# H. D. Ingles

> Author, Blogger, Podcaster


## Posts

- [Knock My Socks Off!!](https://hdingles.com/knock-my-socks-off/): I received an email the other day. Well, that’s not really unusual. My first guess, some kind of scam. You know, push this button and we will send you a million bucks, or some such. To prove my ignorance, I had no idea what FeedSpot is. I did some searching and discovered it is an Internet service (for lack of a better word), and it appears to be legit. Now to my socks being knocked off. FeedSpot publishes “Top 100 Blogs” for various fields of interest. On their “Top 100 Writing Blogs” Number 74 was HDIngles.com https://bloggers.feedspot.com/top-100-writing-blogs/
- [A Christmas Card](https://hdingles.com/a-christmas-card/): What I am showing you could well be of no interest to you. It is only a Christmas card. What makes it special, at least to me, is the fact that it was written by my father to his parents in 1918, while he was a “Doughboy” in France, shortly after the Armistice. I find it interesting that the top of the card reads: On Active Service, A.E.F. Somewhere in France And, in case you didn’t know, A.E.F. means “American Expeditionary Force.” I can add no more. READ “The Forties & The Fifties” by H.D. Ingles
- [Me and My Shadow](https://hdingles.com/me-and-my-shadow/): That is an old song, written, I believe, in the late 1920s. For some unknown reason, I thought about it the other day. Then I thought back to when I was a bit of a lad, during the War, and the song played on the radio. Now, I understand that you may well have never heard of “Me and My Shadow.” But that doesn’t matter. I am about to broach a subject that I told myself that I would never write about. Well, I thought about that old song and I changed my mind. But I shall never mention the […]
- [The American Dream by H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/the-american-dream-by-h-d-ingles/)
- [Lucky Strike Green Has Gone to War](https://hdingles.com/lucky-strike-green-has-gone-to-war/): “Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.” Prior to World War II, Lucky Strike Cigarettes had a green and gold package. The war effort required the chemicals used to color the packages and they were made unavailable for commercial use. The Lucky Strike packaging was changed to white. Hence, the slogan “Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.
- [A Major League Murder](https://hdingles.com/a-major-league-murder/): A murder mystery by H.D. Ingles Immerse yourself in this gripping tale of murder, manipulation, and retribution where only the most cunning will survive
- [CRYPTOGRAPHY](https://hdingles.com/cryptography/): I thought I’d talk a little bit about cryptography. That is, the use of codes and ciphers to protect secret information. CAESAR AND TRADITIONAL CIPHERS In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar “encrypted” (or scrambled) military communications using a system that folks now call the “Caesar cipher”. They used this system so that in case a messenger was captured or untrustworthy, nobody could read the message except people who were supposed to. These were the people who knew exactly how to decipher or “decrypt” it. It seems like a very simple sort of code today, but at the time, the “Caesar cipher” […]
- [Grace Hopper, a Pioneer of Computer Technology](https://hdingles.com/grace-hopper-a-pioneer-of-computer-technology/):   Grace Hopper was born December 9, 1906 in New York, New York, and died January 1, 1992 at Arlington, Virginia. She graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in 1928.  Hopper attended Yale University and received her M.A. in 1930 and her Ph.D. in 1934. Hopper taught mathematics at Vassar before joining the Naval Reserve in 1943. The Navy assigned Hopper to the Bureau of Ships Computation Project at Harvard University.  There, she joined a team working on the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, better known as the MARK I, the first electromechanical computer in the United States. Using […]
- [Pearl Harbor-December 7, 1941](https://hdingles.com/pearl-harbor-december-7-1941/): The Days Prior to the Attack Negotiations to come to an understanding between the United States and Japan took place through the autumn of 1941.  Toward the end of November it had become apparent that no agreement was possible. The government of Prime Minister Tōjō Hideki decided on war. With the U.S. fleet out of action, the Japanese had plans for the conquest of all of Southeast Asia and the Indonesian archipelago. The order for the attack was issued on November 5, 1941. The impending attack was unknown to the Japanese Ambassadors in Washington, D.C. December 7, 1941, Washington, D.C. […]
- [ARPANET](https://hdingles.com/arpanet/): ARPANET was an experimental computer network that was the forerunner of the Internet. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), an arm of the U.S. Defense Department, funded the development of ARPANET.  Its initial purpose was to link computers at Pentagon-funded research institutions over telephone lines. At the height of the Cold War, military commanders sought a computer communications system that was not controlled by a primary controller.  With no “master controller,” the entire network could not be eliminated by a single attack. The first node of ARPANET was established at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1969.  By […]
- [U.S. Wars: A Short History](https://hdingles.com/u-s-wars-a-short-history/):   U.S. Wars Note that this history involves U.S. wars. It does not include the War Between the States because no foreign powers were involved. The American Revolution With the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, the American Revolution came to a successful close after eight long years. Barbary Pirates The Barbary States were a collection of North African states, many of which practiced state-supported piracy in order to exact tribute. In 1804, President Jefferson decided to introduce the Barbary pirates to the full force of the United States Navy and Marines. The conclusion of the […]
- [Veterans Day](https://hdingles.com/veterans-day/): Veterans Day: Not the First Time For November 11th November 11th was a holiday before 1954. November 11, 1918:  The eleventh minute of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marked the time of the Armistice ending World War I. Hence, Armistice Day. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. The original concept for the November 11th celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. A Legal Holiday A Congressional Act, approved […]
- [Love and World War II ](https://hdingles.com/love-and-world-war-ii/): This little story mixes one of my six sisters with World War II.  Too Young  My second-youngest sister, Virginia, was born on March 12, 1927.  The man involved, John Irby, who was to become Virginia’s husband was born on September 28, 1926.  At the time this story starts, 1943, my family lived in Huntington, West Virginia, and Johnny’s family lived two houses up on the same street.  In brief, Virginia, age 16, and Johnny, age 17, fell in love.  Doing the right thing, Johnny asked Daddy for permission to marry his daughter.  Daddy liked Johnny but he looked at Johnny […]
- [Light Horse Harry Lee](https://hdingles.com/light-horse-harry-lee/): Henry Lee III was born on January 29, 1756, in Dumfries, Virginia and died on March 25, 1818 on Cumberland Island, Georgia.  During the American Revolution, he was a Cavalry officer under the command of General George Washington.  Lieutenant Colonel Lee of the Continental Army, became a Major General in the American Army.  He was well liked by the men under his command.  Because of his mastery of horsemanship, his men dubbed him with a sobriquet that became famous, Light Horse Harry Lee.  He was the father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.  Education  Lee was extremely intelligent and well […]
- [BOB FELLER WAS MORE THAN A PHENOMINAL BASEBALL PITCHER](https://hdingles.com/bob-feller-was-more-than-a-phenominal-baseball-pticher/):   Bob Feller was a Major League pitcher who was known for his blazing fastball.  Feller played for the Cleveland Indians (1936-41, 1945-56), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962.  Bob Feller shares the Major League record of 12 one-hitters with Nolan Ryan, and was the first pitcher to win 20 or more games before the age of 21.  Bob Feller’s baseball career in a nutshell:  – 266 wins.  – 2,581 strikeouts.  – 279 complete games.  – Led the AL in strikeouts seven times and walks four times.  WORLD WAR II  Feller not only shined on the […]
- [The Confederate Navy](https://hdingles.com/the-confederate-navy-2/): Featured This Week: The Confederate Navy  “The Confederate Navy” thrusts you headlong into the war’s naval confrontations. It’s a gripping account that pays homage to the gallant men, women, and storied ships. It addresses the events that etched an indelible legacy upon the annals of our nation’s history. It encapsulates the sacrifices, audacity, and resilience that defined the Confederate struggle. GET IT HERE.
- [The Waitress | A Novel by H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/the-waitress-a-novel-by-h-d-ingles/): Step into the captivating world of  “THE WAITRESS” ✨ Join Betty, a small-town beauty with dreams as vast as the starry skies, as she navigates the tumultuous waves of World War II. Experience a tale of charm, intelligence, and unwavering determination as Betty embarks on a journey to find happiness, despite the shadows of her past. In a world torn by war, love becomes a beacon of hope, and Betty’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming historical romance that will transport you to a time when love conquered all. Grab […]
- [Island Number Ten](https://hdingles.com/island-number-ten/):     ANSWER: THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER Island Number Ten: An Impediment to a Union Attack Confederate engineers had made wise decisions in selection of their defense sites.  The bottomlands around Island Number Ten and New Madrid were naturally swampy.  Read more about it: The Confederate Navy | A Book About Ships and Harbors by H.D. Ingles A Stroll Through American History | U.S.  History Milestones by H.D. Ingles
- [Longest Siege on U.S. Soil](https://hdingles.com/longest-siege-on-u-s-soil/): ANSWER: PORT HUDSON, LOUISIANA Port Hudson, Louisiana is located on the Mississippi River approximately 25 miles north of Baton Rouge. An Easy Victory In May 1863, Union Major General Nathaniel F. Banks moved his Union Army eastward toward the Mississippi River. The goal being the capture of Port Hudson, Louisiana. Union General Banks looked forward to an easy victory over Major General Franklin Gardner’s Confederate forces at Port Hudson. Read more about it: The Confederate Navy | A Book About Ships and Harbors by H.D. Ingles A Stroll Through American History | U.S.  History Milestones by H.D. Ingles
- [William M. “Boss” Tweed ](https://hdingles.com/william-m-boss-tweed/): Here is a true story that may interest you.  William M. “Boss” Tweed  A tale of political power and corruption.  Who Are We Talking About?  William Magear “Boss” Tweed was born on April 3, 1823 in New York City.  In 1868, Tweed became grand sachem (leader) of Tammany Hall.  *****  What Was Tammany Hall?  Tammany Hall began as a patriotic and social club established in New York in the years following the American Revolution.  But Tammany became a powerful political machine that essentially ran New York City throughout much of the 19th century.  The organization existed well into the 20th […]
- [Highest Ranking Union Officer](https://hdingles.com/highest-ranking-union-officer/):   ANSWER: JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON Robert Edward Lee was offered a command in the Union Army by President Abraham Lincoln, and he turned it down. He could never take up arms against Virginia. But the highest ranking officer in the U.S. Army to join the Confederacy was Brigadier General J.E. Johnston         Read more about it: The Confederate Navy | A Book About Ships and Harbors by H.D. Ingles A Stroll Through American History | U.S.  History Milestones by H.D. Ingles
- [The Confederate Navy](https://hdingles.com/the-confederate-navy/): The Confederate Navy is a book about ships and Harbors. The South found itself in an uneven struggle against the industrial might of the North.  As the conflict erupted, the North boasted a fleet of warships. The South was severely lacking. It was the age of ironclad vessels, but there was a scarcity of iron ore in the south. The odds seemed insurmountable. “The Confederate Navy” thrusts you headlong into the war’s naval confrontations. It’s a gripping account that pays homage to the gallant men, women, and storied ships. It addresses the events that etched an indelible legacy upon the […]
- [Perry Masonic: The Case of The Shotgun Sweetheart](https://hdingles.com/perry-masonic-the-case-of-the-shotgun-sweetheart/): Warning: This story is not vulgar but I must confess it is a bit ribald. Oh, you may notice that I adore alliteration. Also a touch of humor. Scene 1 – Take a Gander, Boom, Boom A man walks into a smoke-filled bar.  He scans the room and sees who he is looking for; he walks to her table. The woman smiles and says, “Hello, Frank, sit down.” Frank says, “Why the urgency, Betty?  We hadn’t planned on anything until tomorrow.” Betty smiles and responds, “It was urgent because I miss you so much.” “Well, I delayed my meeting, so […]
- [Good Parenting](https://hdingles.com/good-parenting/): This one is fairly short on words but quite long on responsibility.  The Great Depression hurt many Americans, including my family.  Without going into details, my father went from being an A&P Store manager and Commander of the local American Legion Post to taking any job he could find to feed his family.  Being born in 1939, I came along late in my parents’ life.  My six sisters were all born in the 1920s.  My father was born in 1894 and only finished six grades of school when he was obliged to take a 55-hour a week job in a […]
- [Can You Read? ](https://hdingles.com/can-you-read/): You know, if you can read, you are doing better than many members of Congress.  Thankfully, some members of the Supreme Court can read.  I am right sure that those who follow me on my website and Facebook can read.  What the Heck Am I Talking About?  There is a lot of hub-bub and opinion on the Supreme Court ruling on student loans.  You see, it’s like this.  Justices don’t make laws, that’s the job of Congress.  The job of a Justice is to judge if a law is constitutional.  Oh, yes, Presidents can’t make laws, either.  Presidential edicts are […]
- [I am proclaiming a new Federal Holiday](https://hdingles.com/i-am-proclaiming-a-new-federal-holiday/): I am proclaiming a new Federal Holiday.  July 2nd is now Really Swell Old Man’s Day  This is true for 2023 and for all years henceforth, in the future, afterward, etc.  Note:  The fact that July 2nd is my birthday is completely coincidental.
- [Congress and the Constitution](https://hdingles.com/congress-and-the-constitution/): It seems there are many in our government who do not understand the Constitution.  Or worse, many in our government who do not want to abide by the Constitution. That is right close to being criminal because they swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Note that, in the following, references to law are Federal Law. Things They Don’t Seem To Understand The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. To change the Constitution requires an Amendment as defined in Article V of the Constitution. A law cannot be passed which is contrary to the Constitution. Nor […]
- [A Really Old Joke](https://hdingles.com/a-really-old-joke/): An Explanation In most cases, if you must explain a joke, there is a problem somewhere. This is different because the joke is so old that younger ones may not know what some of the words mean. Telephone A telephone is an ancient communications device which handles only voice. Note here that the device does not at all resemble the device you now use to communicate.  Wires are involved. Pay Telephone A pay telephone is a public telephone located on street corners and in many shops, restaurants, etc. You drop a coin in a slot and you can use the […]
- [Did You Know?  | The B-29 Superfortress](https://hdingles.com/did-you-know-the-b-29-superfortress/): The B-29 Superfortress In the 1940s, the United States produced the B-29 Superfortress; a bomber with extremely advanced capabilities, and revolutionary in design. It was a design the Soviets could not compete with. The B-29 entered combat on June 5, 1944, and was instrumental in winning the war with Japan. Although our European ally, the Soviets had not declared war on Japan. Four B-29s, in raids over Japan, were forced to land in Russian territory. The American airmen were eventually released, but the Soviets refused to release the B-29s. Reverse-Engineered by the Soviets After extensive testing of the B-29s, the […]
- [An Escape](https://hdingles.com/an-escape/): A true story about escaping from Red China. One time in the mid-1970s, we were working with some Canadians and a few were down here for a while. I was still at the “office sharing” stage of my career and my new office mate was a young woman from Canada.  Her name was Laura and she was born in China but was now a Canadian citizen.  She and I got along well.  I was in my mid-30s and Laura was a few years younger than I. For whatever reason, we were working second shift so there were fewer people around.  […]
- [I was a Teenage Sunday School Teacher](https://hdingles.com/i-was-a-teenage-sunday-school-teacher/): Don’t ask how they trapped me because I don’t remember. For starters, I was sixteen and, to tell the truth, I didn’t think much about little ones one way or the other. Now, the above picture of delightful little children in a delightful setting ain’t exactly what I was up against. It’s like this. I had a class of about a dozen or so four- and five-year-olds. If you were to ask me, “A class of about a dozen or so four- and five-year- old whats?” I would be obliged to answer, “Demons. Bloody little monsters.” I could use much […]
- [An Englishman and 2 Prostitutes](https://hdingles.com/an-englishman-and-2-prostitutes/): I heard this joke two or three or 50 years ago. There was an English gentleman who had been to New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, but he had never really seen the United States. So, when he was close to the age of 50, he decided to take an extended vacation and leisurely drive through much of the United States. He arrived in New York, rented a car, and meandered South at a slow pace. He toured all of the Atlantic Coast States, with side trips to see the Great Smokey Mountains and such. He then headed West to […]
- [NEWS FLASH: Neanderthal Find of the Century!](https://hdingles.com/news-flash-neanderthal-find-of-the-century/): The Discovery Deep in the caverns of France or Germany or somewhere, maybe it was Switzerland. Not 100% sure, but somewhere. It doesn’t really matter, somebody knows. Large piles of stone have been discovered. And I mean BIG. Not the stones, the piles. Well, the discovery was BIG, too. Actually, this was a three phase discovery. Phase 1 Discovery On July 14, 1944, I think. Maybe it was October 20, 1943. I don’t know for sure. It doesn’t really matter. Don’t worry about it. Anyway, whenever it was, two members of Hitler Youth were escaping to whatever country it was. […]
- [What’s New?  Not Much](https://hdingles.com/whats-new-not-much/):   You know, people are always talking about how the Republicans and Democrats are going at each other. Well, guess what?  Political rivals always have gone at each other.  And it goes way back.  Way, way back.  I mean this going at each other business was happening long before there was ever such a thing as Republicans and Democrats. Look back in history. Around 400 BC, when the political climate changed in Ancient Greece, Socrates was forced to drink hemlock. In 44 BC, when Julius Caesar decided that Rome would be better off with himself as dictator, you know what […]
- [Did You Know? | Charles Babbage](https://hdingles.com/did-you-know-charles-babbage/): Did You Know? Did you know that the Englishman, Charles Babbage (1791-1871), is considered the “father of the computer” and he is given credit for conceptualizing and designing the first ever mechanical computer. Difference Engine, Phase 1 Babbage’s first computer was completed in 1822 and was called a Difference Engine. It calculated and printed mathematical tables and was powered by cranking a handle. Difference Engine, Phase 2 The British government became interested and invested £17,500 (about $3 million today) on Babbage’s second Difference Engine, which was an enhancement of his first Difference Engine and designed to calculate and tabulate polynomial […]
- [Student Loan Forgiveness](https://hdingles.com/student-loan-forgiveness/): I make every attempt to keep politics from my website.  The reason I am posting this is because I do not consider our Constitution politics. I have heard many arguments by those who are for loan forgiveness. I have heard many arguments by those who are against loan forgiveness. In neither of the above cases have I heard the Constitution mentioned. I am not a lawyer and never wanted to be a lawyer, but I have read the Constitution. The members of all three branches of government, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial, swear to protect and defend the Constitution. I have […]
- [Why Does Each State Have Two Senators?](https://hdingles.com/why-does-each-state-have-two-senators/): That is a question asked by many today. To answer that question, we must go back to the beginning. The Constitutional Convention The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777.  The Articles were our first Constitution. By 1787, the Articles of Confederation were deemed too weak and had to be replaced.  Ergo, it was decided by our Founders to hold a Constitutional Convention. The Constitutional Convention took place from May 14 to September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Convention Delegates Twelve of the 13 original States participated by sending delegates to the Constitutional Convention. […]
- [The B-36 Peacemaker](https://hdingles.com/the-b-36-peacemaker/): The Convair B-36 Peacemaker The B-36 was a huge leap in size and performance over its predecessors. It remains the largest piston-powered combat aircraft ever. Early models had six enormous 71-liter, 28-cylinder radial engines. These engines were soon augmented by four jet engines, for a total of 44,000 horsepower. With its massive fuel tanks and incredible endurance, some versions of the B-36 could stay aloft for one-and-a-half to two days. Bomber variants had a crew of from 9 to 15 airmen. There were bunks in the back for the crew, and a toilet. The Air Force emphasized that the B-36 […]
- [The B-29 Superfortress](https://hdingles.com/the-b-29-superfortress/): The B-29 Superfortress was a design the Soviets could not compete with. In the 1940s, the United States produced a bomber with extremely advanced capabilities, and revolutionary in design. The B-29 entered combat on June 5, 1944, and was instrumental in winning the war with Japan. Although our European ally, the Soviets had not declared war on Japan. Four B-29s, in raids over Japan, were forced to land in Russian territory. The American airmen were eventually released, but the Soviets refused to release the B-29s. Reverse-Engineered by the Soviets After extensive testing of the B-29s, the Russians made a bolt-for-bolt […]
- [Constitution Crash Course](https://hdingles.com/constitution-crash-course/): Why a Constitution Crash Course? Anyone who knows me, knows of my great admiration for our founding fathers and the U.S. Constitution. Well, I decided to create a video series about it.  All of the videos are less than five minutes long. Get Constitution Crash Course video series delivered to your inbox.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
- [Educating a Hippie: The Declaration of Independence](https://hdingles.com/education-a-hippie-the-declaration-of-independence/): Here’s a quickie video I recorded for you, called “Education a Hippie: The Declaration of Independence”. I hope you enjoy.  Don’t forget to sign up for my Constitution Crash Course. It’s a series of video shorts about…you guessed it…the Constitution. But it’s the Constitution broken down into small pieces. I think every American should have a basic understanding of this magnificent document. I hope you’ll join me. Sign up here. 
- [Merry Christmas, My Friend by James M. Schmidt, 1986](https://hdingles.com/merry-christmas-my-friend-a-soldiers-silent-night/): Merry Christmas, My Friend: A Soldier’s Silent Night Words: James M. Schmidt, 1986 Merry Christmas, My Friend Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone. I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land. With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon […]
- [History Minutes: Air Force One](https://hdingles.com/history-minutes-air-force-one/): Air Force One FDR was the first President to fly. President Eisenhower was the first to fly in an airplane under the Air Force One call sign.   Click below to watch the full video of Theodore Roosevelt flying in 1910. Library of Congress: Theodore Roosevelt in a biplane in 1910.
- [Washington & Cincinnatus](https://hdingles.com/washington-cincinnatus/): Washington & Cincinnatus This is a podcast about the parallels between George Washington and the ancient Roman dictator, Cincinnatus. See also: The Society of the CIncinnati here: https://www.societyofthecincinnati.org/ Read “Washington’s Farewell Address” https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/G…
- [Second Lieutenants](https://hdingles.com/second-lieutenants/): When I had a few months left on my four-year Air Force hitch, the instructors were assigned to instructor’s barracks, which were reconditioned barracks.  There was no open bay, all three-man rooms.  Being permanent party, we only had two men to a room. Every once in a while, there would be an inspection.  It had been a long time since I was inspected by sergeants, I was now being inspected by second lieutenants.  These lieutenants were in training, so they had an NCO, usually a tech sergeant, with them to try to keep them out of trouble. This is two […]
- [The Future of Life](https://hdingles.com/the-future-of-life/): The worlds of science and medicine have done much to improve our lives. When I was young, my parents were terrified that I may become a victim of polio.  When I was about 21, there was a polio vaccine. Not too many years ago, if it was determined you may have appendicitis, your appendix was removed even if you had no appendicitis.  I mean, why not?  You were already opened up.  Today, you are scanned and you know for sure without any operation. That is just a taste of what modern medicine and science have given us. Is There a […]
- [Justice Comes Slowly on Kindle](https://hdingles.com/justice-comes-slowly-on-kindle/): Dave Denton built what should have been a much longer-lasting career in the United States Army. But after his wife and daughter are murdered, and the prime suspect is released due to police misconduct during his arrest, Major Denton realizes he can no longer imagine a life in government service. He decides to resign his commission and become a civilian, but what he truly wants is retribution. Just as Dave begins his quest for justice, however, the killer is quickly arrested again on felony drug charges, and sent to prison for several years. Dave decides he can wait, and settles […]
- [Right and Left What?](https://hdingles.com/right-and-left-what/):   When talking about Left and Right, confusion abounds.  I believe it to be very well-planned confusion. Some Definitions Capitalist Regime Ownership is in the hands of individual citizens, who are free to buy, sell, or trade.  An individual’s life is in his own hands.  An individual has freedom of speech.  In other words, individual freedom. I am terrified that in the United States, we are on the brink of losing our Constitution and our individual freedoms. Communist Regime The State owns everything and controls the everyday lives of its citizens.  There is no freedom of speech.  In short, it […]
- [The United States Senate](https://hdingles.com/the-united-states-senate/):   Let us begin with a short tutorial on the Constitution of the United States of America. I fear that many Americans have no idea of the reason and need for the United States Constitution.  They do not seem to understand what a beautiful, well-written, superbly structured document our Constitution is. Our Constitution was written to cover any period in history and not just the era in which it was written.  It was written with an understanding of human nature and nothing specific with respect to the era in which it was written.  It was written with the knowledge that […]
- [Working With the French](https://hdingles.com/working-with-the-french/): For starters, I am not a Francophile. I am much closer to being a Franco rasp. By the way, this stuff really happened.  I was only about forty and I could handle it then. So, On With the Story During 1980 and ’81, I made quite a few trips to France for business. I must say that the first time was a bit exciting. But that wore off quite rapidly. The Fun of Business Travel On Saturday afternoon, drive to the Raleigh airport.  Wait.  An hour on a plane to JFK.  Wait.  Six hours on a plane to Charles de […]
- [Amazon Kindle](https://hdingles.com/amazon-kindle/): The Ease of Amazon Kindle In case you don’t know this, you don’t have to buy an actual Kindle device to enjoy Kindle books. You can read Kindle books on your tablet, laptop, desktop, phone. Any device. It doesn’t cost a thing to download their app. And it gives you access to many free and low-priced books, as well as bestsellers. Don’t get me wrong. I like books. Real books. I like the feel of an actual hard-copy book. And there are some bargains in paperbacks, but nothing compared to the bargains on Kindle. Those Kindle books didn’t seem like […]
- [They Don’t Really Care, Do They?](https://hdingles.com/they-dont-really-care-do-they/):   As you probably know, there have many been hot and heavy arguments, even unlawful protests and attempts at murder, about the Supreme Court and Roe versus Wade. Our Constitution defines what the Federal Government is allowed to do.  The Constitution limits Federal laws. Like it or not, the Federal Government has no say in abortion, that is left to the several State Governments.  Again, as defined in the Constitution. So, What Happened Next? Almost immediately, Senator Schumer began screaming, “We will codify abortion up to the time of birth.” I am sure this made many happy. Recently, Senator Lindsey […]
- [The Sedition Act](https://hdingles.com/the-sedition-act/):   Let us begin with an overview. The Alien and Sedition Acts In 1798, there was widespread fear that war with France was, indeed, imminent. With fears of enemy spies infiltrating American society, the Federalist majority in Congress passed new laws in June and July, 1798, collectively known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. I have broken apart the Sedition Act, because that is the primary target of my writing. The Alien Acts The Naturalization Act was passed by Congress to increase residency requirements for U.S. citizenship to 14 years from five.  Federalist were aware that many recent immigrants and […]
- [Golly, I May Be An Extremist](https://hdingles.com/i-may-be-an-extremist/): I must be an extremist because my President told me I am. Ever since I was six, I have carried a pen-knife.  Of course, almost every other boy carried a pen-knife.  We took them to school.  I never cut anybody.  I never even threatened to cut anybody.  The boys played mumbley-peg. My father taught me how to safely close my knife.  Did my father knowingly aid and abet a potential extremist? I even own some firearms.  I never shot anybody.  I never even pointed a firearm at anybody. I am a very old man, but I am still strong enough […]
- [Ignorance Is Bliss --- UNTIL](https://hdingles.com/ignorance-is-bliss/): Ignorance Is Bliss or Wishful Thinking There is an old saying, “Be careful what you wish for because your wish may come true.” You know, it’s fine to be for things.  But you really should understand what you are for. Taking Facts Into Account Have you lived under a communist dictatorship?  Do you know anybody who has? Are you one of those who flippantly calls someone a “Nazi” but you really don’t even understand what a Nazi is? Let me enlighten you. A Nazi, or fascist, government uses brute force to control the population.  You know, harm, even kill, innocent […]
- [H.D. Ingles Podcast 1: Introduction](https://hdingles.com/hd-ingles-podcast-1/): Welcome to H.D. Ingles, Podcast 1.  So here it is. My first video podcast: H.D. Ingles Podcast Episode #1   Read “A Long Term Marriage” by H.D. Ingles
- [What Was the SAGE System?](https://hdingles.com/what-was-the-sage-system/): SAGE, the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment Air Defense System began with an idea in 1951 and was fully deployed in 1963. SAGE was operational from 1959 through 1984. Why Am I Telling You About the SAGE System? Well, truth is, it is sort of personal.  I was in the United States Air Force (USAF) from mid-1958 until mid-1962.  For almost three of those four years, I was a USAF instructor on how a subset of the SAGE equipment worked and how to fix it when there was a failure.  The area where I instructed was fenced, with Air Police stationed at […]
- [An 1850s Short-Lived Phenomenon](https://hdingles.com/short-lived-phenomenon/): In the 1850s, there was a Short-Lived Phenomenon. A fairly strong third political party arose, the American Party. How It Started In the 1840s, among a number of Americans, there was a strong anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic, and anti-Jewish sentiment.  During the 1840s, many immigrants were arriving, including a large number of Germans and Irish.  Some believed they posed a threat to our economy and our political system. To combat these supposed threats, secret societies emerged. This group of secret anti-Catholic, anti-Jewish, and anti-immigrant political organizations united and called itself the American Party. How the Name “Know-Nothing” Came About The clandestine American […]
- [How Bad Can It Be?](https://hdingles.com/how-bad-can-it-be/): I seem to have ruffled a lot of feathers. How Bad Can It Be? The Crime I Committed Quite recently, I published a blog on my website and posted it on Facebook, “What is Religion? What is Faith?”.  It was not at all preachy.  I pushed neither religion nor faith.  All I said was how I handled those things and how I felt about the whole shooting match. Well, given some of the Facebook comments, one would have thought I was Martin Luther nailing his “95 Theses” to a church door in 1517.  Or worse, preaching fire and brimstone. The […]
- [Isn’t It Amazing?](https://hdingles.com/isnt-it-amazing/): Isn’t It Amazing? In my time on Earth, I have witnessed some amazing things.  Before I Begin A bit of age information. I am 83, born in 1939. My mother was born in 1899 and had an eleventh grade education. My father was born in 1894 and had a sixth grade education. Amazing Common Things Isn’t it amazing that my mother, without the help of the government, knew that a 400 degree oven was hot? Isn’t it amazing that my father, without the help of the government, knew that if you started spending more money than you earned, you could […]
- [7 Things I Learned In My 40s and 50s](https://hdingles.com/7-things-i-learned-in-my-40s-and-50s/): I am 81 years old. I have decided to list some things I have learned in my years on Earth. This “learning” business is being done in installments. This installment is what I learned when I was in my forties and fifties. Here We Go 1. Sense of humor: Always try to keep your sense of humor. The older you get, the more a sense of humor helps to keep you sane. 2. Laugh at yourself: This sort of goes along with “Sense of humor.” If you do or say something foolish, don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. It […]
- [Hopalong Hillary, Cow-Person](https://hdingles.com/hopalong-hillary-cow-person/): I wrote the story of Hopalong Hillary almost 30 years ago, in 1994. I never published, but I am thinking of changing my mind. The story is a bit off my beaten path because there is a touch of politics involved.  But I wrote it strictly for a few laughs. I am posting the prologue and the first chapter, to see the response I receive.  I may or may not publish the story on Amazon. If you think you may be interested, take a gander.   Hopalong Hillary, Cow-Person by H.D. Ingles Copyright (©) 1994, 2022 Prologue This story is […]
- [Life With Carolyn](https://hdingles.com/life-with-carolyn/): This is not really a story, it is a series of vignettes. I shall begin at the end and then jump to a long time ago. The End On April 4, 2017, my wife, Carolyn, died from leukemia.  We had been married for over 53 years. That is all I have to say on that subject; I do not choose to immerse myself in grief.  I choose to think of happier times that give me a chuckle. The First Encounter I saw a woman at a party.  She was rather attractive.  After some shrewd manipulation, I managed to sit next […]
- [July Fourth, My Country’s Birthday](https://hdingles.com/july-fourth-my-countrys-birthday/): July Fourth, My Country’s Birthday! Much has been written about the Declaration of Independence, and I am saying more. To be honest, I am writing nothing new. I have lifted these words from a little history book I wrote, A Stroll Through American History.  It is from the first chapter, “The Declaration of Independence”.   Something Personal At one time in my career with IBM, I was a computer operator.  I was going to school and I worked second shift (4:00 PM until midnight). During that time, there was a guy who took over for me and worked third shift.  […]
- [July 2, 2022, Birthday #83](https://hdingles.com/july-2-2022-birthday-83/): Please don’t ask how it happened, but I am still alive. How Long? According to some statistics I looked up, a man 80 can expect 7 more years.  So, I reckon the powers that be are giving me four more years. Things In General I do have to be careful with stairs, but unlike certain other prominent old men, I know where the stairs are. Many believe me to be a bit looney, but that is not because of age.  I have always been a bit looney. I have difficulty remembering names.  For that one, ditto looney. I must admit, […]
- [What? I’m Supposed To Laugh?](https://hdingles.com/what-im-supposed-to-laugh/): You know, sometimes a man with no sense of humor is right funny. This is a true story.  It happened about 40 years ago when I was a mere lad, about 40 years of age. I remember the man well and he was nice enough but he believed that humorous had something to do with an arm bone.  I even remember his name, but that one I keep to myself.  Here, I will just call him Joe. Oh, I forgot to mention that Joe was a health nut. How It Started One fine afternoon, I was sitting at my desk, […]
- [George Washington, A Leader](https://hdingles.com/george-washington-a-leader/): This story is an excerpt from my book, A Stroll Through American History. George Washington The Soldier George Washington was a fairly big man but not a giant.  He was 6’ 2” tall and weighed in at over 175 pounds. I don’t believe there’s any doubt that George Washington was courageous.  He was a military leader who, not unlike great military leaders of the past, stood with his men and not at a distance. George Washington’s courage is quite easily identified by the manner in which he handled himself on the battlefield. Battle of the Monongahela, July 9, 1755 The […]
- [Benedict Arnold, A Hero?](https://hdingles.com/benedict-arnold-a-hero/): This story is an excerpt from my book, A Stroll Through American History. Fort Ticonderoga The story begins on May 10, 1775 at Fort Ticonderoga, in northern New York. British Fort Ticonderoga was attacked by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen.  It was a minor conflict but it was the first American offensive victory of the Revolutionary War But the fort was very important to the American cause because Fort Ticonderoga had artillery, thousands of muskets, and a large cache of ammunition; all desperately needed by General Washington and the Continental Army. Battle of Quebec, December 31, 1775 Benedict Arnold played […]
- [The Shot Heard ‘Round the World](https://hdingles.com/the-shot-heard-round-the-world/): The Shot Heard ‘Round the World This story is an excerpt from my book, A Stroll Through American History. Battles of Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775 These battles gave rise to the phrase, “The shot heard ‘round the world.” At dawn on April 19, almost 80 militiamen had gathered on the town green in Lexington.  The militiamen met the 700 British troops which were marching towards Concord.  A British officer shouted out for the rebels to drop their arms. It is unknown which side fired first.  But, after the first shot, several British volleys were fired. As an aside […]
- [What Does Diversity Really Mean?](https://hdingles.com/what-does-diversity-really-mean/): What Does Diversity Really Mean? Is skin color “diversity” racist? The Current Social Climate You know, Martin Luther King is hailed a hero by many Black Americans and Liberals.  And, something Liberals like to play down, King holds great respect from a very large number of Conservatives. The funny and also sad part is, in today’s political climate, King gains Liberal and Black Leaders scorn.  Why?  Because King wanted a colorblind United States.  Not quotas and preferences.  Of course, they would never admit that they desire quite the opposite of King’s “dream”. Today, we have some Black Americans and even […]
- [What Is Religion? What Is Faith?](https://hdingles.com/what-is-religion-what-is-faith/): What is religion? What is faith? There can be a difference, you know. Church I was born and raised a Baptist.  When I was young, I went to Sunday school, Sunday morning service, Sunday evening service, and Wednesday evening prayer meeting. As I look back, it did me absolutely no harm and quite probably some good.  But I haven’t been to church in a long time. I am not what you would call a very religious man. I think that people go to church for many reasons. Some go to church because they are deeply religious. Some go to church […]
- [Happy Father’s Day, Daddy ](https://hdingles.com/happy-fathers-day-daddy/):   Harrison D. Ingles, Daddy, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on April 27, 1894. Growing Up I don’t believe that my father’s family were poor.  A lot of his early experiences were a result of the times in which he was born.  At the turn of the Twentieth Century, education didn’t seem to be a top priority. As far as money goes, my grandfather had a decent job and also owned a small grocery store.  Daddy told me that around 1910, a man could raise a family on eleven dollars a week.  And then he said, “My dad made seventeen, […]
- [Who Was the First Whig President?](https://hdingles.com/who-was-the-first-whig-president/): The first Whig President was William Henry Harrison (1773-1841). Military William Henry Harrison became a war hero after fighting Indian forces at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Harrison left the Army and then re-entered as a brigadier general during the War of 1812. In 1813, Harrison won a decisive victory over the British at the Battle of the Thames, near Ontario. In 1814, Major General Harrison resigned from the Army. Political Over the years, beginning in 1819, Harrison was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a state senator, a U.S. Senator, and the U.S. Minister to Colombia. […]
- [The Partner’s Wife](https://hdingles.com/the-partners-wife/): Flash Fiction: Death is just around the corner. Flash Fiction: Death is just around the corner. The couple sat up in bed and lit cigarettes. There was silence until, “We can’t go on like this, Phil.” “I know, Jessica, but what can we do?” “We can kill my damned husband.” Phil slowly shook his head and said, “I’ve thought about that but it’s too risky.” Jessica said, “It doesn’t have to be murder.  There is an accident and there is suicide.” “Darling, the cops ain’t stupid.  It would have to be pretty damned clever.  I am his business partner and […]
- [A Romantic Memory](https://hdingles.com/a-romantic-memory/): Flash Fiction: A man’s memories of young love. Jim began thinking about a happier time and the sweetness of young love. Jim thought of Mary Jane.  It was a long time ago. Mary Jane was a beautiful girl and the prettiest girl in school.  Jim had been secretly in love with Mary Jane for a year but he was afraid to ask such a popular girl out. One day, Jim finally mustered up the courage to ask Mary Jane to go to a movie with him on Friday evening.  He couldn’t quite believe it when she said, “Yes.” Jim learned […]
- [6 Things I Learned After 60 Years](https://hdingles.com/6-things-i-learned-after-60-years/): I have decided to list some things I have learned in my years on Earth. Here are 6 Things I Learned After 60 YearsHere we go. 1. Don’t worry about dying: It’s going to happen so live with it as best you can. 2. Make sure you are prepared to die: What I mean here is you should attempt to ensure that those close to you will not fall into hardship after your death. Make sure you have a will. You should have made a will long before you turned 60. 3. Attitude: Don’t walk around down in the dumps […]
- [5 Things I Learned Being a Parent](https://hdingles.com/5-things-i-learned-being-a-parent/): I have learned a thing or two in my 81 years on Earth. This article is about what I learned after I was faced with raising children. Here we go. 1. Stepchildren: It happens. The reason this is first on my list is because it happened to me. My wife, Carolyn, married young and then divorced with a daughter. Carolyn was 21 when I married her and her two and a half year old daughter, Lisa. Now, I can’t tell people how to live and how to think but what my wife and I did worked. I never considered Lisa […]
- [The Thing I Learned After My Wife Died](https://hdingles.com/the-thing-i-learned-after-my-wife-died/): What I learned after my wife of over 53 years, Carolyn, died? Get a life. That’s it. There is a natural period of mourning. But limit it. I like a touch of bourbon but I overdid it for a while. From April 4, 2017 until the following February, I was drunk almost every day. There was a fairly nice day around the middle of February, 2018. That evening, I poured a drink, thought for a minute, and I said to myself, “What the hell are you doing?” I laid the drink down and I went to a place where I […]
- [An Alligator In the House](https://hdingles.com/an-alligator-in-the-house/): This Happened a Few Years Back An Alligator In the House? I believe this happy event was in 1961.  I was at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. I hate to bore you but you need to know some facts to get the full impact of this story. The barracks I lived in for a long time, about three of my four years in the USAF, were temporary World War II barracks.  I reckon that “temporary” means different things to different people. They were open bay barracks and had four rooms. I lived in the open bay for a few months […]
- [Memorial Day and Buddy Poppies](https://hdingles.com/memorial-day-and-buddy-poppies/): Memorial Day Started Out As Decoration Day During the latter part of the 1860s various towns all over the country began holding tributes during the spring to honor the fallen dead in the Civil War.  Graves were decorated with flowers.  In 1868, a “Decoration Day” on May 30, was being suggested as a national holiday.  The idea of a holiday held but it was many years before it would become a federal Holiday. A Change of Name Following World War I, the holiday’s meaning was changed to honor all United States military who have fallen in our nation’s wars, and […]
- [Meeting Carolyn](https://hdingles.com/meeting-carolyn/): The Party This is a story about how an innocent, naïve, young man can be trapped by a woman. Sadly enough, the story is true. In October of 1963, I was invited to a party.  I wanted to go but I declined the invitation because I was going to college and my grades were good.  I intended to keep my grades high by avoiding diversions such as parties. I received a phone call, “You have to come to the party.  Good old Carl is leaving town.” I had known Carl for years, so I reluctantly went to the party. Well, […]
- [Snakes and Dictionaries Do Not Mix](https://hdingles.com/snakes-and-dictionaries-do-not-mix/): I don’t much like snakes, but if they are harmless I don’t worry much. My wife, Carolyn, was terrified of snakes.  Any snake.  And I don’t mean scared.  I mean terrified. One day, Carolyn ran into the house screaming, “A snake in the backyard!” I went out.  It was a green snake about eight inches long.  Maybe seven inches. A note here on my heroism.  I didn’t exactly run out.  Copperheads have been known to show up in North Carolina. Pertinent Facts For this story to work, there are a few more things you should know. Dictionaries are right heavy. […]
- [Henry Knox and Continental Army Artillery](https://hdingles.com/henry-knox-and-continental-army-artillery/): Henry Knox was the seventh child in a family of ten children. His father was having financial difficulties when he died at the age of 50, so Henry was forced to leave school at an early age to seek employment.  He became a bookseller’s apprentice.  Henry was an avid reader, especially the military and artillery.  When he was twenty-one, he opened his own bookstore, which specialized in military subjects. Bookseller to Soldier Knox impressed John Adams, and in early 1775, Adams recommended Knox for a position in the Continental Army, and General Washington made Knox a colonel. In the spring […]
- [Cary Population and Changes](https://hdingles.com/cary-population-and-changes/): In 1968, the Town of Cary population was about 7,000. In 2022, the population is very close to 180,000.  Cary is now the seventh-largest city in North Carolina and the one-hundred-fiftieth-largest city in the United States. That is a rather significant change in itself. You know, 54 years can move along right quickly.  I moved to Cary almost 54 years ago and, sometimes, it seems as if it were yesterday.  I moved to Cary in 1968, when I was 29.  It is now 2022 and I am pushing 83 real hard. If you haven’t already guessed, I have seen quite […]
- [Nathanael Greene: Why Is He Famous?](https://hdingles.com/nathanael-greene-why-is-he-famous/): Nathanael Greene was one of the most skilled generals of the American Revolution.   General George Washington held Major General Nathanael Greene in such high esteem that he became Washington’s most trusted advisor. An Unusual Beginning For a Soldier Greene was born into a devout Quaker family.   During Greene’s earlier years, he struggled with his interest in military science. It conflicted with the Quaker pacifism in which he had been raised.   The Military Side of Greene Wins Greene studied a great many books on military doctrine, strategy, and tactics.   In 1774, Greene became involved with the organization […]
- [Aaron Burr History: His American Empire](https://hdingles.com/aaron-burr-history-his-american-empire/): Why Aaron Burr history? Why is Aaron Burr interesting? Well, Burr killed a previous Treasury Secretary in a duel when he was the sitting Vice President.  Does that make him interesting?   Aaron Burr was an ambitious man; he was a man who wanted to turn the Western portion of this country, which included Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Louisiana Purchase, into his own empire.  That has to make him interesting. To top it all off, Burr was a Colonial Army officer during the American Revolution. Aaron Burr History: How It Ended On a February morning in 1807, American soldiers […]
- [Robert Fulton and His Folly](https://hdingles.com/robert-fulton-and-his-folly/): Robert Fulton is sometimes called the inventor of the steamboat, but he didn’t really invent the steamboat. That attempt had been going on for a few centuries. Though he did come up with one that worked. Fulton was a creditable artist but not a great one.  Following the American Revolution, he painted Benjamin Franklin’s portrait.  The two became friends and Franklin gave him a letter of introduction to London’s artistic circles. Fulton exhibited at the Royal Gallery in 1791, and then he decided to pursue canal construction.  In 1793, he dropped that pursuit and tried his hand at other things.  […]
- [John Marshall, Where Are You?](https://hdingles.com/john-marshall-where-are-you/): Who was John Marshall? Chief Justice John Marshall presided from 1801 until 1835, over 34 years.  Marshall died while in office at the age 79. He was a Federalist and appointed Chief Justice by President John Adams. John Marshall was the type of man whom George Washington would have fervently approved of because Marshall did not allow his Federalist leanings to interfere with his Court decisions. Marshall’s Court voted for the good of the Country and the wording and intent of its Constitution. On a personal note, a long, long time ago, I attended Marshall College, now Marshall University. Marbury […]
- [A One-Day Vacation in Them Thar Hills](https://hdingles.com/a-one-day-vacation-in-them-thar-hills/): This little story happened during the summer of 1964. This was a situation that turned into a one-day vacation for my young family. How It All Started It all started with my eldest sister, Grace Jean, on the far right in the photo. It was all very innocent, Grace Jean and her husband, Howard, decided to take a two-week vacation in the mountains.  What could go wrong? Well, they decided to head for “them thar hills.”  And, when I say remote, I mean way back there.  They went to a fairly nice little place, but it was what you might […]
- [Easter](https://hdingles.com/at-easter-our-daughters/): The Big Easter Egg Hunt Fifty or so years ago, at Easter, our daughters were almost three and almost nine. It was “hide the eggs time”. We did it in the house.  I had to hide some easy ones for Laura, and a bit harder to find for Lisa.  That makes sense. I always hid exactly one dozen eggs.  The reason is quite simple, I had to know the exact number.  The last thing I needed was to have an egg going rotten in the house. Carolyn and I had a few laughs watching the girls find the eggs.  You […]
- [Sisters, Sisters Everywhere](https://hdingles.com/sisters-sisters-everywhere/): As I was growing up, I was greatly outnumbered.  There were sisters everywhere. I was surrounded by sisters, as it were. This is something my sisters played down in later years but the truth is my youngest sister is ten years older than I.  When I was born, my youngest sister, Irene, was ten and my eldest, Grace Jean, was right close to eighteen. I have no idea how I survived.  But, since this is not about me, don’t worry about it. The photo is, left to right, by age, youngest to eldest.  On the left is the baby brother.  […]
- [Defeated by Brass Knobs](https://hdingles.com/defeated-by-brass-knobs/): This is a story about a helpless, hapless, hopeless, henpecked husband, who was defeated by brass knobs.  Sadly enough, it is true. By the way, this happened over a quarter of a century ago.  Probably 30 years ago.  I don’t remember for sure. Author’s note:  I am way too old for a young chickadee. The picture is of my wife, Carolyn, taken in 1964. On With the Story Anyway, it’s like this.  My wife, Carolyn, asked me to come into the kitchen of the new house that we, along with the bank, had purchased about five years before.  Innocent lamb […]
- [Willie Sutton](https://hdingles.com/willie-sutton/): Just Like Willie Sutton, You Can Bank On It   What did Willie Sutton Do?  He robbed banks.  But he wasn’t afraid to rob other places. The Willie Sutton Rule When asked by a reporter about why he stole from banks, Sutton answered, “Because that’s where the money is.”  It should be noted that Sutton denied ever saying that. Read more about The Willie Sutton Rule Early Years William Francis “Willie” Sutton attended school through eighth grade and then left home to find a job. The Beginning of a Career Sutton began his criminal career in 1919 at the age […]
- [A Man Worth Knowing](https://hdingles.com/a-man-worth-knowing/): Robert Doizier was a man worth knowing.  Let me tell you a couple of stories. In the spring of 1954, when I was almost 15, I took the job of drugstore delivery boy.  Well, truth is, I was really much more important than just being a boy delivering prescriptions on a bicycle.  I was a delivery boy/clerk/soda jerk/duster/sweeper/mopper. After I had worked there a few months, the owner retired and sold the store to another man.  I usually don’t give names but, for this man, I will.  The new owner’s name was Robert Dozier. Mr. Dozier, along with his wife […]
- [Happily Buying a New Car](https://hdingles.com/happily-buying-a-new-car/): New car shopping with your wife can be an interesting experience. I am 82 years old and I have probably bought fewer cars than the average 30-something.  In other words, I drive a car until it is on its death throes.  If you don’t believe me, I still drive the 1997 Ford Victoria which I bought new.  But it is a peach of a car and will probably outlast me. But, in late 1975, my old Dodge was dying fast.  We also owned an old Chevrolet which was dying even faster. My wife, Carolyn, seemed to like the new Ford […]
- [Wiley Post: Aviator Extraordinaire](https://hdingles.com/wiley-post-aviator-extraordinaire/): Wiley Post, in only 36 years of life and with only one eye, accomplished more in the field of aviation than most men dream of. A Bad Start In 1921, after several years of working jobs in construction, for the military, and the oil industry, Post took a wrong turn at the age of 23. No one really knows why Post turned to robbery in 1921, but he attempted armed robbery.  Post was captured by the four men he attempted to rob at gunpoint in Grady County, Oklahoma. Post pled guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in the state […]
- [Nancy Harkness Love](https://hdingles.com/nancy-harkness-love/): The First Woman to Fly for the United States Military Nancy Harkness was the first woman to fly for the United States Military. She was 13 years old when she watched Charles Lindbergh land after the first solo trans-Atlantic flight. Thus began Nancy’s love and fascination with flying. She received her Private Pilot License (PPL) at age 16. She organized a flying club at Vassar. During the Great Depression, Nancy sold aircraft. Nancy married Robert Love, an Army Air Corps Reserve major.  They began Inter City Aviation, a successful company, for which Nancy was a pilot.  During this same period, […]
- [A Short Winter](https://hdingles.com/a-short-winter/): A Sonnet:  A Short Winter A Sonnet:  A Short Winter Spring.  It passed you by; you did not learn, Because it seemed to last so long. For at the time of youth you yearn To grow and sing a manly song.   Summer.  The time to work, to be a man. But it, too, passes.  Too soon you realize That all you’ve done is all you can. The heat is gone; it passed before your eyes.   Autumn.  Her beauty can and should be long. You smile at youth.  You savor every breath. ‘Tis the golden part, the sweetest song. […]
- [The Cane Mutiny](https://hdingles.com/the-cane-mutiny/):   Where Am I? Don’t look at the picture because that ain’t me. Let me tell you where I am. I have a new cane. I am at the age which many out there refer to my pathetic situation as the “Golden Years.” I wish to correct that.  I think of it as the “Rust Years.” Let Me Tell You All About It Cataracts The only thing which ever came out positive for me during my Rust Years is that I had cataract surgery and my eyesight went from 20/40 corrected to 20/25 uncorrected. Of course, had it not been […]
- [President’s Day](https://hdingles.com/presidents-day-or-washingtons-birthday/): In 1879, the United States made George Washington's Birthday a federal holiday. Over the years, people started fiddling around with it. Now, it is all very confusing. Which President are we celebrating? Or is it all of them? Or is it some of them? The official name of this federal holiday is “Washington’s Birthday”. Not “President’s Day”.  The states can decide what they’d like to call this federal holiday. Virginia, Illinois, Iowa and New York call it “Washington’s Birthday”. Virginia celebrates Washington the entire month of February. And some states don’t observe it as a holiday at all. 

## Pages

- [Contact](https://hdingles.com/contact/): H.D. Ingles is a North Carolina writer, with a penchant for humorous family sketches and historic fiction novels. Born in 1939, in West Virginia, with six older sisters, he does indeed have a lot of funny stories to tell. He was married to Carolyn for 53 years and writes about their life together in some of his more personal writings, like “Me and My Shadow” and “A Long Term Marriage”. These are featured on his blog at HDIngles.com He has several short story collections. Some are autobiographical, like “The Forties & The Fifties” about the experience of growing up in […]
- [Sign Up! It's For Swell People Like You](https://hdingles.com/sign-up/): I consulted my crystal ball (it’s very reliable, except on lottery numbers), and it revealed that people who subscribe to this newsletter are 87% more intelligent, 94% better-looking, and 112% swell-er than those who don’t. Don’t you want to be part of that crowd? Sign up. If you’re tired of algorithms deciding what you see on Facebook, sign up. (Here, the only algorithm is me, and I’ve been told I’m way more fun.) If you enjoy pun-packed posts, random history facts, and the occasional Dad joke that’ll make you groan and laugh at the same time, sign up. Still not […]
- [Author H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/authorhdingles/): Welcome to the official page of Author H.D. Ingles -HDIngles.com-a place where mystery, humor, and history come together to create a unique, captivating, reading experience. The Confederate Navy  A Book About Ships and Harbors The South found itself in an uneven struggle against the industrial might of the North. And with only half the population of the North, southerners were at a disadvantage, having only a fraction of the manpower of the federal Army. As the conflict erupted, the North boasted a fleet of warships. The South was severely lacking. It was the age of ironclad vessels, but there was […]
- [Freebies From H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/freebies-from-h-d-ingles/): Here are your freebies! Thank you for signing up for  my email list. As promised, here are your free items: Quips & Jokes by H.D. Ingles Wrath of Grapes: A Short Story From the book: Wrath of Grapes: A Collection of Stories Sonnets & Quatrains by H.D. Ingles    
- [Author H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/author-h-d-ingles/): Return visitor?       SKIP TO BLOG   SKIP TO AMAZON Welcome to the official page of Author H.D. Ingles -HDIngles.com-a place where mystery, humor, and history come together to create a unique, captivating, reading experience. H.D. shares stories that will make you laugh, think, and learn. He’s a conservative writer, but he writes more about history than current politics. His articles and blog posts offer fascinating insights into our nation’s past. Most recently, he wrote two history books: His book, “A Stroll Through American History; U.S. History Milestones, is a clear and concise manual that is an easy, enjoyable read. […]
- [Uncover the Mysteries of an Octogenarian Writer](https://hdingles.com/uncover-the-mysteries-of-an-octogenarian-writer/): Think you know what to expect from an octogenarian writer? Think again. This 83-year-old storyteller is full of surprises, including a couple of mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Check out his blog to experience the unexpected for yourself.
- [Privacy Policy](https://hdingles.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy At HDIngles.com, we take your privacy seriously. This policy outlines what information we collect and how we use it. Please read this policy carefully before using our website. Information We Collect When you sign up for our email newsletter through MailChimp or use our contact form, we collect your name and email address. We use this information solely to communicate with you and provide you with the information you requested. We do not sell, rent, or share this information with any third-party. Cookies We may use cookies to track user activity on our website. A cookie is a […]
- [Thank you for subscribing.](https://hdingles.com/thank-you-for-subscribing/): It’s always good to see interest in the U.S. Constitution.  The first video in the “Constitutional Crash Course” series should arrive in your inbox shortly. You can also click here to binge watch on YouTube.  If history is what brings you here, you’ll find many other history-themed videos on my YouTube page and lots of history articles, here, on HDIngles.com.
- [Jokes & Quips by H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/jokes-quips-by-h-d-ingles-2/): Click on the cover to get your free eBook.
- [Sonnets & Quatrains by H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/sonnets-quatrains-by-h-d-ingles/):   Sonnets & Quatrains by H.D. Ingles
- [Wrath of Grapes Short Story](https://hdingles.com/wrath-of-grapes-short-story/): Wrath of Grapes Short Story
- [Jokes & Quips by H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/jokes-quips-by-h-d-ingles/):   A Book of Jokes and Quips by H.D. Ingleswith ending4
- [The Waitress](https://hdingles.com/books-by-h-d-ingles/the-waitress/):   The Waitress is Available in Kindle & Paperback The Waitress The story begins in 1946, when Betty Sue Powers is a 23-year-old waitress in Huntington, West Virginia.  Betty is not only a stunningly gorgeous woman, she is intelligent, honest, and hardworking.  Betty is frequently asked out by men but she always refuses. The only bright spot in Betty’s dull existence is a wealthy businessman, Jim Thompson.  Jim is sixty-seven years old and married.  He treats Betty well and there is never a hint of impropriety.  Over a period of time, Jim becomes Betty’s only true friend. The scene then […]
- [Hopalong Hillary Cowperson](https://hdingles.com/books-by-h-d-ingles/hopalong-hillary-cowperson/): Hopalong Hillary Cowperson Hopalong HIllary Cowperson is Available in Kindle & Paperback This story is completely fictional. All the places and people are fictional. Except, of course, for well-known stuff. For example, who hasn’t heard of Arkansas? Once you’ve read a little of this fascinating tale, if you think on it, these characters have to be fictional. After all, who in their right mind could believe that people like these actually exist? Anyway, sit back and hold on. Forget about the fables. Forget about all of the movies you’ve seen. Prepare yourself to read how the Old West was really […]
- [Books by H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/books-by-h-d-ingles/): Here’s a list of some of my books. Click on the links of each if you’d like to learn more. A lot of my stories are autobiographical. I’m 83 years old, grew up in a large family and I reckon I have a lot of stories to tell. But I also like to write fiction, including murder mysteries and historical fiction.  I also wrote a romance novel, called The Waitress. It has several good reviews. I look forward to sharing them with you. The Waitress Hopalong Hillary Cowperson The Forties & The Fifties Justice Comes Slowly      
- [About H.D. Ingles](https://hdingles.com/about-h-d-ingles/): Some say I’m a hillbilly. I accept that illustrious moniker with pride. I am from Huntington, West Virginia; up in them thar hills, as they say. I write quite a bit about my childhood. I have wonderful, warm memories of my formative years. I was born in 1939 to exceptional parents and had six remarkable older sisters. By the way, you can read more about my sisters in “Sisters, Sisters Everywhere” and “My Six Sisters“. As you can imagine, being the youngest male child and with my sense of humor, I did rib them a little. (As in “A Bevy […]
- [Justice Comes Slowly](https://hdingles.com/books-by-h-d-ingles/justice-comes-slowly/):   Justice Comes Slowly is a novel by H.D. Ingles. The story begins with the rape and murder of Army Major David Denton’s wife and young daughter.   It was a brutal double homicide… …and it almost broke Major Denton. How could he live with the loss of his wife and daughter? As a career officer, Major Denton tried to focus on his job, but he couldn’t. The man who destroyed his family sat in jail for a simple narcotics offense. That wasn’t justice. There was only one punishment that fit the crime. Would he get his chance? The day they […]
- [The Forties & The Fifties: A Collection of Stories](https://hdingles.com/books-by-h-d-ingles/the-forties-the-fifties-a-collection-of-stories/):     The Forties & The Fifties is a collection of humorous stories about life with a large family. I was the youngest of seven, with six older sisters. (Yes! SIX!) I grew up during the 1940s and 1950s. Things were so different then. I won’t say that things were kinder and gentler, but I will say that I felt as free as a bird.  This is not a biography nor is it about world-changing events. My stories are about the little things. If you think about it, life is, primarily, made up of little things. I hope you’ll enjoy […]
- [Blog](https://hdingles.com/blog/): HDIngles.com I appreciate the visit and hope you find something helpful or entertaining here.
- [Thank you!](https://hdingles.com/thank-you/): Thank you for subscribing. As promised, here are your freebies: Quips & Jokes by H.D. Ingles                 Sonnets & Quatrains by H.D. Ingles Wrath of Grapes: A Short Story From the book: Wrath of Grapes: A Collection of Stories   Contact me if you have any problems with your downloads. Enjoy! ~H.D.
- [Thank you! (Wrath)](https://hdingles.com/heres-your-free-ebook/): Your subscription is confirmed. Welcome! And as promised, here’s your free ebook. Click on the book image below to open. I hope that what I produce will keep you comingback.  In general, my posts are in three categories:1. A few, quite serious.2. Most, a bit serious with a touch of humor.3. Some, completely inane.I make every attempt to avoid vulgarity because I see no reason for it. You may see a“damn” or a “hell” on occasion but that’s usually as strong as it gets. If you decide it’s not for you, it’s easy to unsubscribe.
- [Wrath of Grapes](https://hdingles.com/wrath-of-grapes/): Wrath of Grapes is a collection of short stories about my time in the U.S. Air Force. I have put in my time in Uncle Sam’s Military. So have a lot of other fellows. I was pretty lucky, I reckon. I enlisted in peacetime and was out before Vietnam got going. When I had a about a year left in my four-year hitch, the Berlin Wall was built. We thought for a while that the Wall may start a ruckus, but that didn’t pan out. As I said, I was pretty lucky. Download Your Copy of The Wrath of Grapes& […]
- [Thanks!](https://hdingles.com/thanks/): Thank you for contacting me. I’ll be in touch soon.
- [Welcome](https://hdingles.com/why-i-started-blogging/): Hello there and welcome to my website. I try to keep things interesting around here. If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me via email Contact Form here.  If you came here to look for one of my books, you can find them all on Amazon. They’re all available on Kindle and in paperback. Here’s the link to my Amazon page. Are You at the Right Place? Before I go any into one of my stories, I’ll give you a couple of clues so you’ll know if you want to read further. Most of my writing […]


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