fascinated by the chase

FASCINATED BY THE CHASE

 

9 pm on a summer night and it is 86 degrees Fahrenheit .  I have been cooling my heels for most of the day.  Flat lined when I sensed what kind of day this would be, and can say now,  it was a gradual build up to what turned out to be, anti-climactic for me.   For a while I lost my voice, and the words that come so naturally.  Dehydration and frustration that I wasn’t in control, and that things would play-out, with or without me.

But I would not let go, and have been following this pursuit, knowing it would not go on forever.  But it went on for 22 days or more.  Fear in the hearts of the citizens of New York and Pennsylvania and perhaps even into Canada.  By now it is clear that I was caught up in the news and vicariously involving myself in an event that brings in all the elements of hunt and chase, and even as I was far removed, as each day went by, I was not interested in endless repeat of the details of how two honor prisoners of a maximum security prison in Up-State New York, but was caught up and utterly fascinated with the hunt and chase and the dynamics of such an endeavor.

 

Turns out it is a natural preoccupation and interest of mine.  Was raised without a hunting gun,  but found the predator idea acceptable.  The Human Animal and there has to be a prey, and we have to eat.  Early on, I did not take well to the idea of being a vegetarian, although in time I would find myself in the grocery store, in the produce aisle.  But that was much later on in life.

 

These blog are short and I do not want to lose focus.  From the dawn of time, comes signs of the primitive, where hunt and chase and capture is essential.  So my mind has been wandering, ever since this prison escape, as I thought containment and captivity was built into the system of correction centers, prisons and holding cells.  At the first of the month and two prisoners escape, am not sure what I expected.  Escape.  Capture.  Freedom or Death.

Theirs or Mine.   Not sure what I expected.

 

So as it continued on, it became apparent.  Stoney was fascinated with the chase and the prolonged experience of the men on the run, and those in pursuit.  And I had google news banners to guide me in my follow- a-long of the script playing out, and like I said before, all of this truly fascinated me.  Made me feel young and useful again.  Over the period of many weeks, the complexity of the hunt and chase and pursuit increased.  Of course we did not get all the nitty gritty details, reliant on the end of the day, or break in news flash.

 

Enjoyed it while it lasted.  Probably is a hint that I am an adrenaline freak.  Don’t really like loud noises, nor gunshots close to me.  Makes my hair stand on end, and deters me from the task at hand.  Liked when the dogs entered the chase.  How can one avoid capture when technology is followed on the ground by dogs.  Keen sense of smell and tracking.  Who stands a chance of gaining freedom in a setup like this.  But again I keep going back to the notion this hunt and chase lasted more than 3 weeks, and was mostly on foot, as the terrain was rough, and the getaway girlfriend had a panic attack, and didn’t show up with vehicle and driver.

And so it goes.  Unpredictable behavior and suddenly its all lights and shadows and no one knows for sure, what is occurring.

Takes time to collect the facts.  Have gotten use to the idea that the surveillance society and all the tools required for it are in place.  Suddenly I realize that I could last a few weeks, hunted by the authorities, even in today’s modern police state and way of being.  Takes time to make it all happen.

Thought it would be instantaneous, once the dogs were brought out.  Scent.  Track.  Capture.  Fascinates me that it wasn’t an instant outcome of well practiced teams of men, that the inmates would be captured.  In the end,  one is dead and the other is headed back to prison.  End Game.  Ends in Capture.  Or death.   Or both.  Serious business, being the prey and having little practice at the escape clause in this long sentence you have endured, getting to this point.

Its over now.  We can go back to enjoy the moment.  Next up is 4^th of July.  And we can now go out into the woods, without extra ordinary fear of something bad happening.  In my mind, it was a fair chase.  Escaped prisoners made a contest of it.  Fascinated I was with the unfolding in this situation.  Had no horse in the race, and have a built in notion that the bad guy will never win.  Fascinated, not with the dynamics of this hunt, nor the action that went on and on, more so was excited that I involved myself.  3 weeks worth, and on a rough mountain area, set out like a chess board, with only so many moves and places to go.

Takes strength to extend the game or event.  Performance and everybody was playing for keeps.  Is what makes it interesting to me.  Anticipation and then disappointment for law enforcement that what they are doing does not produce instant results.  Then on the other side,  hunt and chase and sometimes want the prey, be it bear or deer or man, to get away uninjured.  Like the idea that anything is possible, and in this day and age, with technology and methodical training going on, both in the military and in public law enforcement, all is tilt in the favor of the Hunter, and the prey, well is thought that freedom is but a dream, and will never come.

So I found myself chasing shadows.  Waking up in the middle of the night, to see if the prisoners were apprehended.  Checked Google news.  Went back to sleep when I didn’t see what I was looking for.  And this went on for 3 weeks.  And now its over.   Had one of those days where I stayed by myself for the most part.  Not sure it was a let down period for me.  In fact, I will spend a little time collecting details that will surely come out in the news.  The thrill of the chase is recent.  The price of the chase will become known later.

And I must say.  I like feeling safe.  I like that 1,200 well-trained people were out and about at a sacrifice to their life and limb, and that in the end there were results that seem acceptable, even to me.  I like the underdog and the ones on the bottom, but when you are a threat to me and my family, and families like mine,  I take the law enforcement side.  Don’t let the bad guy get away.  No never.

 

MASSIVE IN DAYLIGHT

MASSIVE IN DAYLIGHT

 

Coming to this blog with a rear-view mirror like reflection of a reality twice removed, and yet coming at me,  staring me down, and causing thought.  Massive rear end, and I thought I was exempt from anything like that.  Cause for alarm, not yet.  Just a blog, and in real life,  I keep my distance.  Am not a Selfie Type.   Broad exposure and who I am with, not really part of the conversation as I make my way down a road, self-chosen.  Titillation, simulation, and the use of visualization tools does not include a web cam, which in the hands of the devious other, spells big trouble. 

Massive in the sense, it is the elephant in the room,  complete with white house and democracy.  Autonomous agent driven peek-a-boo, and not sure who is on my left or right flanks, but do pride myself on being flat in all the right places, prone and still, below the firing line.  So not quick to raise me hand or head, not really good in bright light or in headlights.  Innocent and like Dear, or Oh Deer.”,  I survive in the most cautious way.

 

Massive in Daylight is about the opposite range of alternatives for me.  I like the night life.   I dance around and show my stuff, but then as if on drugs or in a trance,  I am home before you notice.  Surveillance Society.   Drug Tolerance and ways of being I could only dream of, back in the 60’s when baby boomers were rattling cage.  Now its our turn to grow old gracefully, step back and let others take our place.  Massive in Daylight is about a big movement; greater than one person or one group.  Baby Boomers unite.  “You are going down.”   

Not sure which part of my brain is staying this, but I am listening.  Have a broom and am willing to use it.  Massive Rear End and not liking what I am seeing.  Changes need to be made,  but not sure poisoning the food chain, or doing  GMO-like enhancements is the way it should be.  But with diminishing voice and presence, to the corner I go, standing in silence as I type this to you.  Massive in Daylight.  Are these words, I send.

 

Massive in the sense, you don’t answer to me, nor I to you,  but things get done.  Not saying people go behind my back, and manipulate the chess board, moving black and white pieces around.  Things get done, and it seems like a huge tactical strategy game, set on the fringes of my backyard, close enough to cause concern.  4^th of July coming up, and can hear :  “Boom  Boom.”  Fireworks or gunshots, who knows.  Everybody wants their freedom, and remember this, “Give me Liberty or Give me Death.” 

Up in New York near the Canadian border, just yesterday they shot an escaped convict on the run.  Now they are looking for another.  Massive (manhunt ).  Use that word again, so I know.  It costs to have certain freedoms.  Like marrying your best mate.  And the way it works, is that it lasts as long as folks don’t change their mind.  So we like to start out optimistic.  Anything is possible.

 

 And even when I say, “True.  True.”   I know, those guys in black robes meet in some room and declare:  “new ruling.”  Imagine that.  I have lived through it.  Bush becomes president of the United States.  Honor the black robes.  And honor change.  It won’t go away, not in my lifetime.  I am a baby boomer or close enough to see what those people went through.  Now is time to step back.  Honor your conviction and let you have your day.   Massive in Daylight.  I intend to honor you.  Regardless.

 

Say all this as I fold a flag.  Will put it away for now.  Have a huge flag collection.  Feel the changes and note the commotion.  Big stir and I am afraid.  Won’t make a fuss.  Usually don’t show my hand until I have to, play the cards that are dealt me.  Don’t brag when I win, and almost always cover my loses.  Massive in Daylight is for me, a tactical strategy game that rules life and sets me free.  And when I can live like that,  I tend not to embarrass myself by showing that which is close behind. 

 “Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you. “ Satchel Paige

 

Massive in Daylight and there is so much I dare not say in the present moment.  Will put away my flags, but not my guns.  Won’t show the massive rear that seems to be more than living shadow following in my footsteps.  Have had my fun.  4^th of July.  Be safe.

 

BEER BELLY MARVEL

BEER BELLY MARVEL

Looking for something interesting to write about.  Beer Belly Marvel might be it.  Feels safe and have found out that in summer, camping and beer and being outside is where its at.  Ok, by my own choosing I am a bit landlocked in a down town area of a midsize town/city, near the north pole, but during the thaw we have plenty of light and no news of global warming.  So we are active or we snooze, and sleep it off.  Such is the ways of a beer belly marvel and all around stoney-guy.  Some of this is the liberty of a digital pen, erase or write and look at what’s on the screen in front of you.  Not a true reflection of reality, but when its time to come back to earth and get real,  you can do what I do.  Stand in front of the mirror and write down what you see. 

Starting my day with a sense of humor.  Write a few words and examine the content, locate myself in all of this, and repair or do more damage to what others might be thinking, as we read through all of this.  All things must be done and done in moderation is what keeps me alert and on my feet.  Obesity is the enemy for me.  Too much alcohol is not good for me, and working the garden and managing the weed is a container problem for me. 

Small and just what I need; craft beer and crafty people around me, to keep me function and running from myself and what I see in the mirror.  Well done.  Hope for a little time in the casket, and in the tasting room, having fun.  That’s it.  Have fun.  Its summer.

Am doing what I can to pass the time.  Summer time and just 2 months into baseball season, and I know:   I have had enough, but not really.  Like a good beer and a good backyard,  meet and great and bar-b-Que  with family and friend, and if we do this enough,  its Fall before we know it.  So I did read where there is hope for us all.  Diet and Exercise and FitBit.  Keep all the data in one place, and be more factual that taking selfies of a beer belly marvel like myself.

 Not that growing a stomach is harder than growing green stuff, but what makes all this interesting is that as we get older and are less active, meaning if we are at the computer and do work in front of a screen day after day, and into the evening hours, are still at the screen for fun and entertainment, well then.  The results speak for themselves.  Reaching that point somewhere in the 40’s,  I have dedicated the last 30 years to staying active, and on my feet, and drinking less and having the motivation to drink just water. 

Seems to be working for me.  Not to say, I have stopped singing The Beer Song,  just now at the point where I totally agree; most things must be done in moderation.  At least that is how it is for me.   Stopped having kids when I was age 65.  Got the retirement bug, and hired a staff and set of nanny people.   Now the kids are in school, have a regular routine of travel and study and love.  Won’t be long they will be drinking beer in Bavaria, but for now I don’t think about it.  They grow up all too fast.  And when the truth makes you want a beer,  with me I go another way.   I drink wine and pray for peace and a smaller me.

I think it helps when we sit back and laugh.  For love or money, or just because we can, a sense of humor keeps us healthy.  At least, this is what I tell myself.  Sunset years and yet, still summer and I want to enjoy the moment.  Entertain myself, and so I sit and write something a little off course in a word too series and living with war and crime and drugs, and an election is coming up next year, so is best to entertain and do what seems natural when at a ballgame or at the lake or as I said before, with family in the backyard.  Laugh and make a lot of noise.  Continue to play and be with friends. 

Go to the web and read when you feel the urge.  Confirm what liposuction can do for a beer belly, and then go back to having fun.  Rock and Roll is good.  Am still happy with what I found out.  If things get bad, Repent.   Get a flash back from a Leonard Cohen song.  “….when they said Repent Repent, I wonder what they meant. “   That helps orient me.  Now he says, “More beer.”

My mind keeps going back to the idea of all of this is about having fun, and wonder how long I can manage to do and be like that.  So far, so good.  Get off track a little, and something pulls me back, and not sure how much credit I should give to looking in the mirror, or Alice and the Looking Glass.  Sweet reflections of a good time, and I can say, “When winter comes……”  Things will be alright.  Seasonal correction and weight training, go to gym.  Then comes spring and the beer garden.  What’s a guy to do. 

So I did learn something.  Not sure if it was anger management classes or something else, but get down to it, and an auto reflex kicks in.  Count to Ten.  1-2-3.  Not sure where I slip into darkness, nor if hypnosis really works, but Wait Training, and I call on patience to cure me.  Not that beer belly is a disease, but without going into details, this is the path I will take.  Later on I will say that having a beer belly is a myth, and its just muffin top.  And we can mix and match until we are completely satisfied.  I will drink to that.  Cheers.

“Good to Go.”  Says the Captain.  White background and polish sausage.  Make quite a picture, with the beer mug blurred and off to the right.  “Catch me when I slip.”  I tell my friends and family, knowing that I am always in motion and going somewhere, just never know when to stop.  So things happen  Can hardly fit into my clothes, and then I find a way, to go to The Club, do a few hours in the pool, and stay away from The Pub.  

Smooth Bourbon or cold Rocky Mountain Beer.  “Alcohol and in moderation, it is good for me.”  I say that and brush beyond those things in my way.  Have mixed feeling about all this when I am so big,  I get in my own way.  Will join forces with those who have gone through this for more years than we would like to count.  Have fun, but in moderation, will become a generational chant that whispers in my ear. 

Often we just don’t know what is good for us, and go into auto pilot and chart a course that takes us to the brink.  Beer Belly Marvel and when I picture that, with cell phone camera in hand, it is a good time to see things as they are.  Reflection and without remorse, make a corrective course.  “Ready to Go.”   Captain sir.  Summer time and having fun.  How about you?