How do they KNOW?

Look! An unsolicited comment about my cooking!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Roses from Steven. :) He is so good to me.

Baby, It's COLD outside!

So hard to imaging Pitchers and Catchers reporting when the weather is this cold!

Awww...

Hanging on the board when I came back from lunch

I don't like guns. Just sayin'.

I think it is important to be educated. My brother, in his infinite wisdom, suggested I look into classes for Ian to keep him busy, but I thought, hey, why not classes for me? 

I signed up for the Village of Kenmore Citizen Police Academy. For eleven weeks, I, with 12 other people, will learn about various aspects of the Kenmore Police Officer's duties and their service in the community. 

Last week, the detective in charge of the Juvenile Division gave a presentation. He brought in a couple boxes of paraphernalia the police have taken off of kids in the Village. I kid you not, I didn't know what better than half of the items even were. 

This week was our week for the gun range. We learned about gun safety, and then we were set up with short video scenarios where we, while using guns loaded with five paint bullets, had to decide to shoot or not shoot. I took three shots and told the police officer I was done. He looked surprised, then he laughed, and he took the gun away. 

Then came the real gun with the real bullets. Much louder, and much more nerve-wracking. Everyone was given five bullets to shoot at a paper target. I shot the gun once, gave it back to the police officer, told him I was done. "I don't like this. I really don't like this." He laughed again and said it's not for everybody. 

That was an understatement. I hated every minute of it. Hated. Every. Minute. The noise, the power, the recoil, and the thought of the immense, grave responsibility that comes with pulling that trigger. And did I mention the noise? I don't want it. Any of it. 

Wearing mandatory safety glasses and ear protection.

Do I 'hate' guns? No. I see and understand the need, and I am thankful there are people who serve that are not frightened by them, who think fast enough to be able to use one properly, and who keep me free and safe. 

I just know I should not own one, at least not now. I do not know enough, and I may never know enough, to be able to own one safely and without fear. I know that is not the kind of power that, in this moment in time, I feel I ever want to have. I also know that someday I may change my mind and decide to get more training and more education on gun use and safety. Not now, though. Not now.

Superbowl 50

Superbowl 50 is in the books. 

Carolina Panthers     10

Denver Broncos        24

Yes, I was rooting for the old guy.

Congratulations, Peyton Manning and the Broncos Nation! 

Superbowl Prediction

Steven? 

Bunny?

Who do you think will win the Superbowl?

Well, he says, in that introspective way men have when they discuss matters of great importance, Carolina is the 6 point favorite.

Oh! So Denver is going to win!

(Laughing) Yep. Can't help but root for the old guy.

He makes me Laugh

Steven sent me a series of texts, a story of intrigue and suspense.
 

Stealthily he moves through the woods...

Fear grips his heart as a twig snaps...

He freezes, his heart racing...

Silence

He breathes a sigh of relief...

His companion looks at him questioningly

He whispers...

"Shhhhhhhhhhh...

"Here there be Bunnies!"