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Advice from an Old Man

Advice from Gene: Gene-isms get one gun and learn how to shoot it buy the convertible now because it’s the only time you’ll ever want it in your life fast cash makes fast friends here’s three gold coins and I’m saving the fourth one in case you hurt my daughter then I get your head a the bag I don’t care what we eat, whatever makes a turd Buy the best, only cry once. Look, you can always buy the newest thing, but I have had this jacket for 40 years and it’s served me well. Advice from Another Old Man: Water. I drink 2.5 liters of filtered water daily. No plastic bottled water. In the morning, my first glass is 16 oz with beet powder mixed in.   Walk about 10–15k steps a day. Do throughout the day. I start with getting around 3–4000 steps in the morning after I rise.   Exercise regularly (3 days a week for 40 minutes). I start each morning before my walk doing the following to warm up:3 rounds of 20 squats,100 pushup (40, 30, 30), and100 sit ups 40, 30, 30 in between the pushups above.   Paleo diet. All organic. Some folks don’t get the whole organic thing but I believe that the pesticides in non organic food are probably not a good thing for our health. Eating Paleo eliminates foods that cause inflammation which leads to excess weight and a weakened immune system.   [We like the Whole 30 diet as well.] Meditate daily. [TM is great.] Don’t watch the news. It’s all bad and adds to stress.  [We still like newspapers.] Take vitamin D every day. Protect your eyes at night by dimming or

By |October 1st, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Advice from an Old Man

When Did Oil Changes Get So Expensive

Oil is now over $30 for 5 gallons of full synthetic and a full synthetic oil change is now $130 at Jiffy Lube and other places. I prefer local places, such as Castle Rock Imports or Berkenkotter Garage, or Les Schwab.  Or do it yourself, see bottom of the page.   For diesel or Porsche type vehicles, it is well over $170 per oil change as of 2025. ​Conventional Oil: Many customers still prefer the lower cost and familiarity of conventional motor oil, particularly if their vehicle isn’t subject to severe driving conditions, such as dirty/dusty roads, lots of short trips, driving in extreme heat or cold, and towing heavy loads. ​High Mileage Oil: Specially designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. Helps keep engines that have been around the block a few times running better, longer by reducing oil burn-off, oil leaks and gradual loss of compression. ​Synthetic Blend Oil: A mixture of synthetic and conventional oils that serves as a midpoint between the two: better protection and performance than conventional oil can provide, especially in severe driving conditions, but not as good as a full synthetic oil. ​Synthetic Oil (AKA “Full Synthetic Motor Oil”): Specially formulated motor oil made for the highest levels of protection and performance for ultimate peace of mind. More and more vehicle manufacturers today require it. See if yours is one of them. Included in the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change: Change:Oil with up to five quarts of quality motor oilOil filter Inspect Key Components:Antifreeze/coolant reservoir levelsEngine air filtration systemSerpentine beltsBrake fluid level (in transparent reservoirs)Wiper bladesExterior lightsChassis (lubricate when applicable) Check and Fill:Tire pressuresTransmission/transaxle fluidDifferential/transfer case fluidPower steering fluidWindshield washer fluidBattery water (excluding sealed batteries) Clean:Exterior windows Do it yourself? This makes

By |August 8th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on When Did Oil Changes Get So Expensive

The Full Catastrophe

“Are you married?” asks Basil Alexis Zorba in the movie “Zorba, the Greek”. "Am I not a man? And is not a man stupid? I'm a man, so I'm married. Wife, children, house - everything. The full catastrophe."   But once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive.  You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over.  But one thing is certain---when you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in.  Once you realized everything changes, there is nothing to hold on to.   https://youtu.be/bPsVM2N7hUo When you fully trust someone without any doubt, you finally get one of two results: A person for life or A lesson for life. Are you in a relationship, or are you in an entanglement? A relationship is one in which both people are free to be themselves, yet there is no shortage of intimacy. No fear that doing what you love or being who you are or taking time for yourself will drive the other person away. In a relationship, neither person needs the other to “complete” them. Both people are awake to themselves, their feelings and thoughts, and are open to the flow of love and attention with one another. It’s about two equals celebrating together rather than “needing” something from the other. In short, a relationship like this is one where both people are in harmony. And that’s exactly what it feels like: in tune, relaxed, and just plain fun. Entanglements, on the other hand, look and feel very different. Signs You’re In An Entanglement Entanglements may look like a relationship on the surface. You might spend a lot

By |July 18th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on The Full Catastrophe

Doing Laundry and Washing Whites

Many people are curious about our close father–daughter relationship. Some have even said it seems more like a sibling dynamic. That isn’t quite accurate, but it gives a sense of what it’s like when you help shape your child into a kind of shared reflection of yourself—close friends who genuinely enjoy each other’s company and the everyday activities we do together. That includes everything from field sports like polo to ordinary chores, including laundry. Advice for my daughter doing laundry in college Doing laundry in college can feel like a challenge at first, but it’s generally easier than it seems. Anyone can learn to do it well. The key is to read labels, sort carefully, and take your time. For detergents, I like Tide for whites along with about 1/4 cup of Clorox bleach. I use Free & Clear for everything else. For stains, OxiClean tends to work better than Spray & Wash for pre-treatment on grass and other marks. Preparation Preparing to wash clothes often takes more time than the washing itself, but it’s a simple process once you learn it. Start by reading clothing labels, especially on anything valuable or delicate. Fancy dresses, button-down shirts, or specialty fabrics often need dry cleaning. Always check tags carefully (usually inside the neck, waist, or side seam) to avoid damage. Anything requiring a specific temperature or special care should be separated from the rest. Next, sort new clothes separately. Freshly purchased items tend to bleed dye, whether they are dark colors like black and navy or bright colors like white and green. Wash new clothes on their own the first time to avoid staining other items. Then separate by color: Darks: blacks, blues, browns, denim

By |June 21st, 2022|Categories: Foxhunting, polo, Ranching, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Doing Laundry and Washing Whites

Western Saddles

We almost never ride western, preferring polo, foxhunting or show jumping (English) saddles for various disciplines and for cross country terrain. However, there are times when a western saddle is more suitable or secure for training young horses. And certainly, if you going to rope, rein, cut or do ranch work, you can't do that in an English saddle. But let's face it, Western saddles are not generally very comfortable for more than just short rides, but with the help of our friends, we discovered that not all western saddles are alike, in fact there are more options than you can shake a stick at, which makes western saddles confusing to many if not all English riders or other newcomers to the Western seat. Here are the differences. This is the story of our search for the perfect western saddles for our purposes, which are probably radically different than most Western riders, but we are mostly looking for a saddle that rides English but looks Western.   Martin Saddlery definitely makes some of the best western saddles and South Texas Tack is one of the best places to get them.   First, you have to decide what type of saddle, as described by saddleupcolorado.net the abbreviated list is as follows: 1. All Around Saddles All-around saddles live up to their name. They are one of the most versatile saddles out there and can be used in just about every discipline. They are designed for anything! You can use an all-around saddle for ranching, roping, barrel racing, trail riding, and more. These saddles have a strong and stout horn so you are able to rope out of them or even drag cows with it. It is also equipped

By |February 4th, 2022|Categories: Foxhunting, Ranching, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Western Saddles

Smarty Jones and Shesasmartypants

American Pharoah’s beautiful photo on the cover of Sports Illustrated marked only the third time a horse has graced the front of that magazine in the last 50 years. Smarty Jones got the cover in 2004 and Mine That Bird got it in 2009 after the Kentucky Derby. Smarty Jones (February 28, 2001) is a champion Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and came second in the Belmont Stakes. He captured hearts around America. Smarty Jones was America's most loved horse in recent memory. He was one of only three horses to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated in the last 50 years and probably the most memorable, because people loved his humble beginnings and his name. We are excited to have Smarty Jones's daughter in our polo string, Shesasmartypants, and she is off to a great start in that career, just like her father was in racing. https://youtu.be/4wIfGJKXNtU https://horsenetwork.com/2015/11/legend-smarty-jonesutm_sourcefb-racingutm_mediumsocialutm_campaignsmarty-jones/ Smarty Jones and Shesasmartypants, his filly Now comes the time for just putting on mileage, which is what makes a polo pony. Here is the Argentine way of making polo ponies... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx9RoXvCcio

By |October 6th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Smarty Jones and Shesasmartypants

The Dali Lama Diet

Eat Barley Porridge Breakfast, Nothing Past Noon, Eat Occasional Meat, Fresh Grown Veggies, and Wash Down with Horse Milk Tea and Limit Your Vices Excerpted from : https://www.mashed.com/130329/this-is-what-the-dalai-lama-really-eats/ This Is What The Dalai Lama Really EatsBY CHRIS HEASMAN/AUG. 3, 2018 Tenzin Gyatso, otherwise known as the 14th Dalai Lama, is one of the world's foremost spiritual and religious leaders. As a leader of the Tibetan strand of Buddhism, he has lived a life almost perpetually in the spotlight, having been enthroned at the age of 4, forced out of Tibet after the 1959 uprising, and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. During his early years in Tibet, the Dalai Lama would have eaten meat as part of his diet because of the country's reliance on consumable livestock in lieu of sufficient vegetable crops. When he fled to India in 1959, he adopted a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet in accordance with the beliefs of many of the country's own Buddhists. Unfortunately, after 20 months, he contracted hepatitis and developed gall bladder disease, and his doctors insisted he resume eating meat for health reasons. Today, it's difficult to come by meat in the vegetarian monasteries in south India, where he spends most of his time. In 2010, he told NDTV that he usually eats meat once or twice a week, and otherwise lives as a vegetarian. However, when traveling, he does eat meat dishes that are offered to him. [However he eats only before noon,] no dinner, no afternoon meals and absolutely no snacking whatsoever for the rest of the day. Instead, he spends the afternoons discussing work, holding audiences and conducting interviews. By the time most people are sitting down to enjoy dinner, the Dalai Lama has retired to

By |September 30th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on The Dali Lama Diet

USPA vs Polo Ralph Lauren

Which is better, USPA or Polo Ralph Lauren brand clothing? In answer to this question of which is better USPA or Ralph Lauren clothing some online commentators have said words along the lines of: For the prestige of clothing itself, it's Ralph Lauren. But anyone who cares about the sport of polo and not the brand, should consider choosing the USPA clothing and gear. It is sold under licensing from the United States Polo Association and a big chunk of the profit from the USPA brand goes back into supporting the game, scholarships and work opportunities for young players. And: If you want to impress your non-polo playing friends, buy Polo Ralph Lauren. If you want to impress your polo playing friends, then buy U.S Polo Assn. Having said that Polo Ralph Lauren benefits polo indirectly, by promoting the lifestyle through brand ambassadors such as Nacho Figueras, the face of Polo Ralph Lauren for nearly 20 years now. USPA uses up and coming real polo players to be their brand ambassadors and a big chunk of the proceeds go back to USPA, so we like USPA clothing as it supports polo whereas Ralph Lauren just promotes the polo lifestyle. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ U.S. Polo Assn.  is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States, founded in 1890. U.S. Polo Assn. is committed to giving back to the sport through sponsorships, past and current player support, youth and collegiate programs, equine welfare and much more. With a global footprint of $1.8 billion and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel

By |September 29th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on USPA vs Polo Ralph Lauren

Catching Moments

https://youtu.be/lmAI3HhZCI8 Catching moments---a fishing trip is really about the time in between the catching of fish that makes all of the difference. Be at home. Find your happy place. Make life an adventure.

By |September 7th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Catching Moments

Driven Pheasants at Chateau de la Verrerie

Driven-pheasants-at-the-chateau-de-la-VerrerieDownload From our friend Nick in France at www.GourmetFly.comSHOOTING TRIP TO FRANCEDriven pheasants at the château de la VerrerieAMERICAN GROUP ON OCTOBER 16TH 2021Please find enclosed the pricing for the driven pheasant shoot of Sat 16th Octand the nights of Friday 15 & Saturday 16th.VENUE & LOCATIONChâteau de la Verrerie,Website: https://chateaudelaverrerie.com/Many pictures on my own website also, like on this page:http://gourmetfly.com/Wedma.htmRoad from Paris to the closest market town “Aubigny sur Nère”https://goo.gl/maps/jRfwe8HSdqYGtfDaANote that the château provides the accommodation, but the hunts are organized by my partnerJerôme Latrive, on the 1.600 hectares of land around the château. There is no need to drive to gohunting (except on mud roads with estate’s Land Rovers). The average price of the rooms is200 euros per night plus “continental” breakfast at 15 euros per guest. It is recommended tostay there the nights of Friday and Saturday, but you can arrive earlier and use the château asbase camp for your holiday and various explorations of the Loire region.PRICE OF THE HUNT:Based on 8 to 12 guns, and a bag of 300/400 birds (wild pheasant) the price is 55 euros per bird.The bag is divided by the number of guns to fix the final price, and the balance on the spot.Example: if 350 pheasants are shot by 10 hunters. The price of the day is 55 euros x 350 birds =19.520 euros / 10 guns = 1.952 euros per hunter.& Downpayment: 50% at the reservation, based on 350 birds, as above in other words theamount to block the reservation is 1.952 / 2 = 976 euros per gun.NB: Cartridges, Loader, Meals & tips are not included.My own fees for the office work is @ 150 euros per “gun” covering the preliminary work andfollow

By |June 14th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Driven Pheasants at Chateau de la Verrerie