Wind River Free Press
Online Magazine. Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP - Freelance Journalist & Author.
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TRUMP ADMINISTRATIONS BRUTAL PLAN,
FOR WILD HORSES AND BURROS By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author June 29, 2020 © June 2020 All Rights Reserved Bureau of Land Management’s Nefarious Plan, For Decimating A Protected Species Through “Time and Memorial” the Federal Government has worked in conjunction with the Public Land “CATTLE GRAZERS” to decimate the wild animal populations inhabiting our National Parks Wilderness Areas. More specifically, herbivores and predators are the main targets, e.g., Wild Mustangs, Burros, and Carnivores such as: Bears, Mountain Lions, Wolves, and Coyotes. The 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act established their ranges as dedicated habitat to be “managed principally ” and responsibly for their welfare. But are they Federally Protected, or is the Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) present-day actions just a modern era genocide using an existing law as a cloak to conceal their true intentions – extinction? As I’ve always stated, “When the Federal Government gets involved in something, it usually never works correctly, again.” In this instance, truer words were never spoken. Just imagine a visual description where arm-chair-quarterbacking, by Bureaucrats in Washington D.C. are deciding the fate of the Wild Mustangs and Burros as well as our history. The very same Bureaucrats; who in all probability have never visited a wilderness area, much less observed a Wild Horse or Burro, first-hand, are the ones delegated with the authority to remove entire herds of Wild Horses and Burros in order to re-stock the public grazing land with cattle. Does anyone think our Federal Government will lie to us? It’s been a proven fact – over and over and over again! An excellent article, describing this modern-day-dilemma for these poor animals has been posted in the Washington Examiner. In a Washington Examiner article, the publication; https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/the-bureau-of-land-managements-nefarious-brutal-plan-for-wild-horses, by Ginger Kathrens & Charlotte Roe, dated June 27, 2020 - 12:00 AM reports: Environmental travesties are on the rise, many obscured by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest ones will soon be taken up by Congress. In its long-overdue report to Congress, the Bureau of Land Management proposes capturing and removing 220,000 wild horses and burros over 10 years to achieve its unsupported, arbitrary “appropriate management level” of 26,690 — a near-extinction population level. It will cost American taxpayers $1 billion to expel these animals from the dedicated rangelands where they currently live at no cost to taxpayers. Thousands of wild mares could be subjected to ovariectomy, a discredited, brutal form of sterilization. In the end, hundreds of thousands of once-wild animals will languish in crowded holding pens — and taxpayers will be footing the bill. Wild horses are federally protected animals. The 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act established their ranges as dedicated habitat to be “managed principally ” for their welfare. Flouting this law, the BLM has removed wild equids from nearly half of their designated 52 million acres. Now, government machinery is accelerating to remove most of the rest. The BLM plans to wipe out three herd management areas in Wyoming’s famed Checkerboard and sterilize an entire herd in a fourth — “zeroing out” 2.5 million acres of their habitat for continual use by privately owned livestock. In Nevada, the BLM intends to eliminate six herds in the Caliente Complex, imprisoning 1,700 wild horses at taxpayer expense. They will also take 1,800 wild horses from Oregon’s Barren Valley, proposing sterilization as “management,” killing off the “wild” in these wild horses. Seventy-three percent of Arizona’s Black Mountain herd (1,727 wild burros) are slated to be removed despite a finding by the National Academy of Sciences that this could “jeopardize the genetic health of the whole population.” Even Montana’s famed Pryor Mountain herd could be cut in half, threatening the horses’ genetic survival. Millions of privately owned cattle will remain on federal rangelands, their taxpayer-subsidized grazing often expanded after wild equids are ejected from the land. The BLM’s insidious plan will reduce America’s wild equid population to roughly the level estimated in 1971, when Congress declared them “fast disappearing from the West” and acted unanimously to protect these heritage animals from extinction. The plan is based on a staggering compilation of misinformation and greed. Acting BLM Director William Perry Pendley, who opposes the concept of public lands and has no background in range management, claims wild horses are an “existential threat.” Perhaps they are — but only to his agenda. This is just the latest sound bite in a long-conducted public relations campaign against wild horses. Wild horse bashing is a smokescreen for what the BLM wants to hide — the commercial takeover of public lands. Subsidized livestock already outnumber wild horses and burros by over 37 to 1, yet livestock overgrazing is a top cause of damage to federal rangelands. Another group includes the extractive industries, which the administration is promoting at an unprecedented rate. Wild horses and burros are the canaries in this “coal mine” of commercial exploitation. The benefits of wild equids to the land are as powerful as they are unsung. They are walking fertilizers. They clear up fire-prone vegetation. Burros dig new water sources for other wildlife. At Skydog Sanctuary, a large rescue in central Oregon, new springs and vegetation nurseries emerged and pastures revived after several years of wild horse and burro presence on what had been overgrazed land. Other nonprofit groups have noticed a similar rebirthafter introducing mustangs and burros. Better choices are at hand. The vast majority of people in the United States support humane approaches to population management. Over 100 animal and equine advocacy groups propose rehoming captive wild horses and burros to zeroed-out rangelands; engaging partnerships to carry out PZP fertility control darting, wild horse monitoring, and range improvements; protecting predators; establishing more livestock-free ranges; and raising population targets to genetically sustainable levels. Replacing the harmful cycle of wild equid roundup and livestock overgrazing with initiatives to restore broken lands is a key climate action measure. The BLM’s plan, tucked in the FY20 appropriations package, is fiscally irresponsible and environmentally disastrous. Not one more dollar should be wasted on this latest scheme to destroy a national treasure. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS If Animal Rights Activists intend on countering the governments plan, now is the time to act. The various groups should come together and organize a plan to flood the government with their concerns and objections. In the past, what we’ve observed is several groups operating independently and not as a collective whole embodiment. They should join forces, flood Washington D.C. with opposition calls and organize protests, if necessary, to get their points across. Remember, there’s only one thing a Politician fears – the American Voter. “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE”
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 Cowboy Dedicates 11,000 Acres to a Wild Mustang Horse Sanctuary
By Richard E. “RICK” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author © June 2020 All Rights Reserved PLIGHT OF THE WILD HORSES AND BURROS ON PUBLIC GRAZING LANDS It seems, the battle between Animal Rights Activists and Horse Lovers against the Bureau Of Land Management (BLM) and the Cattle Ranchers leasing government leasing public grazing lands to cattle producers, on America’s National Park land, is a never ending saga. Records indicate, the BLM has caused the removal of a significant number of Wild Horses and Burros from their natural habitat along with a significant number of predators whose job is: to balance nature or the number of Wild Horses and Burros occupying public grazing land. As I’ve openly stated before, “ANYTIME THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INVOLVES ITSELF INTO A PROJECT, IT USUALLY NEVER WORKS CORRECTLY AFTERWARDS.” A proven example of this is the governments “Helter Skelter” approach to business management, e.g.: The way the United States Post Office is run as well as all other governmental agencies, including our Military. Waste waster, and more waste. For the record, governmental waste abounds and it seems; no government agency can balance the books and account for the billions they’ve been delegated, spent, and wasted. The government operates on a scale defying logical business operations. For years, the BLM has been on a failed course-of-action with the Wild Mustang and Burros populating our wild western landscape. Even though they’ve been delegated with the authority to protect Wild Mustangs and Burros, their caregiver responsibilities are lacking and is an exercise in futility. Leasing large swaths of public land to cattle ranchers was destined for failure from the very beginning. Example: The BLM leases land in remote areas inhabited by predators such as: Bears, Wolves, Bobcats and Mountain Lions. Natures Natural Predators; whose sole purpose in life is to control the number of herbivores being produced annually. This herbivore group comprises Wild Horses, Burros, Deer, Sheep, Bison and Elk. Thus, the wild landscape provides the carnivores with Mother Nature’s Bountiful Dining area. When the Cattle Producers move their cattle onto these wild remote areas, the carnivores naturally add beef to their dining option. As a result, the cattle producer whines to the BLM, the BLM pays the whining cattle producer for their livestock loss – with tax payer money, removes the predators, by either removing them or killing them outright – with taxpayer money, along with the predator removal is: The roundup of wild horses and burros to make room for more cattle. During the roundup process, many horses, burros and juvenile descendants of each species is either injured, crippled, or killed in the process. The BLM counters this fact of reality as non-existent, but facts have proven this denial is nothing more than bald face lies. After the roundup, these majestic creatures are moved off the public landscape and incarcerated in holding pens. This treatment, of our Wild Mustangs and Burros, is not only. cruel, but it’s an expensive proposition for the American Taxpayer and a total waste of Government Funding. The annual cost for this ludicrous ideology to pacify public land cattle grazers runs in excess of $500 Million Dollars annually just for Predator Control and the removal, housing, and care of Wild Horses and Burros. However, this is only a partial expenditure. The other added costs include the subsidies the public land cattle grazers receive each year from the Government, via, U.S. Taxpayer Subsidized Funding which also is in the Millions of Dollars, annually. Hardly a worthy cause, when the actual public grazing cattle production comprises only two (2) percent of the overall annual USA cattle production. Further, BLM statistics illustrate the BLM makes more leasing RV Parking Spaces on Park Land, than they do leasing public grazing rights. Go figure. WILD MUSTANGS HAVE AN ANGEL - DAYTON O HYDE – AMERICAN COWBOY In an article appearing in Horsey Hooves, Published on: 06/04/2020 by Anna Stanek, the author provides her reading audience with an incredulous good deed performed, by an American Cowboy – Dayton O Hyde. In the article, the author states: He struggled with the government and his neighbors, but American cowboy Dayton O. Hyde refused to give up. After lots of hard work and dedication, Hyde founded the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in South Dakota, where over 500 wild Mustangs call home. Hyde was born on March 25, 1923. In addition to being passionate about horses, he is also known as an author and conservationist. Hyde even began his career as a Rodeo photographer on his way to being a cowboy. Dayton O. Hyde’s Journey to Saving Wild Mustangs His journey to save wild Mustangs began in 1987, when he visited Nevada to buy cattle. While there, Hyde was shocked to see wild horses stuck in captivity that had been captured by the federal government. “It was just too cruel to take a wild horse away from their freedom and home and be contained in a corral,” said Hyde. Hyde was determined to help these wild Mustangs out, as he had always loved horses from a young age. He set out to start a sanctuary where these beautiful creatures could run free. However, it was not an easy journey and Hyde had to fight hard to get there. South Dakota Governor George Mickelson got news of Hyde’s plan and offered to show him land in South Dakota that could be used for a sanctuary. The land was located in the Chilson Canyon in the Southern Black Hills, bordering the Cheyenne River. Unfortunately, there was a large amount of opposition from the neighbors and local government, but Hyde and Mickelson decided to team up and form a partnership. “If you’re telling me it couldn’t be done, then that’s the wrong thing to say to a cowboy,” said Hyde in the 2013 documentary Running Wild: The Life of Dayton O. Hyde. In 1988, Hyde founded The Institute of Range and the American Mustang (IRAM) and his dream started to become reality. The IRAM, which is a non-profit organization, works to preserve and protect America’s wild horses. By fall of that year, horses began to arrive at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. One of the first Mustangs to arrive was a stunning two-year-old blue roan filly named Prairie Lark. Prairie Lark became Hyde’s partner in exploring the vast sanctuary and welcoming hundreds of horses to freedom. From there, Hyde dedicated his life to these horses. He would work tirelessly every day to ensure these horses could safely run free, saving wild horses from unknown futures. Hyde even described operating the sanctuary as “seven days a week; no vacations, no salaries.”Dayton O. Hyde’s LegacyOn December 22, 2018, Hyde passed away at the age of 93 after living a full life. He has been called a cowboy, a fighter and even “the most dangerous man in American conservation.” Today, Hyde’s legacy still lives on at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Hundreds of Mustangs still roam free on 11,000 acres in the beautiful plains of South Dakota. The IRAM still works to save the Mustang and preserve different endangered bloodlines and bands, including Spanish, Choctaw Indian, Curly and American Mustangs. To donate, visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary website here. To read the entire article, click on the following link: https://horseyhooves.com/cowboy-builds-wild-horse-sanctuary/ “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE” LIFE AFTER 60: 11 KEY THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Managing Member Freelance Writer and Author June 13, 2020 © June 2020 All Rights Reserved GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY, ACTING OLD IS OPTIONAL Yes, I’m on the far side of 60, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sudden death experience or sentence. In fact, this Fall I’ll be 70 according to one of my two birth certificates. LOL According to my mothers negotiated birth certificate, whose deceased, she was way underage to have a child and my father was way over age to be having sex with a gal of my mothers age. In order to keep my father out of jail, a little finagling was orchestrated to conceal my exact birth year - from the family and the law. So much was the case in 1949. In fact my father was in the Army when I was conceived. Eventually, he served in the Korean War. On leave? Who knows I wasn’t born yet. LOL However, according to my actual Alabama birth records, I was born in 1950 and not 1951 as my second negotiated birth certificate signifies. Apparently the United States Department of Defense agreed with the State of Alabama because I received my reminder from the Draft Board to register at 17, in 1968 and due to my upcoming 18th birthday. How did they find me. Big brother knows all. LOL Later that same year and shortly after my registry with the Draft Board, my draft notice for induction into the U.S. Army and the Vietnam War shortly thereafter or after my 18th birthday in 1968. I was to report for Military duty on January 3, 1969. What happened afterwards is an explanation for another day. I served my country, as did all my relatives inducted, during the War, with honor, distinction and an honorable discharge two years later. The curious nature of my induction is: I served in the Vietnam War with two first cousins Roger Dale Curl and Steve Street. The curious oddity is: After our initial meeting at my aunt Mary’s house, in Shelby, Alabama - to sign our names in the family bible before our overseas deployment, we never saw each other again until we were all discharged, from the Army. Another oddity is that my first cousin Kathy Jeronowitz and her husband Jerry Jeronowitz served in the Navy during the same War. One fact is certain, I come from a long list of Military Veterans, before and after my service, and we’re a fighting bunch. Lol 11 CURIOUS QUESTIONS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BEING 60 AND OVER 1. The number one question, I’m always asked, is: “How’s sex after 60?” I have no earthly idea why people think sex disappears after you turn 60 and beyond. Perhaps it does for some, but not for me. Actually, I find sex more enjoyable on the far side of the 60 fence. In today’s pharmaceutical age there’s a pill for everything – what ales you and what doesn’t work as good as it used too. Satisfaction and gratification is only a short trip to the pharmacist with a prescription in hand. To keep this event a non-issue, one only has to stay in shape and take care of your health. Eat right, stay in shape, and don’t smoke. My Uncle Junior is a testament to that fact. After my uncle passed and was buried, my first cousin Mike and his wife Laura were doing the usual post-passing-cleanup, at his house, when they discovered that in just about every shirt pocket, ever pants pocket, every jacket pocket and in every one of his vehicles he had Viagara tablets stashed just in case the opportunity presented itself. Bear in mind my Uncle was in his mid 80’s when he passed. That’s the way I want to go out of this world. Uncle Junior is my mentor. Lol 2. Some people think your old after 60. I have a news flash for the younger generation. I still work 6 to 7 days a week and I work out at the gym, at least, 5 to 6 days a week with martial arts and boxing classes included with strength training and aerobics exercises. I still ride 5 to 6 head of horses a day during training season and I provide riding lessons on the weekend. Age is just a number, like any other number. It’s the mindset and taking care of yourself that matters most. As the old adage says, “I don’t want to go to the grave in a pristine body, I want to slide in it side ways with a body that’s worn out after I’ve used up every bit of talent God gave me. 3. One of the most disparaging concepts I see with people my age is: They actually think their old and on their way to the grave. You’re only as old as you think you are. For the record, I was 40 years old when I learned two new professions. How to fly high performance airplanes and how to train and ride high performance Reined Cow Horses. As the old adage states, “your only as old as you feel and you want to be.” A persons age is nothing more than a relative number and is of no consequence to actual health fitness. 4. Some people are under the misguided impression that life after 60 resides you to a wheel chair or the rocking chair on the front porch. Quite the opposite. As a matter of fact, I’m not in the shape that I was when I left boot camp, in the Army, or in the physical condition I was in when I was fighting on the law enforcement Karate team, but I can still run circles around the younger generation and do it on a regular basis. Another fact of life is: “I probably cant run a mile in the same time and with the same speed as I did in my younger years, but who cares. Haven’t you ever read the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Slow and steady is more precise and enduring than fast and furious!” LOL 5. Another misconception is: “As you age, you automatically lose your faculties.” In some cases that may be true, but in my case I take precautions so that I can remember my name, where the bathroom is, and where I left my keys. Today, I’m doing as much mentally and creative as I’ve always done, probably more so. Over-the-years, I’ve discovered the key to mental health is to keep using your brain and feed it the right vitamins and minerals to extend longevity. As the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” Same adage applies to sexual interaction. LOL At my age, I’d rather have selective memory loss than actual memory loss caused by disease from not exercising my brain power, feeding it the right supplements, or not taking care of myself. 6. People think once your over 60 it’s time to retire. Retirement is an individual concept. For me retirement isn’t an option. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy the people I do it with. My philosophy is: I can die doing what I love doing or I can die laying on the sofa doing nothing. Either way, death is inevitable to all of us. No one is going to get out of this world alive. Oh, and those material items you cherish so much and you want to take with you when you die. I’ve never seen a hearse with a luggage rack. Why not make the best of your time here and have some fun doing it. Leave your prized possessions to family members or give them away. It’s your choice to make. Stop worrying about it. 7. People think you slow down and kinda slide in the grave towards the end. Sure, there are a lot of people who do. I’m not one of them. I’m doing more things and having more fun than ever. I’m having as much fun today as I did when I was in my 20’s, 40’s, or 50’s. Now that’s living life. 8. People think you long for the days you were 20. That’s a pure fallacy. When I was in my late teens and early twenties I was in the Army in the middle of a war. After, I was in another war for 16 years: As a Drug Enforcement Agent. Who wants to go back to the most stressful times of my life. A daily concentration on survival and not catching a bullet is very stressful. Thanks for thinking of me though. 9. People constantly ask me if I fear death. Death is a relative fact of life. Whether you fear it or not, it’s inevitable. I don’t want to dwell on death, I just want to accomplish as much as I can and have as much fund as I can before that inevitable day arrives. My most important aspect of death is: “I don’t want to have any regrets or missed opportunities before I leave.” I’m sure, the Lord and I will have a lot to discuss when that time arrives. But right now I’m still celebrating. LOL 10. I’ve heard it said, “Getting old isn’t for the faint of heart.” So I decided not to get old. Age is a relative number and in no manner should it dictate how you feel or act. Enjoy your life and let God take care of the rest. Stay in shape, eat the right foods, take the right vitamins, exercise as often as you can, don’t smoke, keep up with your mental health, and live life to the fullest. 11. I’ve found, the most important aspect of your life is: “To remain mentally stable, forever optimistic and keep your mind and body strong.” After all God designed our bodies as a perpetual machine. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. Stay active in your life, seek a medical professional to help you with what ales you. Never allow a contracted disease to dictate or control your life. There’s always ways around it. Remember, it’s mind over matter that’s the deciding factor, not the far side of the 60 fence. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” LIFE AFTER 60: 11 KEY THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Managing Member Freelance Writer and Author June 13, 2020 © June 2020 All Rights Reserved GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY, ACTING OLD IS OPTIONAL Yes, I’m on the far side of 60, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sudden death experience or sentence. In fact, this Fall I’ll be 70 according to one of my two birth certificates. LOL According to my mothers negotiated birth certificate, whose deceased, she was way underage to have a child and my father was way over age to be having sex with a gal of my mothers age. In order to keep my father out of jail, a little finagling was orchestrated to conceal my exact birth year - from the family and the law. So much was the case in 1949. In fact my father was in the Army when I was conceived. Eventually, he served in the Korean War. On leave? Who knows I wasn’t born yet. LOL However, according to my actual Alabama birth records, I was born in 1950 and not 1951 as my second negotiated birth certificate signifies. Apparently the United States Department of Defense agreed with the State of Alabama because I received my draft notice for induction into the U.S. Army and the Vietnam War shortly after registering for the draft; at 17, in 1968, or prior to my 18th birthday ordering me to report to Military Duty on January 3, 1969. What happened afterwards is an explanation for another day. I served my country, as did all my relatives inducted, during the War, with honor, distinction and an honorable discharge two years later. The curious nature of my induction is: I served in the Vietnam War with two first cousins Roger Dale Curl and Steve Street. The curious oddity is: After our initial meeting at my aunt Mary’s house, in Shelby, Alabama - to sign our names in the family bible before our overseas deployment, we never saw each other again until we were all discharged, from the Army. Another oddity is that my first cousin Kathy Jeronowitz and her husband Jerry Jeronowitz served in the Navy during the same War. One fact is certain, I come from a long list of Military Veterans, before and after my service, and we’re a fighting bunch. Lol 11 CURIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING 60 AND OVER 1. The number one question, I’m always asked, is: “How’s sex after 60?” I have no earthly idea why people think sex disappears after you turn 60 and beyond. Perhaps it does for some, but not for me. Actually, I find sex more enjoyable on the far side of the 60 fence. In today’s pharmaceutical age there’s a pill for everything – what ales you and what doesn’t work as good as it used too. Satisfaction and gratification is only a short trip to the pharmacist with a prescription in hand. To keep this event a non-issue, one only has to stay in shape and take care of your health. Eat right, stay in shape, and don’t smoke. My Uncle Junior is a testament to that fact. After my uncle passed and was buried my first cousin Mike and his wife Laura were doing the usual post-passing-cleanup, at his house, when they discovered that in every shirt pocket, ever pants pocket, every jacket pocket and in every one of his vehicles he had Viagara tablets stashed just in case the opportunity presented itself. Bear in mind my Uncle was in his mid 80’s when he passed. That’s the way. I want to go. Uncle Junior is my mentor. Lol 2. Some people think your old after 60. I have a news flash for the younger generation. I still work 6 to 7 days a week and I work out at the gym, at least, 5 to 6 days a week with martial arts and boxing classes included with strength training and aerobics exercises. I still ride 5 to 6 head of horses a day during training season and I provide riding lessons on the weekend. Age is just a number, like any other number. It’s the mindset and taking care of yourself that matters most. As the old adage says, “I don’t want to go to the grave in a pristine body, I want to slide in it side ways with a body that’s worn out after I’ve used up every bit of talent God gave me. 3. One of the most disparaging concepts I see with people my age is: They actually think their old and on their way to the grave. You’re only as old as you think you are. For the record, I was 40 years old when I learned two new professions. How to fly high performance airplanes and how to train and ride high performance Reined Cow Horses. As the old adage states, “your only as old as you feel and you want to be.” A persons age a relative number and is of no consequence to actual health fitness. 4. Some people are under the misguided impression that life after 60 resides you to a wheel chair or the rocking chair on the front porch. Quite the opposite. As a matter of fact, I’m not in the shape that I was when I left boot camp, in the Army, or in the physical condition I was in when I was fighting on the law enforcement Karate team, but I can still run circles around the younger generation and do it on a regular basis. Another fact of life is: “I probably cant run a mile in the same time and with the same speed as I did in my younger years, but who cares. Haven’t you ever read the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Slow and steady is more precise and enduring than fast and furious!” LOL 5. Another misconception is: “As you age, you automatically lose your faculties.” In some cases that may be true, but in my case I take precautions so that I can remember where the bathroom is and where I left my keys. Today, I’ve doing as much mentally and creative as I’ve always done, probably more so. Over-the-years, I’ve discovered the key to mental health is to keep using your brain and feed it the right vitamins and minerals to extend longevity. As the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” At my age, I’d rather have selective memory loss than actual memory loss caused by disease from not exercising my brain power or not taking care of myself. 6. People think once your over 60 it’s time to retire. Retirement is an individual concept. For me retirement isn’t an option. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy the people I do it with. My philosophy is: I can die doing what I love doing or I can die laying on the sofa doing nothing. Either way, death is inevitable to all of us. No one is going to get out of this world alive. Why not make the best of your time here and have some fun doing it. 7. People think you slow down and kinda slide in the grave towards the end. Sure, there are a lot of people who do. I’m not one of them. I’m doing more things and having more fun than ever. I’m having as much fun today as I did when I was in my 40’s or 50’s. Now that’s living life. 8. People think you long for the days you were 20. That’s a pure fallacy. When I was in my late teens and early twenties I was in the Army in the middle of a war. After, I was in another war: As a Drug Enforcement Agent. Who wants to go back to the most stressful times of my life. A daily concentration on survival is very stressful. Thanks for thinking of me though. 9. People constantly ask me if I fear death. Death is a relative fact of life. Whether you fear it or not, it’s inevitable. I don’t want to dwell on death, I just want to accomplish as much as I can and have as much fund as I can before that inevitable day arrives. I’m sure, the Lord and I will have a lot to discuss when that time arrives. But right now I’m still celebrating. LOL 10. I’ve heard it said, “Getting old isn’t for the faint of heart.” So I decided not to get old. Age is a relative number and in no manner should it dictate how you feel or act. Enjoy your life and let God take care of the rest. Stay in shape, eat the right foods, take the right vitamins, exercise as often as you can, keep up with your mental health and live life to the fullest. 11. I’ve found that the most important aspect of your life is: To remain mentally stable, forever optimistic and keep your mind and body strong. After all God designed our bodies as a perpetual machine. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. Stay active in your life, seek a medical professional to help you with what ales you. Never allow a contracted disease to dictate or control your life. There’s always ways around it. Remember, it’s mind over matter that’s the deciding factor. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” LIFE AFTER SIXTY: 11 KEY THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Managing Member Freelance Writer and Author © June 2020 All Rights Reserved GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY, ACTING OLD IS OPTIONAL Yes, I’m on the far side of sixty, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sudden death experience or sentence. In fact, this October I’ll be 70 according to one of my two birth certificates. LOL According to my mothers negotiated birth certificate, whose deceased, she was way underage to have a child and my father was way over age to be having sex with a gal of my mothers age, so in order to keep my father out of jail a little finagling was orchestrated to conceal my exact birth year from the family and the law. So much was the case in 1949. In fact my father was in the Army when I was conceived. Eventually, he served in the Korean War. On leave? Who knows I wasn’t born yet. LOL However, according to my actual birth records, in the State of Alabama, I was born in 1950 and not 1951 as my second birth certificate signifies. Apparently the United States Department of Defense agreed with the State of Alabama because I received my draft notice for induction into the U.S. Army and the Vietnam War in 1968, ordering me to report to the Military on January 3, 1969. What happened afterwards is an explanation for another day. I served my country, as did all my relatives inducted, during the War, with honor, distinction and an honorable discharge two years later. The curious nature of my induction is: I served in the Vietnam War with two first cousins Roger Dale Curl and Steve Street. The curious oddity is: After our initial meeting at my aunts Mary’s house in Shelby, Alabama to sign our names in the family bible before overseas deployment, we never saw each other again until we were all discharged, from the Army. Another oddity is that my first cousin Kathy Jeronowitz and her husband Jerry Jeronowitz served in the Navy during the same War. One fact is certain, I come from a long list of Military Veterans, before and after my service, and we’re a fighting bunch. Lol 11 CURIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING 60 AND OVER 1. The number one question, I’m always asked, is: “How’s sex after sixty?” I have no earthly idea why people think sex disappears after you turn sixty and beyond. Perhaps it does for some, but not for me. Actually, I find sex more enjoyable on the far side of the sixty fence. In today’s pharmaceutical age there’s a pill for everything – what ales you and what doesn’t work as good as it used too. Satisfaction and gratification is only a short visit to the pharmacist with a prescription in hand. To keep this event a non-issue, one only has to stay in shape and take care of your health. My Uncle Junior is a testament to that. After my uncle passed and was buried my first cousin Mike and his wife Laura was doing the usual post death cleanup, at his house, when they discovered that in every shirt pocket, ever pants pocket, every jacket pocket and in every one of his vehicles he had Viagara tablets stashed just in case the opportunity presented itself. Bear in mind my Uncle was in his mid 80’s when he passed. That’s the way. I want to go. 2. Some people think your old after sixty. I have a news flash for the younger generation. I still work six to seven days a week and I work out at the gym, at least, 5 to 6 days a week with martial arts and boxing classes. I still ride 5 to 6 head of horses a day during training season and I provide riding lessons on the weekend. Age is just a number, like any other number. It’s the mindset and taking care of yourself that matters most. As the old adage says, “I don’t want to go to the grave in a pristine body, I want to slide in it side ways with a body that’s worn out after I’ve used up every bit of talent God gave me. 3. One of the most disparaging concepts I see with people my age, is that they actually think their old and on their way to the grave. You’re only as old as you think you are. For the record, I was 40 years old when I learned two new professions. How to fly high performance airplanes and how to train and ride high performance Reined Cow Horses. As the old adage states, “your only as old as you feel and you want to be.” A persons age is relative and of no consequence. 4. Some people are under the misguided impression that life after 60 resides you to a wheel chair or the rocking chair on the front porch. Quite the opposite. As a matter of fact, I’m not in the shape that I was when I left boot camp, in the Army, or in the physical condition I was in when I was fighting on the law enforcement Karate team, but I can still run circles around the younger generation and do it on a regular basis. Another fact of life is: “I probably cant run a mile in the same time and with the same speed as I did in my younger years, but who cares. Haven’t you ever read the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Slow and steady is more precise and enduring than fast and furious!” LOL 5. Another misconception is: “As you age, you automatically lose your faculties.” In some cases that may be true, but in my case I take precautions so that I can remember where the bathroom is and where I left my keys. Today, I’ve doing as much mentally and creative as I’ve always done, probably more so. Over-the-years, I’ve discovered the key to mental health is to keep using your brain and feed it the right vitamins and minerals to extend longevity. As the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” At my age, I’d rather have selective memory loss than actual memory loss caused by disease from not exercising my brain power. 6. People think once your over sixty it’s time to retire. Retirement is an individual concept. For me retirement isn’t an option. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy the people I do it with. My philosophy is: I can die doing what I love doing or I can die laying on the sofa doing nothing. Either way, death is inevitable to all of us. No one is going to get out of this world alive. Why not make the best of your time here and have some fun doing it. 7. People think you slow down and kinda slide in the grave towards the end. Sure, there are a lot of people who do. I’m not one of them. I’m doing more things and having more fun than ever. I’m having as much fun today as I did when I was in my 40’s or 50’s. Now that’s living life. 8. People think you long for the days you were 20. That’s a pure fallacy. When I was in my late teens and early twenties I was in the Army in the middle of a war. After, I was in another war: As a Drug Enforcement Agent. Who wants to go back to the most stressful times of my life. Thanks for thinking of me though. 9. People constantly ask me if I fear death. Death is a relative fact of life. Whether you fear it or not, it’s inevitable. I don’t want to dwell on death, I just want to accomplish as much as I can and have as much fund as I can before that inevitable day arrives. I’m sure, the Lord and I will have a lot to discuss. But right now I’m still celebrating. 10. I’ve heard it said, “Getting old isn’t for the faint of heart.” So I decided not to get old. Age is a relative number and in no manner should it dictate how you feel or act. Enjoy your life and let God take care of the rest. Stay in shape, eat the right foods, take the right vitamins, exercise as often as you can, keep up with your mental health and live life to the fullest. 11. I’ve found that the most important aspect of your life is to remain: Mentally stable, forever optimistic and keep your mind and body strong. After all God designed our bodies as a perpetual machine. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. Stay active in your life, seek a medical professional to help you with what ales you. Never allow a contracted disease to dictate or control your life. There’s always ways around it. Remember, it’s mind over matter that’s the deciding factor. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” |
Richard E. "Rick" DennisFreelance Writer and Author Archives
May 2024
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