I made it.

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On time and actually a bit early. I left early enough to have had breakfast somewhere. And, probably could have had breakfast. However, wanting to look the place over before having to be there, and not sure about how long of a trip it would be, I went by the place first. There wasn't a place to stop and eat, that I saw. I did drive to the next town over. They didn't have a restaurant either. So, back to the shop and a short wait.

The class was mostly for newbies. Which was fine, I sort of expected that. However, there were bits of information that were very important. For one thing, and the most important thing, was what "empty" means regarding sidearms. For an auto, it means a full magazine, in place, just no bullet in the tube. Okay, now this is far different from what empty meant in Iowa. Empty meant no bullets within reasonable reach and no magazine near any bullets or the gun. Yeah. So, you can open carry with a live mag just no bullet chambered. And, yes, I can live with that. For revolvers it means two open chambers, one the hammer rests upon and the next one in the cycle. That was critical, to my way of thinking.

Now, remember, most of these people are civilians. They are non-combatants. They have never fired, nor even been trained to fire, in anything like a real full on combat situation. Further, even if they believe in gun ownership, many are still squeamish about guns, and more importantly about using them. So... I did feel out of place. And, no, I'm not gun happy or gun crazy. No, I wouldn't shoot first and ask questions later. Merely, I am as comfortable with guns as I am with water or driving (more than driving actually) or going to Church (in theory). I would not have a problem killing, either. I would prefer not to, for a number of reasons. But left with little choice and only a moment to choose, I would choose my or another life (of mine) over some stranger or aggressor. And I already know it wouldn't bug me if it went down rightly.

Now, on the other hand, I don't have a passel of kids and a wife to consider. I can be much more cavalier about having a full on loaded pistol anywhere in my house, unlocked and in the open. I don't have people around me who are terrified of guns. My mother, perhaps, but then again I don't toy with my guns around her (or, even when she isn't around). I don't have anything to worry about, including myself. I don't have weird thoughts of suicide or homicide. Such things don't plague me. I am very emotionally stable, and have become even more so through personal gun ownership. A new owner has to make a concentrated effort to figure it all out. The Navy figured it out for me, to a degree, with my allowance of course. And I have figured much out since. Still, it was good to see four women in the group. Though it sounded like none of them would regularly carry (the ones who spoke). Then again, they all seemed nervous about their children (who do like to crawl all over mommy during snuggle time) finding or discharging the gun. I suppose they would save carrying for trips, specific need, etc. Fair enough. And, it's sort of a non-feminine thing.

Anyway, I have the stuff to take in. I believe I have an appointment very soon. I won't, of course, need to take my gun. Couldn't as I can't have my pistol at the V.A. I totally disagree with that. Perhaps with a proper president, and since the psychiatric portion is in a separate building, we might be allowed to have our rights honoered "on federal grounds". Think about that. Just... think about that for a second? Really? We can't have permitted concealed weapons... ON FEDERAL GROUNDS? Really? How insane is that? Never mind.

It is merely by luck that I was able to be awake and there, on time. I seem to make medical appointments, but that edema really caught hold of my attention and the medicines have worked a bit (when I don't tinker or miss out). The rest of life is very difficult to manage. A hook in my nose would work, but then someone would be having to deal with blood rage at some point. A fish net would be of no good use to someone who pulled me in with a fish hook. I am grateful to have made it! Oh, the guy sells guns, sort of. He more or less hooks up those who can legally own guns as a side, nearly profitless, business. So, yeah. I will give him my business if it all works out. I like supporting such types.