It Appears Iran’s Attack On Israel Has Begun — April 13, 2024

 Locator: 47001MIDEAST.

Google: Iran Israel

Not being reported: every USAF and NATO military aircraft, including drones, between Iceland and the entire Mideast has turned off its transponder. Fact-check: FlightRadar 24.

On another note, I’ve not been able to find the aircraft generally associated with Elon Musk.

By the way, the attack on Israel looks entirely feeble and suggests it’s a political decision made in an attempt to keep the current Iranian regime in power. It seems to be a typical Mideastern (non-Israeli) response a) to save face, or b) to make a statement. But it’s certainly not T E Lawrence at Tafilah.

Later: Iran says the drones are targeting three Israeli air bases including one F-35A fighter base. My hunch: those fighters are already air-borne.  You can easily find Nevatim ("Sprouts") Air Base on a google map.

Iran's biggest worry: one of their drones actually does significant damage to that air base.

The Masters:

"While Tiger Woods commanded thousands of patrons, you could count up most of Mickelson’s traveling gallery and still have a hand free to carry a commemorative Masters cup of Domestic Beer." Phil Mickelson carded a 2-over 74 on Saturday, and now sits at 6-over on the week. — Bill Busbee.

The network did its best to not feature any of the LIV players. They tried to avoid Bryson De but obviously couldn't avoid him entirely.

Tiger? Visions of grandeur. The only question tonight is whether he finishes a full round tomorrow.

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Reminiscing

Another beautiful evening here in north Texas. Breezy and feels cooler than the reported 79°P. The high was 82°P earlier this afternoon.

Just a "typical" afternoon, doesn't really remind me of anything. 

There are two "periods" that bring back incredible memories. When I experience them I almost find myself in a fugue state: I'm walking, and then, all of a sudden, I come to a stop, literally and figuratively. 

Of the two, there is one such "period" that stands out. Here in north Texas, it occurs quite frequently, about 10:00 p.m. when it's dark but not midnight dark. The temperature is comfortable -- sweater or light jacket -- and not much wind. It's just so incredibly beautiful, I come to a stop and think about where I am, what I'm doing, and then the feelings of north Yorkshire come flooding over me.I t's such an incredible feeling, I literally freeze, some to a stop and remember my summer evenings in north Yorkshire, near the Scottish border. Wow. 

Tonight, on the balcony, late afternoon / early evening (7:01 p.m. CDT). No memories. Just a relaxing moment enjoying the breeze, knowing that in two or three months it's going to be miserably hot. The swallows are out. I'm on the shady side of the apartment complex. All shadows, any sunlight I actually see is reflected off the buildings to the north and east.

Olivia, our graduating high school senior, is at prom tonight. Beautiful, beautiful evening for a prom. Last year at this time, she was a junior and a captain of her soccer team that had just returned from the state tournaments, having taken the state championship for the first time in her high school's history. This year, her team, did not even make it to state. 

Their cross-town rivals, Colleyville Heritage did. They went to state undefeated, won their semi 4 -1 and advanced to finals, where, in an incredibly close game, they lost 3-2, in the last couple of minutes. They lost to Frisco which has won the state championship on four occasions. This would have been Colleyville's first state championship to the best of my knowledge. We used to share the fence line with Colleyville Heritage High School but now live about four long city blocks from the school. I was extremely sad for their loss. Our youngest granddaughter, Sophia, attended that school complex for a few years -- the high school, middle school, and elementary school are co-located, and Sophia was there for the first couple of years of elementary school, until a change in zoning and she ended up at a different school. Ironically, a better school. LOL.

I was devastated when Olivia's team did not advance to state soccer finals, but within 24 hours, Olivia had moved on. She was starting to receive letters of acceptance to college. More on that later, when she lets us know where she will be going, probably two weeks from now.

In a way it worked out for the best that she did not end up at state; she had so much to do the past couple of weeks, including one last time with her robotics club, of which she was the president. Her robotics team did advance to state this and although they did not win the overall "tech" award, they won the award for best team spirit, which, of course, is a direct reflection of the club president.

Back to some reading.