Hiya, coming to you once again from the front porch this Sunday morning with a cup of joe in hand, coffee -black and strong - nothing worse than weak coffee. I drink a 50/50 mix of regular and decaf. Really can't imagine why anyone would want to ruin a good cup of joe with cream and sugar - I really like the taste of strong coffee and sometimes will buy the Louisiana blend with Chicory in it.
Sir Doc Holliday enjoying bone on the front porch.
Speaking of Louisiana, went over to H-town yesterday, Houston, to do some shopping. Had a wonderful meal of shrimp etoufee, a traditional Louisiana dish, and visited my tailor for some more shirts and ties. Just a day trip. I like driving - always have. Distances don't bother me. They shouldn't, as Big Bend is a solid 600 plus miles from hear and can do it in a day.
So, the topic this morning is the worldwide impact that mother nature is having with her version of 9/11. Air traffic is snarled from that volcano in Iceland. Chris was due to fly from the office in Spain to the UK office this weekend - not going to happen. Richy is in Sydney Australia, due to begin a holiday during his Oceanic and Trans-Asia Synchro32 business trip, but alas his GF can't make it there. The best laid "planes" gone awry. :(
The impact of mother natures 9/11 on the global economy is cause for worry. Not only will the airlines be impacted and the millions of people unable to travel, but think of the shipping companies, overnight delivery companies, postal service, etc. There is a huge huge global impact that will negatively impact the economy. As a direct result of the USA 9/11, the US instituted something known as Check 21. This law allows banks and merchants and financial institutions to convert paper checks into electronic checks for easy processing. During the days after 9/11, billions of dollars in paper checks were stuck in the belly's of planes that were idly sitting on tarmacs around the world. Mind you, there is a lot more to Check 21, but I shan't go there as I degree with several of the provisions.
Now I understand that the airlines, already struggling from the "great recession" are testing out flying in this muck. I for one wouldn't want to be on a plane even if they say it is "safe". Unacceptable risk in my book and I am a risk avoidance type of person.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have a small problem. All four engines have stopped. We are doing our damnedest to get them under control. I trust you are not in too much distress.In 1982, a British Airways flight encountered volcanic ash. Fortunately, the story ended positively. The front windshield had been "sand blasted" and the engines all fouled up.
So, I'll close on this note that "Mother Nature Always Wins" and there is not a darn thing we can do about it - so sit back and relax. No point in getting balled up over something well beyond your control.
Till next time, see you on down the road...
By the way, it's Spring time in Texas - the Azellas are in full bloom and Sir Doc Holliday really enjoys in basking in the glow of the warm Texas sun.
