Batman says:
Just a short post to say thank you to those who have liked and commented on my posts “The Bevan” I’m by no means a “writer” but I thought it would be fun to try and your encouragement helps, the story will go on, even I’m not sure what’s happening with all the side stories so hang in there and enjoy the ride if you like , and thank you all and have a blessed day!
“Thanks Peach for keeping me at it”
Peach says:
It’s been a minute since I could slow my roll and make a post without likely falling asleep!
I think I may have mentioned we have two new grand kids coming this year! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Our youngest son and his sweet girl had a ‘Gender Reveal’ party at the first of this month. She is very organized and really gifted for decorating and doing so in a thrifty fashion!! I’m so amazed at and proud of her mad skills! Everything was super cute and pink and blue, with lots of ways for the attendees to stake their claim on if the baby is a girl or a boy!
My heart was so full for about a week and half I couldn’t process any writing! Then it was work, work and here — take some more work!! 🤣🤣
But you know, I do not say that in complaint! Work is absolutely a blessing! We are made to sharpen our skills and accomplish and serve and lead and train and help and provide! I’ve been both ways, and working is BY FAR the better! Whether I worked as a housewife and homeschool mom and writer or keeping a friend’s child or as a Sergeant in a law enforcement agency that was leading the way for Florida back in the day, or in insurance sales and firearms training, there are so many ways we contribute, we grow and we learn.
It’s only that I need more sleep than I use to, so I can’t burn the candle at both ends like I did back in my 20s and 30s and somewhat in my 40s!
So, the days have been so full and among them has been seeing to little details for Batman’s upcoming retirement. There’s a lot of paperwork. Lots of questions with answers sought and comprehension eventually acquired! I remember the days when we longed for and sought for this job, this calling. I remember the struggles and sacrifice and much heart ache, adrenaline rushes, exhaustion, and steady grinding. I’m not entirely sure he understands the depth and breadth of what he has accomplished. All with and through the Grace of God and his own willingness.
I am so grateful and excited for his upcoming next. Scriptures tell us, our latter shall be greater. The path of the just is as the shining sun, shining more and more unto the perfect day!! I’m completely believing that for him, and for me with him! Just. Getting. Started.
We share birthdays so to speak, my birthday being the day after his! Which is awfully handy!
We started last year getting some of our family together to celebrate on Batman’s birthday and this year was just overwhelmingly everything good and joyful! He grilled and I cooked side dishes and baked. And my brother and his tribe came and our sons and their families!
There was a little friendly horseshoe competition between the guys and lots of wrangling the littlest of the younguns!
We are blessed to have so much family to enjoy! I know this sounds sappy, and I’m quite ok with that! The last two years prior to this, while filled with much of The Lord’s much needed Grace and blessings, were very painful in lots of ways. So, I believe celebration for accomplishments, progress and just altogether sweetness of life are important to life! 😍👏🏻👏🏻
We capped it off by sparklers, and the youngest three of the affectionately known as Sugarboogars, had not so far had an opportunity to experience such things just yet!
There were much squeals of shock and awe and utter delight! Oddly none of them were afraid! Even the almost two year old Loved them! I can’t imagine where they got that from! 🙃 But, I will say my second favorite holiday is Independence Day!! 🎇🎆🎇🎆
I am praying this year draws Batman even closer to the Lord and fills his heart with joy and peace and old dreams fulfilled and new dreams dreamed! That the Lord teaches me how to be more of a surprise and blessing to him! He’s beyond good to me! So very grateful for him!
In closing:
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” — Psalm 138:7-8
“Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you.” — Zechariah 9:12.
Peach says:
Hi, old friend!! It’s been too long!! I think about writing here every day! We have imaginary conversations! I couldn’t settle for an imaginary one today!
How is life treating you lately? Drop me a note and I’ll pray for you like we have been friends for life!
It’s definitely a new season. We are looking forward to Jerry’s retirement. We are thinking of present and future endeavors. Still looking at campers, hoping and trusting we choose ‘the right one’! We are both writing more, but neither of us maybe writing quite as much as we want, but we are definitely more focused and making good progress at learning to adapt and juggle. Remember we have a new grandbaby on the way from the youngest son and his fiancé? Well, we found out that our oldest son and his wife are now also expecting! We just are amazed!! So, that’s number 6 and number 7 on the way!!
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” — Psalm 127:3
I’m kinda baby crazy right now!! 🥰👶🥰
In many ways everything is the same as last year, yet everything feels and seems different! We learned a lot. We have made decisions and taken actions a lot. Processes of time brought some things to completion, some things to fruition, and the Lord has just blessed us. I’m of a mindset we are never without His blessing once we give ourselves to Him, but some seasons are definitely sweeter than others, though all He WILL cause to work out to our good because we love Him and are called unto His purposes. All in His time.
Right now, I feel content in pursuing a path that helps us be ready for our future, while also working as much as I know how, to be useful in telling the good news of Who I know Him to be.
Also s’mores! Lol! I have discovered I really like s’mores! They make a great dessert! I’m just saying!
Been studying a bit for this next podcast, number 5. The number of GRACE! It’s about The Blessing of God on us His people, how important it is to Him for us to have it, know it, and understand it, walk in it. And what (or whom) He has blessed cannot be cursed.
I get hopeful every time I think of someone accidentally tripping across our podcast blog, or on Spotify or Stitcher, and learning, breathing in knowledge of the goodness of God, from a regular girl who isn’t an ‘influencer’ by today’s standards, but is an ambassador by His standards, just a Christ follower, a lover of family, and maybe s’mores! 🤣🤣 Somebody who runs to work, walks the dogs, gets groceries, cooks dinner, does laundry. Takes 4 insulin shots a day, and gets up and does it all again tomorrow, just like them! I’m hoping it will be enlightening and uplifting, shining a light from Him on their path!
I pray this next week, your hope is strengthened in all number of ways. That you will find courage to take at least a baby step forward every day! “Return you to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope!”
Batman Says:
So, here we are again headed towards a new year and all that it holds in promise. If all goes well (welp, cross that off, when has all gone well ever?) this time next year I will have less than a month left to work at a job that has encompassed 27 years of my life. Peach and I will be moving on to different things and honestly I’m ok with that. I have enjoyed this career and will think fondly about it after i’m gone, but only for a few weeks, then it goes in the “bucket” and off we go to do stuff.
I have been pondering ideas around in my mind as what to do with the time I will have. First time must be spent repairing and replacing all the little things around the place that I have let slip with the “I’ll do it later” tag on it. That honestly is not a lot of things but it is a few and should keep me busy for a couple weeks, then what? Peach has informed me numerous times that she will not be giving up her job so I will have to find interesting things to do to occupy my alone time, I will probably do a bit more fishing, I used to enjoy that and my kids called me the fish whisperer as a joke. Run the trap lines with a bit more interest, something I kinda got out of the habit of doing that I really enjoy the challenge of. Exploring new spots in which to hunt is also an option, can’t ever have too many spots to sit and surprise a wary buck. I won’t be going off taking photographs by my lonesome, as that is something Peach and I do together. I may write more, get in the habit of posting small little blurbs as to what my daily plan is and what I did the day prior, basically a record for my family to see and laugh at when I’m no longer here (you’re not that lucky Peach, it’s gonna be a long time still). Peach got me started with this blogging stuff and I don’t always hold up my end and write posts like I should. But, I won’t have the “work” excuse anymore. I have made myself a promise that I would try and write a book of stories, as mentioned in a previous post “writing interesting things” (it was I think) and putting it out there to see if there are any “old country boys and girls” like me out there that might find it humorous to buy a copy and laugh at my “out of the wrong time period” sense of humor and right and wrong. We are gonna give it a couple months to see how things settle down in the Country before we start travelling around, not in the mood for people to freak out if I’m not wearing a mask on the side of the road changing a flat tire for some lady who is helpless roadside (yes it could be a guy too, don’t get all indignant, told you I was from the wrong time period). Once we start traveling, I hope to post interesting tidbits along the way that others who are traveling around may find useful, even if it is a “do not do this or that” mistake we made that saves someone an issue. I know Peach will be posting all kinds of good things as we travel I am even gonna get her a new faster computer to use to do so (no excuses now, Peach). Been rummaging around through stuff on the internet (what a fresh h*** of grossness and stupidity you can find if you’re not careful what you search for) reading about people making money doing blog posts, that is novel. Not sure I got what it takes to do that but if someone wants me to write a blog post for their business or about a product that I am familiar with, and they want a down to earth honest opinion on, and they are going to pay me for it, then I’m your huckleberry (y’all point them my direction will ya?).
Some of you all will remember Peach and I teach firearms usage and gun safety, we have done this for a while now and its a satisfying pastime, plus brings in a little extra income. We plan to do this even after retirement as we have found that it is something people want and need. As an NRA instructor I have 3 certifications: Certified Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection in the Home, and Basic Pistol, all of these are important to some folks, and its something we are happy to provide. The cool thing about being an NRA instructor is no matter where in the United States we are, we can sit down and give a class to anyone that wants it, provided we have the necessary safety precautions in place, and in some instances a range to shoot. Another side project I recently took an interest in to perhaps provide a bit of extra income if we need, but more to keep me active and out of the refrigerator (have I mentioned Peach is an EXCELLENT cook?) is becoming a “Home Inspector”, there seems to be a place for me as one, and it is something I could do when I wanted and not do when I was busy with other important matters (like fishing, hunting, napping is very important to me, also), it would require I attended classes either in person or online, and pass several tests (if you knew me you would know how much I dislike tests of any kind), but I think I could manage to do well enough to get licensed in the State to do it. I think I would be good at it as I have knowledge already from life experience and I have a willingness and want to help people. The biggest issue facing Peach and I as with most retirees is health insurance, but with Peach’s smarts and us listening to each others ideas, I believe we have a plan that will let us do what we want when we want without to much hassle.
It would appear from all the ideas about extra income that we are going to be working just as much as we do now, but that’s not the case, all these ideas are what float around in the mind of Batman when he has to much time on his hands. Y’all keep checkin back in, if for no other reason, you can see what scatterbrained ideas I come up with next.
“Now I get to enjoy some of your awesome chili huh, Peach?”
“In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:“ — portion of Isaiah 30:15.
Peach here.
It’s been a long, hot summer, Y’all.
We took a few days off at the end of May, and it was nice. We enjoyed getting a few odds and ends done around the house. Hanging out. Whatnot. Resting up.
The world also blew up with regards to policing and race issues and social media became extremely non fun and toxic, the very same weekend.
We don’t watch the news. As in ever. Anything we want to know, we can find out on our phones without talking heads telling us what to think about it.
Of the two of us, Batman has the smarts to stay out of social media. And I’m SO grateful.
I’m good and hooked. 🙄 I have rules for boundaries though and stick to them! It helps a lot!
Social media is how I found out about all the bad stuff, weirdly in an account that I purposely keep only for inspiration, photography, family, praise and worship ministries, biblical teaching. (told ya social media became non fun!)
I’m not going to try to rehash the bad things that happened this summer. Just laying out a little corner of the world and how it impacted us.
I could see the storm coming to our country, our society, and there was no avoiding the wind, the rain, the lightening and the thunder.
It would impact us all, and if you are a law enforcement family, a lot.
There’s layers to it. It’s clear. And it’s jagged. All at the same time.
I was so distraught that weekend at what I was seeing. I worried how it would impact Batman and our little city. I remember I didn’t want him burdened with the knowledge of what I was seeing.
And so much more. My blood pressure was definitely up!
“And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” — Mark 4:39.
The resulting unrest across the country had another side effect of causing people to realize they needed a certain kind of training which we (Batman) provide.
Being so busy all summer was good medicine for my mind’s tendency to be over wrought with troubles and their potential implications.
Potential. Oh, the trouble we can weave in our minds and hearts, that never comes to pass. But, our bodies bear the brunt of the stress dumping hormones for sure!
So grateful for so many good people we have gotten to meet and help. Like I tell Batman, I love to watch him work! 😍 getting out of the routine to do this, was super good for me. Gave me distance from the perceived problems of our society, and the opportunity to do what I think I do best. Help. That’s my favorite! Help my husband, help our clients, help our family.
With the added layer of the virus and the various ways citizens and government have complicated it, I have had oodles of opinions!! Gracious!! Nobody needs more opinions though. So every time I was tempted to ‘put my foot down’ on social media about it, I always felt this check in my spirit. To be still. To know that He is God. The famous verse from Psalm 46, He had firmly planted it in my heart at the end of last year, and impressed upon me to take it with me into the coming year, 2020.
The check in my spirit, restraining me, from spouting off opinions no one needed to hear from me about the virus, was “I don’t know yet what is really going on. I know the devil is at work. And so is our Father. I don’t want to speak about things I don’t understand yet. Wait and see. Trust God. Be gracious. Be prudent. Believe the best. God will work good out of all this, if we make room for Him.”
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10.
You know, that verse above we often quote the first half, and rightly so. We need, we crave, that stillness of our hearts and minds and lives. And it comes with KNOWING He (alone) is God!
But, let’s not forget the one, two punch of the second half of the verse! He WILL BE exalted among the heathen, He WILL BE exalted in the earth!
That. That restores order to my mind, hope to my heart, peace to my life.
I still keep an eye on the news online. I see it. But, I don’t soak in it. I also take care to not aim to be right, score points, or any of the things that social media is designed to do, but rather to know facts, stand for truth, encourage the best, keep it to a minimum, where possible, build tiny bridges.
Batman and I have also learned the joy and wisdom of taking a week each month off from our side gig, to catch up on life and rest and just enjoy!!
This year is teaching me over and over the beauty of ‘resting’ in the care and Grace of our Lord. In so many ways, trust in Him. Make room for Him. Expect good from Him. It’s not really about the storm clouds, the wind or the lightening, it’s about Jesus, being the center of our focus!
“Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.“ — Matthew 11:29. The Amplified Bible.
Thanks for listening Y’all!! I’m praying we get all the ‘goody’ out of this crazy year, that He has for us all!
Peach says:
You know, Batman and I are from the last of the generations which had a bit of an old fashioned bent to us. We were raised by people who worked, made things last, you were taught not to be wasteful, you ‘cleaned your plate’ and ‘if you’re hungry’ (in between meals) you’ll eat bread and butter (that’s a whole ‘nother story!🤣🤣)
Part of that was there wasn’t the plethora of fast food or junk food, that was around when we raised our kids, or especially now. There also, were not near as many food choices period. If you didn’t grow up in those times, I am not sure you could understand it.
In our house particularly, I learned to bake because that was the only way we got snacks. It was good for me! Mom just turned me loose in the kitchen. I had total access to do anything I wanted with the recipes in her cook books and the ingredients in the cabinet. Heaven! 🤗
Each household has their certain ‘go to’ foods, and I think a lot of them are just habits, routines, and the ‘tastes’ of who does the shopping. At least it seems like that to our experience.
Growing up, I can remember one stint we did, where my Dad introduced us to fried baloney sandwiches! Something of a delicacy to his mind!! It was fun to learn how to make. I never really ‘took to it’. Because we grew up on the only ‘Brown bread’ readily available back then, because my Mom did not believe in white bread, (or kool aid), she was trying to help one of my brothers not have so many additives in his food. Her and Dad also preferred Gulden’s Spicy Brown Mustard, which the combination of the Roman Meal bread and Gulden’s Spicy Brown Mustard, was realllly an flavor combination for a mature taste palette, for which I still don’t think mine has matured! Lol! We are a decidedly Yellow Mustard family now days!
Anywho, the result was I temporarily bonded with my Dad by appreciating the Fried Baloney sandwich, but I never craved one again. And I don’t think we ever had baloney in the house again, if we did, I did not notice!
Fast forward a few years and I’m a very newly wed young bride living (the first year of our marriage) with Batman’s family. Batman and his Dad LOVED a good baloney sandwich on soft, white bread, with mayo and (the cherry on the sundae) YELLOW MUSTARD! 😍
I remember being introduced to this one day, his Dad was a Marine Patrol Officer, and he was on his days off for that week. He drove down to the local country store (which Batman has told you about here), and came back with FRESHLY MADE baloney!! I wouldn’t even know where to find that now! Such a shame! And fresh cheese. So good!
That was the best half sandwich I ever did eat!
Today I was making my sweet Batman a baloney sandwich for lunch, and I don’t know what made me remember it, but, all of a sudden I was remembering the day his Dad picked up that fresh baloney, and how different it tasted! Then I remembered when Batman worked at a local aeronautics factory, right down the road from my work! He got 35 minutes for lunch, and by the Grace of God, if he hustled I could meet him at the picnic tables in front of the county Sheriff’s Office where I was working at the time. We would have a nice quiet lunch, act like two kids, flirt, say good bye and both go back to work. Many years ago! Before cell phones. So you had to watch the clock, and be outside waiting when he pulled in, because not much time was available!
Fast forward a few more years, I was back to work after a very short 6 week maternity leave, after our second child, and now I was meeting him at his parking lot, because we were temporarily carpooling every day. I’d be there waiting when he got out for lunch, we would eat and listen to Paul Harvey on the radio. We were starting to grow up, and pay attention to what was going on in the world just a bit. Paul Harvey was a good way to get acclimated to keeping up with the world.
Looking back, I can see so many things to be grateful for, like that my work was just barely down the road from his work, at a time we really needed it. That we had those old school values to make and bring lunch and spend time together during those crazy, hazy days of being young, working our behinds off, raising a family, and at the same time, not really knowing what we were doing, but we kept plugging, and God kept blessing!!
And of course! Thankful for BALONEY!
Hope you are all doing well!! Pack a lunch, eat a sandwich with someone you love!!
Just not with Batman, he’s all mine!!
Peach 😁
Batman says:
Pretty sure everyone has one, that room that everything seems to migrate to over time. For me it’s my “radio room” or also known as the “purple” room as it has purple flowers decorating the walls (don’t ask).
Over the past months it has slowly collected odds and ends and things that are in transit to their final spot, or stuff I pack-rat away. It’s finally reached the point I have to do something, simply for the fact I can barely get in there to do anything. Fortunately for me my “pack-rat” propensity does not come with the “I gotta keep this for ever” attachment (in most cases, yes I do need 3 spare routers). Once the cleaning begins, you really need to stick at it, or you just end up making small piles of stuff all over the house, which despite her patience, would I’m sure, cause Peach to lose her mind. I contribute enough to her issues, she don’t need me to add more 😬 (sorry, squirrel ran by).
Pick a corner and start, not really sure how or why, but I seem to save cardboard boxes that things come in, prolly to use to wrap presents, but then deciding a person might think it’s one thing, and be disappointed when it’s not what the box says. So there goes 6 boxes of various shapes and sizes. Old papers and scraps of things I was going to “fix or use” one day get tossed in the bag. Oh look! A zip up bag that a bed spread came in, perfect to put the trash in, waste not want not. Oh, look a car seat 🙄 perhaps we can give that to someone, if not it’s curb bound. Funny thing about putting things on the “curb” (no curb really, cause it’s a country road…) out here if the thing has value, it is usually nabbed pretty quick, and that’s better than it being trashed.
Moving around the room and piling numerous items into the trash, the room starts to take shape again. One can walk around without bumping into, or stubbing their toe on something. Counter tops and shelves are revealed, as they are cleared of clutter, and I can actually sit in my radio chair and “Ham” it up a bit. Computer table is cleared of appx. 3 cubic yards of small ‘have to have’ items and Holy Cow!!! The computer still works!
There we go, a complete circuit of the room, decluttering and trashing things that only a couple weeks ago I ‘couldn’t have done without’ and the room is back to useable space again.
Much better now, well until 6 months down the road and I once again have to de clutter it *shrug* what can I say? It happens!
“Yes Peach I REALLY need 14 baseball hats”
“And though you started with little, you will end with much” — Job 8:7
Recently I thought about the majesty, and brevity of a ‘FLASH’.
Most things in life, of value, accrue over time, build over time, gain momentum, value and worth, over time.
In our ability to travel by jet, prepare meals via microwave or instapot, relationships through swipes and casual hook-ups, or drive thru meals picked up, we are no longer well acclimated to the slow burn, the long haul, the small beginning, the steady pace.
Another part of our culture that has changed is the urbanization and lack of people exposed to any kind of gardening, farming, or ranch life. These activities, or these ways of life, teach you the process of time, from beginning to end. The mundane pace of life as the ground looks barren, but you know you planted seed in there. After a process of time, when you’ve about forgotten to expect it, you see the seeds begin to sprout!
I am reminded of a clear example that I noticed last spring on my drive to and from work. I am fortunate to be able to travel the ‘back roads’ and through a bit of farming country. Last spring I took particular note of a set of fields that were plowed, planted and then….nothing, for about maybe 6 weeks? Then BOOM!! There was a full healthy crop, what seemed like OVERNIGHT! This reminded me of a parable Jesus once told –– “And He said, ‘So is the King of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;….for the earth brings forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that then the full corn in the ear….” Mark 4:26-32
There’s a lot that happens after that seed is planted, and watered, and day by day, to our eye NOTHING is happening. But, beneath the soil SO MUCH is happening. The seed transforms, breaks forth, as it progresses NOTHING REMAINS. Of what it used to be, it develops a root system, to sustain and anchor what’s coming, and then it starts developing and pushing through the soil and reaching towards the sky!
What’s not to love about that!! So much we can learn from the pictures of nature!
The Hebrew people understood that all of nature was designed to teach us spiritual principles through illustrations.
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease”. — Genesis 8:2
We often say ‘Good things come to those who wait.’, but we are not always prone to live by it.
Sometime in my later twenties, I noticed a tendency I had to burn quick and hot in the pursuit of something, but also, if I wasn’t careful, to burn out. As a result of this observation, I continue to work to be focused, persistent and faithful. Sometimes these things come naturally, sometimes they take extra grace, and sometimes a bit or more of grit!!
I find that when I can remember to roll the care onto Him, He is more than faithful to be my strength, my focus, my steadfastness.
While our society celebrates the instant everything, God’s Word is replete on examples and principles, of incremental growth, starting small and growing big.
I love sparklers, fireworks and bon fires! The first two are sudden, bold, bright, crackling and brief! The last starts slow, builds, and then gives off a quiet, multi hued light and warmth for hours, if carefully tended. They all have their place. But, as far as life goes, I’m aiming for an EPIC bon fire!
Just some examples of definitions of ‘flash‘:
: RUSH, DASH —used of flowing water
2. To break forth in or like a sudden flame or flare
3a. To appear suddenly ‘an idea flashes into her mind’. b. To move with great speed. ‘The day’s flash by.’
4a. To break forth or out so as to make a sudden display. b. To act or speak vehemently and especially in anger.
5a. To give off light suddenly or in transient bursts. b. To glow or gleam especially with animation or passion ‘her eyes flashed with anger.’
6. To change suddenly or violently into vapor.
7. To expose one’s breasts or genitals usually suddenly and briefly in public.
8. To have a sudden insight
In life, we put in effort, we do work, we invest, and the benefits of our efforts do not always readily appear. But, if we continue step by step, in time we will see progress. One day we will look around and see satisfying results sprouting forth that will make our heart glad measure. When we do it in faith, trusting the Lord for the guidance and the strength and the outcome, we leave room for Him to do exceedingly abundantly beyond anything we could ask, think, or imagine.’ Ephesians 3:20.
I have to say Batman has been a really, really great teacher of this principle! He’s the one who got my attention in my twenties about being quick to speak up, but not always to follow through! It smarted, because he only ever encourages me, so it carried a great weight. Because of it, I learned to mentally ‘count the cost’ before I speak up, and then prayerfully follow through. I think it’s super important not to try to be consistent in and of our own selves, but always depending on the Grace of God to make us able! I’m going to try a couple of small permanent steps in a couple of important areas this week, that I hope in a few months will bring some of those results!
Start low, aim high, gain big!
Happy Sunday, Y’all!
Love,
Peach
Batman Says:
Today, today was a good day, with many things accomplished, some partially, others put off till another day. Today started with a perfect breakfast of Bacon and eggs cooked to perfection by Peach. I used the French press to make a batch of Black Rifle “Coffee or Die” coffee (yes, that’s a thing here). Showers, load the truck (watch Peach go back inside because she forgot her phone), head to the range for a class with one of our long time clients and she is bringing her daughter for the first time.
Great range session, I think some new skills were learned and I believe all had a good time. Peach and I try and be attentive to clients needs and wants at the range and tailor training specific for them, this one is a photographer, often off on her own. She is a super shot (trust me on this, she’s really good) so we worked on scenarios where she was photographing and had to drop the camera, draw and shoot, all which after a few slow repetitions, she did with moderate speed, and excellent skill. Her daughter who also is a great shot and safe gun handler, shoots a rifle with skill that would make some tough guys stand up and take notice (I did, as this was the first time meeting her), both mom and daughter made the morning very fun.
Backtracking a bit, I have been teaching people to shoot for a long (very very in case you must know) time, I am a NRA pistol instructor, a Police firearms instructor, a Class K (can give armed security guard firearms classes) instructor, and give Concealed Carry classes ( CCW classes to Law Enforcement and Military families are always free thru Peach and my Company). All this is done as a side to mine and Peach’s full time jobs, we do it because we feel people need good, safe and friendly training and the two of us together, do our best to give it.
So back to today..
Peach took the time today to do a little shooting with her Glock, and I did my best to help her do it right. She is already a good shot, and more important, she is SAFE WITH FIREARMS any time she handles them. Peach has a “block” issue, I’ve come to recognize this when she shoots. She is such a perfectionist that when a bullet does not go EXACTLY where she thought she was aiming at the point of trigger break, she gets frustrated and unconsciously blocks out any instruction.
At this point I’m going to point out an old saying I heard someplace “a husband should not try to teach his wife to shoot”, why? Because it can, and often does, lead to hurt feelings or worse. My personal belief is that if your relationship is a strong one, and you (that means you husbands, or boyfriends) can show superhuman patience and kindness, all the while smiling and being gracious, then by all means then teach them to shoot (yep, your prolly right, hire someone else). Ok back to the “block”….
Patience and repetitive skill sets will get you past the “block”, as stated earlier, Peach is a good shot and has the right mindset for self defense and for sport shooting. She wants to improve and wants to shoot more than we do. So today started what I hope to be a recurring theme of getting us out there shooting more together.
Today’s only issue with shooting for Peach was rounds impacting lower than she thought she was aiming. I could see the muzzle dipping at the point of trigger break (some would call this recoil anticipation but that was not why she was doing it). Peach’s issue wasn’t recoil anticipation it was lack of trigger time with this new gun, which has a firmer trigger pull. I had her dry fire (first time without her knowledge) and she immediately saw the muzzle dip. We worked a few times with dry fire and letting her use a bit more finger (leverage works no matter how small the lever) and after less than 5 minutes, the dip was gone. Live fire and she was back on the money, now after each reload she was still sending a few rounds low, but she recognized it and concentrated on the trigger break and front site and it all came together. She wanted to stop after one particular round of shooting, but me being somewhat obtuse ( think I used it right this time Peach) I had her shoot one more magazine, and I just stayed back and out of the way. Six rounds in the 2″ circle was the result, Peach was happy and I was happy for her (always try to end any skill contest on a good note).
None of this will mean much to a lot of people, it will offend some, and some will get it. Today was a “good day” for Peach and I and I hope it was a “good day” for you all as well.
I’m going to end this post with a hopeful request..
Say a prayer for their safety and give thanks for their sacrifices, and if you see a Soldier or a Police Officer tell them you appreciate all they do.
“No peach you cannot shoot an apple off my head no matter how good a shot you are”
Batman Says:
Ever sat and stared at your computer, phone, iPad, whatever you use to post these things on, knowing you have ideas but none of them reveal themselves when needed? Pretty sure every time I think about posting, most of my time is used up trying to remember what it was I wanted to post about.
Ever watched a dog chase it’s tail in a circle? Squirrels chase each other round trees and up and down all over? Speaking of squirrels there’s 8 of them so far in our back yard I’m pretty sure they need cholesterol medicine. I have deer feeders and I test them and the squirrels have a feast twice a day, I watched two start to chase each other, but one changed his mind as if to say “it’s not worth getting exhausted over”. Now I’m sure I saw him hail a cab to take him to his nest to save energy.
Well, that’s an example of the term “squirrel!” As I got sidetracked again. Where was I? Oh yeah, posting things. So anyways once I do settle down to post and get going I’m usually ok, but lately it’s been harder to focus as my mind seems to like to take “squirrel” breaks more and more often when I try and be serious. Thus this post, as written, is a kind of explanation to those of you that actually read my posts, as to why they are rarely serious. I’m generally not very serious about most things, only when I have to be for some work thing or Peach forces me to focus and be an adult. I prefer to be a “professional small boy” than to grow up and act my age. It’s more fun, less stressful, and I’m sure I focus better.
Anywho (I made that word up so don’t bother spell checking it) I will continue to post things when the fit comes over me, rarely are they gonna be serious, sometimes they will be funny, hopefully interesting and I will try and include a picture or two of something to brighten someone’s day. If even one person smiles, chuckles or gets annoyed, then I feel my “professional small boy” talents have not gone to waste.
“Have you seen the tree frog I had earlier Peach? 😬“
The Adventures and Musings of Peach and Batman 