CHRISTMAS 2022 (December 18-25)

Many in the country had to endure the "mother" of all snowstorms just in time for Christmas. Snow that measured in feet snarled traffic, created white-outs and horrendous pile-ups, cancelled flights and the ability to move to our destinations curtailed many a celebration. Some insisted on venturing out regardless, their fate still not known at this time. Our own family extravaganza has been postponed to New Year's Day which will sport a balmy 40 degrees and rain. However my kids live in town and some very good friends whose children were in scattered parts joined us for dinner so celebration, lights and special goodies were enjoyed. Our Joe was innundated with Dolphin paraphernalia, much of which he wore to cheer on his beloved team. 

                                

Hard not to recall other memorable Christmases. A little girl watching out the window waiting for Dad and Mom asking what that noise was. I said "just the Christmas tree snapping it's fingers". Grandma's metallic tree with the revolving color wheel; high decor in the 50's. Or my senior year gifted with a trip to California to visit my brother in the Marines. A memorable trip surrounded and entertained by a large group of young marines. Though too naive to understand the collective and muted gasp when a black marine asked me to dance. In 1968 race relations were smoldering, but all I saw as a 17 year old girl were young men who wanted to dance. 

As newly marrieds of three months trying to scrape up enough to have a few decorations (blue as I recall) and gifts for family. Then the back and forth to parents for the holidays until the OH's folks booked for Florida in the winter.  We started hosting though I remember collapsing one year in sleep just as dinner was finally served which began a domino effect as each family member fell ill in turn (except Dad who enjoyed the now-deserted feast). We were stacked sideways three to a bed and thank goodness two bathrooms. No, it wasn't my food, just a nasty little virus running through the crowd. 

One year we braved the arctic chill and snowstorm and dark of night (yeah we were young) to head north for the holidays as the California branch was eager to be home for Christmas. In retrospect not our best decision. Years there was no snow and the year with no power and bone-chilling cold where we wandered like the proverbial holy family to find room at the inn. The year that Mother passed and the sisters sat together in such grief that it alarmed our children until we decorated the oldest sister's car with Rudolph gear to make her laugh. Though it did start the tradition of the sister gifts as we each spontaneously wanted to give the others a token of healing from the loss. 

The year when our Kristen was born exactly two weeks before Christmas (70 degrees that day). I still remember Mother cuddling the sleeping child in one arm and serving dinner with the other. Then 13 years later when an unexpected pregnancy ended in the wee hours of Christmas morning with tears over a new life slipping away. 

Christmases with a grandson and it starts all over again. Especially the year when Joe, at the tender age of two, ignored our debate as to whose house would stable the riotous new rocking horse. Upon noticing his disappearance we found him at the back door where he had dragged his horse. Debate resolved. So many changes and children and memories; joy and tragedy overcome by love and hope for the new year just around the corner.  

Happy Haanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Joyous Solstice and Happy Holidays.  There have I satisfied the snowflakes in the room?  After watching people (evangels' and foxy folks) explode if you use the wrong phrase I have to wonder who is the snowflake they are so fond of chastising.  At any rate it is a wonderful time of year for us if we let it as we watch those defending their country (and all democracy) from the marauding horde of Putin's domination folly.  I see them cheering their downtown Christmas tree (lit by a generator) as sounds of explosions occur in the background. I see them share a meal by candlelight and song.  Just as Mr. Grinch found out, it's not the tinsel and gifts that identify Christmas as once again the Prince of Peace will not be stopped from coming.  💛💙

                                             

 

PODCAST MUSINGS, ETC. (December 11)

 

DECEMBER FOLLIES Forty years ago today, the sweet little treasure of my life was born.  A beautiful, talented and independent woman today.  As she cheerfully reminded her husband of his upcoming 50th, we gleefully reminded her of her own milestone birthday.  LOL 

Obviously I wrote that before my laptop decided it wanted to spend the week at the Geek Squad cave teaching my new laptop how to relate to me.  Week lost so caught up on my pile of magazines.  Though reading New Yorker predictive articles from before the mid-terms was rather amusing.

LIFE OF POD One of my next podcast interviewees is an Occupational Psychologist.  Funny, I told him. I used to have an employee with the same Phd designation.  He named him.  Apparently these folks run in the same circles. I still say that was the best job interview I ever held so there is something to this psychology stuff. As we discussed our experiences he told me I was a pioneer for women in the EHS field though I retorted there are still a lot of the male persuasion at the conferences and trainings I attend. Another thought. Pioneers or those "who go first" do not set out to be a pioneer, example or breakers of glass ceilings.  We just do the job with no particular thought to the historical connotations. We're too busy. 

My ex-cop, current security company drug expert podcast launches Monday and I found him very interesting.  We always like to talk to doctors, lawyers and police officers, or at least I do.  After chatting for about an hour and a half before the recording he told me I should have been a cop.  I told him most safety folks kind of are...along with wearing a preacher's collar.  He also told me living in a smaller area he rather knows the bad guys when he sees them.  Consequently as his town sports a casino he says guess where they hang out in the middle of the night. Not gambling, but no doubt other nefarious activities.  Great, just ruined my desire to hit a casino at 3 in the morning. 

He also shared that many new/young officers get into the biz to "get the bad guy".  His words. A lot are ex-military. But traffic duty is where they spend the bulk of their time and efforts. He had a hilarious take on the methadone reckless drivers on Monday mornings, rushing to get their "medical fix". (Sorry didn't make the interview). His job was to "season" the eager beavers to teach them to take their time, do their research, make a judgement rather rushing in where angels fear, etc etc.  Suicide by cop was an example that he used when responding to a call of a "guy with a gun" if  proper consideration is not done before a rushed, eager response. (podcasts are on  michsafetyconference.org  website among others)

Also there is a peculiar sense of humor associated with police officers that is a bit macabre to say the least as in most cases, they've seen it, stopped it or arrested it.  Reminded me of the first fatality I had to investigate at work.  The local police interviewed me after the incident to finish up their report apparently.  I told them I was nervous as this was a first. They chuckled and said "why, did you kill him?"  See what I mean? Although I received unverified information later that may have had some bearing on why the deceased followed the action that he did I didn't share it. But you never forget your first.

JOE & OTHER STUFF On the Joe front, he came down with that RSV syndrome the night of our Christmas tree foray running a 102 fever. Pretty miserable for about four days with a bad cough. But by the following weekend he stayed with us and taught me how to play a card game which he won.  He apologizes when he kills me in the game which led me to suggest cutthroat Go Fish to even the score. He then insisted he knew how to make his own mac and cheese, but Nana was a little too helpful he told Grandpa later. He is polite to my face lol.

On another subject, we help out at the OH's church some Tuesdays when they provide a free community supper. It's usually hot dogs (which people clamor to have them roasted black) or sloppy joes with accompanying side dishes and a drink.  Upon arriving we saw that Weight Watchers was holding a meeting that night as they rent a space there a few times a week. Had sympathy for these folks who had to inhale the beckoning scents of baked beans and sloppy joes while trying to listen to a lecture on healthy eating.  I kept offering free food as they left the meeting, but no takers.  I also labeled the dinner "Scoop & Poop" as we had to scoop out the meat and well, there were beans.  Although amused, our friends said they probably would not use my slogan for advertising. Ok I have a peculiar sense of humor as well.   Peace Out....💛💙

AT YOUR SERVICE (December 4)

Crazy week with repair people.  As it is pratically an "act of god" to get anyone to begin with, one counts their proverbial blessings when you get a response, let alone a commitment. The demand is so great for knowledgeable people (and I wasted my time and money with college) that I picture them sitting on their little tool encrusted thrones determining which job provides the most money, excitement and, I'll say it, mercy.  Inspired begging/crying works but only from women. 

Job 1.  Called before Turkey day for a broken microwave. As it is a built-in, it's difficult to work around. We'll come out a week from Tuesday between 8 & 4' Wha?  Amazing all the little things one uses a microwave for not to mention the light over the stove is now missing. Anyway, bustling around on errands Monday I get a restricted call followed by another call 20 minutes later from repair company. The technician is at your house getting no response. Well, duhh, it's Monday not Tuesday. And, funny twist they think they're there to fix the washer. Hmmm.  

DIGRESS:  This same company did come to fix the washer a couple of years ago and determined I needed an expensive part and much labor. Enough that we decided to buy a new washer.  When going to his company to look at washers, the sales person happened to mention the hose has to be higher than the machine to pump properly. Went home home and elevated hose-problem solved -arrghhh. For this I pay an exhoritant service call that did not properly diagnose the, now, obvious problem. That should have been Chapter 1 of the repair manual.  However do it with flair so it looks like you earned the 80-90 bucks.  Much like the eletrician who had no qualms charging for a full service call when all he needed to do was plug the dishwasher back in. Were my face and checkbook red. 

Anyway,  I frantically zoom back to the homestead (with cruise on, so I won't overstate my speed in my anxiety). He's still there. He says didn't they call you Friday to say I'd be here at 1:00, Umm no. And btw it's a microwave not a washer. 2 mintes later (exaggeration but not much) he says I thinks it's a fuse. My boss will call you with a cost so we can fix it, about 200 bucks.  Ok I'm already in it for 90 for the service call and new ones cost about 300. Oh yeah the 90 is part of the 200. What are these solid gold fuses? Anyway, acceptable. 3 days later, no call. Checking with the company they tell me they've ordered and received the part for my WASHER. It's a microwave I frantically explain AGAIN. Oh yeah ha ha my mistake. Really. So when can you come back to fix it? A week from now. WTF? Stay tuned. I may be washing clothes in the kitchen if all goes as anticipated.  

Job 2. My programmable thermastat at the lake house (NEST) has been slowly taking over my life and consumers' bill. It joyfully turrns itself up and down at will, notwithstanding my remote commands otherwise.  They may be called "smart" thermostats, but apparently they are actually the advance guard on the robot take-over being planned. Silly humans-do not try to resist. After three years of this losing battle I agreed to a new smart thermastat with another cute name Sensi from a local HVAC company. We are old friends as they play with my furnace out there every year. I made it clear any issues are on their heads.  Ok, they can be there Friday at 1 pm. Have a podcast recording set for 10 so no problem-o. 

Job 3 But then my other mechanical device (laptop) decided an hour before broadcast time, to "gift" me with no speaker ability.  Damn I miss in-house IT.  After futile attempts and advice from headquarters office and my interviewee I hot-foot it to Okemos (about 20 minute drive) to record at headquarters. Podcast completed, I head back to GL in plenty of time to make it to Hastings for 1:00 service call. Phone rings at 11:50 (the technology worked in the car at least). Again another technician says I'm at your house, where are you?  Ahh the appointment was for 1:00. Oh. At any rate they came back at 1:30 and story has happy ending with a thermastat that appears to be behaving, for now. Except the bill was 100 more than expected.  Merry Christmas - I now have brand new tires and a thermastat, so I'm good. 

Had to take a break in blogging as the young people wanted to go cut down a fragrant green symbol of the holidays. A tradition that goes back to K's salad days when she was a bundled up little package then a perilous rider on the tree cart, puller of the tree cart and finally first assistant on the "timber" portion of the adventure.  Now her little boy has advanced from the bundle to cart pulling stage. Since we have the truck our presence is both tradition and necessity.  After both trees were snuggled all warm in their (truck) bed, we debated lunch options.  K was concerned we were forced to avail ourselves of take-out as our trees were just hanging out in the back of the truck. This prompted the quote of the day from her OH Matthew who proclaimed "Anyone who steals a Christmas tree is going straight to hell". Duly noted-we ate INSIDE the restaurant.  Peace out....💛💙

                                                        

 

JOE ISMS (November 27)

THANKSGIVING Well, the Lions lost, but that did not diminish my daughter's (with Dad coaching) excellent first Thanksgiving dinner.  One benefit, we know what kitchen tools she needs. Stocking stuffers here we come.  Assuming the turkey was way too big for five people I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of leftovers. Only one bag each of white meat (them) and dark meat (me). As I am usually the assistant cook (read fetch, carry clean-up person) with the cooking lessons ongoing, I had the luxury of reading the entire paper and her house is also large enough for me to get my laps in. Just eat, doze and sip wine. So that's what the other people do.... 

LIFE OF JOE Lots of Joe time as he had the entire week off from school commencing with a snow day the Friday before.  You know the horrendous 47 feet of snow and ice which has been reduced back to green grass three days later. He went bowling with Grandpa, after a sumptous lunch at McD's, where he became the one-man/boy cheering squad distributing high fives and encouragement to the team. He was rewarded with much attention and candy bars for his efforts. His own bowling after league dissolved into frustration that he can't navigate away from the gutters at times.  But a visit to the video arcade restored his spirits.

Wednesday, picked up the boy and had lunch at a local Italian bistro where he loves the appetizers. This was followed by a guided tour of the zoo (he is the guide). What that boy knows about animals and birds is amazing.  He controlled the route, read the signs to us and gave chapter and verse of habitat, food habits, protective features of each animal after he labeled them prey or predator. He is much better and more knowledgeable than some of the docents I knew when I worked at the City. The Zoo was part of my duties as the Safety dude. I remember when they used those deep moats for bears, but they tend to be unpredictable and hard to contain.  Oh well. Safety always spoils the fun. Bonus I was able to tell Joe some tales from the Zoo that he didn't know Lol.

At one point he literally held a discussion with a hornbill (sub-tropical species) bird. People stopped to listen as the hornbill spoke followed by a lighter, less full-bodied echo.  Went on for quite a while. Later Joe said they were discussing politics and the bird's dismay at not being able to vote. I don't question. 

AFTER GLOW Ventured out Friday not taking into account all the masses of people rushing to build more credit (or use up their credit). Got spoiled during pandemic. Now there's an odd statement, but stores have not been that busy for a long time. Got my Christmas present early- new tires for the Impala. After that horrendous bobsled ride last week, new more aggressive tires seemed in order. Sticks to the new buying, no extra stuff, no clutter rules as they do dispose of the old tires. 

Meanwhile the bagged leaves have been enjoying various treks in the back of the truck. Mulching takes place at the homestead, but the lake house has a constant rain of willow branches and oak leaves from the neighbor and not enough lawn to mulch.  Brought them to Lansing but I said they are doing deleafing at the lake. So they went back to the lake and alas, no gondola had been delivered for the deleafing due to that stupid 47 foot snowfall. So back to Lansing to recycle. Upon arrival finding the Lansing center was closed that day due to the holiday-go figure. So now one more shot to dump leaves, legitimately, Wednesday. Final solution - take the tarps off the tops of the bags and whip down the expressway at 75 and let nature take its course!

Happy hunting season. However if you see this creature, think before you shoot, though you will probably be doubled over in laughter....Peace out 💙💛

                                                    

HOLY SHITASKE, IT'S WINTER (November 20)

 FINAL trip up North, hopefully, for a very very, let me say again very long time. I literally had fingers crossed as the "buyer/savior" nonchalantly signed her little mountain of paperwork for the house. Then tried to act cool by not snatching the check and rushing giddily out the door laughing like a demented hyena. Fifteen minutes flat which I feel is a world record prompted by my "let's just pop in early and maybe they can start earlier". Of course this was overshadowed by my discreet, ahem, glancing at my phone to assess the ominous set of "lake effect showers" impacting the escape route. Also record-setting visits to the bank and the attorney to make copies; cutting the chatter short and again trying to disguise my eagerness to bogey. 

THE SCENIC ROUTE The problem, of course, was no matter how many times I looked at it, the weather prediction sucked (best descriptor). Brief spots of clear surrounded by abysmal shadows of unrelenting squalls all the way home (roast beef notwithstanding - 3 little pigs reference is reaching, but oh well). I voted for a sitting tight option (which would probably have been 4 days) while the OH's vote was of the "damn the torpedoes" variety. Well we can always hole up if it gets bad - NOT. Mostly because when it got bad, we were in the proverbial middle of nowhere and any clear spots were attacked with an optimistic 75 mph, until we coudn't. The first 20 miles were fine...then there was the rest of the trip.  

Highlight was the giddy, gallivant into a gaping gully garnished with guardrails gliding 360 that occurred. Barely enjoying a sigh of relief we did not crash into the guardrails on the far side was immediately stifled by the comedic slide back to the looming guardrails on the other side of the road. Missed both sides, cue the triumphant music. Guess I'm getting new tires for Christmas under our new regime of less clutter, more practical; no stuff, just experiences; no knick knacks, more gift cards. Yeh.

Limping to the expressway while I'm searching for hotels a mere 40 miles from our starting point, we find the expressway somewhat decent....until it wasn't.  Following two tire tracks, a snake trail of cars, semis roaring by and waving at people as they slid down the side of the hills, we did not dare stop. I think my colon finally unclenched a day or so later. Spoiler alert - we didn't die.

 However the rest of the trip was just one shade less exciting culminating in the ice-crusted roads 20 miles from home where again passed the time counting the skid marks and vehicles off the road.  Upon leaving the expressway and traveling the two roads to home (about 5 miles) there was literally no road to follow. Thank you person ahead of us who happened to be going the same way. The joke in Michigan is "Hey hold my beer and watch this"  no joke.

GRANDPARENTING Had the pleasure of young Mr. Robel's company over the weekend where he and Grandpa attacked the pool table for a couple of hours. Good skills for college. Then he helped shovel the driveway and walkway. Mom forgot to drop off his foul weather gear, so we had to make do with what we had and what fit. (see pic) It's nice that he's growing up and can be helpful but there are some drawbacks.  I was checking emails when Mr. Nosey notices I was looking at one of his "Dolphins" items delivery dates.  Darn, he can read and he can put two and two together.  I passed it off as just spam, but he knows how to check history. Ah well, I'm sure he will be cool on Christmas morning.  

Another change to the routine is his Mom is hosting Thanksgiving for us this year for the first time with a bit of help from Dad.  Life is changing and I think we can look forward to a little resting on our laurels in the years to come. Peace out.....💙💛

                                            

                              

BLUE IS MY COLOR (November 13)

THE FINALS Hopefully this week marks the end of the up-north trips (funny how Michiganders always say going up north like the land tilts) for the closing. Of course early snow is predicted. Trying to cancel the utilities is practically an act of god and much paperwork must be provided. Of course possible rebates are involved so I will do the work. Actually should be a no-brainer as the new owner better be signing up for service, especially in the winter. That new boiler and water heater ain't gonna run themselves. 

Speaking of Up-North matters, a picture that my niece was desperate to get her hands on that inadvertently got tossed (I guess) was located.  Now this woman went through six boxes of pictures (supposedly) over six days when she was visiting the empty house and the only one she wanted was one of her in her baptism dress. NOTE:  She never showed up when we were working on the house. No momentoes of her parents, grandparents, etc. She berated me somewhat daily about its disappearance until I told her "get over it, it's gone". Well other sis-in-law found a snapshot of it, blew it up and shipped it to me. I found a frame to fit the 8X10 and presented it to her. Her reaction was "oh, ok".  Major LOL.You know what they say about good deeds never going unpunished.  Based on our hard work, however, the lady will get a nice inheritance.

BLUES NEWS Well the mid-terms were interesting. Never underestimate the American public-woke or not and our resistance against being told what to do, playing us for fools and counting on short memories.  It is amusing that the repubs display lawn freedom signs which from what I can tell (as they haven't changed their strategy "follow Trumpie" for three election cycles) must mean freedom to carry their guns to church. However the rest of us want body autonomy, freedom to worship or not as we wish and be treated with respect no matter who we are or what we believe. Simple. 

Love that MSU and U of M students stood in line for hours to vote. Looks like they brought chairs snacks and friends and made it a "happening" as we used to call it. Thank you younger generations for calling out the BS when you saw it. Do they think we forgot it was the red menace that attacked our capitol and all the inner circle repubs that were interviewed by the January 6 Committee admitting they knew it was all a big lie.  Yet they put out wacka-doodle candidates and no new ideas or changes. We are not all cult-minded Maga-gots apparently.  I think the best one-liner I read was "Who knew that Tiffany Trump's something blue was Nevada".   The count of mostly crisco's daughter was married at a storm -tossed Mar-a-logo Saturday in the midst of his cronies calling for his head after the disaster of November 8.  Much better result than the last time elections were held on my birthday (2016). Sorry, not sorry McConnell.

GIFTING Started my Christmas shopping and deliveries are occurring at record speeds.  Either I'm starting earlier or their overstocking is catching up with them. Joe, who is no longer a "Santa believer", was lobbying heavily for a floating Dolphins helmet.  Yeh, I didn't know either until he showed me on my phone. I told him no way-too expensive.  Of course it has already been ordered, heh heh heh. Nana is a soft touch, 

I saw another neat electronic for my future musical theater grandson. A hand-held item that creates all types of musical montages called a Rukus FX.  Not being familiar with curb-side service, I just saw it online at the store and ordered it to be held. When I showed up at the service desk to pick it up no Rukus. Of course it didn't help that I kept calling it a RUCKUS when it is correctly pronounced RO-KU like japanese or something. The clerk was overwhelmingly polite and never corrected me. I only "got it" when he called back to electronics where he pronounced it the right way.  Oops. I now understand why Grandma called Winn Dixie Dim Wittie. 

Good birthday week. We were early for lunch so shopped a store for socks but ended up with a "purty" little short car-coat. Not needed but pure white-so I couldn't resist. The family gang showed up at the restaurant (EARLY) for a birthday luncheon where each in turn gave me a gift card to our favorite beauty salon. As we get older and, after shoveling out one person's house, we now understand that simpler is better. Then upon meeting Joe and his Mother for lunch before we all went bowling Friday, he proceeded to sing Happy Birthday to me right in the middle of IHOP at pretty much full volume. Shy he is not.   MSU and Lions won. 💚  Peace out.💙💛

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LAST LAPS (November 6)

 NO, REALLY, GET SERIOUS  I've left politics mostly alone as most of us made up our minds before Labor Day. Now we just have to suffer through a few more days of atrocious political commercials which have no problem with out and out lies anymore.  "Make the Truth Great Again" - like to see that on a hat somewhere. One of the top crazies (and there are many) is the one running for Michigan's Secretary of State Kristina Karamo. She literally and publicly stated in a rally that those who have sex with demons will become possessed. (People say these things out loud now) Imagine that phone call to a one-night stand the next morning (penis demons-credit Steven Colbert) Other than that I know of no particular qualifications the lady has for the position other than as a  big election denier who wants to invalidate Mail-In ballots...but only in Detroit... so she has that going for her. 

But if it has a big red "r" on its head it's qualified to run-cue Herschel W.  At least he has an excuse; he's been knocked in the head a few too many times on the football field. But still it's a dead heat against the Reverand of Martin Luther King's old church? Really? You see making voting harder for "certain" people works.

IF IT SMELLS LIKE A ROSE Speaking of crap, on one of our marathon trips to RC last week I smelled a familiar odor.  In passing a large filthy truck with a giant hose on it I knew immediately what nefarious business with which it was engaged. The guys at the City called it a "honey-dipper" as irony is king when you clean sewers for a living. Similar to a wastewater plant you never forget that aroma. Not an outhouse smell but more "organically" (my word), which clings...  Interesting too that the implements to clean sewer pipes are called "pigs" as in a pig will eat anything I assume. Cameras are utilized in the pipes (on little sleds) to check for leaks or blockages. Upon hitting an obstacle, the piggies would get to work.

SPEAKING WITH Changing subjects, I have been working on a couple of podcasts but the completed ones are getting jammed up by our "volunteer" editor who merely adds the music. We may have to use the one about me which I've managed to avoid thus far.  After the PFAS Dilemma is published I'm looking to interview the director of the Michigan State Police HazMat Training Center and another one about electrical safety, specificially 70E, which is hard to explain in a few words.  Pretty much has to do with testing and classifying all electrical applications in an entity to determine PPE and procedures. My vast knowledge of trivia in safety and health is being sorely tested the further I move on from active engagement into retirement. 

NOTE: I'm meeting the MSP candidate at a Starbucks which is one of my worst nightmares. As a rule I do not spring for a $5 cup of sugar, machieeottties, caramelly blasters, expressive espressos, pumps of this or that or whatever the hell they order in there.  And god forbid I ask for a medium instead of a venti or grande or largeinpooper size. I will go with medium black coffee and see what I get. I understand the barrista attitude is a real thing and how much do you tip on a non-invasive, no labor-intensive plain cup of coffee anyway? I'm definitely using a fake name, like... Joe. I have done the Biggby's experience and when I ask for the plain black coffee they point me to the far end of the counter where they have tubs of plain coffee-self serve.

I have no doubt mentioned before how, even after a successful rehearsal, there are still "deer in the headlights" moments when we actually start recording. Reminded me of my first on-air (radio) interview on the Seatbelt Campaign I was coordinating for the City.  Everything was fine in our preliminary discussion, then we flipped the switch to live.  Forgot everything I was going to say, plus I do remember I tried to talk for a full minute without taking a breath.  That's why I always have a rough script. "Off the cuff" remarks are not really off the cuff.  Though I did do the video of the Right to Know Chemical training program in one take because I had given the talk dozens of times to new emps. The camera person was impressed. 

FINAL LOAD? Not sure if champagne corks are popping quite yet on the estate party. Hopefully the water heater install will not be cause for a delay. I do feel a great sense of relief so if my spidy-sense is any indication we have dumped our last load. As we brought every tool but a hammer we were forced to engage in unscrewing pieces of furniture to break them down to fit in the trailer for the dump. As the OH is a master packer we did it in one load though there was much cursing (on my part), much sighing (on his part) to get it done. A well-known secret in RC is on the first Thursday of the month, the garbage patrol will take one "bulk" piece along with your trash.  As I knew the neighbors on each side, one was gifted with a lop-sided recliner, one with a box springs and our contribution was the matching mattress. Saved $100 with that little trick. Now if we can just do the closing electronically...Peace Out 💛💙

THIS AND THAT (October 30)

HOUSE WARS Finally some good news.  After lowering the price we had three offers on the house. On the flip side in the process of accepting one, the water heater decided to take a dump...literally. Oh well. This was right after the OH's brother-in-law figured out how to fix the leak in the 2nd bathroom very inexpensively and we had a moment of relief.

 Although one offer was higher they wanted a payback of 6% and it was that awful FHA type. Umm no. I am not painting crumbling sheds in the winter to pass inspection. The other two were "cash" offers so no brainer-take the higher one. However I did counter that the price would go up if they wanted an inspection (just had one from earlier offer which cost us a month). Risky, but after a day she conceded, no contingencies.  Except, of course, for the water heater that took a crap just as we were negotiating. 

Heading up north to hopefully, remove the remainder of the "stuff". Oh joy, just found out Habitat for Humanity cannot pick up our donation until, oh I don't know, when we have a couple of trips out your way. "We'll call you".  Fine but we live 250 miles away. Have I mentioned how much I hate small towns. Also water heaters and installation cost a heck of lot more when there is no competition.  Well, it's not my money after all.

THE GOOD DIE YOUNG So sorry to hear Leslie Jordan passed away last week. A profoundly good and funny man who had to deal with a lot as a gay, short man in Tennesee. He always seemed to play characters like himself who were warm, witty and real. But one quote that stuck with me relates to his being raised in the Baptist church. Considering he was "different" according to some people's standards he said "we learn to hate ourselves in a pew". Profoundly true.  Perfect example of scripture on their tongue and hate in their hearts. 

WINE/WHINE TIME We had one of our legendary wine tastings with my carefully crafted selections and illustrative descriptions of each vintage...which are promptly ignored as we get rolling. By the 3rd bottle (maybe the 2nd), we are pretty much over the presentation portion and into the snacks, jokes and conversations. After the first half of the Green/Blue we gave up on the football game as well. We finally broached the aged bottle of red that we had paid mucho bucks for that we meant to enjoy on our 50th anniversary. Well a year and a month after that milestone was soon enough and it did taste delicious.

 A little talk of politics though I pointed out if you've lived long enough you have seen the stock market go up and down, inflation rise and fall. In fact when we were buying our first houses we would have killed for 7% interest rates.  Meanwhile the oil companies happily post record profits and people continue to buy buy buy.  Although it seems the only ones getting hurt financially are the single parent families and poor folk, but the number one issue is inflation?  Really. And crime when the GOP is calling for blood when the FBI raided Traitor Dumpf's place and an 82 year old grandfather is almost killed from hateful political rhetoric against his wife. 

CRUSHING Speaking of the horrific loss of life in Korea due to 100,000 partiers, I am reminded how I get a lot of grief over my distate (ok hatred) of standing in line or pushing my way through a crush to get to the front. In college we attended a concert where we stood in a long line (with tickets) before they opened the doors and said "Ok, run for it".  Not fun.  Never again I swore and I haven't. What a waste of a whole generation of young people. 

ALL HALLOWS The boy made his annual trick or treat visit last Friday as he is busy canvassing his neighborhood Halloween night and we head to the lake to hand out goodies to the kids and shots to the parents. He had a big weekend as Mom and Dad took him to his first pro football game.  As his Dad is a Lions fan and Joe's heart belongs to the Dolphins and their young quarterback, someone was bound to be disappointed. Well it sure as heck wasn't Joe...Sigh  Peace out and prayers to Ukraine....💚💙💛

                                                           

WOE OR WOAH (October 23)

 SHOPPING WOES After misreading both the sign out front and, apparently, the sign in front of the product, I believed I was charged more and pointed it out twice to cashiers who were at a loss. As it was only 20cents I said forget it. However when I got home I found I had been charged twice for the item   Arrgghhh 😖Then on further examination I realized I was not charged at all for another items that costs 9.99 a lb, though their sticker said 4.19 a pound. Darn labeling rules. Net gain probably $2.  Karma 😄 

Speaking of customer service (well I was) ever notice how difficult it is to find a phone number online to talk to a "live" person on your issue?  It is practically impossible to find on the website and if you query the "customer service" or "contact us" statement it ususally suggests one contact them via email or, my favorite, robotic Chat rooms; but no direct phone number.  Do you think that is by design? hmmm And I'm talking large companies here. 

HOUSE WOES Further delays, oh joy.  After tying up the house for a month, and agreeing to fix what was found on inspection or lowering the price, the buyer "booked". Apparently she is within her rights to do so "pending inspections" so no compensation for us and losing 4 weeks of sale time for nothing. I hate FHA loans. But then after getting news we had a showing already scheduled the next day, we got a call there was a water puddle in the basement. Fortunately my brother-in-law is up there hunting and he's a heck of a handyman....so I convinced him to take a look. He found the leak in an upstairs sink that apparently had been broken for some time but we never ran any water in there so news to us. People on house tours love to test out the faucets. As it is a hot water heating system we can't leave the water off too long or no boiler. He fixed the pipe problem but now the faucet is dripping. Hoping he can fix that today or put a new faucet in. We plan on presenting him with a major gift card in addition to his expenses.  Hard to sell a house from 250 miles away! 

DRIVING WOES I used to like driving, but everyone is so much more aggressive and in a hurry these days. As I have had my share of speeding tickets, I tend to set my cruise a few miles above the speed limit and relax. Except I can't as tailgating is constant.  Best case scenerio - magic finger gestures, worst case-bang bang. I reference the bang-bang to Kristen's and my trip to France in 2000. As our marvelous travel guide forgot there were no taxis after midnight on Friday night we had to basically "hitch hike" rides back to the hotel.

 Sandwiched between two characters in the front seat who did not converse with us in english and the girls in the backseat (Kristen thinking we were going to be kidnapped and murdered), I tried to make conversation from my high school french Zut Alors! Just as you imagine, there is much honking, gesturing and yelling out car windows when one is blocked in downtown Paris. Nobody backs up-kind of an honor thing I guess. At the height of the yelling and obscene gestures I said something like "Etats Unis bang-bang allez." (rough translation in "US we would probably be in shooting mode"). It was only after we arrived safely at our hotel did one of the gentleman ask for a reimbursement (more than a taxi but less than mayhem & murder would have cost) in perfect english.  I paid and "Merci".  

ECONOMY WOES Speaking of economics, I find it interesting that the business leaders are promoting recession, etc., while meanwhile the travel gurus and credit card companies (who actually have their finger on the pulse of American spending) claim people are "business as usual" and not holding back on goodies and travel. Also Halloween is back to 2019 levels to the tune of 10 billion! That's a "hell" of a lot of 16 foot skeletons I see gracing the suburban homes around here.  Speaking of which, guess who is going as the devil himself complimented with his best buddy the Grim Reaper. 

It's all about the light-up mask apparently. Not sure if the bare feet will be walking the neighborhood however.

Continuing with economics I suspected as much and then was reading a claim by Congresswoman Katie Porter from California who is known for her famous whiteboard demos.  After her speech she was fact-checked and proven correct. Business profits were around 11% from 1979 to 2019. Since 2020, the number has jumped to 53.9 (despite those new outrageous higher salaries/otherwise known as the cost of living). Inflation is solely due to government spending my sweet Aunt Fanny. Obviously there are other factors in play but we should not be fooled that we are not paying for that 40% increase. Your're welcome stockholders. 

BACK TO BOILERS A funny story came to mind when I realized we were dependent on water reaching a boiler for heating Sherry's house as the gales of November come closer. Our first apartment was the upstairs of a house and heated by a boiler. There were no downstairs neighbors at the time. ASIDE:  Our former neighbors had a "smoking" habit that tended to make one high just going up to our apartment from the aromas wafting from their apartment. Oh the 70's.

 Anyway the boiler had a tendency to run out of water when it got cold-makes sense right? The OH cheerily showed me what I had to do in the unlikely event of the boiler dying while he was up north deer hunting. I woke one night to all the brand-new kittens and their mother huddled with their paws on the heating elements of the electric blanket. Ruh-ro. I still can't believe I went down 2 flights of stairs in the dark to restart the heating system. If it wasn't for the cats.... Little harder to do 250 miles away. Hopefully we sell the damn place before Dale is done hunting up there.  Definitely, Peace Out..✌💙💛

THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE (October 16)

Definite sign of the changing seasons--dragging Madam Pontoon on a trailer heading to her winter abode. The Robel pole barn was graciously offered thus leading to the perilous journey on back roads with what has to be the most gargantuan trailer on two wheels.  We were the guys you hate to get behind on a two-laner. Considering the cost of gasoline these days, it's a good thing we only have to fill it up once every two years- Ouch.

Offered to to pick up the boy from after school Adventure Club leading to an eager tour of his classroom. He commandeers one of two special seats that face a square of four other desks.  Much like the chairman of the Board. His Mother said at the Homecoming parade twenty people must have stopped to say hello to him so the chairman reference is appropriate. I don't know if it's especially crowded or this is the "new" classroom design, but it is all open rooms with bookshelves between.  Not sure how one can identify their particular hubbub from other classrooms or maybe it doesn't matter. Which reminds me...

Had a much anticipated (not in a good way)  dentist appointment for a new crown this week and they also embrace the open concept with no floor to ceiling separation. A liberal application of gas and/or novacain keeps the clients from freaking out those who are merely there for a cleaning.  I warned ahead of time I insist on frequent breaks as my jaw tends to spasm so we had some interesting conversation. Mother always told us to make an impression so we are not just another patient -positively or negatively I assume. She was a master at "small talk" with strangers. Our friends loved her. We would troop home various bodies on weekends from college and she was always open to it. Not the typical Mom, she would much rather host never-ending euchre tournaments or debate politics than hide in the kitchen.

Anyway, I have been a patient of this dental practice so long I am actually being treated by my original doctor's son. I regaled him with tales about his father such as how much he enjoyed reading my newspaper opinions each week though he did not agree with me on any (read too liberal). I also related that I was the catalyst for insisting they wear gloves when the AIDS/HIV precautions were just coming out. Due to my occupation I had to create a program and do a lot of training on the subject. Both the doctor and technician were shocked it was ever an issue. They're both young, so it was the norm for their training. Things change and become routine. Funny how we forget everything had to start somewhere.  We also had a discussion on chemicals (PFAS) as I had just done a podcast interview on the topic (love to educate). 

Somehow we got on the topic of various inspections I had done including the Ionia prison. I told them the conditions for the traveling dentist were abysmal with such close quarters that body fluids were routinely shared. He relayed his own story where he was treating a prisoner (part of their training I'm guessing) and he normally asks the patient to lift a hand if they are uncomfortable.  Then he realized she was handcuffed to the chair (which would have made me uncomfortable). I said did you tell her to just raise a leg? He had to think about whether that was restrained as well. At any rate, I am not sure if it was a compliment but the Doctor said I was extremely memorable. 

The discussion actually made me realize something.  So many people lose their more liberal, saving the world ideals, and start worrying about themselves as they grow older.  It's one thing to get older, but closing one's mind to new ideas and the concept of change is fatal. It will age you faster than your years. I believe working in safety and health for so many years and having to change my thinking, my strategy, what I thought I knew and what I learned, kept me mentally nimble and open to new research and ideas.  I really resent it when folks become stuck in worn-out comfortable concepts or actually regress as change and listening to up-to-date information becomes too difficult.  

Go back to school; learn a foreign language; visit a new city; go zip-lining.  Staying in one place mentally forever is mind-numbing. That was reinforced when I interviewed the VP of Operations from an environmental consulting firm on PFAS. I had to study a bit as I struggled to keep up with his scientific concepts and acronyms -lol.  Made me feel like a student again!

A couple weeks' break from "es-tating" has been relaxing. Finally good news from the insurance company after two months of pretty constant haranging.  Apparently we have waded through a sufficient amount of paperwork, hoops, rings and dust bunnies to receive the payout. Fortuitous as the estate sale money only goes so far. Slight set-back on the house, but hopefully it will be resolved before winter. Do not relish bob-sledding up to Rogers to sign paperwork. So all good.  Peace out...💙💛

WHEN LIFE & MAKING SAUSAGE COLLIDE (OCTOBER 9)

 I know it's been awhile.  After five weeks of sorting, cleaning, phone calls, banks, lawyers, courts, realtors we finally caught a break. I now know the "dump" people by their first names and have discovered just what second hand shops and recycling centers will actually accept when one is disposing of a lifetime. So true, "you can't take it with you" and "dust to dust".  Lots and lots and lots of dust. Through the course of this undertaking I caught the worst virus in my life culminating with a ruptured eardrum.  However, when one lays on the "good ear" the compromised eardrum stifles any extraneous noise and helps with shuteye, when I was unstressed enough to get any shuteye.

I learned the intricacies and inefficiencies of government and the Veterans Administration in this journey. Not that I was surprised at it, of course, but I have sympathy for those who have neither the patience or ability to persevere against all odds and extreme "hold" times.  I found multi-tasking and speaker phone a great way to wait out the inevitable "your call is important to us, bla bla bla".  Hold times are inevitably followed by "you need to call this department and/or these six other numbers".  As I could not hear out of one ear and suffered a record two weeks of laryangitis, compliments of the ear infection, speaker phone was also my friend. I had to draw the line at foreign operators. It was just too difficult to decipher when one's hearing is compromised. Which led to callbacks and fingers crossed in hopes of a straight mid-western accent. Even a southern twang was difficult. I will say though, each operator made a point of expressing sympathy for my loss. 

Also any issue I was able to resolve ala telephone was later followed up by requesting the same information in writing, sometimes followed by another phone call verifying they received the information verifying the information that was provided originally by phone. You follow?  However through my prompt diligence I was able to snag several small refunds which were sorely needed for the Estate fund (funded by us) to pay bills. Another fun rule, credit unions/banks do not give one access to the deceased person's bank account even though the court-appointed rep (the OH) was required to give an accounting of assets and liabilities.  Funny how that works.

Insurance companies, and a niece with special needs and desires, were their own private nightmares.  I now understand why one hires a lawyer to collect after a vehicle mishap. The insurance goal is to keep providing hoops for one to catapult through before dispensing anything of value. Constant bombardment through phone calls and letters eventually breaks through the reinforced walls. I think; jury is still out. Though our lawyer told me we are moving at "lightning speed". To which I retorted, "because it's my money being spent!" 

 After spending three solid days in ICU and after dropping off the niece to "recover" I guess, us old people spent the next several hours cleaning in a massive "person-hunt" for pertinent papers. An almost useless task as things turned out. The joy of finding a locked mini-safe did not yield the treasured paperwork sought. (I should have guessed from the layer of dust on it) Instead it contained ancient and useless documents;  interesting but of no particular assistance.  Imagine trying to re-create a person's entire financial past-present-future from bits, pieces and conjecture essentially. 

One interesting story from that night still has us bemused. I'll preface it by saying several months after my Mother passed I was feeling particularly sad and wishing she was still within a phone call's reach. Apropos of nothing the rock station I was listening to suddenly, mid-song, broke into the Irish Rovers "Green Alligators, and long-necked geese" etc. the very song we played at Mother's funeral as she liked the group and it seemed appropriate at the time.  Fast-forward 15 years. Finally calling a dinner break the night of Sherry's passing the OH went to a local restaurant (there are a grand total of 4 restaurants in town) to pick up a pizza. Important to the story:  he NEVER turns on the radio. As he drove by the Rogers City cemetery, the radio starting blasting out the 60's station.  Hmmm. So at least I know Sherry made it to Rock and Roll heaven and apparently music is the choice for communicating with the living.

The fatigue factor was high as constant cleaning, sorting and phone calls took over our lives. (We have dedicated our dining room as the Enlow annex). Three estate sales yielded enough to keep the proverbial wolfie from the door in paying essential house bills. Amazing the stuff people will buy, though the positive stories about my late sister-in-law were comforting. She touched many in that town.

BEFORE  

                                                                                 

AFTER

  

 As I said we were constantly sleep-deprived, suffering a viral infection and making a 500 mile round trip every week so a couple of stories emerged. One night after a particularly brutal day, we searched high and low for the hotel room key as we were checking out the next morning. Harsh words were exchanged on who lost what when I flung open the door to find the key sitting securely, and unsafely, in the door lock on the outside...all night - oops.

Pretty much on a first-name basis with the various folks at the local hotel. Though them spinning off my credit card number from memory was a little disturbing. However our "chuminess" led to special services. This hotel is not high on luxury but nice view of Lake Huron. However there was a comfy little wrap-around chair one week in our room. The next week-no chair. When I mentioned it, they assured me they would do some discreet checking of other rooms and lo and behold, the little chair appeared in the room that night! They also knew my phone number by heart as they needed it when we left, get this, a pair of shoes and a swiss army knife in the room which I just had them hold until the next week, because of course we had to come back.

One high note. Real Estate people work any hour of the day or night. After two people mentioned this agent's name. I took it as an omen and put a call into her voice mail. She called that night and asked if she could meet with us the next day, Sunday. I had gotten used to the little town closing up on the weekend so I was beyond thrilled. House listed four days later and offer made the first weekend. Though nothing is certain until it is, I give high marks for the real estate hustle she demonstrated. Much better impression than the appraiser we were required to hire whose first words were "who's gonna pay me", who proceeded to lowball the appraisal and did not notice there was an unexpected extra strip of beautiful forested land behind the house. To be honest, the house has its "issues" but it is offered "as is" as part of an estate.  After the realtor finished the pictures (highlighting the back forest & us shuffling furniture around to make it look better) I was reminded of the old saying "you really don't want to know how the sausage is made"....  Peace out  💙💛

LAKE HURON SUNRISE 

(AUGUST 15-AUGUST 22)

 Been a sad and exhausting time as we have dealt with my sister-in-law's sudden death. After three days in the hospital and another several sorting out her affairs (which will be ongoing) I am hanging up the pen for a bit until I can catch my breath.

                                                           

Couple of thoughts -- Watching someone softly pass is not scary; she was so happy the week before with all of her dreams coming true; most people are compassionate (nosy but compassionate); but some are selfish showing who they are;  and finally, for your famiy's sake, take care of things now and dump all the extraneous items in your life that do not bring joy. We come into the world with nothing and leave the same way; except someone has to sort it all out at the end 😞🙏. Peace out....💙💙💙

CARTWHEELING (August 8)

CAN YOU NOT SEE ME? I am not sure if car wars are worse in the summer, but the overall popularity appears to be growing. They normally center around "do not let yourself be passed" regardless of courtesy or, heaven forbid, safety. Even on surface streets there is definitely a "me first" attitude even if one has to exceed the speed limit to win. When you inevitably meet at the same destination seconds apart one is apparently declared macho driver and can take a bow.  Especially alarming is the "stick in my lane" folks who, no doubt, tentatively climb on the expressway, pick a lane and will not be dislodged for love or money. This is especially noticeable when others try to squeeze onboard with a small window of extra lane and the hoggers rigidly avoid eye contact, refusing to give ground oblivious of potential mayhem. Which then leads to the second person angrily tailgating the non-mover and then racing by with choice words or gestures delivered. I try not to keep score.

MRI week so valium and a lot of self-hypnosis was involved. I chose MSU health center as I believed they might be on top of the game equipment-wise. Turns out they had the "big ones" and a little flutter of linen gently caresses your face as you are rolled in offering a cloud-like experience if you, against better judgment, open your eyes.  Plus I rode the table in feet first so managed not to freak and push the emergency bulb they hand you on your way into the cave. Earphones were clamped on but, trust me, the "Mickey Mouses' "  do not muffle the banging and slamming magnets performing their merry little dance.  They tried talking to me throughout, but total lost cause on my end, due to the dancing magnets, etc....

WASHINGTON WEEK Interesting week political wise.  Everybody signed off on the climate/medicare bill win-win. And Velveeta's mansion was "raided".  Though with a legal warrant I do not believe that was the proper description. It is interesting that all the repugs and maggots were screaming about searching an ex-pres' personal quarters, yet not one seems concerned that "ahh, taking and keeping classified documents is illegal".  

That's the gambit. Don't mention any alleged crimes up to and including espionage, but just the outrage over the "legal" search itself which indicates they know what it really means. How ironic that the dude signed legislation that made it a felony with jail time for holding classified materials, H.C.s emails, and who gets caught with their paws in the pussy jar?  Also "the mob takes the 5th as they're guilty" and who took the 5th 480 times during his deposition. Keep to the lies, bombastic BS and don't blink.  Oh yes, Alex Jones blinked. In fact he was sweating right into his expensive blue shirt. Interesting that the "support the blue" crowd is threatening FBI officers. Though it should be noted the cops are armed and will shoot back, not run.

In trying to understand where the other side is coming from, I realize that there is a large group of Americans who feel they are being ignored and not listened to, but I don't think the "pseudo-patriot right" encouraging violence is actually speaking for them. Government has the ability to help protect and provide for the people in ways that we as individuals cannot do on our own. However, it is only as good or corrupt as those we trust with our best interests. Push-back and accountability are absolutely necessary. When we let ourselves be led by conspiracies and promises of power and greed the whole pyramid collapses. 

One final thought for the enraged. We are treating DT with kid gloves compared to Nixon who was named as an unindicted co-conspirator who then had the decency to resign.  He just had knowledge of (or directed) a break-in. Mr. T may have been providing nuclear or classified information to the enemy. Something to ponder.

LAKE TIME Enjoyed a couple of days with sister and b-i-l this week at the lake with a twilight boat ride, succulent steaks and much good wine. They were contemplating a Great Britain trip and were quizzing us on ours from a few years ago.  I blogged several chapters on the trip at the time. We said Scotland was our favorite. First I surprised myself by tasting and enjoying scotch whiskey. Usually I can't get past the smell, but over there it was fresher, single malt and just better. Like tasting a Guiness at the Dublin brewery. It just doesn't taste the same over here. 

 For our whiskey adventure we actually stopped in a public park and the tour guide whipped out bottles of scotch and fig newtons. Amazing combo. Followed by near disaster when our driver could not get the bus back up the hill to the road.  We weren't feeling any pain so volunteered to get out and push. Thankfully it did not come to that.  Big bus and narrow roads. You literally cling to the mountainside and pray a lot when passing.  Fortunately most Europeans opt for small cars. We also enjoyed a boat trip on the infamous Loch Ness (no sea monsters spotted) and while in Edinburgh were able to purchase authentic Tartan scarves from our Grandmother's (family name - Pringle) factory. There was a whole adventure getting back from the store that finally resulted in a cab ride in one of those big, black ones they show on old movies. However I think the whole trip became worthwhile for the OH when we made a stop at St. Andrew's Golf course. His St. Andrews cap totally outclasses his Treetops version.  Peace out.....💓  💙💛

 

COUPLE OF WINS FOR THE PEOPLE (August 1)

APPLIANCE UPDATE   For the stunning conclusion to the broken dishwasher epic. I know, riveting saga...

Highly paid and anticipated electrician arrives; tears the machine front apart; lays on the floor and reaches in to.......put the plug back into the outlet-ARRRGGHHH.   I know, I know we're paying for him knowing what to do first.  The biggest hassle was reseating the dishwasher, with it's insulating coat wrapped around it, back into the teeny tiny space. He then says, so what else can I do for you today?  Fortunately we had an outside light that needed to be replaced so that huge bill felt a little less foolish. 

Good News-we now know how to tear the front off the machine and put the plug back into the outlet.  Expensive week as I asked him back to re-situate an oddly placed light switch in the garage. Using it always forced one to edge around the screen door in the dark to reach the switch on the opposite wall tempting a tumble down concrete steps. 

PEOPLE WIN What a good couple weeks for the good guys. Passed the Vet bill to cover their service related medical issues; chip bill passed bolstering domestic production (which rankled McConnel no end); successful slice and dice of al-Qaida leader Ayma al-Zawahiri; passed the first gun reform laws in decades and passage of a medical/climate/tax bill (which rankled all Repubs no end). I always wondered why Medicare, as the biggest payer of prescription drugs, never used it's buying power to obtain better prices. Businesses have created group policies forever for the same reason, not to mention other countries providing health care. Big duhh there. One also has to wonder why the repubs constantly stand against anything that helps their own constituents (all but the wealthy).  They are certainly making hay over the infrastructure bill which is happily funneling money into their districts even though NOT ONE republican voted for it. Again duhhh.

To show how far the crazy has gone. Election deniers running for office are claiming victories before the votes are counted; claiming fraud when they come in fourth forcing recounts and my own relation warning us not to be conned at the recent drop in gas prices. In her reasoning, it was $2 cheaper two years ago - you know during the pandemic...when no one was driving. It runs deep.

 VIVA LA DIFFERENCE Back to Medical costs.  I had a lot of exposure to local doctors when performing workers' comp duties and was privy to the avarice (greed) that some doctors and employees were not ashamed to reveal in benefitting from a work-related injury. One already degreed person wanted us to fund a Doctorate so they could become a lawyer (to fight for further bennies I guess). This was along with the demand for a hot tub prescribed by the doctor-I'm not kidding. You want to know why medical insurance is so expensive? Claim an accident or injury as work related and see how high the bills climb. There are literally different cost charts for work-related incidents compared to other causes of injury. That is why I became the Queen of locating light-duty assignments.  One emp was such a frequent injury-flyer he wanted me to make him supervisor of the injured workers I had assigned to light-duty jobs. Now that is what I call chutzpah. I have paid for shoes, chairs, alternative therapies, weight loss programs, masseuse', etc. in the quest for return-to-work. I just hated to give in, which some folk did not find especially laudable. 

MORE MEDS! Running out of my anti-inflam script I got from the meanie surgeon consultation I requested it from my personal doc. I get an answer back within minutes that I needed to go to the person who prescribed it. As meanie surg was a one and done and my personal doc and I had spoken about the pill's effectiveness I knew the person who answered had not even talked to my doctor.  I wrote one of my famously (read between the lines) complaint letters and got a response within minutes that my script had been called into the pharmacy. Pays to complain "constructively". Was someone trying to save the insurance company from paying my script? But then again my medical issue is not work-related.

AUGUST RAIN DOTH NOT HAVE THE SAME ROMANCE Both the OH and I have had our deluge moments this week. The August weather has been bizarre going from brain-boiling heat and humidity to monsoon. No gradual build-up. As the OH was in Home Depot when one hit, he happily perused the aisles until the all clear was imminent. Upon returning to the truck (which unfortunately was parked next to a drain) he was forced to wade through six inches of water. You know it took three days for those shoes to dry out. My own moment came shortly after I realized  my sunglasses were no longer necessary as the fluffy white had turned to black and funnel shaped. Unfortunately I needed to use the ATM and the 20 foot run to the door was exhilarating to say the least and wet t-shirt competitive to say the worst. Note:  Curly hair gets frizzy when wet without benefit of hair products and dryer. Oh well, bad style is better than no style I think.  

Also, though only at the Lake for 24 hours, Fisherboy Joe managed to catch six channel cats, two nice sized bluegills and an "amost" legal bass.  PEACE OUT....💙💛💙💛

 

PRIMARY WEEK (JULY 31)

Appliance update.  Though no luck on a repair person I absorbed the lesson and am grudgingly using the working dishwasher at least once a week.  The OH sensing an opportunity is presenting me with a dirty baseball cap in a holder to clean every time I do. Helps me reach a full load I guess.

SKELETON PARK & GOLF Have to give the devil his due. Apparently by burying his ex-wife on his golf course it makes the land a cemetery. According to New Jersey tax law, cemeteries are exempt from property tax, income tax and real tax. Wow. What a wonderfully charitable act, though inquiring minds want to know if the lady graces the front or back nine. Wonder how the penalty is assessed upon landing in the "cemetery". I guess it shows how "low" the undertaker will go. As one commentator pointed out (in reference to hosting the Saudi tournament) when given the choice between America and money he always takes the cash. The graft goes merrily on and no one's in jail. Time to utilize our backyards in a tax-winning strategy. Narcissism has its advantages.

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL Continuing the theme of "people are always mad at the wrong thing/person", a couple of oil companies just reported "massive" profits for the second quarter in a row while claiming they can't increase production (too expensive?)...while the public suffers horrendous gas prices...and blames the president. More education of who we should be mad at...the same party who is celebrating (against the majority opinion of the citizens) banning abortion for any reason  has also voted against family medical leave, the child care credit, universal health care, and expanded benefits for veterans, etc. Still blaming the Administration?  Not to mention the hypocritical R representative voting against the Respect for Marriage Act and attending his gay son's wedding three days later (Thompson). Save me from party politics even when your own child is involved and insulted.

 Recession? No recession? This is probably the 3rd or 4th time we've gone through this since I've started investing regardless of who is in office. Guess what? It comes back! War, supply chain problems, too much dependence on China, companies making massive profits from government bailouts that they spent on buying back their own stock or rewarding investors...blame the President. The con job continues.

A gentleman we were talking with the other day said he was wondering which R to support in the Governor's race, but I wisely kept my own counsel. The choices are so superlative. First the disqualified candidates who falsified signatures on their petitions for candidacy (including a former Police Chief). One who is backed by trumpie dump and believes there are sex conspiracies in junior high and no exceptions for abortion, "young girls should be forced to go through a pregnancy after rape/incest"; the guy who brought long guns into the Capitol and celebrated at the January 6 soiree; the pig father of three daughters who gleefully states if rape is inevitable, lay back and enjoy it; the ex-pastor who wants the Bible as a textbook in schools; the one who wants to throw  the "3 witches" (Governor, Sec of State and Attorney General) in jail for bravely doing their jobs while being threatened and harrassed  even in their own homes. Most also claim the election was stolen regardless of their own party's exhaustive efforts to prove fraud with no success. Stinks when honorable people can't produce bogus results...

The Dems have their own record of pratfalls. Their biggest problem is the puppy-like eagerness to have everybody like them, thus not landing the blows when they need to.  Though this inept scenerio brought about the 40-hour work week, ended child labor, created social security and universal health care, workplace safety and health, environmental advances.  You know the things that are important to we, the taxpayers. Have to admire the R strategy of pushing the narrative that Social Security will not last so no one would be surprised if they ended it.  Even though many strategies exist including taxing ALL incomes (no maximum cap) that would keep the fund solvent. Again the majority of seniors rely on this program and are being conned into thinking it is unsustainable. Voting against veteran and senior interests does not seem to be a winning strategy-if anyone is paying attention.

WIN FOR A MINUTE Score one for the good guys. Under Governor Snyder's watch citizen petition drives were put together for the November ballot raising the minimum wage and guaranteeing paid sick leave. In a snarky move, the legislature quickly passed their watered down version of these ballot proposals before the election thus making them null and void.  However the citizens sued and recently prevailed as the judge ruled the legislature had no right to change the "wording or intent" of the proposals.  Again it ain't the dems that are continuing to strike at the people's ability to live and thrive. Though it would be incredible if both sides could grow up and work together. Helping the citizens in a fiscally responsible way-what a concept.

JOE TIME --  Enjoyed the grandson's company at the lake for a few days where he proceeded to clean the canal of any stray channel cats that fell for his tasty worms.  He did score some lake swim time although the wave action was pretty intense. Fortunately the bright orange shirt I insisted he wear and the snorkel he donned kept him in sight between all the white caps. He likes to pretend he is different fish species as he scopes the bottom of the lake. Usually a sand or lemon shark, but for some reason he said he was a blue-footed booby which is a bird with an impressive mating dance. I don't want to know... 

We stopped for ice cream after swimming where he asked for a small vanilla cone. He's not a big ice cream eater and they gave him way too much so he ended up dumping it into my dish and just ate the cone.  Obviously I didn't need any dinner. Later I asked him if he wanted corn on the cob for his dinner.  Any self-respecting 10 year old would state his displeasure with a "yuck, gross, I hate corn on the cob."  All Joe said was "not one of my favorites".  I swear there is a 40-year old diplomat living in that boy. Peace Out... 💛💙💛💙

APPLIANCE WARS (July 25)

MORE MECH FAILURES The latest (well not so latest-2 months) appliance rebellion occurred at the lake house when the dishwasher took a dive and refused to resurface (note the water reference?) Only four years old and deader than a school of carp initiating a suicide pact. I guess my strategy of buying "el cheapo" as I have a dishwasher sized opening in my lower cupboards was not well thought out. To be clear, though I own two houses and thus two dishwashers, which I never use. Seems wasteful to me (against all science) when 5-10 minutes cleans up the kitchen sink. So obviously in a fit of pique from being ignored the lakeside version decided to punish me.

No problem. The culprit is relatively new and slightly used so the store should set me up with repairs. Unlike the defunct LG "frig" that no one would touch with the proverbial 10 foot magic wand. Note to self:  do not buy LG appliances...ever.  Anyway store referred me to outside repair shops, hmmm not a great start if they do not service what they sell. First call was answered by a shrew-like person who growled about no appointments for four score and who knows. But also they immediately identified the problem as a controller and those are VERY expensive. If the job was to discourage further contact and forego any ongoing monetary interactions they were successful.  Though I would love to know the cost of the magic eight ball that diagnoses over the phone. I have a feeling the answers as you shook the ball would include "You're kidding right? Never heard of that brand. They don't make parts for that anymore (what the heck are chewing gum and twine for then); Ask again later when I don't have to answer the phone and, of course, Don't know, don't care but whatever it is, it's VERY expensive"

Second call was the national Sears Applicance line. You know it's national, or international, as the service folks are named Jim and Mitzi and have very strong accents. After much back and forth, we agreed on service and timing and then they wanted my credit card. Well that was fifteen minutes of my life I'll never get back..Needless to say I still don't have a fix for my stubborn little friend. Tried Thumbtack which is Angi's List's little brother I think. No problem! One repair person who got 4.9 stars, great reviews and worked my little lake town. Well that was a week ago  and no callback. Sigh. Well at least it looks nice- that dormant, smirking piece of stainless steel.

USUAL RANT My political rant for the day as I was following some of the January 6 Committee revelations. Our forefathers were extremely concerned that the country not fall under the spell of a meglomaniac who would refuse to give up power and rule as a king. Especially since they were going through a lot of effort, expense and frankly, death to get rid of the one they had. Thus they put in checks and balances but also said the country needed to rely on those of moral courage and integrity. Well we have heard from those folks and they are being trashed, maligned and threatened by those who, to use an old saying, are not "fit to shine their shoes". We will have to fight this battle again and again and thank you for those who spoke the truth against all odds. 

On a lighter note a Congress woman was debating or blocking (take your pick) legislation to codify the use of contraception. She believed contraception leads to more abortions, duh. The same folks who think educating the masses and college are a waste of time. Same group banning books that tell history, math and the truth.  Obviously many of us are electing our "peers". Same clowns who think Jewish lasers cause forest fires (taylor green), unattractive women shouldn't worry about rape (gaetz); smoking doesn't kill (pence), etc. 

Speaking of trees. No I was actually I was following a log hauler the other day. I have an acute fear of following a trailer with massive cut logs/trees on it.  I always envision a loud twang and logs rolling slowly off into my windshield and impaling all front seat passengers, etc.  Reminded me of the hassle we had at MIOSHA about the unloading of logs in the UP. Drivers argued to stay in the cab as the massive trees were unloaded to save time. We argued the possibility of eating bark (crushed) if the hook malfunctioned resulting in 1000's of pounds of wood obliterating all and sundry. We were worry warts and they were defending the economic reality which was dependent upon getting their logs to the mill as fast as they could to get paid. The older you get, the more you are confronted with the grays of life (as opposed to pure black and white).

Continuing the agricultural theme the first tomato picking was today. The grape and cherry are usually first with their scarlet paws in the air saying "pick me! pick me!"  But these are a little suspect based on their size. We have either been accidentally infused with nuclear material causing tremendous growth or they were mislabeled at the farm.  At any rate looks like a very good year.

                                                                                        

SUMMER WIND Invited the wine tasting group out for "Lunch on the Lake". Another note to self: Do not overbuy the entree if one is supplying wine and appetizers beforehand.  Discovered: 1) we all fit on the patio in the shade; 2) I have enough non-breakable wine glasses for 10; 3) everybody brings wine and food; 4) Eight bodies and a drink cooler are the correct ballast on the pontoon to provide perfect balance especially on a windy day; 5) nice paper plates work just fine when one does not have a working dishwasher. Peace out (except for the lying russian cowards) 💛💙

                                      

SCATTERED THOUGHTS (JULY 18)

Took a couple of weeks off to enjoy Joe time, reunions, birthday galas, etc.  By Sunday night, all creativity exhausted. So this will consist of some observations, memories and the inevitable political rant.

AT YOUR SERVICE, MAYBE I think many have reached the end of their prospective ropes regarding service no doubt due to short staffing, supply chain snafus, demanding customers. At a chain sit-down restaurant we were basically ignored for any addtional services, condiments or coffee refills (which considering what they charge for coffee, unforgiveable). When noting this to the cashier, the response was "why didn't you ask me?" Huh? Even the local pharmacy was snooty upon asking a very pertinent question with answer along the lines of  "I haven't had any problems" Again Huh? Wave of the future I am guessing. Upon receiving good (not even great) service I now tend to overtip.

This is the happy time of year when property taxes are due as well as ALL the insurances for everything (cars, houses, boats, umbrella) which no one explains is the down side of bundling your coverages. I was feeling financially smug about my savings strategies, which, of course, was an irresistable temptation to disaster. In quick succession refrigerator, television and garage door all decided this was the moment to "take a crap". Ah well.  I now have a new frig, TV and garage door-and my savings strategies held up.

Speaking of investments, one should not look at their investments right now.

WORK TALES I remember how the fire fighters loved their down time between chaos and mayhem (fires and emergencies) as that gave them more time to work on their portfolios. When we changed the guaranteed pension to an investment system, a bunch of would-be financial advisor hobbyists were born. Instead of one very savvy financial manager coordinating the money, everyone gets a shot at it. The FF's were just able to do it on work time. I left the job but kept the financial advisor they had hired to put the system in place. He also loves to coordinate money.

Which segues into contracts. With seven or was it nine, different unions at my workplace I sat on negotiations more than once and became the "go to" for interpreting the minutes on what we "really" meant during the meetings. Straight faced when going toe-to-toe and dissolving into consternation and hilarity with my team on breaks.Though we met in odd places, spending the night in the Wastewater Plant conference room dozing on the tables was definitely one for the books.  Nothing like using uncomfortable circumstances to come to consensus. Then being awakened by the BOSS wanting to know what the hold-up was and telling me to "just do it". Yes, Sir. Though I question whether a staff manager had more power than a line manager. Apparently we did.

INEVITABLE RANT Speaking of power shifts. Apparently the fear that "certain" white males embody has borne fruit with the reversal of Roe v Wade. Ever since they found a reliable and safe means of contraception women have been able to control their lives like any other American which meant "others" could not control or shut down their advancement. Which, apparently, infuriates the same group of nosies that opposes civil rights, contraception, etc. etc.  We are already hearing the horror stories of women suffering miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies (forming outside the uterus that will not survive and kill the Mother). Doctors and hospitals are afraid to treat because of the uncertainty of the new law which is leading to complications, infections and fear in patients. I myself suffered a miscarriage and had a procedure to remove tissue (and a piece of my heart if I'm honest). If that right had not been there for me, who knows? Yes, it's personal and, might I add no one's business. I know there are men out there who agree that women should have a choice and also want to be part of decisions to determine when and how large a family they want.  Let's hear from them too! 

Not to spread conspiracy theories, but why are there thousands of American children waiting to be adopted yet people are opting for European (read white) children. hmmm. Listening pro-birthers?

And news flash, if you're going to allow people to pray publicly, at schools and "coercing" others to join in then you better get ready to get out your prayer mat and yamaka. There is a separation of church and state that are the foundations of this country and I think it's time we stop letting one "group" tell everyone else what to do while they are shouting "freedom". Freedom from these folks please. 

GAMES  As discussed earlier my own furthering the advancement of women precipitated my insertion into the Men's golf league. Two of my male collegues made me a part of their team, because they felt the system was unfair, but mostly they would get week off every couple. Since one of them was named Larry and the other Darold it was inevitable that we were known as Larry, Darol and Darelle.  Looked nice on the last place trophy. See women don't have to win or get special favors; just a chance to be a part of the game. Attitude is just a bonus. 😃 Plus as I've said before it made it much easier to deal with these folks later at work as we had golf (played badly) in common. Kind of like a secret handshake thingee. Women unfettered-scarey. Beat same woman at golf-buds for life!

 The humming bird wars are in full forcce. The male (why is it always...) is very territorial and will not let the, actually larger, female have a drink too. Especially silly as there is enough sugar juice in the feeder to cause the whole flock diabetes believe me. Getting fed seemed important to the female so as the male hummer flashed back and forth screeching, she tucked herself deep in the rose bush, thorns and all, and waited... Eventually he blew himself out and she got lunch. Let that be a word to the wise; I have learned in certain circumstances to wait and let you blow yourself out. Peace out ....💛💜

HISTORY MADE/HISTORY TAKEN AWAY (JUNE 20)

Lots of activity this week and not all of it work-related for a change.  Well yes, I did hold a rehearsal for my next poddie guest and I created a script for the MSU FRIB speaker and felt guilt for not contacting everyone I was going to, but....

LAKE DAYS & OTHER STUFF Spent a couple of days at the lake and got to use both boats with a legal sized walleye finally captured by the OH. We catch and release so it is merely heresay...I spent the morning cleaning and reading a book I've had out there for a couple of months. Enjoyable meander around the lake and dinner with sis and b-i-l. Made tracks the next morning as the weather was going to be toasty and also as the annual garage sale was starting Friday morning. It was absolutely essential to "holster" the fishing boat in the garage before the bargain seekers descended (early of course), but nice chilly ride across the lake with the sun coming out.

                                                                 

As set-up for the sale was occurring across the street and I actually saw the elusive lady who lives in the new house with the menacing signs of NO TRESPASSING & BEWARE  OF DOG, I thought I would go over and introduce myself. She's only been there a couple of years and does not talk to the neighbors. She literally blew me off and turned her back on me. Well I'll be sure to call 911 for you ma'am if the need ever arises.  Her husband, who was friendly when they first started building the house there, died of a heart issue-I can understand why.

 Enjoyed my visit with my new specialist who sports a children's story- type last name. I asked him if he got a lot of flak for it and he said "give me your best shot". A much more productive and pleasant visit and referral for PT before further nerve testing. As I was a half hour early (got 3 texts with 3 different start times) maybe he did not have time to get frustrated with earlier patients - lol.  Financial planner visit went as expected and not surprisingly, the magic beans we invested in did not pan out (da da thump-joke). Good time to buy of course. Nice restaurant, in Brighton of all places, and I even had a drink on him as we were early, no he was late actually. 

WARNING, POLITICS Of course the hearings rumble on and I must give credit to the producer. The segues and animation were superbly intertwined with the interviews, conducted with republicans as obviously the dems would not have a reason to overthrow the election/govt. Something about being under oath made people tell the truth which sure as hell would have helped this country if they had spoken up earlier. Hopefully some of these dufusses will follow the example of Rusty Bowers (Arizona) who truthfully, said he supported and voted for Dufus Quixote but in deference to his conscience, his oath to the constitution and his faith was not willing to cheat to win. (forget all that went before and ignore the man behind the curtain). He was mocked by the GOP party leader of Arizona who nicknamed him "Rusty Bowels" which is appalling to realize the "r's" condemn honesty and adherence to an oath over lies. Also these dudes are not going under the bus for "he who will not leave".

Have to love ole' Ron Johnson (Wisconsin) who was accused of passing on a packet of "false electors" to the Vice Pres. But as Schultz of Hogan's Hero's would say "I know notting".  Blamed his intern and stated his only role was to pass on a packet that 1) he did not know who it came from and 2) did not know what it contained.  I always take my underlings word for any important job they give me and ouch my stomach hurts and I'm on a phone call don't bother me...

The (non-partisan - choke) supremies have struck again. In the same week they ruled States do not have autonomy to decide who gets to carry a gun-so everybody does! They then claimed States get to decide who gets to die in childbirth.  Who's pro-life now? As I have stated before, until there is equal responsibility for the fathers, pre-natal care, medical coverage, child care and economic and educational support for the Moms who are literally risking their lives, schooling, careers (especially black women who die at 3Xs the rate as white mothers),  you are pro-birth and pro-maternal death and condemning many children and women to poverty. Disgusting. Clarence -how odd that you are the one chipping away at civil rights and personal liberties. The "good old boys" will be happy to show you what they think of a black man marrying a white woman. And I guess we can just believe Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois misspoke when she complimented the courts and Orangie by saying the Roe reversal was victory for white life. But how similar is Right to Life to White Life. The subconcious is a slippery rascal..She previously praised Hitler's tactics, and no she meant to say that one.

FOOD CHALLENGES Had an opportunity to visit a restaurant we had not been to since before the pandemic.  Nice Italian cuisine and good wine selection. Had my first cavier at at a wine-tasting visit there. At any rate I leaped on an offering of chicken picatta, a dish I had not enjoyed for a long time. Clues that things were not quite as remembered began with the argument over which Sauvignon Blanc I wanted. As Kim Crawford was priced $2 more and I know how cheap it is in the grocery store I tried to flag the server and finally had to literally track her down behind the bar opening Sister Crawford. She was not pleased-not my problem. Upon ordering our salads, the OH asked for Italian dressing. "We don't have that". Italian restaurant. Silence as she gave no listing of what they did have-we had to ask. She seemed surprised. Then we were subjected to a loonnnggg  wait for our appetizers. Second glass of wine required. Finally the entrees. One slice of lemon and 4 capers, hmmm. Have you ever had to saw your tender chicken breast with a steak knife? After leaving a piece and half of the 2 pieces they only offered a lousy 15% discount (only after pointing out it was inedible). But hope springs eternal as I signed us up for a wine tasting there this week. We shall see and make our decision. They will of course get one of my artfully conceived complaint letters (after the wine tasting of course).

Finally upon returning home on Friday we noticed the frig was not as cool as one would expect and blamed it on the hot weather. Um no. When I checked the freezer and found ice cream soup and no ice in the ice trays it was a Scoobie Do ruh ro. Try to find someone who will work on an LG (lousy grade) refrigerator especially without a service contract though the sucker is probably more than ten years old. When a compressor goes, so goes the whole thing we figured.  So a couple hundred dollars of food dumped and a mere $2100 later, we are now living out of coolers until next Wednesday when a new one is being delivered. (Whirlpool) Sigh.    💛💜