Here's to the Brotherhood of the Yard!

Just wanted to raise a figurative glass to the Yard and the people here. I haven't checked in as often as I'd like, but when the chips are down, I find myself returning here for the strength, friendship, and community the Brotherhood extends. It doesn't matter how far or how long I roam, I know I always have a community I can find with a few clicks of the keyboard. Always someone here to pray with you, send smoke or well wishes at virtually every hour of the day or night. Thank you all for building and maintaining one of the friendliest, most welcoming places on the internet; a Yard I am proud to call part of my emotional home.

To the Yard! Long live the Brotherhood!

AMEN! I agree with everything that Josh said. This IS a community filled with like minded individuals, not only in our love of blades, but of friends we have found.

You are right, Josh. And you are also one of those who make the Yard special.

Yeah I love checking in to see what’s going on and seeing old friends.

Weird to think it's been over 9 years since I found this place... Weirder still to think how much life has changed in that time... Weirder still that no one has yet shown any of us the door

Josh, personally I think that no one needing to show us the door says a lot for the quality of folks here. We are supposed to be a civilized society, safe for one an all no matter the age. This is proven out day after day because we on this site ARE civil are respectful of each other. Oh sure we "Mess" with each other, but it is done in a vein that leaves no doubt that we are just good naturedly joking with each other.

Just don't let your knives or guns hear you trying to be civil. They'll go hurt someone just to spite you

I still reminisce about the good Ole days on this site.
It was by far the best forum that I was ever a part of

AMEN Bill. And how is the world treating you, Pauline and the girls these days?

They already have Josh, ME! Man those things are sharp. Oh and Pointy too.

Nothing says it can't be great again

Have to agree with the squirrel. It´s nice to see you guys here! Although it´s very unlikely I have a chance to meet anyone of you I feel like I´m among friends when I´m here.

t1m0! Good to "see" you amigo!

LARS Ya old Swead, how you doing?

I hope your house is nice and cozy and everyone is in good health.

We are doing all right! How are you?

Wow this is great seeing some folks checking in

Almost like the old days.

Almost... Just need to get a few more of us back here regularly, and we'll have ourselves a quorum! Or is that a pack?

Cover all your bases DT, a Quorum pack. Hey, just trying to help out a fellow dog.

You ALL make this place great!

I second Tom's Motion! Oh and that includes you as well Tom, of course.

It's called a "Quack" Randy...

In the past I was involved, very extensively / intensively, with a few gun and survival forums. However, those sites lacked the quality of character that we have here at the Yard.

I should have invested my time here instead.

Gary, I agree, we DO have some characters here all right.

I do agree though. I don't really think we have any "Armchair commandos) here, at least not any (like myself) that don't preface their "Expert opinions" first stating that at least I am not an expert. Now you on the other hand, and others HAVE been there and done that, and I am very thankful for your input.

It's GREAT seeing more of our fellow Dogs here!!!

Haha, I just knew that Congress had a more descriptive name.

Well today was a joyous day. We started out about 7am with Patty's throat swelling. She took some benadryl and no dice. We were supposed to watch the grandkids today so had to call their mom to tell her we couldn't. Off to the ER we went. Got there about 0830. They gave her all the "standard" meds, steroids, Pepcid and benadryl injection. Waited about an hour, NOT WORKING! Gave her some different steroids and another shot of pepcid and waited another two hours when the Dr. released her stating she was OK to leave.

She wasn't doing as good as she normally does so we got home and fed the dog and yup you guessed it, started swelling again! So off to the ER (this time to another hospital in another city.

We explained what happened earlier and showed them the "discharge" papers from the other ER. They immediately started her on IV fluids. THEN gave her another round of Pepcid, Steroids and benadryl. Waited about 45 minutes, AND IT WORKED!

They talked to her about this and that and what MIGHT have caused it to not work the first time, Discharged her so we came on home.

So our day went from 0830 in one ER, discharged at 1pm and then the 30 minute drive home and about a half hour at the house.

Then another 30 minuted drive to the second ER and finally discharged there at 5pm. It was a long day, but thank God she is still doing well but her blood sugar is 575! She took a dose and a half of insulin and will check it again in the morning and will take another shot if she needs it. It has been a stressful day.

So, how has YOUR day been?

I agree. Sure wish that they would come back like it used to be. We had a blast.

Got the shots in my knees today and they feel better. Last time the shots worked for about two months but then wore off. This should be the last time for shots, then probably knee replacements.

HOPEFULLY it won't come to that Tom. But if it does I pray for a good surgeon and successful results.

Good HEAVENS Randy! I hope Patty is OK!

Tom, I hope the knees feel a little better! It's a terrible thing to wake up and wonder how you're going to make it down the stairs... And then dreading the fact that you're gonna have to make the return trip later...

This is still a great place to be all the years later, even if there are fewer of us around

So true!

YUP, still the best best place for a pack to meet.

A GOOD LOOKING pack at that!

I'd love to see the forum like it used to be, but its still a great place with the few dogs that come over and post here.

Unfortunately, it probably won't have the members as it did back in its heyday.

By the next afternoon her blood sugar was down to 375 and the next day was in the 150 range.

Good to hear she's doing better Randy!

That’s great to hear Randy.

Thanks guys. You would think that we are used to things like this happening, and we are, but it is still frightening when it happens and especially so when the cure doesn't take.

Ever vigilant!

Ya just HAD to do it didn't you.

Yep'!

I still swing through every now and then, just keeping a low profile on social media of any kind right now. I’m in the background check process at a new agency and don’t want to hurt that in any way.

Good move.

Wise decision Todd.

Just remember, your computer is keeping an eye on you as well.

That’s why I left all social media a few years ago. I know that doesn’t eliminate all the spying but it cuts it down considerably.

They're everywhere, they're everywhere, just like ChickenMan!

Hee Hee You asked for it!

chickenman by Randy, on Flickr

Only you Randy! ......................................

Hey, when I was in the Philippines in 74-77 He was on AFRTS radio and Television service (Military) every night, along with WOLFMAN JACK!

Two of the greats for sure! ............

I swing by once in a while as well!

Glad that things worked out with Patty! Always scary when things like that happen..

Yes it IS scary, even though it has happened several times. And thank you Chris.

Good to hear from you again Chris! How's things in the great white North???

Currently green! Certainly enjoying the construction season up here. Beats the snow...

Chicken Man? Wolfman Jack I remember, but not the Chicken Man...I must be too young

Get the work in while you can Chris!

IT WAS GREAT! Check this out. Just scroll down to hear several episodes.

https://jamesstrauss.com/chickenman-vietnam-radio/

The 312 episodes of Chickenman are regularly played on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS), especially on stations broadcasting to service personnel outside the continental United States. It first appeared on AFRTS during the Vietnam War.

The show can be heard daily on XM Radio's Channel 151, Laugh USA. Oh it just keeps getting better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aG1VV5pwHc

Skunkhunter.....the ChickenMan SuperFan!

I guess you could say I sometimes go for the more "Eccentric" side of life.

Now I'm picturing Randy in a chicken suit...

That's better than Leotards and a Pink TUTU!

Yes...........barely.

Good morning Yard.

It's an overcast/rainy day today, so working indoors is on tap. Great day to clean up in the basement.