AND THE WINNER IS
14/05/05 06:56 PM
Ever have a bout with with your local Assessor concerning the value of your home. The citizenry here, and there about, have been up in arms over the assessment of their homes and property. I can't say that I blame them, some of them had every right to be. I believe all of them did. It's a wonder that they didn't tar and feather the poor souls and run them out of town.
One fellow's assessment went from $24,000 to over $80,000. WOW! That's over 300% increase. Where are they coming from??? Just about everyone had an astronomical increase.
Not everyone, Frisco and I had a $4,300 increase in the assessment of our home and property. When we first received our notification of the assessment we shrugged our shoulders and I remarked, "Everybody wants my money". Frisco didn't seem to think that it was to much out of line, so being the good citizens we are, we did not want to set up an appointment to protest the assessment.
After talking to a few more of my influential contacts, I discovered that 95% of my surrounding neighbors were all assessed less that we were.
"Wait a minute", I said, "They can't do that to me. I"m the eldest man in the neighborhood - and to boot, I'm handicapped and unable to work". They all had larger homes than Fran and I, a few of them even have swimming pools. I jumped into my trusty little Jeep and drove over to the town hall to join the masses.
I got there just in time, as they were about to cease taking appointments. I did manage to get my name of the list, and they gave me an appointment for 1045 hours this morning.
When Frisco and I arrived for our appointment, we were shocked. There must have been 20 to 25 people sitting and standing in the passage outside the assessor's office. I said to Fran, "Holy smokes, we'll be here a month of Sundays before we get in to see him. Why in hell did they give us an appointment?"
A kind old lady said sadly, "We don't have an appointment. If you have one, go see the young lady by the door, she'll take care of you".
I did as see suggested, and the young lady wanted to know what time my appointment was scheduled for. I told her, "Right now, our appointment is
for 10:45 a.m., We're here."
"Stand here in the corner, Mr. Rogers," (she must have known me) "You will be going in next," she informed me. I call for Frisco to come and join me and it was just a matter of minutes before the young lady told us to go in.
I took one look at the guy and said to myself, "Oh boy, we got a fight on our hands". He didn't look to happy, and I don't blame him, who wants to hear all the complaints being thrown your way.
At any rate he asked if we had our assessment letter, and Fran handed it to him. He punched us up on the computer and said, "Do you think your assessment is too high? What was the purchase price of your home when you bought it?"
Fran told him, and in the same breath said, "Would you purchase our home for your assessment price?" She caught him off guard, and after a moment he said, "I would have to see it first."
We then informed him that all of our neighbors homes are larger than ours, that some even have swimming pools, but that all of them are assessed lower than we are. At that moment, before he could speak a word, Frisco handed him a slip of paper showing our neighbors names and the amount of their assessments.
He looked them over, checked a few to be sure they were correct and said, "I see you did your homework. Would you be happy if I lowered it to last year's assessment?'"
"Yes", we replied, "we can live with that."
"Consider it done" he said smilingly. He knew had met him match.
What had happened in this case, I understand, is that they farmed the assessments out to some firm that didn't even bother to view the properties and, to boot. their computers goofed up and went wlld. I know one thing for sure, they have one hell of a mess on their hands.
Those waiting in the hall were relieved when they saw Frisco and I exit the office with smiles on our faces. At least they knew that they have a fighting chance. Mistakes happen in life, but if they can be rectified, all's well that ends well.
I don't mind paying taxes, I just don't like to be taken advantage of. Nobody does!
In this case Frisco and I, hit 'em with a right, then hit 'em with a left and blinded him with our flashy footwork.
AND THE WINNER IS: Sailor Jack and his lovely bride, Frisco Fran!!!
What an exciting Saturday, I hope to enjoy the rest of the weekend. Wish me and my committee good fortune on Monday when we consult with the sculptor I have been telling you about. This is sure to give us a big shot in the arm. I have invited 4 TV stations and 3 newspapers to be here for a news conference pertaining to our World War II Memorial honoring all veterans from the Canastota School District that served honorably in the armed forces of our nation during World War II. I am really excited, things are being to roll. We will break ground right after Memorial Day.
Good night all you bloggers out there. I enjoy my evenings with you. God Bless - Keep the Faith -- Sailor Jack
PUT ON A HAPPY FACE
13/05/05 08:55 PM
Another good day. Started early this morning, almost before sunrise. I couldn't sleep after 0500, I laid there for another hour when Frisco arose to start her day. My mind was working, and it was a losing battle trying to get back to sleep. The cat climbed on the bed and did her best to roust me out of the sack. "You win", I told her as my feet hit the deck.
Had my bowl of cereal, and a hard boiled egg for breakfast. I scanned the headlines in the morning paper, and then checked in on Commander Dave to see what he was up to. I left my homeport here, shortly after 0800, sent to the Post Office to drop off an advanced copy of our Memorial Day program to Colonel Howard. i thought it might be of some help to him if he knew in advance just what was going to transpire that morning.
I then proceeded on Friday's normal Plan of the Day. Went to the "Y", did my thing - then to Wal Mart to greet all the crew, and made sure that they were all turning to with a "clean sweep down, fore and aft."
While I was strolling about the premises I came upon a display of wicker baskets. Their original price was $30, they had been marked down to $15.00, and I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.
That little fella, with the BIG yellow, round, face was busy cutting prices. He had just up a sign that read: "SPECIAL" $5.00.
"What a deal". I said to myself. "I think Frisco would like to have one of them." So I stopped back after my cruise and picked one up for her. I was thinking, "Should I buy another one? She may like it,". I talked myself out of it, and called it a morning. I was done by 1000 hours, and set my course to, wait to you hear this, Wampsville, NY. Yes, Wampsville. Isn't that an exquisite name?
Wampsville, is our county seat. I went to pay a visit to the Veterans Agency to check on about 7 or 8 names that were duplicated on our Memorial List of WWII veterans. Only 3 were actually duplicated, and will have to be deleted from our list.
I was glad that I made the port call there, because I was able to obtain the middle initials of the other individuals that were duplicated. Now they can tell who's who by the middle initial.
After I departed the Veterans Agency I went to the Town Hall to inform Lois that last evening our Honor Guard, at the Legion, voted to support our project on the Memorial and donated $500.00 to it. I also informed Lois that I made a presentation at our general membership meeting on the project and they were impressed with our progress and pledged $1,000.00 (I like to see "0's" ) to be paid through the proceeds of the first 4 breakfasts we hold this Fall. That means we will probably get $l,500, or more, depending on how large the crowd of breakfast clubbers are.
I'll promote the breakfasts, informing the citizenry of this Village that the proceeds are for the War Memorial. That will be bring them in.
After I left Lois, I set sail for my home port. Frisco was delighted to see the wicker basket, and when I told her it was only $5.00, she immediately said, "Why didn't you get two?" I knew, I just knew that she was going to say that. If I had brought home 2, she would have said, "Why in the dickens did to purchase 2 of them?"
As it turned out, we climbed back in my Jeep Liberty, and went back to Wal Mart. We came home with 2 more. That made 3 of them. At least, I made her day.
When we arrived back home she prepared our lunch of cottage cheese , and sliced canned pears on a blanket of Escarole. After I finished my lunch I sat down to relax and play some solitary on the computer. Within 15 minutes I couldn't hold my head up any longer. I made a shot for my favorite resting place to take a nap. I no sooner laid down and I remembered I was going to call my older sister, Isabel, who lives in Spokane Springs, Washington. I have been meaning to do it for the past 10 days, but I was so involved with the Memorial Day and working on the War Memorial Project that I kept forgetting.
I immediate arose and headed for the galley to get the phone. The local time here was 1315 hours. In Spokane it was 1015 hours. My sister, God love her, is 86 years old. She has brace on her leg and has a mobile wheel cart, the kind you see on TV. Mind you it is only l0:15 A.M. My brother in law, Ray, who is 89 years of years, answers the phone. He was my best man at our wedding 50 years ago. We had a nice long chat and I finally got around to asking him how my Sis was.
I asked him, "Is she still asleep?' He said, "Oh No!! She and Cheryl (her daughter) had already left for Bingo and won't be home until late tonight." She loves her Bingo. God Bless her, more power to her. Ray will give her a hug and kiss for me and I'll try again next week to call her.
I retreated from the galley, and finally laid down for my nap. it was now 1400 hours and I slept hard until l600 hours when I woke up and asked Frisco "What time is it?"
"Supper time," she said, "get you're shoes on" "Aye, Aye Ma'm," I replied, "I 'm at your service."
I threw some hot water on my face and eyes and we headed over to Anne Marie's Family Diner for our usual Friday night dinner.
I had to leave you for a few minutes. Commander Dave, gave us a ring on i chat, and I was happy to hear from him. I had a list of minor changes to the War Memorial List, and I wanted him to walk me through the changes. It's ready now, if this was the time to send it to whoever is going to do the inscribing. There are more names that will probably be added before the deadline of 31 July gets here. So far we have requests from 4 individuals that have submitted their discharge papers and are seeking to have their names added. Three of them are qualified, and one is not. The committee still have to review them and give their approval. We may receive a few more before the deadline expires.
As you can see, I lead a very exciting life. I enjoy it most when I have something to keep me busy. I know that Frisco is pleased that I have shown so much energy lately working on both the upcoming Memorial Day service and the War Memorial. My heart is with my fellow veterans, young and old. We are a band of brothers, and sisters.
This nations has been at war since December 7, 1941. The men and women who have answered this country's call to arms are the most dedicated individuals this nation has ever had. It is too bad that those who lead us down the pathway of military warfare, do not keep the solemn promises they have made to those who must bear the burden of battle. Veterans benefits, that were solemn promises are being denied.
At the beginning of hostilities they promise you the world. When your tour is over, you end up losing the benefits that should be rightfully yours. Veterans and military retirees must pass a means test, annually, and make co-payments for medications that at one time were provided for a very little, or no cost.
I am not going to harp on this subject. It is shame - when this government, who ask, and expect you to put your life on the line, and they in return can turn their backs on you, in your hour of need.
Good night, good people. God Bless - Keep the Faith, Sailor Jack
WE HAVE A SPEAKER
11/05/05 09:54 PM
It's been a long day. It started out fine, and things just got better as the day went on. I won't bore you with the details. It will suffice to say that most of you already know my daily routine, so let just skip the morning activities.
I did pick up Frisco at 1200 hours, at the conclusion of their quilt group meeting. Just bebore picking up Fran I stopped at the Town Hall and visited with Lois, our treasurer. She informed me that we received a donation from the Knights of Columbus for our memoral. It was indeed nice of them. I am a Past Grand Knight of our Council and a 4th Degree member of our Assembly.
I had Lois check in on Commander Dave's web site to view the pictures I have on my old web site of Nagasaki that were taken by me in September of '45. She was astonished at the total destruction of the city. Can't say I blame her, let's hope and pray we never have to utilize that weapon again.
I also brought her a copy of the up to date list of names that are to be inscribed on the memorial. I have a short meeting tomorrow night with the committee to pick up any questions that they would like answered by the scluptor.
When I arrived back home I e-mailed a woman (I believe it's a woman) from Wisconsin who had e-mailed me. She was in search of information about a name on our War Memorial List. She thought that perhaps it could be her grandfather. I contacted the family of that name, who liive in Canastota, to see if they were related to the name of the individual on our list. As it turned out, they were not. The last names are the same, but no relaltionship.
I then looked in the phone book and came up with 10 different families, scattered all around Centeral New York, and wrote down their addresses and forwarded them to her. Perhaps this might be of some help to her. I hope so.
I then e-mailed another woman at Fort Drum, NY who works in the Public Affairs Office. I have been corresponding with her since Febuary. At that time I requested a guest speaker for our Memorial Day Services. Knowing the government, I knew I had better start early. I learned that from 23 years of military life. Hurry up and Wait! I contacted her early in February, and it took until May 10th to get my request approved. I'm a patient man, and she was doing all she could to arrange a speaker.
We have been assigned a Lieutenant Colonel from the 10th Mountain Division. He served 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan, and is also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, the 1st Iraqi war. He is an Army Ranger, the tough and ready guys.
I had to send the best route to Canastota from Fort Drum to him. It is about a 2 hour drive, but it's an easy and direct route to town. He won't get llost.
I see, and hear that they had to evacuate the White House, and the Capital Building, when a "Bogey" showed up on he radar screens this afternoon. I guess the system works, they intercepted a small plane flying in a restricted air space. Good show - we can't afford to take chances.
We have a well trained military, the world's best. When something like this happens everyone concerned begins thinking about, and talkng to the Supreme Commander of us all. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I would like to share with you a prayer that has been with me since my days in "Boot Camp".
THE PRAYER OF A NAVY MAN
Almighty Father, whose way is in the sea and whose paths are in the great waters, whose command is over all and whose love never faileth: Let me be aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true in my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and in deed, and helping me as to live that I can stand unashamed and unafraid before my shipmates, my loved ones, and Thee. Protect those in whose love I live. Give me the will to do the work of a man and to accept my share of responsibilities with a strong heart and a cheerful mind. Make me faithful to the duties my country has intrusted to me. Let my uniform remind me daily of the traditions of the service of which I am a part. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith, if I am tempted, make me strong to resist. If I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and keep before me the life of Him by whose example and help I trust to obtain the answer to my prayer. Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
There it is, you have it. The prayer that has guided me throughout my life. I am an old pack rat, I never throw anything away. That prayer has been with me for 61 years. The paper on which it appears is yellow with age, but the words are as strong, if not stronger today, as they were then.
I am not attempting to convert anyone to my way of life. I only know that it was through Him, His Blessings and, His love for me, that I am still here today. Keep the Faith good people. God Bless and pray for peace. -- Sailor Jack
A PLEA FOR SUCCESS
09/05/05 09:00 PM
I had a rather busy day today. I arose at 0700 hours, had a quick breakfast and dropped an e-mail to our treasurer, Lois Brown. I had reminded her that her boss, our town supervisor, had to be at the memorial site at 12 noon for a newspaper photo shot. I got to the "Y" just after 0800 completed all my exercise routine and made a beeline for Wal Mart where I walked around for 45 minutes.
Returned home and gave my body a rest for approximately 45 minutes, made a quick change of clothes and went over to get our picture taken for the article that will appear in the Neighbor Magazine section of this Thursday's edition of the Syracuse Post Sandard. I returned home and had a tuna fish salad for lunch and sat down and telephone the three major TV stations in Syracuse.
I talked with their assignment editors, and they all seemed very interested in our project. They agreed with me that having a noted sculptor, that was born and raised in our area, as a consultant on our memorial was indeed newsworthy. I am confident that at least one of the three will send a camera crew. Perhaps all three stations will see fit to give us some air time. I will take what we can get. Every bit helps.
I want to thank my son, Commander Dave, for the plug he gave my web site. He linked up my old web site with the pictures I had taken at Nagasaki in September 1945. One of these days I'll be bright enough to figure all the in and outs of blogging. I guess thats what you call it.
Frisco and I had to go to the Legion tonight for our shuffleboard tournament. We played at 1800 hours and we had one heck of a close game. It couldn't have been closer. We were trailing by 14 points when we made a tremendous comeback. All to no avail, we lost the game. Final score 21-20. It was fun though, everyone was watching the game. It was a hard one to lose, but someone has to win.
This week is really going to be a busy one for me. Thursday I have 4 places I must be at. I have an audience with the school superintendent in the morning concerning the recruitment of the entire student body in our fund raising efforts. In the early evening I have three meetings I have to attend. One with our American Legion Honor Guard concerning the schedule for our Memorial Day program, immediately after that I meet with the Memorial Committee to discuss the upcoming meeting with the sculptor. I have asked each member of the committee to write down any question that they want, pertaining to the memorial. I will attempt to get an answer for them. Last, but not least, is our general membership meeting. It's election night and we will be voting on a slate of officers for the year 2005-06.
Never a dull moment, in the life of Sailor Jack.
I was watching the evening news and I stand corrected. I had posted that there were 12 million people in the armed forces during World War II. The commentator, of ABC News, was paying tribute to our fighting forces, and he mentioned the fact that over 16 million Americans fought in that war. He also alluded to the fact that there are only 3.7 million of them left. We are indeed a dying breed.
I am so proud that I have a hand in honoring all veterans, living and dead, that served our country in a very dire time of our lives. The citizens of this area should be commended for their outstanding tribute to their loved ones, and friends, who fought and served in World War II.
I have received several letters from donors thanking the committee for our efforts to memorialize those who served. Our committee in return thanks them for their generous donations. We have a long ways to go, but with a top notch sculptor in our corner, I am confident that our mission will be accomplished.
The American people are a people of great compassion. They always rise to a challenge, and will never shrink their duty. This memorial will be a lasting tribute to the men and women who left their homes, their farms and their families to fight a treacherous foe in far off lands. It is my hope that the families of those who's names will appear on this memorial, will donate to this cause memorializing the names of their father, their grandfather, their uncles and other members of their family. If each of them were to contribute a donation, large or small, success would be assured.
If I sound like I am making a plea for funds, I guess I am. It is not a necessity, nor is it a prerequisite, for having the name of a loved one inscribed on the memorial. I would prefer it to be, a plea for success.
The time is closing in on 2100 hours, (remember, that's 9 p.m.) I hope I didn't bore you too much this evening. When I sit down for an evening chat, I have no idea as to what will come off my finger tips. I just like to talk, I hope it makes sense.
By the way, also on the same newscast, they reported that a Pentagon official was quoted as saying, something in the words of, "The insurgents seem to be getting stronger. I don't know if we can win this thing or not."
When asked if we were losing this war, he replied something like, "We may be, I don't know. Our country will be fighting them for many years."
Why in hell didn't they ask me? I predicted even before the war started., that we would be making the biggest mistake in the history of our country if we invade Iraq. I predicted that the Arabs would NOT tolerate American forces on Arab land. That we would be enticing a Holy War that will make the 100 year war look like a cake walk. Just about everything I predicted is coming to pass.
We have now surpassed 1600 casualties in Iraq, not counting those in Afghanistan. Where in the dickens did President Bush come off declaring in a photo Op, aboard aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, back in May of "03, "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!"
He certainly didn't know what he was talking about. He still don't. We will be forced to stay there indefinitely. There is no end in sight. We may declare that Iraq is now a democracy, I tell you that they will return to their Islamic ways shortly after we exist their country.
I better get off my soap box before someone turns me in.
It's been nice. The Good Lord willing we will talk again tomorrow. I like our chats because there is no one to interrupt me. I've got the floor.
Good night my good friends, Pray for Peace. Keep the Faith. -- Sailor Jack
A DAY IN HISTORY
08/05/05 10:45 PM
V-E Day, May 8, 1945 - it was on this date in history, that the war in Europe ended. Millions of people in Allied nations across Europe, and here in the United States and Canada, celebrated that great victory.
To the forces in the far off Pacific, it was just another day. A day that could, and often did, bring on that dreadful fear - whether or not you would survive to see another sunrise.
Our naval forces in, and around, the island of Okinawa suffered their severest casualties in all the battles fought during World War II. The Japanese kamikaze attacks, in the months of May and June were relentless. They continued their attacks through July and into August. The last attack by a kamikaze, was right after Japan announced to the world that they would accept an Unconditional Surrender.
When that announcement was made, our forces celebrated also. I was sitting below on the Mess deck watching a movie, when General Quarters was sounded. It was approximately 2030 hours. I hit the weather deck on the run, and couldn't believe my eyes and ears. Every weapon in the harbor was firing, the skies were lit up with tracer fire. They seemed to be directed everywhere. My first thought was, "My God, their coming with everything they got."
I made it to my battle station in the forward fire control tub, just forward of the bridge. Tracers seemed to be firing right over my head. I reported to the bridge that we were manned and ready when the skipper ordered everyone to cease firing and get below deck. When I retreated to the signal bridge and the main deck I crawled on my stomach to make it to a hatch that led below deck.
Our ship, and others in our squadron, had received orders to depart Okinawa and set sail for Leyte in the Philippines. We were to prepare ourselves for the invasion of Kyushu, the southern most island of Japan. Shortly after we had received our orders, Japan announced that they would surrender.
I don't recall the exact date, but the night before we were to depart, General Quarters was sounded. We thought that the war was over. Radar had picked up a "Bogey" and the fleet, laying at anchor in the Bay was alerted. The battleship PENNSYLVANIA laid moored in Buckner Bay, not far from where we laid at anchor. She was hit by a suicide bomber in the stern section of the ship. If my recollection is correct, she lost more than a dozen of her crew.
We were indeed happy to see the war end in Europe, but we knew that we had a long way to go with Japan. If President Truman had not ordered the use of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we would have had one hell of a fight on our hands when we invaded the Japanese homeland. By his direct order, he saved countless thousands of American lives. Had we not dropped the bomb, Japan would never have surrendered. They would have fought to the death.
I personally seen the total destruction of Nagasaki, If we had invaded Japan, our orders were to take Kyushu. When they surrendered, our orders were to occupy Kyushu. The orders of all military units remained the same. Instead of invading, we were to occupy.
I have pictures hidden somewhere in my old web site, that were taken by me at Nagasaki. My problem is that I don't know how to link them up. Maybe Commander Dave can help me. I have never seen such devastation. Pray we don't utilize this weapon ever again. It was the A-bomb that forced them to accept our terms of surrender.
September 2nd of this year will mark V-J Day. The official ending of World War II. Sixty years have passed, where did they go? They tell me that time goes fast when you're having fun. The problem is, I didn't realize that I was having so much fun.
Just finished talking with Commander Dave on i-chat. He called to wish his Mom a happy Mother's Day. All our children have communicated with her today. I have told you this before, but it is worth repeating. I don't know what I would do without Frisco Fran. She is a wonderful, compassionate mother, and wife. I don't believe I could on without her.
The time is 2245 hours and I best call it an evening. Your history lesson for tonight is over, and the time has come for me to say Good Night. You have been good listeners, taking the time out of your busy lives to hear the tales of this old sailor. Good night, and God Bless. -- Sailor Jack