MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY (Week of October 25)

A little tired today and interrupted sleep last night. No I was not in East Lansing tipping over cars and setting couches on fire which of course was going on. Why an emotional sports event leads to such an emotional reaction complete with social disobedience and dangerous bonfires I am not sure. No doubt that release of adrenalin has to go somewhere. Or we are all frustrated with the dilemma of what to do with old furniture. Odd though, that the folks arrested are usually out-of-towners who came for the party and stayed to trash. Fortunately the game ended just before I left for church so I had a moment to rip off my "lucky" MSU shirt and put on a more conservative one.  Though dress code is not an issue at church these days.

Funny that good old U of M continues to trash talk and allow no respect for the team that has beaten them 10 out of the last 13 years. Even Ohio State facetiously compliments their opponents in the rare possibility that they may be handed their rears by a weaker (in their mind) team. (as State did yesterday snark snark)

CRAZY TIMES: Incidents of public hearings being adjourned or disrupted and public officials being horribly threatened  (as well as their families) stalked and chased, based on their position or statements is very unsettling.  Our relief used to be the ballot box or well-phrased and civil communications. What decent individual goes after a person's family? We are now officially living in the Wild West with guns on our hips and bullies threatening mayhem and bloodshed when they do not agree. Unfortunately this intimidation tactic is working as another honest republican is not seeking re-election. I almost long for those days when public figures only bent over for money and bribes. Much cheaper strategy too.

CHANGE GEARS: Ever notice how much rubber tire vomit is left on our highways and byways? Yes, I know they are retreads that are applied in pieces, but maybe they want to stay "retired" and peeling off at inopportune moments may be their form of revenge. Dodging their emaciated remains ranks right up there with all the dead animals littering the roads. I always wonder if that squished racoon has a family somewhere.

Wonderful week wrestling with a local electrical contractor who charges for every second, sneeze, mile and part at 3 times the rate. Although they are licensed, competent and polite as hades, I had to draw the line at some of the quotin' going down. There is a difference between "free" estimates and calling it a "non-free diagnostic".  Much like going to the hospital and they admit you for "observation" rather diagnostic purposes. The difference in price is astronomical and insurance does not cover "observation". Nuff said. 

Got to see the grandson's costume which is some wild looking cat? from Fortnite which scored him a whole bag of Sour Kids from Nana so win-win. He was off to a party and "gang-trick or treating" so we are off to the Lake where we actually get some participants. They grow up so fast.

                                                      

BREAK:  Gotta go staff the All Hallows goodie table. Featuring an ADULT TREAT option as well of Butter Shots and Hot Damn. 

Back and major fun tonight. I was enjoying my wine (had to start a new bottle as I finished up an old one). Well I had to keep warm and hydrated. 70's music from Spotify which got me dancing after the first hour and half of "treating'.  Nice weather so large groups came through. Labeling ADULT TREAT became the advertising bonanza of the day as "parents" saw it and huddled over the cooler to check out the treat.  Children were left hanging when the parents saw the treat in store.  I made sure all the little ones got their share of chocolate as that is my job-but so was bartending and ascertaining legal age. The one who would not remove his mask and was excited over candy was denied the adult beverage. I'm not an idiot.

Saw and spoke with an old friend from one of my earlier safety positions while shopping at Meijers-one eventually meets all of one's friends and acquaintances there at some point or another. I had to-he screamed my name across the frozen produce aisle.  We compared number of years retired, people we knew, apalled at how things are now etc, etc. He did share with me that he was one of the first dozen cases of Covid in our county when no one knew how bad it was going to get. He said he had no idea where he got it, but it led to two hospitalizations, but hopefully he is in full recovery as he is working part-time now and been doing a lot of remodeling work. He believes in science (an electrical engineer) and definitely follows the rules. Contrast that with the friend I mentioned earlier who believed natural immunity was the only way. I regret to say he passed this week and broke his wife's heart. So again what was the point?

Getting boosted on Tuesday so I plan on milking a bad reaction for at least a day or two, though I need to get moving on podcasts as only one is left in the "can". Please excuse any spelling errors I have had some wine. Peace out.....

WINE, WHINE, WIN (Week of October 18)

 

After a couple of years of caution and as we were facing an ever declining wine rack, we believed it was time to go a'wining through the north country. Reds, pinks, whites, purples coupled with red, orange, yellow - Fall is the perfect time to combine beauty and bounty. We even snared another couple to ride along, warning them to be prepared to make multiple stops and bring your checkbook. Our record I believe is 9 or 10 vinyards, but we managed eight. Full Disclosure: The OH is the designated driver so he partakes sparingly and we are fully equipped with carbs and water. However with three of us indulging we often got different flights and were able to share more flavors. (Win Win part)

As this was an educational trip as well, we made a first stop at Sleeping Bear Park as our friends had never had the pleasure. A bit nippy and rain threatening, but actually perfect weather as you do have to hike a bit to see "Mama Bear" and the Manitou Islands (Her deceased cubs). Though threats were made, no one went down the 400 ft cliff described by the volunteer as climbing the steps of a  45 floor building, in sand, without a handrail.  

No, that's not a guy barfing. It's an arrow.  Three grand to rescue your sorry butt, so we speculated on the method of rescue. I'm saying a rope tied around your waist and winched up. Should be painful.

First disappointment is Fall did not cooperate this year and the prettier dresses that trees don this time of year were apparently still in storage. And of course, the highly specialized and sought after apple variety, that onlygrows up here, was also depleted.  One year we're too early, one year too late - curses. Of course I always have to ask an apple stand queen what is that apple that only grows up here in a limited way as I can never remember the name. They always know though. Good news, its' called such and such, only grown by Mr. So and o, and yes they are all gone now. Settled for some other oddball varieties and a crumb cherry pie for the stop in Manistee to see the newlyweds.

Pandemic rules and the necessity to earn back some of the lost revenue from lock-down led to some expected increases and changed procedures.  Gone are the days of belly up to the bar to be regaled with fascinating stories about this vintage which is flavored with apricot, grapefruit, smoke and bat crap nuances. I missed that. As veteran winers, I knew which one opened first (Peninsula) and we made it there with 3 minutes to spare enjoying the place to ourselves. First rule-credit cards on entry and pexi-glass barriers.  However our "barkeep" was convivial and had stories about the wine and the old converted schoolhouse they resided in, which was of great interest to our teacher friend. He did introduce me to an "under the counter limited" wine called something like limburger or whatever, which is a bit of an aquired taste. Limited stock got me and I bought a bottle that I will only share with a confirmed and adventurous wino.

Chauteau Chantel is always the second stop, due to its outdoor beauty, but I have been snootified by them for the last time. No personal touch, no stories and a taunt that perhaps their prices were too high for me, Wow, as even. I always thought they were snotty, but this was confirmed by our companions so I can cross personal paranoia off my list. Next stop Brys Estate which did not disappoint except that we were confined to our table and a waitress, who at least knew the wines. Could not pass up the Sauvignon Blanc even though the grapes are imported. 

 Quick stop at Mari to see what merch (merchandise) they had as their owners are dropping $100s of 1,000s  on their televised treasure hunt at Oak Island Canada. Again nothing to see here folks, just give me your credit card, ummm no.  Onto our favorite - Shady Lane- which now consists of a couple of tables and waitresses who know nothing of the wine. Very limited varieties as well. Actually all the vinyards had very limited varieties - not sure the reason on that one. Although they are ecstatic over the 2021 crop which apparently will be abundant and delicious-so keep that in mind when looking the next couple of years. 

Tasting prices were all over the board from $12 to $22!. That last one was Ciccone's owned by Madonna's family. As she was not there, we did not linger or pay the ransom amount, just used the restroom.  Which brings me to another surprise. All the restrooms were spectacular. Each unique, comfortable and beautifully appointed. I see an illustrated book in my future.  

As I was looking forward to my "naked chardonnay" at Bluestone we savored that for one of the last stops. Imagine my chagrin when checking in at the host stand (they all had them) to be asked if we had a reservation. At a wine tasting? "We try to provide a more intimate experience". I thought we were trying to avoid "intimate experiences" due to covidee. "We are all booked up; do you want to get on the wait list?" Freakin' wait list? Out in the boonies, miles from town and we have to wait in the car and get a text as obviously there is no bar to wait at.  Oh well, shockingly for me to agree, we decided to give them a try.  Within five minutes we were in (huh?). Totally worth it and as promised an intimate experience with an informed and humorous sommelier. I asked if he rented out to parties as I would definitely use him.

Final stop at Bel Lago to "see the lake" as it's just a small place.  However it now sports quite an elaborate outdoor layout.  Vinyard folks were busy during lock down creating all these awesome outdoor venues. The inside was totally remodeled as well so we enjoyed the final flight of the day with a newbie host, but eager and accomodating.

Couple of side notes. As our hotel was right across the street from Red Mesa, an excellent mexican restaurant, we took our lives in our paws and scurried across US 31 for dinner. After margaritas at the bar our table was ready and we were informed we needed to wear our masks to our table. Been there for half an hour, sitting at the bar and needed a mask for our 20 foot walk to the table. Oh well. Also as we were bubbling over with conversation we did not notice our entree was taking longer than usual. So they comped us $10 apiece for the inconvenience. Another Win! Hit the Park Hotel for a drink at the Beacon Bar at the very top of the hotel-always one of my rituals. However upon asking at the front desk if the bar was open we heard "not since  last November" and congrats for the asking the most frequent question we get here.  LOL.

All and all, convivial travel buddies and a successful hunt for the reds, whites and purples of October.

Oh yeah, we did let the OH drink at dinner as we were walking...

MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS AND "JOE-ISMS" (Week of Oct. 11)

Does anyone know why people put stickers on their cars that state "Baby on Board"? Does that prompt a special untouchable screen around the car in question that repels any possible collision? Which would indicate if it's just regular people, not babies, one can attack at will. Rules of auto war games I assume.

And does anyone really want to buy a product from fake commercial people that basically call anyone not doing what they recommend an uninformed dumbass? I especially loathe the two women who apparently spend their entire waking moments cleaning their houses. One even spouts "I know all the tricks". So there is trickery involved-who knew and who cares? Most of us are not married to our houses though that would be an interesting combo. Just think of the excuses - "No, we can't come to the party; my house is having a mid-eave crisis and has nothing new to wear". Being annoyed I always forget what they're selling-not a great advertisement for the product/service.

Exciting week as the new "plug in your house" system was installed. Upon losing power we now have the ability to generate specific vital parts of our ongoing existence-mainly heat, water, refrig and potty. However, the second component, the generator, led to a bit of wrangling with the OH over his usual insistence on "overkill" on the generator size and manufacturer.  Although the 6500 would do the job, the 7000 would do the job better, quieter, no carburetor, blue tooth enabled and would not have to work at full capacity. So what's the problem? The 180 day, give or take, wait time for the 7000! Apparently any available generators are all down in Louisiana. Praying for good weather for the foreseeable future, as is Louisiana I imagine,

But the OH was vindicated when, big surprise to the Honda dealer, a wayward 7000 unit mysteriously appeared. Whether it was a miracle, stolen or just bad intel, the main thing is we now have the behemoth in the garage happily awaiting its maiden voyage; the machine which of course I could not figure out how to connect to my phone as advertised...sigh,

Changing topics, I am struck by the similarity with police departments fighting so vehemently about vaccine mandates with my own struggles with the City police and fire when vaccines and protective gear were introduced. Logic would indicate that these public safety folks are on the front lines of exposure to general mayhem, violence and disease because of their work. So fighting against the wearing of latex gloves with patients, bullet resistant vests, hepatitis and covid vaccines seems a "no-brainer". Especially when a positive test affects co-workers, other people and family members.  

More than 400 officers died through covid infections, twice as many as from gunshots, since March, 2020. This is documented by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Though I scrupulously peruse any information explaining why they are resisting outside of a vague "freedom of choice" I've seen no cogent argument. Freedom, of course, is relative and only  applies in specific circumstances for some people. I think I shall start deciding which rules or laws I shall adhere to in the name of freedom. 

Shift Change again. Putting up the latest school picture of the grandson I am stuck by how much he has changed in a couple of years.  Face is thinned out and he looks more mature-the baby is gone 😔. Joe is such an outgoing extrovert it surprises folks to know how young he is. Belle of both September parties and memorable as I keep hearing from folks who were in attendance.  He has these "Joe-ism" moments I call  them.  He refers to Crystal Light Lemonade as "pink water". He refers to not wearing a shirt as a "naked shirt". He has clearly instructed his Mother not to pick him up from school until at least 5:30 as he needs time with his buds. He researches what he is interested in rather than asking Nana. Alas I am outdone by Google, but sometimes the big G and I do not agree.  

He asked permission to watch a Godzilla movie on his IPad the other day. He knows I hate monster movies, but his concern was different this time. "It has some bad words in it like the B-word and the F-word."  Curious I asked if he understood what the F-word meant. "Oh yeah" he says. I persisted and he told me it meant you were dumb. Stifling my amusement I told him "Well that's not exactly what it means, but you're right, you should not use it".   

Final Shift  Unlike school pictures chronicling the differences, we often don't notice change until we stand back and compare. Though so much stays the same regardless of the impetus put to it.  Things like hatred, fear, bias and bad behavior. Someone said, actually in a comic, that people love to pile on and hate something or someone when prompted by a bully as it keeps them from focusing on their own horrible behavior. It certainly is a different world than four years ago and rudeness and impatience are the norm. I know I don't use the middle finger after bad traffic behavior any more in fear of armed retaliation.  Well, full disclosure, that was kind of rude behavior on my part as well. ..but so satisfying to signal "I saw that Bozo"...  PEACE OUT  ✌

  

POLITICS BE CRAZZZZYYY (Week of 10/4)

 

"10-4 Shirley, we'll see you again". I uttered those words fourteen years ago when I eulogized my Mother at her funeral on October 4, 2007. Hard to believe it's been that long as she is usually in my thoughts most days. I often wonder what she would say about the craziness of the last several years. Eight years of the country's first black president followed by complete reversal in the election of an incompetent racist narcissist who opened up the floodgates of our national prejudice and bias which is always simmering under the surface. A pandemic that turned political and a deposed "wanna-be" dictator spreading lies along with the willingness of so many to be influenced by social media spreading unproven opinions and conspiracies. "May you live in interesting times" (which may or may not be an old Chinese curse). 

I think one would agree that the Democratic party has some interesting members. The reason the smaller party (Repubs) manages to move their agenda forward is their ability to walk in lock-step with each other regardless of intelligence or conscience.  The Dems, on the other hand, represent more of America's diversity which I also believe is her strength.  However, we become mired in the swamp as so many opinions are bound to result in roadblocks. The time it takes to remove these impediments kills our ability to enact real change in a timely manner.  Why is it so tough to make a few concessions or compromise here and there on our way to the big picture?  Chasing crucial Dem votes from a clueless senator in a yacht; cornering one in a bathroom who cannot give a straight answer of what she wants (either doesn't have a clue, or waiting for her "handlers" to tell her-either a scarey scenerio).

I know bathroom encounters are viable "grounds" for negotiations. I am an advocate for unisex bathrooms (with closed cubicles). Not only would they resolve the "is he or is she" debate but no more of those agonizing lines of women at venues with too few potties. I also see the value when one of my former bosses stalked the men's room as a key management negotiator was cornered there by the union negotiators (all men obviously). Which also illustrates the need to have more diverse representation btw.

Some of these elected folks must have been management types (if they ever worked a real job) who should understand that you make progress in bits and pieces and strive for consensus.  As a former manager I can unequivocally state that I never had the luxury of saying "Do this, because I say so". Naw, doesn't work that way. You will have mass resignations or suffer the office equivalency of  fragging by your suborbinates. 

When I was the "creative director" of the MIOSHA Training Institute, it would have been a heck of a lot easier if I could have just directed everyone to do as I say. The Construction group was especially challenging as: 1) they like straight talk but are not good with change; 2) they were more "hands on" and "shoot from the hip" rather than buying into course development protocol and 3) they were construction folks and arguing is their major joy in life. I stumbled upon a winning strategy however as I convinced one of them (who was both a construction dude and a PhD in psychology) to be my convincer. He could switch from construction-eese to academics with ease. The frustration to me was how long it took to get them on board as they were all brilliant in both understanding the standards and the nuances of the construction industry.  Because of those qualities, they were all great and interesting teachers. But my point is, by recognizing the differences and DEALING with issues immediately, we reached our goal. The MTI classes remain a valuable and sought-after form of training and certification to this day.

We have two years to make a difference, because if we do not, we will be booted out at mid-terms in 2022. So bring on the reconciliation strategy and get'er done! Oh btw, the debt ceiling is not a real thing but the minority party always waves it around like a noose to make themselves look fiscally responsible. As if...

COULD NOT RESIST....

 It is odd that legislation that helps the wealthy is sustainable, affordable and "good for the country" but programs that support the rest of us will tank the economy and lead to entitlement. Read the opening of this sentence for the irony of that statement.

John Oliver is a British born (now an American citizen) who is not only a marvelous comedian, but a very droll and intelligent political commentator. Considering the wrangling over passing legislation that would, oh I don't know, help most Americans, he made a very astute comment which should embarrass and expose all of us. (Besides Senators Manchin and Sinema).

"I'm not sure what stage of capitalism we've reached if we're now kayaking out to a politician's yacht (Manchin's) to beg him to help the poor, but it's gotta be one of the last ones"   

LIONS, BEARS & DUMBASSES (Week of September 27)

 

As I try not to watch the Lions being decimated by the Bears (what else is new) I am reminded of a Chicago trip I took for work back in '82. Interesting to contemplate who would win a Bears/Lions altercation in the wild; it would certainly offer more action than our hapless pussy cats. Anyway I digress. I was in an all-week training in Sept/October while about six & a half months preggers. Fortunately it is a short flight back to Lansing as the flight attendants tend to hover and look nervous when one has a baby belly. I was hand carrying a packet of fresh baklava which ended up dripping honey all over my ONE pregnant lady sweater, that had to be hand-washed, due to the afore mentioned baby belly issue.

Anyway I was dutifully on the wagon due to pending Mama-dom but a group wanted to go to a country-western bar for dinner which featured a western band and long necks.  Since I don't like soda, water drinks keep me closer to my expense account anyway-win/win. As the group enjoyed their beer one was urged to get up and sing with the band.  He told them the song he was going to sing and belted out the opening line....to dead silence. It was in my head that the last thing the professional performers are looking forward to is some half in the bag wanna be singer.  Turns out they were just messing with him and he was actually not too bad.  But I think I would have picked a different song than Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" which opens with those words making the silence that ensued doubly hilarious.

Second memorable moment from that trip was when I got back after class with a nasty headache. I trotted (waddled) down to a nearby drugstore to pick up some extra-strength Tylenol. Before taking the pills I was watching the news as they were showing the VERY drugstore I had just visited to report on the potassium cyanide-laced extra-strength tylenol bottles found there. Ahhh.  No questions asked, just dumped the entire bottle in the garbage. Angels were involved I am convinced. Oddly enough I cannot remember what the training was about but I'm sure I passed it.  

Watching all the crazy going on with the "mouthy minority" carrying on at health department and school board meetings about masks and distancing my quick takes are:  1) Children will follow your lead if you handle it calmly; 2) the silent majority is not speaking out in public as they and their families are being threatened; 3) if one child gets sick or heaven forbid, dies, I am sure these bozos will not feel they are to blame.  When did this type of behavior become the norm? Citing religion and freedom are so hypocritical, one could vomit. 

To illlustrate the ocean between viewpoints I learned of two cases this week. We have friends who are sophisticated world travelers who followed the science, got their shots, wore masks and social distanced. However, in attending a family event they contracted covid as many in their family would rather listen to facebook than their doctor or the millions worldwide who have received the shot with no problem-except they don't die. Though sick they are able to treat at home (after getting an IV infusion) but they are miserable due to other people's selfish "beliefs". This is several weeks of their life they will not get back, and possibly long-term effects.

In the second case, a couple we know believe the armchair, non-peer-reviewed dogma that says "they don't need them stinking shots". They are both quite ill, both been hospitalized though one fought the hospital as any medicine they would give him would be what killed him. Even after he became so dehydrated that he passed out, fell and hit head knocking himself unconscious he still fought the hospital. He has been hospitalized twice and is home on oxygen. So what was the point? That is a special kind of stupid and innocents are paying the price. UPDATE: The person referenced is back in ICU, untubated and heavily sedated as when anywhere near consciousness the patient fights to withdraw the breathing tubes. I don't know how it will end; and I hope he survives, but it is so sad to realize misinformation keeps leading to this awful conclusion.

Changing topics. You ever notice how every region, even every little population group, has it's dialects, including us midwesterners.  One thing I notice about Lansing Michigan is people have an aversion to pronouncing the letter "T". It's always the "Spar 'ans (Spartans) or my neighbor's boy Kea 'on (Keaton), etc.; drives me crazy. Where does the "T" go? No doubt they will all tumble out of a packing "car 'on" (carton) somewhere, someday.  Peace Out...