Archive for July, 2016

Stand Ready

By From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Jul 26th, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

For weeks we’ve been seeing the result of open borders and allowing non-vetted “refugees” into Germany and France. In the United States, we’ve seen numerous attacks tied to “lone wolf” muslim terrorists. This morning we wake up to the horrific news tha…



Sunflower

By From http://blog.mikemorones.com • Jul 25th, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local, Photography.Local


I guess this means I’m bona fide.

By From http://blog.mikemorones.com • Jul 25th, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local, Photography.Local


Slaughter Pen Farm, Spotsylvania, VA as seen from the train.

By From http://blog.mikemorones.com • Jul 25th, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local, Photography.Local


Cavalier IDPA Match

By From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Jul 25th, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

July. In Virginia. The weather is expected to be hot. Very hot. For Sunday’s Cavalier IDPA Match, that condition was met, in the extreme. I hadn’t shot a match in three weeks, so I sure wasn’t going to let a bit of oppressive summer weather and a heat advisory stand in the way of the fun.

This month’s match consisted of five quick stages. The first stage had us seated at a table with the loaded gun under a magazine and all mags on the table as well.  Five targets and three non-threats where in front of us. The targets were to be engaged in tactical sequence while seated. Most of the targets where partially exposed with one being further downrange than the others.
The last four stages were shot on the remnants of a couple of stages left from a USPSA match held the previous weekend. When we first approached the stages, I thought, “That’s a lot of targets and walls.” However there were actually two IDPA stages embedded in each setup. Careful attention in the walkthrough was required to make sure you were shooting at the correct targets. During my walkthrough of one course of fire I at first planned to shoot the wrong target, before realizing my target count was off and I took another look. However, except for a couple targets that you just had to remember not to shoot, paying attention to cover generally allowed only the correct targets to be engaged. 
Each of the resulting four courses of fire required a lot of moving around walls between shooting positions. The stages may have a little more complex than a typical IDPA stage, but they provided fun challenges. Most also offered options on the way they could be shot, depending on shooter preference.
The match was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to have a good time despite the heat. While my dashboard thermometer read “only” 91°, the heat index was over 100°. Truth be told, I prefer the heat, even extreme heat, over shooting in the winter. I’m not fan of cold weather. I struggled at times with sweat inside my shooting glasses, as well as wet hands. At one point, I noticed my mags were coming out of the pouches wet. Despite all that, I had a good match and was pleased with my scores.
Arriving home after the match, I finished up a weekend painting project. That done, it was finally time for a cool shower and a good beer. And then an unplanned nap in my favorite recliner.

[ This content originated at Musings Over a Pint ]



Forgotten Respect For Our Flag

By From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Jul 22nd, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I came across this display the other day. It made me sad.

Given that president Obama’s greatest legacy may be that flags are perpetually at half-staff, we’ll probably see even more of this. Knowledge of how to properly display our nation’s flags seems to be a lost art.

Yes, I did contact a representative of the sponsoring organization and await a reply.

4 U.S. Code § 7 – “No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America.”

[ This content originated at Musings Over a Pint ]



How are Preliminary Breath Tests Calibrated for Accuracy?

By From https://www.andrewflusche.com • Jul 22nd, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

If you’re on trial for DUI in Virginia, you should know how the preliminary breath test (PBT) must be checked for accuracy and calibrated. If that device can’t be proven to be in proper working order, it shouldn’t be allowed into evidence at trial. What is the preliminary breath test? It’s the box that the […]

The post How are Preliminary Breath Tests Calibrated for Accuracy? appeared first on Andrew Flusche.



Amtrak, Alexandria VA

By From http://blog.mikemorones.com • Jul 21st, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local, Photography.Local


Vacation Beer Tally

By From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Jul 21st, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

The opportunities to try out new craft beers have been few of late, other activities taking priority. However, as hinted at in previous posts, during our travels to Montana last week I had the chance to try out a decent selection of craft beers.

The “vacation beer” list kicked of with a Virginia beer, Satan’s Pony from South Street Brewery in Charlottesville, while eating lunch at the Dulles Airport. The easy-drinking Red Ale was a good way to prep for the rigors of air travel.

Arriving in Montana, I was soon relaxing with a St. Pauli Girl Lager. Not overly exciting, but it was in the fridge at my in-laws. Maybe it was the location, or the company, but it wasn’t horrible.

Soon the exploration of Montana-brewed beers was in full swing, kicking off with Irresistible Amber Ale by Madison River Brewing Company with lunch during a visit to Great Falls. On the return trip back to the Flathead Lake area, we stopped at the local grocery store to add a six pack of Highlander Devils Hump Red Ale from Missoula Brewing Company to the home base fridge options.

Another day found us eating lunch at Tamarack Brewing Company. With that feast I enjoyed pints of Lakeside Pale Ale and Rye Sally Rye PA.

We also paid a visit to Flathead Lake Brewing Company, where we started out with a flight of five beers; Bufflehead Brown Ale, Rising Sun Espresso Porter, Two Rivers Pale Ale, Centennial IPA, and Swimmer’s Itch Saison.

The final Montana beer of the trip was Copper John Scotch Ale, another one from Madison River Brewing, enjoyed during another lunch outing. (It seems we ate often too.)

What turned out to be the final beer of the trip was had at a Mexican restaurant. I opted to enjoy a couple pints of Dos Equis Special Lager — when in Rome, and all that.

We had a couple hour layover scheduled around dinner time in Minneapolis during the trip home. I was looking forward to relaxing with a some local beers at the airport. Alas, our Delta flight was delayed, meaning a quick run between gates to catch our connecting flight. As an aside, despite their claim of the best on time record for domestic airlines, three of our four Delta flight legs ran late. And two of those flights were further delayed at the gate for mechanical issues.

It certainly wasn’t the most prolific trip in regard to new beers, but the ones we tried were all quite good. I enjoyed ten different beers from Montana breweries, plus a few sips stolen from the beers Colleen enjoyed. That’s not disappointing given the limited time, and it’s big state with lots to see. We drove over 1,000 miles during our visit. “Big Sky Country” offered amazing scenery, good food, and it’s not lacking in craft beer either.

[ This content originated at Musings Over a Pint ]



Balsamic Bacon Cauliflower

By From http://www.pointsinmylife.com/ • Jul 20th, 2016 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Beautiful? Maybe not. Scrumptious? DEFINITELY! This tasty dish, seasoned only with white balsamic, intensifies in flavor with the added bacon and apples! Combined, they create a party on your palate!Ingredients:- 1 head of cauliflower – 1/2 cup wh…