In My Soldiers Heart

Union General Gouverneur Warren (1830-1882)

During the American Civil War the very men Confederates were trying to kill could not help honoring them. On hearing the news that Jackson had been killed at Chancellorsville, Union General Gouverneur Warren wrote, “I rejoice at Stonewall Jackson’s death as a gain to our cause, yet in my soldier’s heart I cannot but see him the best soldier of all this war, and grieve his untimely end.”

Movie Review: War Machine

I enjoy reviews that are short and to the point: Should I watch a movie or not? I lost count of how many films War Machine draws from. It starts with every military basic training movie you might have seen, followed by: Southern Comfort, Deliverance, Predator, War of The Worlds, Independence Day, Transformers, The Alien movies, Jurassic Park, and several others. If you are looking for a fun action/survivalist/sci-fi Saturday night popcorn movie, this one is for you. On Netflix.

The Roundup

Encounters: While sitting in a waiting room recently Shelly and I encountered a delightful lady who informed us she had multiple great, great-grandchildren. After visiting with her Shelly and I wondered how old the lady was to be able to enjoy great, greats and still get around as good as she did, as she also talked about still traveling around the country with her husband to visit all of those kids.

Read: I have been rereading my copy of The Tightwad Gazette By Amy Dacyczyn. If anyone is serious about living frugally, this book is a must-read. Click here for more information about Amy and her book.

Observed: We have seen more hawks and eagles around our general area lately. I think it is because, again this winter, the rivers and streams are frozen and the birds have taken to hunting the surrounding fields.

Website: I have been sorting through artwork lately and using the free TinEye site, which searches “80.8 billion images and find(s) where images appear online.” It has been somewhat useful, as has Google Images, but I am considering just paying for a more art-specific app to use for a few months. Any suggestions?

Recipe: My wife Shelly has been a representative for Tastefully Simple for enough years now that I have a few favorite meals using the company products. Marry Me Chicken, on Shellys TS website, is one of them. This slow cooked, one pot meal is juicy and creamy, the combination of garlic, pepper, Alfredo sauce, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese melting in your mouth. Check it out.

Big Things

When his album “The Next Hundred Years” came out I listened to it every night for several months. Ted Hawkins had a pretty serious hold on me, and to this day when I come across any of his albums in my collection I have to listen to them. After reading these lyrics look up the song online for the music. He died not long after this album, and song, was released. He was 58.

Big Things By Ted Hawkins

[Verse 1]
I’ve got big things to do
Too soon my life will be through
Got no time to stop and pick up your flowers
I’ve got catchin’ up to do
Yes, I’ve got big things to do

[Verse 2]
Now I’ve got a song here to write
I stay up most every night
Creatin’ with hope they will live on forever
I’ve got big things to do
Yes, I’ve got so much to do

[Bridge]
Got no schoolin’, I been foolin’
This is why I can’t find no job
Now it’s over, no time left
That’s why I’m runnin’ so hard

[Verse 3]
Now, I’ve got a story to tell
Gotta hurry, just ain’t no time left
But the sun will shine bright someday
I’ve got mountains to cross
I’m searchin’ for time that I’ve lost
Yes, I’ve got big things to do