MIXED BAG WEEK (April 20)

 

MONDAY:  So much harsh news it is difficult to be amusing. Three people die in Texas and a Texas representative is tweeting, at the same time, that this is justification for the permitless-carry proposed law (both concealed and unconcealed) in Texas. To put it in perspective - an ex-Texas sheriff shot dead three people in Texas: his ex-wife, step-daughter and her boyfriend whom apparently should have anticipated his attack and been ready to shoot to kill. In the Fed Ex slaying of eight, someone with a gun tried to engage the shooter and was shot instead (so I understand). Conclusion, more guns carried by more untrained, non-licensed people will lead to less "bad guys" using guns that they probably obtained illegally or with little or no background checking (which is inadequate).  Yes, I feel safer already.

My thinking about mental illness and accident-prone led me to recall some of my adventures at the City with Reasonable Accomodation (RA) requests.  I know-where is the connection; I have no idea.

 Anyway it reminded me of Dr. Len Sawicsh who sat on our RA Committee at the City. RA is basically taking a candidate who, with reasonable accomodations, can accomplish the essential tasks of a job, theoretically.  Len was a card who made the point that technically a blind person could be a commercial pilot as only 5-10% of the job requires vision for taking off and landing while the rest of the job is on auto-pilot so accomodation could be made. He's right as I have had the fun of riding next to a pilot on a small State plane. Pretty much hands in one's lap. As Len was a little person, he knoweth whereof he speaketh. He said they had a heck of a time selling their house as their counters were only 2 foot tall vs 3 foot for "the normals". 

He related to me his own experiences of bias early in his career even with his impressive credentials. Upon showing up for job interviews he was more than once told he wasn't "suitable" after his stature was revealed. Which brings me to the point that those who are considered "different" (short, female, black, gay etc.) did not set out in life to be vehement activists for their cause. The dubious honor is thrust upon them in order to be taken seriously or, in some cases, to survive. Say what you will about government; they are miles ahead in non-discriminatory hiring. There are splendidly talented people in government jobs (not the hand-picked directors) that are spectacularly over-qualified for their positions as often that was their only choice.

TUESDAY:  Well finger crossing is not all it's cracked up (yes pun) to be. Due to the new 25 person restriction, the wedding is ON HOLD again. I told the B&G who are respectively, sad and mad, that the way we have this thing wired, we are all ready to leap into action with very little notice. All the preliminary work is done ready to be triggered.  Should pull this off by Fall (though using 4-leaf clovers and rabbit's feet this time).  UPDATE:  New target date is September 25. Otherwise they show up at one of my doors and I "do the deed" upon demand.

Being, mostly, retired means one gets to enjoy "Happy Hour" at 2 pm as we met friends for wine and "horse douvers" as Dad called them.  Not sure if it was the 2nd bottle of wine talking but I think I agreed to research a trip to Vegas with our friends for my 70th birthday...

WEDNESDAY:  A man died. The man responsible was held accountable. Is this the beginning of a new era in our country?  We can only wait and see. 

 Every day another example of over-zealous? policing and black people. I even saw a 66 year old black lady face down on the ground and handcuffed for speeding. Yes, she continued after lights and sirens and yes, she protested why she was being hauled out of the car and struggled.  But what we don't seem to understand is that black and brown people are terrified that their side will not be heard, there are no witnesses and they will be killed. They need to keep protesting and resisting and  investigations must be made on these instances by independent observers.

 A family member posted something along the lines "if we keep accusing the cops the good ones will quit". Well if the "good ones" don't hold the "bad ones" accountable, they are no better. I actually sat in on a police disciplinary hearing and it was stated the person had a temper based on traumas in his background. Really. No major action or sanction as if that was an excuse. These folks have guns, authority, immunity and protection. Do they need to be protected against false accusations? Abolutely. Body cams may go a long way in resolving some of these issues... and better training.  

THURSDAY: Trip to the hair salon and stop in at the Lake House. Starting to feel more like home there. If I could just get that tempermental NEST thermometer to quit trying to warm itself up at 4pm every day. I HAVE THE AUTOMATIC TEMP ADJUSTMENT TURNED OFF! If you don't believe the AI/Robot rebellion is at hand, better think again....Actually ate at a real restaurant where you signed yourself in, slathered on the hand sanitizer and scouted the room for an approved table. So far so good.

FRIDAY:  New AC installed today in Grand Ledge - Yay.  Just ahead of the next 80 degree day. The flag dude (Miss Dig) showed up to mark the underground utilities so they can bury the new comcast cord (after 3 weeks). He said he was supposed to do all around the house. We said "No, we won't tell. It only goes from here to here," from power box to garage. He agreed but to spite us he must have planted 30 flags in a 30 foot area. Yeah go ahead and try to mow your lawn LOL. As they were mostly on the neighbor's side of the driveway I "humble pied"(not actual pie) it to them to be sure no hard feelings.

While running errands and feeling nature's call at an inopportune moment, I was reminded of a Michigan Upper Peninsula adventure. Finding open restrooms is not as easy as it used to be in covid world, but it is always a challenge in the wide-open spaces of the U.P.  I was spending a week working with one of  my direct reports and we were heading back to Escanaba from way out yonder somewhere (which is basically how they measure distance out there-no landmarks).  I had an urgent need for some alone time.  Well there is literally nothing for miles and hours. Just as we came back into town we were stymied by a slow freight train between me and the rest area. Ordering my employee to read the newspaper and keep his eyes averted I slipped out and headed into the nearby woods (I was that desperate). Walking through the tall weeds to create some distance I fell smack into a ditch. Not quietly either. Barry looks up, sees nothing and says "oh crap I killed the boss". I bounced back up to reassure him and continued into the woods.  I threatened him if any word ever "leaked" back into the office....  He kept his word but I am sure people were puzzled by the tiny carved potty chair he gave me for Christmas.

SATURDAY:  Read an interesting article by Alex Vitale from his book "The End of Policing". His theory is policing has changed over the years and claims homelessness creates many of the problems being violently enforced today. They're not addressing violent crimes. The police spend much of their time on vagrant issues, drug issues, mental illness issues, all of which can be tracked back to no permanent residence. In the '30's with so many out of work and losing homes, the government stepped in to create affordable housing and there was no hue and cry about government intervention. (Well maybe there was by anyone with money being taxed) Alleviating social disadvantages for the multitudes is kind of their job. Why do most home invasions occur? Looking for money to buy drugs. Make it legal and free, provide housing for all and see what the police can do with all their spare time.  

I'm not saying it is the answer, but it certainly makes one think.

SUNDAY:  Made my weekly call to Xfinity and got a guy named "Happy". I am not making this up and I laughed. Should have said and I'm Unhappy. Upon asking when the cable will be buried (3 weeks) as our lawn is covered with little signs, he said he did not know.  Last week it was between 24-48 hours. What a crock. He said I feel your pain, essentially. Terrific. I see a lot of wait time on my end trying to get someone who is less "Happy" and more competent....

                                 

MICIGAN SAFETY CONFERENCE WEEK (April 12)

 

MONDAY:  Virtual Conference is launched! It is so cool with commercials, music, my picture. Doesn't get any better than that. Registrations are pouring in at the last minute so our potential loss is possibly heading into the black.(Yay). First program today was on Ethics and Implicit  Bias. We present professional development leadership or specialized topics the day before the conference starts most years. Takes care of the milling crowd that shows up a day early for the conference and gives them something to do besides drink and carouse.

 A couple of awesome phrases from Ercell Charles' talk:  The 11th Commandment; Psycological Safety; Courageous Conversations; tying Implicit Bias to marinating a steak. He even compared holding leadership accountable similar to the role of wedding attendants who witness the vows and hold the B&G accountable to what they agreed to. Who knew?

The steak comment got everybody's juices (pardon the pun) flowing as we filled the Chat window with how apt a comparison that was. We are all marinated in the juices of our upbringing, families, surroundings, schools, etc. Good start to the conference and tomorrow is the real test with 50 programs presented simultaneously, exhibitors panting for visitors and networking/gossip rooms everywhere. Fingers crossed.

In the news. A police officer accidently shoots a black man to death in Minnesota as she "mixed up her taser with her gun"....in the midst of a trial holding a Minnesota police officer accountable for the death of another black man. Any officer who doesn't know their taser handle from a gun trigger probably could not find her rear with both hands. In other news, Biden appoints a bi-partisan (sort of) committee to review Supreme Court practices, rules, tenure, hmmmm.  UPDATE: Commission already getting pushback...

TUESDAY;  Well the day was just as hectic as the first day of the live conference usually presents. Only difference is that I'm viewing it from a "window" in my living room. But with all the navigating around the website and live conversations with vendors and other attendees it was quite entertaining.  Also for the first time in years I was able to attend classes! I'm usually tied up with other duties during the conference and can't always partake in the wisdom being offered.

DIGRESS: When I worked for the City, I literally had to take the two days on vacation to keep from being hassled throughout the conference. Of course that didn't work as I still had a pager, phone, and constant messaging to call in for one silly thing after another. Apparently I was that vital to the operation (not). One time during a pre-scheduled medical appointment my boss was frantically trying to get in touch with me. When I called back in (after getting dressed) I was told City Hall had to be evacuated due to a gas leak and where the "H" was I? Well I didn't cause the gas leak; I wasn't going to fix the gas leak; everyone got out safely; the building did not blow up and, I do believe the Mayor had plenty of folks around to hold his proverbial hand so there you go. As I relayed pieces of that to the boss (not literally of course) the fury was instanteous while understanding and sense of humor nil. Going to MIOSHA was rather an occupational break as I was not on call 24/7 as I had been for 25 years and when a mess was discovered I got to point fingers and leave. LOL.

The Conference Opening Memorial was marred half-way through the reading of the names of those who died at work in 2020 by the screen freezing up. My part - reading the legislative resolution, welcoming all and sundry, and introducing the keynote came through without a glitch (fortunately or not) as I hovered critically and nervously watching it. 

Conference headquarters was inundated with folks having problems trying to log in because (the digital company should have known this) most large companies (and small) and government have elaborate firewalls, VPNs (Virtual pin numbers), virtual guys with gun and shields, etc., trying to keep the bad dudes out.  However it was also keeping conference goers off the site, nor were they receiving all the elaborate instructions being sent out constantly by Headquarters. Some resorted to using their own personal computers to gain access which led to their dilemma of having the work 'puter messages dinging at the same time as the conference. Hard to focus that way.

I made a point to visit all the exhibitors as did my Executive Board, where we either engaged with computer audio and visual or left a message on their CHAT. That part was easier as there were only 55 booths compared to the 400 we have at a live event.  One gentleman promoted a BYOB "virtual cocktail" hour both days. Hilarious as we "attendees" held up our various glasses of booze, wine, lemonade, whatever. I got major kudos for the spiffy pilsner glass I displayed along with some Killians.

Some thoughts from Tuesday sessions. "I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I rub against some really good ones". "Safety pros spend too much time focusing on injury and illness rates (after the fact) rather than assessing risk/severity which is the only true measurement." (i.e., the plane crash may be rare but exceedingly serious-no shitski) "There is not straight line between action and accident." (mine) "Results of not assessing risk costs people, equipment and processes in magement speak." Love this one - "think of employees as a carbon based machine when addressing ergonomics".

WEDNESDAY: Thoughts from today's conference. "There is no such thing as a trade secret in Safety". "Millenials are more apt to get real and believe loyalty does not pay off thus taking advantage of opportunities" (hence job hopping makes sense). A study from a few years ago with Michigan State U discovered that the most contributory factors in car crashes include looking for an object, passengers in the car and cell phones, in that order. I asked if they accounted for alcohol and drugs as contributing factors. The response was they extrapolated for alcohol (well-known stats), but drugs not so much. I need to send him my paper on Mary Jane and driving.

Also in the driving distractions program the speaker and myself were having a virtual chat about the program and why it wasn't starting remotely as scheduled. I got the media company and headquarters involved before I was informed we were 15 minutes early. OOPS. Said program began on time. However that wasn't the last of it. As we're listening to his pre-recorded talk his dogs start barking in the background. He apologizes in CHAT. Then, again in the recording, he fumbles putting up a slide and in the course of fixing it he very quietly says "oh J---- C----." Major OOPs. Of course he is mortified in CHAT and immediately apologizes for any offense saying "I thought I edited that out". He was forgiven, as he could have been praying for assistance we assumed when the moderator wrote in CHAT "well you just made that the most interesting presentation of the morning"  Ah well. I immediately signed the presenter up to do a podcast with me.

Another session was on verbal diffusion by a well-known speaker (in our world) about recognizing signs of impending mayhem and mitigating or escaping said situation. We often fail to recognize when we are in danger. Dr. Wolf explained our internal alarm bell this way; "birds and animals don't stop and ask if they will look stupid or misinterpret circumstances, they just boogie". 

Virtual cocktail party tonight had more attendees and I sported Oberon this time. We dissected the conference of course, but it was a mostly positive discussion. As some of the folks travel for work they were explaining the challenges of covid rules in Mexico, Canada and Europe. Based on a comment about hedges on the Canada side I contributed the "bon mot" of the evening by stating "so we have an iron fence along the Mexican border but only a hedge of bushes for Canada?"  LOL

THURSDAY: Heard a news report about the alarming number of teachers retiring, quitting or just getting the Hades out of Dodge. Can we blame them? They have been offered as cannon fodder during Days of Pandemic by parents and administrators alike, yet they are not first in line for the vaccination nor have schools actually installed the needed ventilation required to keep an airborne respiratory virus away from people. Maybe if people were educated... by teachers... they would understand that. 

The shooting of another young black man makes me ponder the gist of most westerns and/or cop shows. No matter what, they merely depict the frustration of law enforcement if the alleged criminal walks, runs, dodges or whatever. They DO NOT shoot them to death. We want to believe heroes always take the high road but that is not the case in real life apparently. How many stories with the good guy dropping his/her gun, backing off on a point blank shot, letting the criminal walk rather than harm another or kill in cold blood. "If they would just cooperate or follow orders" doesn't mean you get to DIE. The video of the soldier in Virginia, in uniform, being harassed, pepper sprayed, cuffed and threatened as he calmly asks for clarification is chilling. If the police want to play "war games" they should be trained like soldiers who do not indiscriminately shoot on a whim, but must show justification.

FRIDAY:  Another day, another mass shooting. I don't know what we say anymore but we have to deal with it. He at least kindly saved us another trial by commiting suicide. Cruel, I know, but I have to wonder why he didn't start there. Hate and frustration are at epidemic proportions but mental health treatment in this country is abysmal. In Michigan, under the "great" Engler they decided they could save a lot of money not maintaining institutions, doctors, psychiatrists, other employees by closing the mental health hospitals and introducing Community Mental Health clinics. (Although a major number of these folks are in prisons). Quick note to better brains than mine, but did you really think a person with mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction is going to make an appointment and show up for his/her drugs and treatment. Right. 

On a happier, though that's debatable note, I had another encounter with Xfinity's chat line.  My assigned representative (yes I've figured out the live person code word) was Danmark I kid you not; which is your first clue that just maybe they are not used to American names.  Then he spends the first long missive asking how I am, how is my day going, are my loved ones doing well in the pandemic. Argghhh. After much wasted time spent in misunderstanding my questions as he is 3 messages behind all the time and the fact that he was trying to sell me a phone I gave up on trying to get a straight answer. I said have a nice day and disengaged. Well darned if good old Comcast didn't call me back immediately and we completed our entire business in 3 minutes. What is the procedure of getting to a live person and actually conducting our business? I am slowly learning the secrets. Heh Heh Heh.....

SATURDAY:  Well it's finally come out that "he who shall not be named" campaign COLLUDED with Russia.  So much for the fake and massive witch hunt. The go-between Manafort went to prison and got pardoned -big surprise as a reward for not throwing the big guy under the bus. Info handed over to a Russian agent included strategic plans of the campaign and information on voters, American voters in specific areas, just think about that.  If that doesn't make one cringe, you're living in unicorn/rainbow land.  However, where is the media coverage on this - I mean Major Coverage. This is scary stuff and is only going to get worse if no one is held accountable including the orange man. I had assumed, no hoped, that the non-partisan DOJ would finally review and release the whole Mueller non-redacted report, but maybe they're afraid of setting a precedent of prosecuting former Presidents. I believe there is no statute of limitations on a traitor. However that is an interesting thought. Should a President be held accountable for every illegal action during their administration? Did they make the decisions or are they privy (before or after) of illegal acts in the defense of the country, etc. Though 45's actions before, during and after his term go beyond anything ever seen before. Need to play this hand, but carefully.

Love this line I heard today "he's such a cockroach, who wouldn't want to step on him?" Seems apropos.

Fun story. The younger contingency  (daughter and son-in-law) are gleefully putting together the playlist  for the wedding next month and were requesting input. The OH immediately said "Patty Duke" to which I said "just ignore your father".  I said to satisfy the oldsters we definitely need "We are Family", "Dancing Queen" and anything by Bon Jovi. Anyone who has attended our parties understands the list as we are known to "perform" these particular classics.  I also added "Lady Like", "Speechless",  "Uptown Funk" and "Opportunities" (I don't know why I dig that song even though I've read the lyrics). The B&G have requested country and polkas, so the musicale will be eclectic that's for sure. Son-in-law and I are debating Etta James's "At Last" for the procession into the wedding.  Oh come on. It's a pretty song.

SUNDAY:  Enjoy the sun. Rumor hath it that snow up to 4 inches may be just over that sunny horizon. What would Michigan be without an April snow storm? Tennessee. Which reminds me of a family member living there that is a combination of Calamity Jane and Joe Btfsplk from L'il Abner with the rain cloud over his head all the time. Every post contains a personal disaster. It's like they stalk problems and then are surprised when they successfully land them. 

 As a safety director I don't like to say some people are accident prone or clueless....but I had some challenges that were just one cliff-hanging moment away from a total catastrophe. The forestry worker who almost cut off his own leg while cutting "uphill" with a chain saw; the welder who managed to mismatch an air tool with an abrasive wheel and took out his own eye; the acrobats who would light off the boilers by running into the 20 foot tunnels with a six foot igniter as well as leaping from train car to train car taking coal samples (because it's faster); the genius who saw the propane line to the tank trailer start to ignite, told someone?? and punched out for the night leading to a rather spectacular fire; the question from a supervisor of why they can't run a gas-powered generator inside; insistence by more than a few that the rules did not apply to them or protection was for the other guy. Ah well. Sounds like my working life was a series of long boring lulls punctuated by moments of sheer mayhem and terror.  Pretty much. I guess my personal motto from those days "often surprised, rarely duplicated..."

EASTER WEEK (April 5)

 MONDAY:   Technical problems. Computer keeps dropping off the internet (wonder where it goes). My only solution is plug/unplug. Ventured into the treacherous world of LiveChat - dilemma of how to get to a real, though not of this country, person. The robot is extremely limited and keeps saying "reword your request" or in other words I'm only a robot programmed to frustrate you to the point of giving up. Finally put in representative "Voila" - you're only 5th in line. After techie and I went through the usual, part of which was a commercial for new operations/products; I asked "so have we solved the original problem?" Umm no or I don't know-do you want a live in-person person visit? Yes!

 Miracle he showed up at 4:45 in a 5-7 window; did his walk-around and said do you want the good news or the bad news?  Hmmm. Easy to diagnose, not so easy to fix. Apparently in the myriad of visits from Comcast no one ever noticed our cable was coming into the wrong side of the house so grounding was sketchy resulting in mucho interference. Geez. So he rewired the whole shooting match through the garage and into the basement furnace room. However there is a cable laying the length of the driveway that they will come back to bury...someday.

 Amazing reception. It was either that or wrapping cable around the whole house which, like a lady's stockings, is eventually going to sag. He said some houses were so crowded and badly designed he doesn't even offer the inside route. Finished at 7 with many apologies (not needed) and recommended we trade in our old boxes for new ones as they're charging us for them anyway and might as well have the good ones. Odd they don't rush to tell you that when they merrily bill you every month. Also he asked that we not make any changes for at least 48 hours as management counts it against the technician, regardless of how benign the issue. I hear you brother.

TUESDAY:  Does anyone else wonder why lawyers advertise so much about insurance companies not paying for your accident unless you hire a lawyer? Collusion? Keeping both of them in business? Some weird "chicken" game? Speaking of un-lawyers I had the overrated pleasure of meeting Sir Feiger one day as I was bringing him up to meet the Mayor. Just as you would imagine a totally unpleasant character who did not even lower himself to grunt at or acknowledge the underling ushering him up.  I knew he was a lower species when we had to defend the City from a wrongful death situ in the jail. He was absolutely disgusting in court and to our witnesses and then on breaks flirted with and asked out one of the female officers. It's all a game to them and, as they're guaranteed a large piece of settlement pie, nothing is off-limits. 

Political Rant: Love Mitchie telling corporations to stay out of politics when he was a major supporter of them forming Citizens United (corporations regarded as people which allows them to give scads of money to political campaigns) meaning they have a RIGHT to be involved in politics. It is a-ok to give me money both above and below the table but don't publicly humiliate us. Hypocrisy is the blue plate special with these guys. Counter culture my royal rear. Boycott football, basketball for kneeling; MLB for taking a stand, but a legitimate concern over people's rights is horribly out of bounds. Though to be fair, the media has to stop this love affair with the Biden administration. When they pull a blooper, get the facts wrong, etc. Call them out! Hard to defend a free press when you folks don't do your job and report ALL the facts without prejudice.

Nature Note: While working outside cleaning up the landscaping and fallen branches I kept hearing the various bird songs of the many species inhabiting our land. They seemed to take turns with each bird serenading for a long period of time and then another taking center stage. My only complaint: find another melody! You can only listen to a chorus 26 times before it becomes monotonous. If the "chick" hasn't discovered you after that it ain't happening.

WEDNESDAY: Another poddie in the can. Blooped right in the beginning when I said "thanks for joining me this morning, er, I means this afternoon." Only later did I realize whoever listens doesn't know or care when it was recorded. Though I will try to remember to say "joining me today". The person recording us said ah, bloopers just make you sound human. Well I have been exceedingly human with all these recordings!

A dear friend's Mother passd away today. There are fewer and fewer of that generation left. We are the inheritor's of what they left both finished and unfinished. We attempted to keep our own flames glowing from our radical and world-changing youth but as we become the elders, we realize no one will remember our "plans" to change the world. The seed of love we planted grew no roots leaving a harvest of crooked politicians, climate disaster, never-ending wars, greed, too many hungry and desperate people and a racism that burns brighter the more we try to spread out the coals. 

THURSDAY:  Had a long talk with one of my podcast contacts and we are becoming more friends than interviewer and interviewee. She leads at times a dangerous but necessary life trying to put out fires around the world created by the friction of people who believe only violence is their way out of unsupportable pain. She said " the more I do this work I just come back to the fact that we are all human beings". There is no difference, ethnicity, color, race, religion that obliterates the fact that we are all the same.

FRIDAY:  Fun day. After waiting the requisite 48 hours or so as instructed by the service tech (see Monday) went to the Xfinity store to get updated goodies. Silly No. 1- made an appt then watched the multitudes just enter and leave the store as we sit in the car. Soooo check in online and go into store. When I pointed out we were early but people seemed to go in and out at will, she said well as soon as you check in you can come in. Ok. Silly No. 2- turns out my old modem is not Xfinity so no freebie exchange. Silly No. 3 -hope you don't mind but I'm going to have you work with a trainee but don't worry I'll be right here. New emp had been on board since Monday so no problem. Then the trainer kept dealing with customers instead of training so newbie kept apologizing for her speed and errors. No problem; retired people learn patience first as it could be the most exciting thing that happens all day. And wow someone sees me and is talking to me Yay! 

On to Best Buy to find wireless head phones or ear buds so I can enjoy my virtual conference next week which opens with my recorded rah-rah Welcome. Silly No 1-how does wireless work? With bluetooth he says so how old is your 'puter. Older than yesterday and younger than God. Probably no bluetooth he says (NOTE: apparently I do have bluetooth when I go to settings). Silly me No. 2 Also do you have buds that don't go into the ears (major wax problems) and I don't want Mickey Mouses' (head phones). Saw a cool set that go behind the ears but Silly No. 3- they're wireless... needing bluetooth... So settled on el cheapo Mickey Mouses.

With trepidation we approached the install of the new modem and new TV boxes. Last time we needed the assistance of the daughter, son-in-law and several techies on the phone and a lot of shouted instructions. This time figured it out ourselves with a modicum of personnel, instructions and shouting. Apparently they have made many improvements in the past several years on install so even I can do it. I was so proud until I tried to use my cheapie head phones. Apparently just plugging them into the hole does not do it. Shitski. I am not even going to anticipate any success when I try to print something on my cheapo printer.

SATURDAY:  While running errands today it happened to come up in a particular stop that we had been married almost 50 years. This is followed usually by a, badly hidden, intake of breath from the hearer. The OH said later "I'm going to start telling people I married you when you were twelve".  Oddly enough I did not come from a broken home and Dad wasn't all that eager to let me go I guess as he told the OH that first year "don't try claiming her on your income tax this year". (I guess my 8 months of deduction was worth something). 😊

Politics is gettin weirder by the day. Opposing everything and never working together on anything with the other side keeps you you loyal to Trump? Really. How does he fit into any sane equation. Apparently bettering the life of your constituents like approving a stimulus check, help for the poor and getting vaccines is secondary to Mr. T boot licking. But oh my goodness the party that opposes government control regarding sensible gun rules, vaccine passports (not pushed by gov't. but business BTW), and shut-downs but they think it's ok to go against physicians, parents and patients (the 3 p's) in not allowing trans-gender treatment for those under 18. Apparently suicide is a personal issue. 

But in the interest of giving equal time, CBS totally screwed up this week. Creative editing made DeSantis, Florida, look to be in cahoots with Publix for the vax roll-out. They out and out lied and changed the story to try to make up for their first deliberate faux pas.  When the democrats call foul on a republican, you know you went way over the line. A lot of journalists (legitimate ones) and news outlets lean decidedly left. But don't panic there are definitely right wing media outlets and, have you checked out facing book? It is definitely on the conservative/crazy conspiracy side of the blanket.Which just behooves us to check MORE than one source when something is "jucily" too good or bizarre to be true. 

SUNDAY: Finally. My sister is acting like a bride. First panic - she couldn't find her fancy shoes, belt and jewelry purchased last year before our covid buddy cancelled all things of importance, tradition or fun. Then she was concerned the flower shop was still in business. I tried to explain that I believed her fiancee had already been in contact with them, but after another flurry of "everything's crazy here right now" I said I would follow up-no worries. She also said she would be honored if our oldest male and her "brother" for 50+ years (Burt) would walk her into the ceremony How weird is that? My husband walking my sister to me as the presider.  Only presenting, not giving her away. We're all a bunch of feminists - we choose 👸 who we share our crown with....

PRE-EASTER WEEK (MARCH

 MONDAY:  As March Madness wends its merry little way through the nation, the commercials for on-line betting have become even more prolific, if that's possible.  I can't help but wonder how this is impacting Michigan losing its own little gambling monopoly. Though we never did believe they funded the schools directly, the State has to be taking a hit by just hanging around waiting for the big winner's taxes. But with the "house odds" over 95% no one's holding their breath.

My podcast preps continue. Went to find make-up to cover up this ancient person's eyebags and hey, I realize I also have no eyebrows! Funny what a close-up will reveal and its not pretty.

BONUS SIGHTING:  Please note the giant turks in our yard who immediately took wing as I scrambled with my camera. Nothing funnier than watching a bird the size of a small doghouse with a not so terribly aerodynamic physique fly.  Also funny, there used to be nine of them cruising the neighborhood....

TUESDAY:  1st podcast in the can now!  If it survives editing and review. Whew. I must have messed up that intro 50 times in practice, but I think I pulled it off for real. That 10 second pause before we begin recording helps (I'm not ashamed to invoke the Lord to help me pull it off); and nobody had to put their hand up to stop recording because of a blooper. Of course that is just our impression. That may change after we review it.

Why does the news never report more happier happenings.  I would have loved to hear that trumpie kissed a kitten or massaged a duck than the real excrement he spewed each day. And Biden should stop and smell the roses and give his executive order hand a break now and then. How about a no-news day? 

Especially galling was to hear a local regional basketball game was cancelled as one of the schools couldn't raise a legal team even when tapping the JVs.  The reason? The parents did not want to mess up their Spring break trips. Holy hot dog! So it wasn't about "the kids need to get back to sports so their little psyches don't get all messed up". Bat crap. As usual it's all about selfishness, entitlement and spreading the virus further around the country. Which you have already spread around Michigan, thank you very much. 

So much for Tuesday, but I am still giddy after getting that first podcast under my belt.  I even made a birthday pie for my sister's birthday. Odd note. I noticed little brown flecks on my desk during the recording and realized later that my fake leather (pleather) jacket was totally shredding throughout the interview. What the hell lives in my closet?

WEDNESDAY:  A lot of pressure today. Our grandson was counting the minutes until we picked him up for a couple of days during his Spring break. Of course the weather turned to poop. But we did take him to his Aunt's belated birthday party (note birthday pie from yesterday). Just three of the sisters, hubs and fiance along with one young boy who dazzled with his knock-knock jokes and one man show until he got bored and wandered off. We also gathered to make sure the year-old (postponed) wedding dress still fit. Success! Plus she still likes it. Double score! Fingers crossed we pull this off this time or they're just going to show up at my door with marriage license in hand (I am the presider). 

Crack of the day. My birthday girl sister was bragging "I haven't worn makeup in a year" to which her husband remarked "you haven't been out anywhere in a year either ".  LOL

Grandpa and boy found some worms, got a little fishing in and the bluegills are biting.  April 1, we actually need a license but we didn't keep any anyway. I know a lot of my pictures look the same, only the years and size of the young fisherman changes. His casting skills have been honed over the last 3 years.

                                                                       

                

THURSDAY:  After staying up until 10 pm the boy actually slept in until 8 or so. I still get up at 5:30 and enjoy that peaceful first cup of coffee after my early walk(s). Was going to stay off the laptop, but an interesting new prospect appeared for a podcast interview so I had to lasso that piece immediately. It is now in the "waiting room". Since the Executive Director posted my phone number as podcast host, I believe I will be hearing more...ready or not.

Egg Coloring today or as Joe put it, "Science Lab" not sure why but he said it had something to do with parasites. We had a few "cracking" fatalities (which is why one should make more than a dozen) so Nana took those and gently nursed them in their cool, colorful water bath. Of course Joe bearing down with the wax crayon to decorate the egg was risking egg-saster but we bravely carried on. He was more concerned with doing as many as possible in all the colors because waiting a few minutes for the ultimate colorful tan is not in his playbook. A quick trip to the grocery store where he is fascinated with gumball machines, but to his credit he does eat whatever he gets. Then happy days, his buddy next door was home so after a little bike riding they absconded to his bedroom and closed the door. I figure as long as it's not a girl in there, no big deal. All and all an easy day for Grandpa and Nana.

FRIDAY:  Off to get the boat this morning. Waiting for warmer weather today is not going to happen so needed to bundle up. Well at least they did. Joe didn't want to wear his big overcoat because "Nana I'm wearing a sweatshirt". But I insisted. Good thing as he decided he wanted to ride back to the house with Grandpa on the boat. He would have been crouched under the helm shivering if he didn't have his pesky winter coat and lining with him. No wind, but it's always breezy once you get underway on a boat or motorcycle.                                                                                  

Just buttoned up the boat and put the tarp on. It's rather like pulling a set of too small Spanx (girdle) on a more than generous body.   A whole lot of shakin' going on, and tugging, and stretching and broken nails. But gosh she "shor lookn' purty" with her fancy green dress on. Of course we got a Green and White boat-matches the house and our proclivity for a certain Alma Mater.

Politics today: someone ran down two police officers at the Capital and killed one: "he was always mild-mannered until lately". Yep. As long as mental health and its treatment remain a stigma for people to admit and not be judged, and we don't address the lack of psychological treatment options and facilities, this mayhem will continue.

Another thought. Whenever we count our blessings we always start with people... So why is everyone rushing off on vacation and recreational venues or into the stores and restaurants with their stimulus checks? Couldn't they just hang on a little longer, stay home and stop this stupid virus?

SATURDAY:  Well MLB pulled both the All-Star game and draft out of Atlanta. Nice gesture but with 300+ anti-voting resolutions being regurgitated in 47 States by "we can't win without cheating Repubs" what did that accomplish? The Georgia rules will impact voting, but the real issue is nothing was broken so why did you change it up. Your motivation is obvious to all.

The South openly hates black and brown people and still resent they can go to the same lunch counter, school and play major league sports. The North has it's hang-ups too, but they hide it. As a black employee of mine once told me "at least in the South they're pretty open about hating our guts".  Hard to tell friend from foe except in some over-zealous police encounters. The Police Union must finally be loosening its grip in Minneapolis as Supervisory officers failed to stand behind the Mr. Chauvin and his barbaric "restraint" techniques.

Revolution and people actively standing up for their rights is messy, uncomfortable and necessary. A relative posted that things were better when the teacher had students recite the Pledge of Allegience, read from the Bible and posted the ten commandments on the wall. Oh really. In other words, let's go back to the days when women had to get "permission" from husband, father, brother to make a decision and black people were forced to attend sub-standard schools, were kept out of desirable neighborhoods and were denied loans to start a business. They bang the point over the susceptible little heads by quoting religion and patriotism assuming no one dare object. Protesting the hypocrisy is not "woke" or "counter culture". It is people saying enough of being treated badly because we are female, brown, asian or just different. 

SUNDAY:  He is Risen-Alleluia.  As we had to make a reservation at church to attend service I decided doing my readings at home alone would suffice. I did pick up the Spring foliage at the Palm Sundary Mass last week however. 

Mr. young tornado came flying in at excitement level 10 and participated in a solo egg hunt in the backyard and then an inside hunt for the elusive basket. Easter Bunny was particularly generous this year. We later watched a frantic egg hunt by the neighbor children accompanied by much squealing, bashing and mayhem. My only child daughter said "so that's what it's like when more than one child participates in an easter egg hunt". Was she feeling spoiled or deprived? I am not sure if her tone conveyed wistfulness or relief. Joe's only competition were the squirrels and chipmunks who inhabit our yard so I acted as look-out from the planting until he got there. When he left he said this was the best day ever! Good thing too as he assumes the position tomorrow in actual school for the first time in over a year. He is a tad apprehensive...