Fa – the Green Dragon

A Place for the Odd Musings of an Expat Bristolian


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Wild Turkeys Crossing

There were wild turkeys

on my way to work today

that’s why I was late


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Did I miss something?

I am an immigrant to the USA. I came to the United States of America while employed by Lufthansa German Airlines. As it turned out, by the time my visa was approved I actually started to work for Air France when I arrived in the USA. This was because Air France needed a French speaking employee. It’s a long story so I’ll spare you the details.

One of the first actions I took on arrival was to register myself (required by law) for the draft. My draft number was 252. Later I received a letter to tell me that my draft status had changed due to prior service in NATO and that I was now head of family. The Vietnam war however, continued.

It took me a while to settle in to the American way of life. There were many wonderful things to get used to.

I should mention that did not opt to leave the U.K. for discontent, simply that I was sked if I would like to go where I could be helpful. I had previously worked in Hamburg for the same reason.

Now to the point f this posting; America was a Great Country, a world leader, a great participant in world affairs and a great contributor and supporter of Democracy and the fight against Communism, poor health and poverty.

So it was with some reason to wonder why Don the Con launched his presidential bid with the slogan to Make America great Again.

Looking back on the events of this past week clearly demonstrates that this was ot his goal. In fact, the opposite has happened during his presidency: the USA is the laughing stock of our former allies throughout Europe and Scandinavia in NATO. The USA is the talk and mirth at vodka drinking parties hosted by Vladimir Putin about how that managed to compromise a a future resident to the point of treason. Donald Trump is a disappointment! He is clear and present danger.

And yet I have friends who still say things like, Yes but what about Hilary Clinton’s emails and one who says, what about ANTIFA – anti first ammendment.

Gimme a break. Did I miss something?


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4th September 1949

Seventy-one years

Since the Brabazon took flight

Test pilot, Bill Pegg

Footnote:  I wrote this in April and scheduled it for publication on September 4th, the anniversary of the maiden flight. In the meantime, WordPress changed its format nd my scheduled post disappeared. So here it is resurrected.


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Unusual U.S. Place names 7 – Pipestone

PIPESTONE – (Pipestone County) Minnesota

Named for stone quarried

for hand-carved calumet pipes

Ritual peace pipes


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Obscure words explained 102 – ban sidhe

BAN SIDHE (Banshee)

Old Irish, Fairy

Vengeful if one offends them

Clodhna their Queen