The Swamp Takes Care Of Its Own

The New York Times: F.B.I. Official Fired Under Trump Wins Back His Pension

Behind a paywall, but the highlight is the firing of FBI director Andrew McCabe was reversed by the Justice Department and now he gets his sweet, sweet pension and bennies.

This is the same McCabe who already got the benefit of not being charged after lying to Congress three times and to other Federal officials.

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Charges ruled out in McCabe lie case

Good to be part of the in-group, isn't it?

You try lying to Congress and federal investigators and see if you get the same deal.  I reckon not so much, and you can ask Martha Stewart and Scooter Libby among many others to confirm how this works for the non-favored-insider.

New Orleans - Sunday Swamp Day

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a journey to its surrounding swamps and bayous.

So we headed off to the Barataria Preserve Sunday, after recovering somewhat from Saturday's rather epic day.

In the preserve, there were gators to see:

One moving through the swamp:

One close to the trail:

The gator stayed there sunning itself without a care or concern for the people walking by along the boardwalk close enough to reach out and pet it, which wisely none did.

Then on the way back along the trail, there was a danger noodle that was danger close:

The water moccasin was right on the trail and would have easily been stepped upon, and did not seem bothered by people walking by and refused to leave.

So Murph, of course, grabbed a stick and chivvied him off

The snake could tell when he wasn't wanted and headed off the trail for the water, flicking its tongue in annoyance.

A very nice walk through the swamp with an opportunity for some good up-close pictures of the native wildlife.