they really don't refer to any "accused" as a "client" in the Public Defenders realm) actually committed the offense he/she was accused of committing would be interested in obtaining information from those who would be close to the entire situation. Those who have observed behaviors on all sides.

I would think the Public Defender would be interested in discussing the particulars of the case with the accused... at least!

That does not include discussing the accused's case with the accusers... no one on the accused's behalf... absolutely no one... and then visiting the accused and demanding that he plead guilty or she'll "tell the judge that (the accused) has a bad attitude!"

That's uncalled for!

Where's the representation here?

And the childish accusations of lies... I've been accused of lying to this woman I've never met... never talked to...

Hell, I haven't tried to contact her. I gave up on her when she suggested bi-polar brother in law cop a plea (yeah skelly... "cop a plea") because I knew she wasn't going to listen. I knew she was only interested in clearing this file from her "in basket" or "to do" list.

...and you know what? Skelly and company proved me right. Their comments are about my posts, about me being "an extremely disgruntled family member of an incarcerated accused."

They don't question my intent... the possibility that there might be a valid claim here. They don't entertain the possibility that there's some merit to what is being said.

No, instead they circle the wagons, light the bonfire, gather around and chatter to one another about those big bad slaggers out there who want to burst bubbles... who want to expose their little c'est la vis world for what it is...

Nope... instead I get an anonymous post. I will say that the anonymous poster did provide me with the path back to skelly's blog though... and I do thank him/her for that because now I know I'm being read... for what it's worth.

Perhaps one of those damned fine attorneys out there who happens to read Skelly's blog might... just might take up an interest and get the urge to put the puzzle together, listen to some history... facts, rather than insist the accused "cop a plea" or be branded to the judge as having a "bad attitude".

No, I'm not covert... not covert at all. I have a name... he gave it to you. I have a phone number, I have email. My wife even called your office once... weeks ago. We're still waiting for your return call.

Pathetic...

That's what this whole Thurston County "Public Defenders" thing is... pathetic.

If you want respect seek the facts, truths. If you want an apology do your job.

musta hit a nerve...

...judging from the increased frequency of visits, etc. to the blog by attorneys and the likes.

The following is an excerpt from a blog authored by an attorney who claims on his blog to be a colleague of bi-polar brother in law's "Public Defender".

"April 17, 2006
Blog slag - advice wanted

My defense-inclined sistren and brethren:

You know I spend an unseemly amount of time browsing the various search engines for the latest tidings of public defender joy from the internets.

Usually I share the day's most angst-inducing examples with you. Usually I'm more than ready to link you to an ignorant post that pisses me off, say, one that contains the phrase "Tomorrow he goes to trial for his 3rd offense DUI and plans to have his public defender ( not a lawyer, just a public defender)..." or "So i am freaking out a lil bit.. becuase i did not have the money for a real lawyer i got a public defender..(free lawyer) which i dont really trust them..."Charmed I'm sure.

Tonight, though, I found a post slagging a criminal defense colleague and naming names, written by an extremely disgruntled family member of an incarcerated accused. I'm not linking, but here's the flavor:

His "Defense Attorney"... just wants him to "cop a plea..."

These attorneys are, for the most part very eager to settle the case. With exceptions, they're normally not the sharpest knife in the drawer...

Lather, rinse, repeat.

So I'm asking for your comments here. Do I share this link with my colleague (I like this colleague)? Would you want to know? Would you just as soon not know?

Update: Thanks to everyone for the good comments and advice. Today I did give the link to my colleague, who took the news much better than I would. Was amused in fact. Shared the printed-out post with other colleagues in fact. We crim-def types are a thick-skinned lot.
Posted by: Skelly / 7:11 PM Comments (12) | Trackback (0)"

Now, being as he shared a link to this blog for all of his defense-inclined sistren and brethren to link back here I think I've garnered some attention for bi-polar brother in law by (at least) someone over there at the Public Defender's office... but then again... maybe not.

Bi-polar brother in law told me she visited him this afternoon... wanted to know who his covert brother in law is... covert??? Where'd she get that from? He told her and she evidently went off on him because he also told her he wasn't pleading guilty to the fourth degree assault (see, I knew she'd try to get him to plead).

Update: I shared the blog information with bi-polar brother in law... (which, by the way is not a defense... bi-polar disorders. We never said it was, never said it should be... I just call him that because I really don't want to post his name all over the 'net so it's my way of identifying him to this blog's readers.)

Anyways, I shared the blog information with him and let him know it was visited... which most likely prompted her visit to him.

Now, if you want to read the other blogger's blog here's the link... You'll get the full gist of the conversation. Be sure to read the "comments" and note that I didn't post anonymously, covertly (lol... that's funny!).

what's the thought...

...behind some of the queries???

I was checking "Recent Keyword Activity" and received the following information from StatCounter today.

I'm wondering what really is behind some of these searches... particularly the one on 8 Apr 14:54:25.

...so I had to see what else came up in their search. LOL!!! I never knew they made those things!!!

Anyway, it's pretty rugged.

So, here's the list. Much of it is self explanatory...

...now, I'm going off to do that search again.

Enjoy!

-10 Apr 15:07:39 search.yahoo.com cysts on knuckles http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-10 Apr 15:06:58 search.yahoo.com cysts on knuckles http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-10 Apr 14:07:27 www.google.com liquidlogic manta ray alabama http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-9 Apr 00:28:37 www.google.com fishing kayaks liquidlogic manta ray http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-8 Apr 17:37:47 search.msn.com why do my knuckles hurt http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-8 Apr 14:54:25 search.msn.com bi-polar butt plug http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-8 Apr 09:42:14 www.google.com http://fyrcop.blogspot.com http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-7 Apr 20:49:07 www.google.com driving colville to spokane http://fyrcop.blogspot.com/
-7 Apr 19:39:05 search.msn.com type of car i am 2006/01/what-type-of-car-am-i.html
-7 Apr 09:41:16 search.msn.com how to mix vinegar & honey 2005/04/honey-vinegar-water-and-green-tea.html
-5 Apr 07:48:30 search.msn.com proof that elvis is alive 2005/10/hes-alive.html
-4 Apr 21:03:42 search.msn.com honey and vinegar for weight loss 2005/04/honey-vinegar-water-and-green-tea.html
-4 Apr 11:16:06 search.msn.com vinegar&honey 2005/04/honey-vinegar-water-and-green-tea.html
-3 Apr 19:10:33 search.msn.com drinking apple cider vinegar for hair loss 2005/04/honey-vinegar-water-and-green-tea.html
-3 Apr 18:40:14 search.msn.com raw oyster preparation 2006/01/eating-raw-oysters.html
-3 Apr 11:53:04 search.msn.com what type of car am i? 2006/01/what-type-of-car-am-i.html
-3 Apr 11:45:46 search.msn.com what type of car am i? 2006/01/what-type-of-car-am-i.html
-3 Apr 09:43:07 search.msn.com hobo spider pics 2005/09/is-it-hobo-spider-or-isnt-it.html
-31 Mar 12:40:12 search.msn.com vinegar and honey 2005/04/honey-vinegar-water-and-green-tea.html
-31 Mar 09:08:38 search.msn.com type of soul 2006/02/what-type-of-soul-am-i.html

I encourage you to take some of these "searches" yourself just to see what comes up. Darned interesting... some of this stuff.

a letter from an inmate...

...at the Thurston County Jail.

We got a letter yesterday from bi-polar brother in law. The return address was clear. It was scribbled in pencil but it was clear...

Bill (Last name I won't post)-D-11
T.C.S.O.
2000 Lakeridge Dr.
Olympia, WA. 98502

On the right upper corner of the envelope... a metered stamp... and a note scribbled in pencil.

Indigent

and then in the center, front of the envelope

...our address.

On the back of the envelope there was a "Smiley Face" with the words Have A Nice Day scribbled in pencil above it...

...and this stamped in bold!

"THIS WAS MAILED BY AN INMATE
CONFINED AT THURSTON COUNTY
CORRECTIONS FACILITY. ITS
CONTENTS ARE UNCENSORED."

Inside of the envelope was the letter... I think the first letter I've ever received from bi-polar brother in law.

...the letter which stated the following...

"Dear “J” & “D”,

I thought I’d write you a letter to let you know what’s really going on in Thurston County! The legal system. Because of extremely high case loads the Attorneys, Prosecutors and judges are not following criminal rules and procedures according to Washington State and U. S. constitutional laws.

Right now over 300 cases are scheduled for trial before May, 2006. Since there is no possible way to try these cases within their scheduled time, out of desperation Prosecutors, attorneys and judges are denying defendants their constitutional rights to a fair and speedy trial. Attorneys with the cooperation of judges are continuing these cases for any and all reasons, without the defendants consent or knowledge.

As a result, defendants without having a chance to prove their innocence in a timely manner are losing their jobs, homes and have lost the ability to care for their families. Even though the purpose of the law is to punish criminals, while at the same time allowing citizens to prove their innocence this is not the case in Thurston County.

One of the main reasons for the amount of cases is the fact that anything can be constituted as probable cause. Without proper investigation or information, defendants who have been arrested are held with extremely high bail. Many of them who cannot afford bail are forced to remain in custody because of their financial status. We are prejudiced by a judicial system which discriminates on the basis of social and economic classification.

Another reason for the overcrowding in jails and courtrooms is the Prosecutors are compounding charges exceeding the Crimes allegedly committed. Multiple charges are stacked for the same criminal conduct and are used for ammunition by the Prosecutors for Plea Bargaining.

Although 90% of the defendants have court appointed attorneys which are handling 3 times the Washington State Bar associations recommended guidelines for cases many of the private attorneys who have been practicing for years in Thurston County are going along with these practices and cooperating with the Prosecutors by intimidating their clients into not going to trial, but instead persuading the clients to take a Plea Bargain. Attorneys are allowed to retain large sums of $ for little or no work at all.

The practice of stacking multiple charges and repeatedly continuing cases are forcing the accused to make uninformed decisions out of desperation to agree to Plea agreements instead of going to trial. It is also a common practice for both parties to conference with judges regarding decisions before relaying all of the facts to the defendant. Although it is quite apparent, several honest Attorneys and officers of the court have confirmed this information.

Another unscrupulous method used to prevent cases from going to trial is the withholding of discovery. This leaves the client in the dark about facts concerning their cases. Most public and private defenders in these cases refuse to keep in contact with their clients and rarely prepare cases to go to trial. In hopes of attaining a Plea Bargain all these factors contribute to Clients accepting Plea Bargains regardless of guilt. Sentencing guidelines are misrepresented and judges commonly impose sentences outside of the Standard Range of Charges Plead to them. The judge refuses to allow defendant to withdraw their plea even if the sentence was a lot more than the Prosecutor and client agreed to.

Judges also do not allow defendants to appear Pro Se to enable the County to remain in complete control of Proceedings. These are just a few of the court abuses of discretion. We are having our rights injured and abused.

Recently a great deal of attention has been drawn to Thurston County and it still continues making its own Rules of justice. This Problem needs to be brought to the attention of the Federal Government.

The Feds need to take over here!

I am also including my 1 Doctor Visit Bill. I guess it’s not too bad for getting nothing done about my feet and medical problems.

Well I’ll call you or
Or talk to you soon,

Love Bill

P.S. I am in here because of being ignorant.
All this because of a liar.
Liar Liar go to hell too!

I should of learned the first time"

A simple letter...

...raises questions, makes people wonder...

what exactly is going on!

And, what's the hardest part about all of this is that "The Wife" and I know what happened this time and in the past with his wife. Most of which she admitted to us herself.

Yet we can't get anyone to pay any attention to us.

...assigned defense attorney just wants him to "cop a plea"

...prosecution just wants him to "bargain"

...judge just wants him to "appear and submit!"

and all of this to occur before 5:00 p.m.

Sick justice!

Too much power, too few empowered, too little justice, no balance.

Go figure.