Let's get a flashing, dinging railroad crossing thingy in Hardy!

[Sanford]

The trains blowing their horns at all hours of the day and night disrupts the nervous systems of all life forms that are subjected to it, from the humans to the fish. Visitors who have camped in the area have complained about it, and some have said they will not come back because of it. I know we humans can adapt to anything, but why must we adapt to such an incessant noise pollution that degrades our quality of life and scares off tourists? I mean really, who wants to take a vacation and camp out a stone's throw from a train blowing its horns in the middle of the night. I can appreciate how some things are 'quaint' about a place, but the train doing its thing at 3am is not quaint. It is nuisance and it can be eliminated if enough people want it to be...without creating any increase in danger at the trackside, by installing the striped rr arms.

And for anyone who question me for being a 'neubie'
fuggetaboutit as they say in NJ. After a tornado, three big floods, an ice storm, and the economic mess and still being here, I ain't no neubie anymore. Ears hurt when abused, whether they are old ears or new ears or southern ears or northern ears.

OK, ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...

I have heard that it is just a matter of requesting the railroad company to install those black and white arms that go up and down and flash red lights and make a dinging sound. I urge everyone who would like to see this happen to comment and perhaps we the people can do something about the environment we live in for the better!

[Guest]

You need to check into the real facts. That last part is incorrect. Just a little help from an "OLD FOLK". This is certainly not the place to get facts.

Sanford wrote:

The trains blowing their horns at all hours of the day and night disrupts the nervous systems of all life forms that are subjected to it, from the humans to the fish. Visitors who have camped in the area have complained about it, and some have said they will not come back because of it. I know we humans can adapt to anything, but why must we adapt to such an incessant noise pollution that degrades our quality of life and scares off tourists? I mean really, who wants to take a vacation and camp out a stone's throw from a train blowing its horns in the middle of the night. I can appreciate how some things are 'quaint' about a place, but the train doing its thing at 3am is not quaint. It is nuisance and it can be eliminated if enough people want it to be...without creating any increase in danger at the trackside, by installing the striped rr arms.
And for anyone who question me for being a 'neubie'
fuggetaboutit as they say in NJ. After a tornado, three big floods, an ice storm, and the economic mess and still being here, I ain't no neubie anymore. Ears hurt when abused, whether they are old ears or new ears or southern ears or northern ears.
OK, ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...
I have heard that it is just a matter of requesting the railroad company to install those black and white arms that go up and down and flash red lights and make a dinging sound. I urge everyone who would like to see this happen to comment and perhaps we the people can do something about the environment we live in for the better!

[Sanford]

Guest wrote:

You need to check into the real facts. That last part is incorrect. Just a little help from an "OLD FOLK". This is certainly not the place to get facts.<quoted text>

I am just opening this subject up for open forum input. I may not know all the facts, but I do know that the train horn does not need to blow at all hours of the day and night. There ARE alternatives.
I ask those who know the way to the change to come out and play.

I appreciate your help. And I do not call you 'old folk'. I call you 'elder', worthy of respect and consideration. Stop by the store sometime and say hello. For Mother Earth 209 East Main Hardy

[Paul]

No, you are just trying to stir up crap you stoner. If you don't like it here move the hell out or just take another toke. Did you have hemp for breakfast?

Sanford wrote:

<quoted text>
I am just opening this subject up for open forum input. I may not know all the facts, but I do know that the train horn does not need to blow at all hours of the day and night. There ARE alternatives.
I ask those who know the way to the change to come out and play.
I appreciate your help. And I do not call you 'old folk'. I call you 'elder', worthy of respect and consideration. Stop by the store sometime and say hello. For Mother Earth 209 East Main Hardy

[Hardy Res]

Why are people always moving in here and trying to change things? The railroad started this town.

Sanford wrote:

The trains blowing their horns at all hours of the day and night disrupts the nervous systems of all life forms that are subjected to it, from the humans to the fish. Visitors who have camped in the area have complained about it, and some have said they will not come back because of it. I know we humans can adapt to anything, but why must we adapt to such an incessant noise pollution that degrades our quality of life and scares off tourists? I mean really, who wants to take a vacation and camp out a stone's throw from a train blowing its horns in the middle of the night. I can appreciate how some things are 'quaint' about a place, but the train doing its thing at 3am is not quaint. It is nuisance and it can be eliminated if enough people want it to be...without creating any increase in danger at the trackside, by installing the striped rr arms.
And for anyone who question me for being a 'neubie'
fuggetaboutit as they say in NJ. After a tornado, three big floods, an ice storm, and the economic mess and still being here, I ain't no neubie anymore. Ears hurt when abused, whether they are old ears or new ears or southern ears or northern ears.
OK, ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...
I have heard that it is just a matter of requesting the railroad company to install those black and white arms that go up and down and flash red lights and make a dinging sound. I urge everyone who would like to see this happen to comment and perhaps we the people can do something about the environment we live in for the better!

[Sanford]

Paul wrote:

No, you are just trying to stir up crap you stoner. If you don't like it here move the hell out or just take another toke. Did you have hemp for breakfast?<quoted text>

My Father in Heaven says to let you know that after this post,
I am not to interact with you anymore while you be as you are. So please do not misinterpret my lack of response going forward as disrespect. So don't waste your time trying to bait me. Even if I lived here all my life, I would still feel the same about the train, and I would still want to change/improve other things too. That is only natural for community minded people wherever they are. Then what would be your argument with me? That was a rhetorical question, no need to answer the obvious. You just need to cease discriminating against fellow human beings for bs reasons like how long someone has been here.

By the way, I am working with a worldwide organization that feeds hungry children to explore ways get hemp seeds to the poor, even some in Arkansas. A human being can survive on a handful of hemp seeds daily. So don't go showing off your ignorance about Cannabis Hemp and degrading one of God's most blessed creations in service to humanity. It could save your life someday, or someone you love. If you have a problem with Cannabis Hemp, take it up with the One who created it. I am just a messenger.

In brotherly love and admonishment,
Sanford

[Sanford]

Hardy Res wrote:

Why are people always moving in here and trying to change things? The railroad started this town. <quoted text>

So what are you saying...that a lifelong resident has the right to suggest changes and those who moved here do not have that right? Nonsense. I appreciate that the trains started this town. I understand the need for the trains. I honor James Hardy, a railroad worker who saved a man's life and for whom this town was named. I even think there should be passenger service again from Memphis and other places like there used to be. That would be cool.

When Hardy was young, automobiles probably made a lot more noise and pollution than they do now. So technology changed and the cars are less noisy and polluting, for the most part. All I am suggesting is that there be something done about the noise of the train, which IS do-able. Those railroad crossing arms are do-able, just takes some doing and negotiating. That would be someone's else's territory to come up with who already knows how it goes. So take a breath and realize we agree, but that you have a thing about newcomers which is just plain not fair.

I really would like to see train passenger service to and from here, that would be very cool. It would help folks get out here and it would help folks out here to get to whatever towns, cities, places of interest might be along the way. Good for everyone in both directions.

[Marc]

Paul..."move the hell away or take another toke". Your diatribe is adolescent and boring. Its easy to sling mud from behind your protective computer screen in the room that you are in. Please come visit us in our shops on Main St.

While this pretend interaction with you is amusing, it is tiring and non-procuctive. So come on down to Main St and make yourself known in the light of day. thanks...

Marc
Ozark Classic Crafts Mall

[Paul]

hear hear .....

[Paul]

hear what I am saying..or maybe yall can't because of our lovely train horn. You don't like it get the heck out of Hardy...

[residental neighbor]

Just so you know...the train is REQUIRED by federal law to blow its horn when it approaches a crossing. Even with a fancy crossing, this would still be required of the engineer no matter what time day or night. I knew that was the law so I went digging to get a link so you aren't taking my word on it.

https://www.bnsf.com/communities/outreach/iss...
"Train horns are required by federal law to be blown at all public crossings, at all hours of the day for the protection and safety of motorists and pedestrians using those crossings. Crossings with gates and lights are not exempt from the regulation. Only crossings that have met Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) criteria for a Quiet Zone do not require the horn to be blown. The federal regulation governing whistle use was changed in June 2005 and now requires trains to blow the horn 15 to 20 seconds for each and every public crossing. This new federal regulation overrides all of the previous state laws that also required the horn to be blown at all public crossings.

The proscribed sequence is two long soundings, followed by one short and another long. If the horn sequence is completed before the head end of the train occupies the crossing the crew is required to continue blowing the horn until it does. Trains are also required to blow the horn anytime track workers or construction workers of any kind, even on property adjacent to the track, are within 25 feet of a live track. Train crews will also blow in emergency situations when they see a person or animal on the right of way.

The federal rule also requires the horns to blow at a sound level of at least 96 decibels. A train crew can also be fined by the FRA for not blowing enough."

The only option would be to make our crossing a quiet zone.

"Quiet Zones

A Quiet Zone is a stretch of track where trains are no longer required to automatically blow the horn at public crossings except in emergencies. Communities can make a number of investments in additional grade crossing safety at crossings in order to qualify for a Quiet Zone. However, only the Federal Railroad Administration can grant a Quiet Zone under the new federal horn rule. You can learn more about the criteria on the FRA’s Quiet Zone web site.

Another alternative to Quiet Zones is to close some of the crossings. Trains are not required to blow a horn if the crossings aren't there. The ideal solution, however, is to build more overpasses so that motorists can safely cross over or under the track without regard for when trains operate and then close the nearby crossings."

http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/1318

To become a quiet zone the "main thing" is having one of the following installed
Four quadrant gates.
Medians or channelization devices at gated crossings.
One-way streets.
Temporary closure (i.e., nighttime closure)

Only 367 crossings in all 50 states have been approved to have a quiet zone, and some of those were "grandfathered in" because they city had a no whistle rule in place before the federal law went into effect, so they were able to keep their regulation.

I say go for it though if that's what you want! Here's a more concise paper of the rules.
http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/reg_e...

and speaking of the train...one just blew through. LOL

[dinkydoo]

Sounds to me like Sanford needs to get a life. I've lived in Hardy all my life---and believe it or not just a few blocks off main street too!! I guess I've just grown used to the NOISE that Sanford references. I must've slept through all those noisy toots of the 3am horn. Campers???? who is going to camp on Spring river at this time of year especially since it was under water a week ago LOL..... Outsiders---just deal with it or go camping somewhere else- I am in agreement with Marc and residential neighbor----!!!

There are good things from Hemp Seeds and the products they make---Sanford- focus on your business build your business---spouting off about little train thingys doesnt make you sound intelligent at all. Do your research---train horn warnings are put in place for a reason-- READ the articles residential neighbor posted!!! They are factual!

[residental neighbor]

Oh yeah, and even though I gave the information everyone has a right to, MY vote is the train whistle stays in case I wasn't clear. It wouldn't be Hardy without the train at various times and the noon whistle going off every day! It used to be nearer the train tracks which was hilarious when you'd get the whistle and the train going at the same time!

HAHA there's another train right now!

[Sanford]

residental neighbor wrote:

Just so you know...the train is REQUIRED by federal law to blow its horn when it approaches a crossing. Even with a fancy crossing, this would still be required of the engineer no matter what time day or night. I knew that was the law so I went digging to get a link so you aren't taking my word on it.
https://www.bnsf.com/communities/outreach/iss...
"Train horns are required by federal law to be blown at all public crossings, at all hours of the day for the protection and safety of motorists and pedestrians using those crossings. Crossings with gates and lights are not exempt from the regulation. Only crossings that have met Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) criteria for a Quiet Zone do not require the horn to be blown. The federal regulation governing whistle use was changed in June 2005 and now requires trains to blow the horn 15 to 20 seconds for each and every public crossing. This new federal regulation overrides all of the previous state laws that also required the horn to be blown at all public crossings.
The proscribed sequence is two long soundings, followed by one short and another long. If the horn sequence is completed before the head end of the train occupies the crossing the crew is required to continue blowing the horn until it does. Trains are also required to blow the horn anytime track workers or construction workers of any kind, even on property adjacent to the track, are within 25 feet of a live track. Train crews will also blow in emergency situations when they see a person or animal on the right of way.
The federal rule also requires the horns to blow at a sound level of at least 96 decibels. A train crew can also be fined by the FRA for not blowing enough."
The only option would be to make our crossing a quiet zone.
"Quiet Zones
A Quiet Zone is a stretch of track where trains are no longer required to automatically blow the horn at public crossings except in emergencies. Communities can make a number of investments in additional grade crossing safety at crossings in order to qualify for a Quiet Zone. However, only the Federal Railroad Administration can grant a Quiet Zone under the new federal horn rule. You can learn more about the criteria on the FRA’s Quiet Zone web site.
Another alternative to Quiet Zones is to close some of the crossings. Trains are not required to blow a horn if the crossings aren't there. The ideal solution, however, is to build more overpasses so that motorists can safely cross over or under the track without regard for when trains operate and then close the nearby crossings."
http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/1318
To become a quiet zone the "main thing" is having one of the following installed
Four quadrant gates.
Medians or channelization devices at gated crossings.
One-way streets.
Temporary closure (i.e., nighttime closure)
Only 367 crossings in all 50 states have been approved to have a quiet zone, and some of those were "grandfathered in" because they city had a no whistle rule in place before the federal law went into effect, so they were able to keep their regulation.
I say go for it though if that's what you want! Here's a more concise paper of the rules.
http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/reg_e...
and speaking of the train...one just blew through. LOL

I got my information from an old-timer in town...just goes to show ya that being here longer does not make one right. Thank you for the heads up. I will do my own research before I blow my horn in the future.
I still think making the Hardy RR crossing a Quiet Zone would make this area as beautiful in the audio as it is in the visual aspects.
And let me assure you that I would feel that way even if I lived here all my life.
Thank you for your informative and even tempered post.

[Sanford]

dinkydoo wrote:

Sounds to me like Sanford needs to get a life. I've lived in Hardy all my life---and believe it or not just a few blocks off main street too!! I guess I've just grown used to the NOISE that Sanford references. I must've slept through all those noisy toots of the 3am horn. Campers???? who is going to camp on Spring river at this time of year especially since it was under water a week ago LOL..... Outsiders---just deal with it or go camping somewhere else- I am in agreement with Marc and residential neighbor----!!!
There are good things from Hemp Seeds and the products they make---Sanford- focus on your business build your business---spouting off about little train thingys doesnt make you sound intelligent at all. Do your research---train horn warnings are put in place for a reason-- READ the articles residential neighbor posted!!! They are factual!

If the birds and the fish and the deer could talk, what do you think they would say about the train horn? If all the living, growing things on the land, in the air and the the water could speak their minds about the train horn, what do you think they would say? Having dominion over the earth does not mean we are the bosses and can do whatever we want, it means we are responsible to take good care of it. I maintain that the Quiet Zone idea if possible here, would improve the quality of all life forms within earshot, without taking any of the charm away from the clickity-clack of the train and the dinging of the arm. It would just be different, quieter, but just as traditional.

I know folks up north who are used to breathing nasty, dirty air. They are used to it because they grew up in it. You grew up with noise pollution. You are used to it. It's OK. Nothing personal. Just my two cents and common sense.

You are 100% right about one thing you said...there are good things about hemp seeds and the products they make. Come visit and introduce yourself. Why all the anonymity online? Let us come out and speak in the light face to face. Our brothers and sisters are fighting and dying for freedom, so let us practice being free and living in peace, so their efforts are not in vain. Peace.

[dinkydoo]

Sanford, Sanford, Sanford--

Please note:---I'm not interested in the peace loving 60-s nostalgia--- of the hemp seeds, love the animals, peace on earth stuff...

I will remain as always anonymous...

With your ideaology Sanford---you stick out in Hardy like a sore thumb...and an outsider you will always be. Your family didn't come from here I will almost guess---and for some odd reason you've chosen Hardy as your place to squat for the moment.

Sure you've probably lived through the floods, ice storm, and even a tornado- but you can not say you've known the people that thrived in the town on main street in the 50'60'70'80'90's now can you?

did you ever have the priveledge of knowing Aunt T's (Theresa Donaldsons') kindess and love for animals? How about Dolly Biggers and the General Mercantile? Had an ice cream at the Hardy Dairy Bar---where there now is an antique museum---ever did a sneak through the Hardy School (now Price Chopper?) How about a jump off the Old Hardy Bridge? Have you ever spent all day down at the Hardy Beach now Beuford Park? How about shopping at the farmers Market (where the Post office and a bank now stand)? I venture to say you know of nothing of these people or the places mentioned!

You reference your 2c and common sense---- sir/madam....when in doubt---don't open your mouth as once you have done this you leave no doubt about your common sense---Best to shut up than speak up my friend!

[Sanford]

dinkydoo wrote:

Sanford, Sanford, Sanford--
Please note:---I'm not interested in the peace loving 60-s nostalgia--- of the hemp seeds, love the animals, peace on earth stuff...
I will remain as always anonymous...
With your ideaology Sanford---you stick out in Hardy like a sore thumb...and an outsider you will always be. Your family didn't come from here I will almost guess---and for some odd reason you've chosen Hardy as your place to squat for the moment.
Sure you've probably lived through the floods, ice storm, and even a tornado- but you can not say you've known the people that thrived in the town on main street in the 50'60'70'80'90's now can you?
did you ever have the priveledge of knowing Aunt T's (Theresa Donaldsons') kindess and love for animals? How about Dolly Biggers and the General Mercantile? Had an ice cream at the Hardy Dairy Bar---where there now is an antique museum---ever did a sneak through the Hardy School (now Price Chopper?) How about a jump off the Old Hardy Bridge? Have you ever spent all day down at the Hardy Beach now Beuford Park? How about shopping at the farmers Market (where the Post office and a bank now stand)? I venture to say you know of nothing of these people or the places mentioned!
You reference your 2c and common sense---- sir/madam....when in doubt---don't open your mouth as once you have done this you leave no doubt about your common sense---Best to shut up than speak up my friend!

dinkydoo dinkydoo dinkydoo (could you have picked a more ridiculous alias?)

Did you ever sit around a campfire with your tribe before the white man came here and just enjoy the peacefulness of the place?
I mean really, we are all dust in the wind and your dust got here a little before mine in the grand scheme of things. Is all you've got some kind of territoriality and claim to this place over someone like myself based on time? There are people in this town who have been here a relatively short time who have done more to help the common good than some folks who have been here all their lives. This may be Hardy, Arkansas, but it was Mother Earth before it had a name and people before you and me had it ripped off of them. So knock it off with the spiel about what do I know of this place. I know God and I know people and I know myself. I know to love my neighbor wherever I live regardless for how long we have been neighbors. I know not to judge my neighbor whoever they are and however long they have been my neighbor. As for being an outsider...says you! Wherever we go in this world, there will always be people who welcome newcomers and are welcomed as newcomers, and then there are people like you. I suggest that you open your lens a bit. Hardy is not an island. Hardy is the name of a place on earth where we can make it heaven or hell, based on how we all treat each other. These are the ground rules. I did not make them. Consider this dink, if I may call you dink for short, try to lead by example. My wife and I are honored and privileged to call some of the oldest and wisest citizens of Hardy beloved friends and be called friends by them. You don't even know me, whoever you are. You just think you do, just like you think you were here first, while the spirits of so many Native Americans just stand by and go tsk tsk, he still does not get it. Now do you get it or do you want to go around again? One more thing...in one breath you say you are not into loving the animals, and in another breath you praise Aunt T's kindness and love of animals....you old softy!

[Paul]

Real boss answer. I give you an "AWESOME" DUDE OR DUDETTE whichever applies.

residental neighbor wrote:

Just so you know...the train is REQUIRED by federal law to blow its horn when it approaches a crossing. Even with a fancy crossing, this would still be required of the engineer no matter what time day or night. I knew that was the law so I went digging to get a link so you aren't taking my word on it.
https://www.bnsf.com/communities/outreach/iss...
"Train horns are required by federal law to be blown at all public crossings, at all hours of the day for the protection and safety of motorists and pedestrians using those crossings. Crossings with gates and lights are not exempt from the regulation. Only crossings that have met Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) criteria for a Quiet Zone do not require the horn to be blown. The federal regulation governing whistle use was changed in June 2005 and now requires trains to blow the horn 15 to 20 seconds for each and every public crossing. This new federal regulation overrides all of the previous state laws that also required the horn to be blown at all public crossings.
The proscribed sequence is two long soundings, followed by one short and another long. If the horn sequence is completed before the head end of the train occupies the crossing the crew is required to continue blowing the horn until it does. Trains are also required to blow the horn anytime track workers or construction workers of any kind, even on property adjacent to the track, are within 25 feet of a live track. Train crews will also blow in emergency situations when they see a person or animal on the right of way.
The federal rule also requires the horns to blow at a sound level of at least 96 decibels. A train crew can also be fined by the FRA for not blowing enough."
The only option would be to make our crossing a quiet zone.
"Quiet Zones
A Quiet Zone is a stretch of track where trains are no longer required to automatically blow the horn at public crossings except in emergencies. Communities can make a number of investments in additional grade crossing safety at crossings in order to qualify for a Quiet Zone. However, only the Federal Railroad Administration can grant a Quiet Zone under the new federal horn rule. You can learn more about the criteria on the FRA’s Quiet Zone web site.
Another alternative to Quiet Zones is to close some of the crossings. Trains are not required to blow a horn if the crossings aren't there. The ideal solution, however, is to build more overpasses so that motorists can safely cross over or under the track without regard for when trains operate and then close the nearby crossings."
http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/1318
To become a quiet zone the "main thing" is having one of the following installed
Four quadrant gates.
Medians or channelization devices at gated crossings.
One-way streets.
Temporary closure (i.e., nighttime closure)
Only 367 crossings in all 50 states have been approved to have a quiet zone, and some of those were "grandfathered in" because they city had a no whistle rule in place before the federal law went into effect, so they were able to keep their regulation.
I say go for it though if that's what you want! Here's a more concise paper of the rules.
http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/reg_e...
and speaking of the train...one just blew through. LOL

[Paul]

CHA-CHING!!!

dinkydoo wrote:

Sanford, Sanford, Sanford--
Please note:---I'm not interested in the peace loving 60-s nostalgia--- of the hemp seeds, love the animals, peace on earth stuff...
I will remain as always anonymous...
With your ideaology Sanford---you stick out in Hardy like a sore thumb...and an outsider you will always be. Your family didn't come from here I will almost guess---and for some odd reason you've chosen Hardy as your place to squat for the moment.
Sure you've probably lived through the floods, ice storm, and even a tornado- but you can not say you've known the people that thrived in the town on main street in the 50'60'70'80'90's now can you?
did you ever have the priveledge of knowing Aunt T's (Theresa Donaldsons') kindess and love for animals? How about Dolly Biggers and the General Mercantile? Had an ice cream at the Hardy Dairy Bar---where there now is an antique museum---ever did a sneak through the Hardy School (now Price Chopper?) How about a jump off the Old Hardy Bridge? Have you ever spent all day down at the Hardy Beach now Beuford Park? How about shopping at the farmers Market (where the Post office and a bank now stand)? I venture to say you know of nothing of these people or the places mentioned!
You reference your 2c and common sense---- sir/madam....when in doubt---don't open your mouth as once you have done this you leave no doubt about your common sense---Best to shut up than speak up my friend!

[Paul]

UUHHHH, you speak as if you are native american or as if you are their leader/representative. Have you been smoking the payote? How about the peace pipe stuffed with a little more than tobacco. Eaten a little too many shrooms have we? Be careful who you pretend to represent. Paybacks from spirits are hell.

Sanford wrote:

<quoted text>
dinkydoo dinkydoo dinkydoo (could you have picked a more ridiculous alias?)
Did you ever sit around a campfire with your tribe before the white man came here and just enjoy the peacefulness of the place?
I mean really, we are all dust in the wind and your dust got here a little before mine in the grand scheme of things. Is all you've got some kind of territoriality and claim to this place over someone like myself based on time? There are people in this town who have been here a relatively short time who have done more to help the common good than some folks who have been here all their lives. This may be Hardy, Arkansas, but it was Mother Earth before it had a name and people before you and me had it ripped off of them. So knock it off with the spiel about what do I know of this place. I know God and I know people and I know myself. I know to love my neighbor wherever I live regardless for how long we have been neighbors. I know not to judge my neighbor whoever they are and however long they have been my neighbor. As for being an outsider...says you! Wherever we go in this world, there will always be people who welcome newcomers and are welcomed as newcomers, and then there are people like you. I suggest that you open your lens a bit. Hardy is not an island. Hardy is the name of a place on earth where we can make it heaven or hell, based on how we all treat each other. These are the ground rules. I did not make them. Consider this dink, if I may call you dink for short, try to lead by example. My wife and I are honored and privileged to call some of the oldest and wisest citizens of Hardy beloved friends and be called friends by them. You don't even know me, whoever you are. You just think you do, just like you think you were here first, while the spirits of so many Native Americans just stand by and go tsk tsk, he still does not get it. Now do you get it or do you want to go around again? One more thing...in one breath you say you are not into loving the animals, and in another breath you praise Aunt T's kindness and love of animals....you old softy!