Wednesday, 01 October 2025
The scene from 224 driving back from Kimble Junction is amazing.
Just off on my way over to Mikes for pistol shooting and this Magnificent beast is stood outside barring the way. Walk around him and fortunately he doesn’t give a rats arse.
Why are the Worlds politicians so gullible? My rants for this months blogs are going to explore how gullible and stupid they are with respect to Islam, France, Iran, China and Hamas.
When will Stupid Starmers Silly Socialists realise that there job is to run not ruin the country.
Katie Hopkins: Viewed from overseas, the degradation of the U.K. is stark. Decent families want out.
So true, fortunately we’re out of it most of the year. How sad that I have to say that.
Thursday, 02 October 2025
Mike and I do the Wasatch State Park hike. The trees are still awesome.
Then it’s shopping at Smiths with Wendy.
In the evening we’re off to the Mercantile with B&M. Take the gorgeous drive down from Guardsman’s Pass. The trees are awesome. As you can well imagine I have the Shrimp and Grits, as awesome as ever, has to be the best around here.
Islam
Let’s start with the Worlds politicians, especially the UK’s, in respect of Islam.
And let’s talk about that creeping “Islamization” of the UK. You can practically see it happening: demands, demands, and more demands. Every corner you turn, someone’s probably trying to turn Britain into a full-blown Islamic state. Just like how every corner store is turning into a Starbucks, right? Totally the same thing. Can you imagine a single mosque on every street corner? The horror!
So, according to this “brilliant” reading of the Quran, we’re all headed toward a future where women are draped in black bin liners, and we’re all on our hands and knees five times a day for some serious carpet-kissing action. Who wouldn’t want that? Throw in a bit of 7th-century barbarism for extra flavor — sounds like the perfect upgrade to modern life. I mean, who needs 21st-century conveniences when you can experience the “charm” of an era where hygiene was optional and the concept of basic human rights was shaky at best?
As for Islamophobia — well, of course* it’s totally unreasonable to have any kind of fear toward a religion that has, you know, some mild tendencies toward violence in certain parts of the world. It’s practically insane to be wary of something that, let’s face it, doesn’t exactly have a history of peaceful coexistence with the modern world. Why, it’s almost as if people would be crazy not to be afraid.
But hey, our politicians, bless their hearts, are just so committed to “multiculturalism.” They’ll bend over backwards to prove it, probably with a couple of prayer mats and some half-baked policies to go along with it. Too bad multiculturalism seems about as effective as putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. Maybe if they just try harder to appease everyone, it’ll all magically work out. (Spoiler: It won’t.)
I mean, who needs a functional, peaceful society when you can have this lovely chaos instead? Brilliant plan, folks. Absolutely brilliant.
Let’s face it “Islam is incompatible with western values and rights”
Friday, 03 October 2025
A busy day. Starts with 2 hours Pickleball. Then we’re off ten pin bowling and because the TGIF sounds like it going to be on a freezing balcony, requiring ski gear to keep warm, Mike takes us to Black Rock for dinner. Good food and we add it to our list of approved restaurants.
France – they’re not our friends
A Jolly Look at Our “Special Relationship” with France
Ah yes, France — our dear continental cousins. The nation that’s always happy to share in our problems… as long as they stay on our side of the Channel.
When, one wonders, will our politicians finally realise that our European neighbours aren’t exactly queueing up to be our best mates? They’ll smile for the photo ops, clink glasses of overpriced champagne, then quietly stab us in the back with a regulation-compliant butter knife.
And now we have Stupid Starmer and his Merry Band of Silly Socialists, apparently under the impression that France is going to help us stop the boats. Oh yes, because nothing says “cooperation” like the French waving migrants off from Calais shouting, “Bon voyage, mes amis! Enjoy your benefits!”
Why do we keep paying them, exactly? We send over millions, and what do we get? A shrug, a strike, and the occasional half-hearted patrol of a beach somewhere near Dunkirk. Of course they could stop the boats if they really wanted to — but why would they? They’re orgasmic to see the back of these economic migrants from third World countries that want to dominate and inflict their 7th century barbaric ideology on all Western Nations. It’s the only thing leaving France on time these days.
And then there’s the ECHR — that delightful foreign court which seems to think it runs Britain now. Apparently, we can’t remove illegal migrants without first checking with a bunch of unelected lawyers in Strasbourg who spend their afternoons sipping espresso and deciding what our laws should be.
Meanwhile, British lawyers are lining their pockets faster than you can say “legal aid” — all, naturally, on the taxpayer’s tab. It’s like being mugged politely, with a receipt. We left that evil communist club known as the EU, but somehow forgot to leave the back door open for the ECHR to wander in and make itself at home. Perhaps it’s time to finish the job — show them the door, wish them au revoir, and finally reclaim the right to make our own mistakes, in our own British way.
Saturday, 04 October 2025
Finally a rain day so we stay in. Marianne and Mike come over to teach us how to play Canasta. I think Mike either makes the rules up as he goes along or you just have to be a Philadelphia lawyer. It seems a tad complicated and makes Bridge seem simple. Then they stop for a Speg Bol dinner.
Muslim view of women
https://x.com/YossiBenYakar/status/1974151290315026795
Sunday, 05 October 2025
A lazy cool morning. Pickle ball in the afternoon. B&M for dinner in the evening.
Tuesday, 07 October 2025
Spend two hours booking flights. Got a good Virgin Atlantic deal on Upper Class for 110K points and $1,100 for both of us ATL to MAN.
Mike and I do Snowtop in the morning a great short hike in awesome weather.
Lazy afternoon.
Then in the evening we go to the Brew Pub at top of main for dinner with B&M. Awesome beer and bourbon for $6. Unbelievable the bourbon was lovely and mellow, not some cheap rot gut, less said about the beer the better. Apparently it was some Henry McKenna bourbon mash, I suspect it was not the 10 year old at $88 but one of the cheaper versions. I need to check it out. Food was OK, but as usual they managed to screw up Wendy’s order. You really can’t expect waiters to listen.
Prick Of The Day award goes to Virgin Atlantics web designer for bad HCI; web site being crap, more faults than Muslims marauding around the Kaaba; just another example of the lousy customer service. Obviously never tested properly. Whilst the web guy is probably a clueless 10 year old who needs his Mommy to tie his shoelaces in the morning, someone should really hand out some brown envelopes to the IT Director and Customer Services Director. If it wasn’t for their awesome cabin staff I’d never risk my life with Virgin, anything outside the aircraft cabin is a disaster.
Wednesday, 08 October 2025
Gorgeous day. Go to the Newcomers coffee morning and join up. Going to see the Grizzlies – ice hockey team – with the LADs group in January and they do plenty of hikes and winter snowshoeing, plus they have wine tasting evenings, so thought we’d rejoin. All of $60 per annum.
Have a ride down to Salt Lake with Mike and then in the evening Wendy and I are off to B&M’s for dinner. It’s some sort of Chicken and Biscuit pie, loved it.
Thursday, 09 October 2025
Another gorgeous day. Hop on my bike to PCMR base for my free Covid and Flu shot, courtesy of my American taxpayer friends – Thank you.
Wow, what a slick operation, Check-in, over to the stabbing station and all done in under 5 minutes. No queue. Amazing.
In the afternoon we go over to Marrianes to play Canasta. Having Mike as our tutor, all the patience of a Brit in a queue when someone cuts in, is not really the smartest way to learn games that has more rules than the UK tax laws. But thanks to both of them for putting up with us. Whatever you do don’t waste a wild card on a two card meld.
Wendy tries a wig on. It really suits her.
After that ordeal we go to the Glenwild golf club for yet another great meal, awesome food, service, surroundings and company. WOW, they actually have waiters who listen; can use a tray; provide great service.
Iran
Why is it so hard for the world’s leaders to get it through their their thick skulls hat Iran is about as trustworthy as a wolf wearing sheep’s clothing? Sure, they’re totally not hiding anything. I mean, when your entire foreign policy involves acting like a mix of an overzealous cult leader and the world’s worst neighbour, you’re bound to be upfront about your intentions, right? So when they say, “Oh, we’re just enriching uranium for peaceful purposes,” I’m sure the entire global community is nodding, completely convinced. Definitely nothing shady going on here.
And let’s not ignore their grand plan to bring about the apocalypse — no big deal. The idea that nuclear weapons are just a “small step” for a regime that believes the end of days is a good way to spice up geopolitics is totally normal, no need for concern. But hey, if you really want to hear about their ultimate goal, it’s world domination, all while they sit in their 7th-century time warp, wearing outdated ideologies like badges of honor. Not exactly a recipe for peace, is it?
Honestly, why do we keep pretending to be diplomatic? Just hit them with every sanction we can muster, let them feel the heat. Because why settle for a world where they have a functioning economy, when we can instead return them to the “freedom” they once had — which was, oh, I don’t know, medieval in its finest moments? I’m sure that’s exactly what they’re longing for: a return to the days of really restrictive human rights, brutal theocratic rule, and economic backwardness.
If this regime’s track record on transparency, human rights, or nuclear nonproliferation hasn’t convinced you yet, then frankly, you should probably just get a pet tiger and start trusting that it’s “just misunderstood.” At this point, appeasement doesn’t seem like a strategy — it’s more of a masochistic hobby.
Oh, and let’s not forget how the United Nations, in all its infinite wisdom, decided to appoint Iran to the Human Rights Council. Because what better way to promote global justice than to let a regime that regularly dishes out executions, tortures political dissidents, throws gay people off buildings, and stones women for the “crime” of being alive sit at the table with the very countries trying to stop that kind of thing from happening? Brilliant move, really. I mean, who better to teach the world about human rights than a government that treats them like a suggestion rather than a principle?
Seriously, Iran’s track record on human rights is like something out of a dystopian novel. They literally kill people for the crime of being in love with someone of the wrong gender. They stone women to death for being “too sexually liberated” (you know, like, daring to live), and they imprison anyone who dares to question the regime’s iron grip. Yet somehow, in the UN’s mind, they are the perfect poster child for human rights. What a twist! It’s like letting a pyromaniac run a fire safety seminar — “Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”
But sure, let’s trust them on everything else, too. Because if they can run a human rights council, why not let them handle global nuclear policy, right? Maybe next they’ll appoint North Korea to the Climate Change Committee. It’s about time we give dictatorships a voice in all the most important international forums. Let’s just hand over all the keys and let them take the wheel — after all, they’ve proven themselves so capable of running things that, yeah, this whole “sanction them” idea sounds a little outdated. Clearly, they’re ready to lead us all into the glorious future… assuming that future involves authoritarian rule, zero freedoms, and a nuclear winter.
Friday, 10 October 2025
It’s a rainy sort of day, getting us in training for our return home.
Go bowling in the morning as Wendy is having her pain jab in the afternoon.
As Wendy’s “taking it easy” after the jab we have a takeaway for tea. Mike and Wendy have something from Sammies and I have an Enchilada from Chubasco’s. Ive been pining for one all week. It was awesome.
Nothing to do with Islam
Saturday, 11 October 2025
Another day when Wendy has to take it easy so I have a morning bike ride. It’s so windy it’s blowing the stripes of the American flag.
Pretty boring afternoon sat indoors catching up on blogs and all things iPad.
In the evening we go with B&M to that Mecca for great junk food Chicks. I was really looking forward to trying biscuits and gravy along with Liver and onions, alas biscuits and gravy are breakfast only. Now I’m keen to try but no way am I that keen that I’ll get up at Sparrows fart to try them. Never mind, my first Liver and onions in 6 months were great.
Meanwhile, in unrelated news, the NHS has decided to save a few quid by making patients wait even longer. Because nothing says “healthcare” like a good old-fashioned queue, right?
What, your babies due in a month, sorry you’ll have to keep your legs crossed and push back delivery by a year. Just think how smarter it’ll be when finally delivered.
Oh your in agony with your hip, never mind we’ll push it back a year, take an Asprin while it gives you more time to perfect your hip wobble. 
WOW just think what the NHS can squander those savings on; offer free plastic surgery to illegal immigrants or even breast enlargements to any illegal immigrant who makes it across the English Channel without being raped and feels the need for bigger boobs.
Sunday, 12 October 2025
Sunny but cold day. Do a Snowtop hike with Mike.
Lazy afternoon then dinner. Mike joins us.
China
Well, apparently wiping out millions with a global pandemic wasn’t quite enough for China’s résumé. No, they thought, “Let’s add a bit of hacking, spying, and daylight robbery while we’re at it.” Patents, trade secrets, tech — if it isn’t bolted down, they’ve cloned it, slapped a new logo on it, and are flogging it back to us on Temu for $1.99 with free shipping.
And what do our brave politicians do? Oh, they love it. Can’t get enough. Smiling, shaking hands, signing trade deals, pretending it’s all perfectly fine. “Don’t worry, they’re our strategic partners,” they say — yes, in the same way a mosquito is a strategic partner in malaria.
We’re literally funding our own downfall. We’ve outsourced manufacturing, tech, medicine — even our toasters are spying on us. And still, everyone acts surprised when China outsmarts us. It’s not outsmarting if we gift-wrap the blueprint and mail it express.
And now — the pièce de résistance — China’s got a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. Brilliant! That’s like giving an arsonist the keys to the fire station. Next they’ll make North Korea head of the Tourism Board.
Meanwhile, we keep buying mountains of cheap plastic rubbish that breaks before the box is open. Maybe if we all stopped filling our lives with disposable junk, we’d stop being so disposable ourselves.
Let’s label China the “biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security”
Pat Condell on The virus that shames china.
Monday, 13 October 2025
Another cold but sunny day. Decide to try a Newcomers hike.
I have RSVP’d to the leader but no reply. Turn up at designated meeting placebut only two others there. By 0930 leader has not turned up so Mike and I go for plan B. A hike around Cobbblestone trail, join Bub’s. hike. Not exactly a glowing start to my Newcomers membership.
This just about sums up the difference between the shit we have to put up with everyday in Britain versus life here in Park City – Paradise.
https://www.facebook.com/katiehopkinsclub/videos/1056672629713347/?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&fs=e
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Start the day with one of Bub’s hikes around Round Valley.
In the afternoon we’ve got two hours of Pickleball, indoors for the first time, it’s so much better. Really shouldn’t do a 4 mile hike and then Pickleball, but I manage to survive the full two hours – some great games, just 4 of us.
Tuesday night is a quiet night in.
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
A mixed rainy day so I postpone my Easy Hike.
Finishing packing away summer clothes and STUFF, take it down to Mikes lockup.
Have a bike ride down to the coffee shop. Probably be the last one as snow is forecast.
In the evening we go to Sushi Blue with Mike and Sylvia. I’d never beeen and they had a curry I wanted to try. If you don’t want the Sushi the menu is pretty limited. Food was good and cheap but certainly won’t be going again – another PC restaurant bites the dust.
Thursday, 16 October 2025
Wake up to the first snow. It’s cold.
Thursdays wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Smiths.
We start loading up the boxes with food ready to take across to our next home at 163.
In the afternoon Wendy goes to have her hair done so I take the opportunity to at least get some exercise in with a stroll around the neighbourhood.
You’d think the Environmental Protection Agency would be run off their feet prosecuting all the water companies for treating our rivers as a cheap dumping ground for raw sewerage. But no, not one but 3, EPA employees fine a woman £150 for pouring coffee down drain. Not one but three employees, a prime target for Elon Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Yet another from the daily Batshit Bonkers Britain farce.
Let the “Flying Spaghetti Monster” save me from having to return for 7 weeks of despair.
Saturday, 18 October 2025
Well it seems like Wendy witnessed all four of our neighbours in some bizarre satanic ritual as they all surrounded our deck and lay on the ground. Then if that wasn’t weird enough they all started throwing pebbles under the deck.
Simple explanation is they were trying to recover their escaped Siamese house cat.
It seems that Starmers latest stupidity is to try and introduce ID cards. Perhaps he thinks this diversion will save his bacon.
Sorted a lot more of our STUFF over to 163.
A giant fish medley for tea out on the sunny patio (probably our last chance) and an alcohol free day.
As if Stupid Starmer’s Silly Socialists aren’t a big enough laughing stock on the World stage.
Their latest farce is one of the handful of illegals who came over in a rubber dingy and was returned to France, along with £2,000 on the One in out return deal. He then uses £2,000 of taxpayers money to buy himself a return dingy to England. And now their pondering what to do with him without upsetting the ECHR.
Sunday, 19 October 2025
Lazy morning. Then we catch the bus up to Main Street and have a stroll around.
In the afternoon Mike and I play pickleball in a gale, but at least it’s a lovely sunny day. Pickleball in the wind is the pits.
Meanwhile Mike puts up his all important Halloween decorations and has a ton of sweets ready for the kids on Halloween night.
We go around to Carols for dinner in the evening. A lovely evening with our oldest American friend, relaxing conversation and her being Irish means we talk on the same wavelength with a common heritage that we don’t have the benefit of with our American friends – she knows what English bacon is like and appreciates Christmas pudding, she’s making me one for Christmas. Spätzle and Schnitzel just perfect for dinner.
islamophobia
Why We Absolutely, Definitely, Desperately Need a Definition of Islamophobia (Because Apparently Common Sense Is Now a Criminal Offence)
There’s a crisis gripping Britain — and no, it’s not the housing shortage, NHS waiting lists, or trains that arrive once per decade (if Mercury is in retrograde). No, the real emergency is far more serious: we don’t have a “government-approved definition of Islamophobia”.
Yes, in this once-proud nation of Shakespeare, Newton, and legally ambiguous comedy, we’ve somehow limped through history “without” a legal clause telling us that being hostile toward Muslims is a bad idea. Frankly, it’s a wonder the entire nation hasn’t spontaneously combusted in confusion.
But rejoice! Having got rid of blasphemy laws the bureaucrats are here to save us — clipboard in one hand, culturally-approved thesaurus in the other. A crisp new definition is being conjured up to finally, “finally’ fix prejudice via criminal law and a helpful side order of censorship. Heaven forbid we should ever offend the barbaric 7th century ideology of pieces and permanent offence.
Because nothing says “progress” like a law that might one day “land you in jail for saying the wrong thing”.
Step One: Legally Define the Bleeding Obvious
Apparently, we need to define Islamophobia “just right”, because if we don’t, people might keep saying things that are… legal. The thinking goes: if we can nail the perfect phrase — vague enough to include disagreement, but stern enough to criminalise it — then all our problems will vanish.
Never mind that harassment, incitement, and violence are already crimes. That’s far too simple. We need a new rule — one that conveniently blurs the line between “actual hatred” and “improper opinions”.
So soon, disagreeing too forcefully might not just make you unpopular — it could make you “liable”. Say something clumsy, and you might find yourself in court defending your intent while the Crown Prosecution Service decides whether your podcast episode was “unhelpfully nuanced.”
Step Two: Free Speech — Now With Terms and Conditions
The beauty of a government definition is that it can turn subjective offence into objective law.
Once passed, we’ll be able to divide society into two neat piles:
Approved Thinkers, who know which words are safe and when to clap, and
Potential Offenders, who aren’t quite sure if their criticism of religious ideology will earn them a heated debate or a police visit.
Because let’s be honest — it won’t matter what you meant. What matters is how someone felt. And if they felt offended enough, congratulations: you’re now one tweet away from hate crime legislation.
Better rehearse your courtroom apology. And delete everything pre-2012, just to be safe.
Step Three: Use It to End Conversations — or Careers
With the definition enshrined, the word “Islamophobia” becomes more than a term — it becomes a judicial tool. An all-access pass to shut down debate, cancel speakers, and threaten dissenters into silence.
Question a policy? “Islamophobia.”
Critique an Inman? “Islamophobia.”
Suggest that freedom of religion also includes freedom to critique religion? “Possible hate incident”. Please wait while we log your IP address.
Why wrestle with ideas when you can accuse someone of criminal bias and call it a day? Bonus points if the accused has a public profile. Nothing like a good public shaming to keep the rest of the population quiet.
Step Four: Frame It as Courageous (From a Safe Distance)
Of course, politicians will sell this as a noble act of bravery. “Standing up to hate,” they’ll say, from inside a protected chamber surrounded by civil servants, legal advisors, and a security detail.
Real bravery — the kind where you defend both people’s right to believe and their right to disagree — is too complicated. Too unpredictable. And, frankly, too unpopular on Twitter.
Far better to act like you’re fighting hate while passing laws that make speech a minefield.
Step Five: Don’t Be Surprised When It Backfires Spectacularly
Once this sleek new definition becomes law, don’t be shocked when the following headlines start appearing:
“University Professor Investigated for Quoting Historical Text.”
“Teen Arrested for Sharing ‘Insensitive’ Meme on Group Chat.”
“Podcaster Charged Under Hate Speech Law for Comparing Theocracies.”
But hey — at least it’s clear what not to say. (Sort of. For now. Until next week’s revision.)
Of course, clarity might come at the cost of a few liberties. But who really needs free expression when you’ve got government-approved harmony?
Meanwhile, Christianophobia Remains Conveniently Undefined
Funny, isn’t it? Britain’s largest religious group — with its own share of threats, vandalism, and public mockery — apparently doesn’t qualify for a definition.
When churches are burned or believers mocked, it’s satire. When a bishop quotes scripture, it’s intolerance. When comedians call Christianity a mental illness, it’s just pushing boundaries.
There’s no state definition of Christianophobia, because there’s no political mileage in it. No virtue points to collect. No diversity award to win. Defending Christians is passé — and worse, it might require consistency.
And let’s face it: if the same speech laws applied equally to jokes about vicars and burqas, half the comedy circuit would be unemployed, and Monty Python would be retroactively illegal.
So Christians are expected to do what they always do: put the kettle on, write a letter to the editor, and turn the other cheek. Again.
In Conclusion: Say the Right Thing — Or Else
So yes, we desperately need a definition of Islamophobia — not because it’ll reduce hate, but because it will criminalise grey areas, punish critics, and provide legal cover for ideological policing.
It’s not about protecting people. It’s about controlling speech. Preferably, with the looming threat of prosecution if you colour outside the lines.
Because in 21st-century Britain, we still have freedom of speech…
We’re just redefining “free” one law at a time.
And always remember: all faiths are equal —
But some are legally safer to criticise than others.
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Spend the morning lugging the rest of our STUFF over to 163. Must have climbed more than the 677 stairs I have to climb next Thursday to the second tier of the Eiffel Tower. Exhausted.
In the afternoon have a final hike with Mike around Trailside.
In the evening it’s a farewell dinner with B&M at Sammie’s.
Thursday, 23 October 2025
Up at the crack of Sparrows fart. Mike picks us up in the BMW SUV, stolen from Marriane!
Manage to blag our way into the SLC Delta lounge. Great food and comfortable, just a pity you have to hike to get an Orange juice.
Oh, the unparalleled thrill of soaring the skies with Delta, where luxury meets… utter chaos. Picture this: you’re settled in, ready to binge some in-flight entertainment, but the TV’s deader than my enthusiasm for airline food. Forty minutes into this glamorous journey, they saunter by with headphones for the screen—because who doesn’t love a little delayed gratification?
Then, at forty five minutes, with all the warmth of a prison guard, they lob a bag of nuts at you, practically snarling. “Don’t you dare smile.” Coffee service? Oh, they’ll get to it when they feel like it, probably after they’ve mastered the art of spilling water all over poor Wendy.
And then there’s Mr. TV Fixer, the hero we all deserve but never get. This guy’s got the audacity to shrug and tell me to report the busted screen to Delta.com. Sorry I keep thinking I’m a CUSTOMER, you know the one paying your wages to sit there and do nothing. Instead of lifting a finger, he perfects the art of sweet FA, probably daydreaming about his employee-of-the-month plaque.
But fear not, we snagged those coveted exit row seats—because nothing screams “VIP” like extra legroom next to a broken TV. And let’s not forget our slick hustle into the Delta lounges at SLC and Atlanta. Plush seats, gourmet snacks, and drinks that almost make you forget the mid-air circus. Almost.
Oh, and Wendy? Her “chicken” sandwich turned out to be tuna. Classic mix-up, right? Very understandable, I’m sure to American ears, a Brit saying “chicken” sounds exactly like “tuna”‘
We have our dinner in the Atlanta lounge, great food, and it saves us eating the slops served on the Virgin flight.
Wot, no Cognac on the Virgin flight? Standards are slipping on board to the same shitty service outside the cabin. Gone are the days of a smiling dolly with a trolley ushering Baron Otard Cognac into Premium from Upper Class in order to delight a CUSTOMER.
Good news both flights are early, but as usual Manchester hasn’t a docking slot ready for us, just waste any time savings on Manchester’s usual f..ck up. What a bloody awful and greedy airport it is.
Of course it’s raining and it’s not long before we encounter our first 20 minute traffic jam – welcome back to Stupid Starmers Silly Socialist Batshit Bonkers Britain.
How will I survive 7 weeks of this nonsense?
Manage to stay awake until 20:00.
In the Atlanta Delta lounge I watch one of the waiters, he’s so cheerful and helpful to us and everyone. A joy to watch someone really enjoy their work. He ask’s me “how y’all going” I reply in true Yankee fashion “I’m good, how are you?” Just a delightful reply of “I’m good. I’m truly blessed. Thank you for asking”
Really made my day.
I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
B Do you fear harm or mistreatment if you return to your home country?
Yes
If “Yes” explain in detail:
1 What harm or mistreatment you fear;
2 Who you believe would harm or mistreat you; and
3 Why you believe you could be harmed or mistreated.
1 Being placed in jail for expressing the truth, especially in regards to the threat from Islam and for applying common sense to my daily life.
2 Stupid Starmers Silly Socialists (SSSS).
3 Pack up your Union Flags and kiss democracy goodbye, because we’re apparently living in a police state so oppressive it makes Orwell’s “1984” look like a cozy rom-com. Our basic freedoms? Pfft, those are under daily assault, and to prove it, I’ve lovingly cataloged the carnage in relation to the US Constitutional Amendments — y’know, that dusty old Bill of Rights you pretend still matters. Let’s dive into this carnival of absurdity, shall we?
1. Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
Oh, the sacred First Amendment, trampled under the boots of political correctness! Picture this: Jewish football fans banned from cheering their team against Aston Villa because—gasp—it might “offend” the delicate sensibilities of Muslim supporters. What’s next? Kristallnacht 2.0? Yellow Stars of David making a comeback? The suspense is killing me. And don’t you dare whisper a peep against the “religion of pieces and permanent offence” (clever, right?) or the Thought Police will be knocking, ready to arrest you for the heinous crime of “offending someone” on social media. Since when did “not being offended” become a human right? Oh, right—since the SSSS decided to float a definition of “Islamophobia” that’ll gag free speech faster than you can say “First Amendment.” But where’s the definition of “Christianophobia,” huh? Guess that’s not trendy enough. Meanwhile, right-wing or Christian protests get the riot squad treatment, while Muslim or Palestinian marches? Roll out the red carpet! Fairness is clearly alive and well.
2. Right to keep and bear arms.
A well-regulated militia? Ha! The UK laughed that one off in 1997 with a total handgun ban, unless of course you’re a criminal or terrorist. Good luck defending yourself with a strongly worded letter, mate. The Second Amendment’s been sent to the naughty corner, and don’t expect an invite back.
3. No quartering of soldiers.
Okay, we’re not shoving redcoats in your spare room—yet. But the government’s got a new hobby: housing illegal immigrants in swanky 4- and 5-star hotels, rented flats, and—why not?—actual homes. Meanwhile, our veterans and pensioners are left to freeze in their unheated flats, because worshipping at the altar of Net Zero has jacked up energy prices to “sell your kidney” levels. Oh, and the SSSS axed the winter fuel allowance, so our elderly can now choose between eating and not dying of hypothermia. Heartwarming stuff.
4. Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Picture this cozy scene: a midnight knock at the door, and it’s the police demanding to rummage through your phone for “offensive” tweets. Because nothing screams “freedom” like having your digital life dissected for hurting someone’s feelings. Fourth Amendment? More like Fourth Suggestion.
5. Right to due process, freedom from self-incrimination, double jeopardy.
The UK’s Criminal Justice Act 2003 gave double jeopardy a swift kick in the teeth, so now you can be tried again and again, ad infinitum, for the same crime until the state gets the answer it fancies. Due process? That’s just a cute theory we tell ourselves to sleep at night.
9. Other rights of the people.
You’d think a basic right to common sense, fairness, and politicians who aren’t allergic to logic, whilst drooling over their shoes and egos, would be a given in a democracy. But nooo, here in Batshit Bonkers Britain, the SSSS serve up daily doses of stupidity so pure it could be bottled and sold as a sedative. Common sense is on the endangered species list, and fairness? That’s just a myth we tell the kids.
In summary: We’re living in the land of no-longer-a-free-democracy, where false imprisonment lurks around every corner and safety is just a fond memory. I’d say “God save us,” but I’m pretty sure He’s on hold with the SSSS complaints department. Good luck out there, folks—you’ll need it.
Up at the crack of sparrow’s fart. Collect Fiona and Jasper, who look far too cheerful for this time of day. Preston Station’s only claim to fame seems to be their buffet, during the First World War was a welcome retreat for the soldiers going to war. Sadly it doesn’t seem to have been touched since then, a place where caffeine and patience go to die.
Leisurely start. Jasper’s navigating today, under protest, because apparently Google Maps is beneath him.
Metro to Notre Dame, which is heaving with tourists. More bodies than the Kaaba at Eid. Hop on the Big Bus Tour — the universal badge of “I have given up trying to pretend I’m local.”, but a great way to see Paris.
Autumn in Paris! Start the day with something flaky and buttery — Fiona’s 39 today, and we’re celebrating by failing to get Louvre tickets. Website only offers Friday slots. Excellent. Plan B? We don’t have one.
At the second floor, we join yet another queue for the lift to the top. By now it’s dark; the view’s spectacular. Another queue to come down to the second floor, naturally — this is France, not efficiency boot camp.
eakfast at the boulangerie, naturally — the pastries are now a personality trait.
Off to Jardin d’Acclimatation (or as Jasper calls it, “the French theme park”). Fewer screams than Alton Towers, but fun nonetheless a good choice on Jaspers part.
Then back to the Louvre — the underground Carousel entrance spares us the queue. Inside is a maze of statues and more broken pottery than Muslims at a stoning. We elbow through the scrum to see the “Moaning Lisa”, who’s about the size of a postage stamp.
The term “Arla and farting cows” refers to a recent controversy surrounding Arla Foods, a dairy company, and its pilot program to use a feed additive called Bovaer to reduce methane emissions from its dairy cows. While methane emissions are indeed a significant greenhouse gas and cows are a major source of it, the additive is not meant to stop “farting” but to suppress the enzyme in the cow’s digestive system responsible for methane production. Critics of the program have raised concerns about “adulterating” food products, despite the additive being scientifically proven safe and not remaining in milk or meat products.
Arla is trialing its Bovaer-fed milk with Tesco, Morrisons, and Aldi, so you may find Arla products containing the additive at these UK supermarkets.
Lead an easy bike ride in the morning. As no one turns up Mike and I make it a ride down to the coffee shop. Temperature great 70’ish and sunny, but the wind back uphill is a killer. Wendy’s volunteering.
Then we set off down to the Utah State Fair. Wow, one thing that leaps out at you in Salt Lake is how the body shape changes. Must be nearly 60% grossly obese. Great place to motivate me on my diet with all these blobbies shuffling around and quite a few in wheelchairs. Such a stark contrast to the healthy looking fitness freaks of PC.
Fair was interesting. Mainly junk food stalls. With all those Blobies to remind me I managed to resist, even the deep fried Oreos. A lot of exhibition halls with art and prize winners in.
As usual I lead an Easy Hike up Dubois trail. Good turnout of 10 but they’re all women. A noisy hike.
Mike and I do a short easy bike ride in the afternoon.
Start the day with 2 hours of pickleball at crack of sparrows fart 0830. Then Mike and I go down to Salt lake to pick up my Ultra 3 Apple Watch. Can’t believe the queue to just get in the store and then a queue to actually pick up the watch. If they keep this shoddy customer service up I’ll be going over to the Dark Side with Android.
Then after car cleaning, petrol we’re off to play Ten Pin Bowling.
It’s a quiet evening in for Wendy and I.
The flammulated owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) is a small migratory North American owl in the family Strigidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Psiloscops.
Description
The flammulated owl is a small, nocturnal owl approximately 15 cm (6 in) long with a 36 cm (14 in) wingspan. With such large wings for a small body, they can fly rapidly from tree to tree. Males and females can be distinguished by their weight. Females are larger, ranging from 62–65 g (2.2–2.3 oz) and males are smaller ranging from 50–52 g (1.8–1.8 oz). The owl gets the name flammulated from the flame-like markings on its face.[9]
The flammulated owl is similar in appearance to the western screech owl, but is only about one-quarter the mass, lacks large ear tufts (but has small ear tufts that are barely visible), and has dark eyes and a different voice. The elf owl is smaller and the mountain pygmy owl is about the same size. The call is a series of relatively deep, single or double hoots.
Independence Day, so as usual we go over to the Oakley Parade, Mike and M&L join us. It’s an awesome small town parade. Epitomises all that’s great about America. How anyone can fail to be proud of America just amazes me. Flags everywhere and even 50 flags along the road in Oakley. So much better than PC parade as they throw out candy, we’ve a big bag full ready for when the kids come over.
Such a pity we don’t have parades anymore. Heaven forbid we should offend anyone.
In the afternoon we have a barbecue with friends.
Then it’s a quiet evening in once everyone has gone. Marianne invited us to the Glenwild Fireworks, always a great display, but it was at 2200 and there was a lot of heavy rain marauding around so we gave it a miss this year.
Bike ride. Airport run to take Carol and Angela to airport. Coffee shop and Costco whilst we’re down there.
Then in the evening Marianne throws a birthday party for Mike’s 83rd birthday. Great evening awesome food, wine and company.
Early morning hike with Mark and Joe up Charlies 9K. It’s an easy out and back with great views.
How does a community of 436 souls – vast majority Mormon – afford such a free extravaganza. Events have been going on all day to celebrate Pioneer day.
Charleston is a town in Wasatch County, Utah, United States. The population was 436 at the 2020 census.
The community was named after Charles Shelton, a first settler.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2), of which 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2) is land, and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2), or 10.16%, is water.
In 1858, trapper Aaron Daniels moved to a place on the Provo River just north of where Charleston is today.
The first farmers put in crops at Charleston in 1859, and the first houses were built by George Noakes and William Manning late that year near Noakes springs. Manning and George Noakes were the only residents until 1863 when a few others moved in. In 1866, there were about a dozen families, and after that, the population began to grow even faster.
Bike ride with Mike down to Kimble junction. Then ten pin bowling in the afternoon. In the evening we drive down to the airport pick the kids up. They’re all shattered.
Grandkids are up at the crack of sparrows fart (0500). Plenty of noise and they’re hyper, but really great to have them. Jasper wants to go a bike ride at 0600.
After breakfast we let them have all the toys, mainly dolls and girly things, Wendy has bought for them from the Christian Centre. Awesome, a bedroom full. They’re so excited.
Sort out their bikes and then they’re all terrorizing the neighbourhood.
After lunch they all swan off down to walmart. I give it a miss.
Then in the afternoon Mike comes round for dinner with more candy for the kids.
In the morning lead a hike with Jasper and Kurt around Snowtop.
Whilst in the evening Mike comes round to babysit the kids whilst Wendy and I take Kurt and Fiona to the Blue Boar Inn for dinner. Awesome food and Swiss hunting lodge ambiance.
In the morning I lead an easy bike ride.
In the evening Wendy and I go to the Oakley diner with M&L. As awesome as ever.
Another glorious sunny day.
Then it’s time to go and persecute some Clay Pigeon, not that they have anything to fear from me this year.
Robert Jenrick MP
Then we’re left with a quiet evening in sipping Bourbon and watching Game Of Thrones. Our TV’s interrupted with the sighting of the first Moose across the road. We abandon TV and sit on the deck watching the Moose and sipping Bourbon – now if that ain’t shittin in the tall Cotten, I don’t know what is, awesome. Pictures tell the story better.
Another sunny day. Lead a hike in the morning with a short bike ride in the afternoon. Quiet night in for a change.
Yet another sunny bike ride down to the coffee shop.
Hell of a busy day here in Paradise. Wendy’s volunteering at the Pantry. Meanwhile I’m off on one of Bubs hikes up to the top of Sky Ridge Peak, 4.8 mile and 915 feet elevation gain. 
Then we’re back to Mikes for Dinner with MariAnne, Joe and Dan. A nice bit of Omaha steak, some great food followed by a few large XO brandies – helps me sleep. There’s Artichokes for dinner so we get instructed on how to eat them and how to cut out the Heart. They’re ok but it is a lot of messing.
Start the day with a fluffy buttermilk pancake smoothered in Maple syrup and fruit.
Amazing.
Lead an Easy Hike around my favourite Road to WOS hike. Fortunately all the snows gone and the views are awesome.
Okonomiyaki, Tilapia and Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a popular, lean, white fish with a mild, sweet flavour.
Up at the crack of Sparrows Fart for a 09:30 hike with Bub, out and back along the Moose Hollow Trail up to the top of Parleys Summit to see the telephone masts. It’s 4.5 mile and 1001 feet of elevation gain. Awesome views from the top.
Short walk in the morning; bowling in the afternoon; TGIF in the evening.
Early morning death march led by Mike up East Canyon – Big Mountain trails. Awesome flowers and views. 
In the evening I lead a group of us try axe throwing. Great fun. Then Alberto’s takeaway at ours for Mike and family. Lovely fun evening.
Scientists have found that penguin guano releases high levels of ammonia into the atmosphere. When this ammonia mixes with sulfur compounds from ocean phytoplankton, it triggers the rapid formation of aerosol particles. These particles grow into clouds, which may have a cooling effect on the Earth’s surface.
The researchers say that even after the penguins leave, the leftover guano continues to release noticeable amounts of ammonia for days. What’s more interesting is that researchers noticed that cloud formation closely followed these ammonia surges. In one case, fog appeared just a few hours after the chemical levels spiked. 
Early start again, crack of Sparrows fart, 06:00. The flight to Las Vegas was awesome. Security was a breeze and the flight was comfortable with plenty of free booze, food, movies and time for the odd snooze. Brings back the joy of flying, could almost do this again just for the fun of it.
Mike’s there to greet us in his mega truck and we spend the night at Mikes, rather than messing around getting into our condo so late at night.
Start the day with a 2 hour 40 minute call to EE trying to get my mobile working. Tech support guy was not the brightest knife in the box. He had trouble explaining why they were charging me £36 for call when I have free roaming and a £20 spend cap; why they charged me for 0330 calls when my contract stalls ALL calls beginning with 03 are free. Ended up suggesting a new eSIM.
Arrive at Manchester airport early but as usual with anything to do with airports we can’t check in early. Screw the customer and let’s create a queue.
Typical of the EU we spend 50 minutes getting through immigration. You have to ask yourself do they really want visitors?
Breakfast is awesome, just about everything you can imagine apart from Vodka and Champagne.
Then it’s the rest of the bus tour, followed by a pleasant stroll through the old town, it’s lovely. Stop for lunch and a beer in the Old Town square, it’s just buzzing. How come these places all have a “famous bridge” the Charles Bridge this time. 
Find a decent restaurant and of course they serve beer.
Day 2 in Prague starts with an awesome breakfast accompanied by live piano music. Then it’s the Old Town bus tour. Stroll across the famous Charles Bridge and settle on another beer. In the PM we stroll around old town in the warm sunshine. 
For evening entertainment we go to a medieval banquet, complete with not so exotic dancers; acrobats; more dancers; whirling flame dancers and swallowers. The dancers are a tad better than Hooters.
Another musical, awesome breakfast. Checkout, and then have a stroll around the Old Town in the sunshine. Try some of the Local street food in the market square. Then it’s another beer.
Stroll back to hotel to pick up the suitcase, stopping for a wine on the way.
With hindsight I think two full days would have been enough. Our last day was just lounging around.
Settle in for the obligatory afternoon cup of tea – yes, even in 3rd World EU countries we still have standards.
Despite the forecast of rain all day the weather turns out mainly dry with scattered sunny outbursts. After the journey from hell we decide to have a lazy day and just do the major shop for essentials for the next week.
Never mind Wendy settles down to watch “Greys Anatomy”, it’s not yet 1700 so thankfully I get to pass on it.
A gorgeous sunny day and it’s even warm, not quite shorts weather but cargo pants weather. Up and Uber into Split Old Town to catch a guided walking tour. One of Guru walks guided tours. They’re free you just tip for what you think it’s worth – and yes I do tip them.
A pretty good tour around the Diocletians Palace (apparently some ancient geezers Roman palace built in 305) Split in the gorgeous sunshine. The palace is really a walled town. Not quite as impressive as Dubrovnik.
Another sunny stroll around Split Old Town.
Then at dinner they tell me it’s not available. Totally pissed off. Food is great, but service is very slow and they screw up Wendy’s cocktail. Considering there’s only us in the restaurant, god help them if they ever get busy. Finally get to try some Dingac wine, wow it’s very good, fruity, smooth and expensive.
Lazy start to a great breakfast, despite only a handful of guests in the hotel. We’ve been told we can have a late checkout – 1800, how’s that for late. The manager comes to see us over breakfast to apologise for the slow service last night. Lunch today is on the house as an apology. I relate the Brodet saga and he goes away to the kitchen, comes back and apologizes and tells me that there will be Brodet for my lunch. Very professional.