I can't have done too bad, the only things I'm missing is the pool cue and the seat at a pro sporting event. AND I've got almost all of what is on Architect1776's list. I would add:

a quality cigar cutter
a premium pair of binoculars
a good fishing boat
a sailboat
a canoe
a kayak

I have very much enjoyed your series of pictures of Oman. I was the CENTCOM desk officer for Oman for a couple years back in the day and went to Oman a number of times during that tour. It's the best of the Middle East as far as I'm concerned. Your pictures are beautiful.

I was an 18 year old Lance Corporal, Aviation Electrician stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, NC

I think we are losing sight of the objective here. Surely we are not preparing for a combat patrol - - surely we are not "planning" on a gunfight. If so, why are we talking about pistol bullets? No rational person takes a pistol to a gunfight. Therefore, more than likely we are talking about a response to an immediate and unquestionable threat to your life - in which case we are not considering cover, concealment, etc. because the aggressor surely does not know we are armed - - his/her first inkling that you are armed should be the muzzle flash. The other scenario is engaging a shooter in Walmart or whatever box store - here you are looking at a potential that the shooter probably is wearing body armor - - therefore, if you are not reasonably confident you can make a clean head shot, you would be prudent not to engage...as you would likely be killed with no benefit of helping to stop further killing. In either of these situations why would we worry about "penetrating cover/concealment"?
We need to keep in mind that the purpose of the concealed carry for civilians is NOT so that we can go out and engage in gunfights with criminals. This is the purview of the police.

If you go out looking for trouble, the chances of finding trouble are astronomically higher of running into it.

The key question to ask is: How many shoulder replacements to you do a month? If the answer isn't at least half a dozen, you had best keep looking. In every shoulder replacement horror story I've read about, the victim initially thought the culprit was "a very good surgeon". Do an extensive internet search for problem/recommendations for any surgeon you are seriously considering. A top shelf shoulder replacement surgeon costs no more than some local that is just "practicing".

Shoulder replacement experience is NOT interchangeable with any other replacement surgery. It is a far more difficult and complex procedure than hip or knee replacement. During the six years between having my shoulders done, the techniques and procedures had progressed significantly.

I'm 72 and I've had both shoulders done, 7 years apart, and it does make a tremendous difference in quality of life. Shoulder replacement is the most difficult replacement surgery - Brian Cole at Rush in Chicago is who did my right shoulder 3 years ago and he is one of the best in the country. It was a day's drive down there, which I was happy to do as I was willing to travel anywhere to get someone who was very skilled and very experienced. I don't know about you, but I don't want anybody "practicing" on me. Cole really knows what he is doing and does 12 - 15 shoulder replacements a month. Cole accepted Medicare also. Whatever you decide, best of luck.

I think you are probably right but with the right bullet, doubt you really need to go to the +P. I have a very nice little S&W model 36 I think it's called the "chief's special" that's a 5 shot and will handle +P if needed. They are no longer made but are readily available used. Also the Colt "detective special" is a very nice piece. My wife carries one from Colt's custom shop that is double action only - they are 6 shot and also handle +P.

Last January at the Shot Show Federal announced a new .380 acp cartridge "the premium .380 acp hydra-shok deep" with a 99 grain bullet that would be on the shelves in the spring. The round will consistently pass all the FBI's penetration standards which puts it in the same class as 9mm. When it's really too hot out, I carry a Sig p238 in a pocket holster. The Sig's slide is very easy to rack and might be easy enough for you with the arthritis. Only problem with this is that this ammunition is still not available. I just sent an email to Federal inquiring when they expected them to be on the shelves.

Good luck with your search and have a nice 4th of July.

answered with the quote.

Good luck with your search and have a nice 4th of July.

another very good video that has helped me improve:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jVbvwWtWIA

Your instructor didn't "cut you a huss" That's the way targets are properly scored.

A video I have found useful in improving my pistol shooting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYzheuJE47E

I believe that if you research the topic, you will find the vast majority of rounds expended by concealed carry holders in an engagement is 2 to 3 rounds. So your Ruger's capacity is just fine.

I have a number of concealable pistols but generally carry a Kimber Micro9 when I can wear an over garment of some kind, When it's just too hot, I carry a Sig p238 (.380) in a pocket holster.

When someone is concerned about leaving their fingerprints/brass after an engagement, the first thing I think is that this person must be a criminal - not a responsible citizen bearing arms.

When I go into a higher risk environment I always run into people without masks, many times significant numbers of them.

This is not completely correct and there has been a lot of untrue information given out by the CDC and other health organizations. To say that a mask doesn't protect the wearer defies logic. It does protect the wearer to a significant extent ie: from inhaling c***d19 from the air (active). The problem is that the v***s can be absorbed through the eyes (passive). It makes sense that this would not be the more significant risk, but some risk none-the-less. Personally, when I have to go into a higher risk environment I wear a mask and goggles as well as going through a sanitation procedure.

The way I see it is that I have no control over what other people do . . . . I do have control over what I do.

and why did you quit your "low carb" diet?

I just went through the research to buy my grandson a pair for his birthday. I settled on Nikon phase 7 10x42mm for ~$170 delivered. They were rated by some reviewers to be equivalent to bino's twice the price.

Christmas before last I bought my wife a pair of Canon IS 12 power and she loves them. At the time they were around $850 as I remember. I got the Nikon pair through ebay and the Canon from Amazon. No issues with either. We also have Steiner 10x 40mm and 8x 50mm and Swift 7x35mm all are good equipment. In my opinion, as long as you stay away from the cheap glass, you will be happy. The high end glass is not worth the cost, unless money is no object - - when what the hell, why not? As you probably know, you can pay much more for exactly the same item if you don't search around.