TIME IS FLEETING (May 23-30)

It was perhaps fate that caused Grandpa Ide to ask if Joe wanted to go fishing this weekend, as both had been itching to get a line in the water.  With Joe safely away and within a couple of hours of us picking him up, my daughter's father-in-law passed away quietly in his sleep from a massive coronary. Though he is not her husband's father, he has been with his mother for 22 years (after his father died) and he has been beloved "Papa Larry" to our Joe, for the entire ten years of his young life. It was quite an unexpected shock to all of us as we had just seen them a week or two ago at Joe's soccer game and he is an active fisher/hunter/golfer type individual. I am so glad that Joe is a boy who allows his and other's emotions free rein, so I think he will be a loving comfort to Grandma.

The week began with an "almost" accident as well.  On the way to our Mother's Day "Paint & Mimosa" date, K and I cruised through a massive construction project on 496 in downtown Lansing.  With the Ide propensity to always be early, we were within minutes of the 4-car accident in the same area that killed one driver and injured another. We always say we should be ready to go at any time, but are we really? 

Gotta love the hypocrisy with bogusly appalled legislators citing WIC (Women Infant & Children) and border crossing babies as the reason for the shortage of baby formula.  In the first case-that's called support for the poor people that you insist have no choice over their bodies, and the second one is required by law so illegal babies don't... die. How dare the needy take from the white christian babies they are apparently, willing to support. What would Jesus do? Feed the babies.

Further duhh, there's the Wisconsin candidate for governor who wants to abolish election commissions and have them run by politicians, wha? Isn't that conflict of interest? Or just cheating? Then, of course, our own Michigan election where five, count them, five candidates for governor have fake signatures on their petitions. And the zoot suits are fighting the fact that they are being taken off the ballot. Well at least Humpty Trumpity was right about fraud in Michigan's election process. However it's the "r's" running for office. I am so tired of the "stupid" leading us and I mean those who vote for these yahoos.  No scandal or dipstick idea or wacko conspiracy is rejected. Right up to sacrificing our children to protect what? 

At least I was able to get two more podcasts completed and over to the editor this week and one more scheduled for the 31st so I can chill a bit now. My next couple of projects are about the FRIB construction project at MSU and a gentleman who wants to equate mountain climbing with safety program culture. That should be interesting.

I am so glad Joe had an awesome weekend with us before he had to learn about Papa. 14 fish and the elusive bass he and Grandpa were casting for.  Several hours in the water (brrr), a visit to the petting zoo at Mooville and pizza for dinner filled his bucket nicely. On our way back we caught the tail-end of the Hastings Memorial Day parade. As we could only go the speed of the last fire-truck/police car ahead of us I rolled down the window and waved at the crowd thanking them for staying around for the end of the parade. And they waved back!

RIP Larry💔

May 29

 Under Construction as someone insists on going back in the water now.....

ARTFUL DODGING (MAY 16)

I am obsessed with bathrooms apparently.  On a rainy day this week I needed to use the facilities at a store while running errands.  Room reasonably clean and TP available- all good.  However, it had one of those fancy commodes that flushes on a whim (or photo eye). At any rate during the process of elimination it kept triggering the automatic flush resulting in a refreshing bidet effect as I tried to complete my business. I may look into that if I ever remodel the upstairs bathroom.

 It reminded me of the challenges a female in non-traditional workplaces face upon needing certain accommodations. Of course, this was before accommodations were really a "thing" Number one (or number two) never under any circumstances use a porta-potty on a construction site. You may need to challenge your kidneys before you find a McD's bathroom, but I am speaking from experience. If we didn't have to sit down... no I still would have a problem.  Also, as the first woman traversing and training in the power plant, they created an alternative for me. They made a sign that I could switch to W when I was incapacitated. However, I held out for a lock on the door (silly me). When we finally hired our first female power plant apprentices, we got that situation straightened out.  They also had to remove the locker rooms from stairway landings. Until I understood the layout and safe pathways I was treated to a few unexpected sights. Often one just had to relieve before an activity or much later due to my pesky insistence on privacy and cleaning supplies.

Finally able to spend a few days at the lake mowing, pulling weeds, working on the boat, cleaning, etc.  The relaxing commenced when guests arrived. Fishing was the order of the day even for yours truly who actually pulled in the first marine life - a decent sized croppie, who promptly made his/her way back to the lake after the mandatory accolades and picture. I also sported my first sunburn of the year. Our lady friend caught the second fish.....and the men were skunked.  Well someone has to drive the boat and bait the hooks. Having my excitement for the day, we came back for the mandatory potty break and the three of them went back out. As one cannot leave the lake until the last bell has rung we were eating dinner (thoughtfully prepared by our guests) at 9:30 that night.  

The next day we got the old G6 convertible out for cruising. Having never sat in the back seat I had no idea one cannot breathe as your face is being pummeled by the wind-interesting.  At any rate we stopped for flowers, ice cream and shopping while hooting and hollering like a bunch of 16 year old's. But now we're old enough to buy our own beer and wine. Good time.

Ended the weekend by enjoying my Mother's Day gift from Kristen.  We went a' painting. We attended a Wine & Canvas event which was a lot of fun.  Ms Positive and Ms Negative Nelly (me). I always expect I can do something first time out. Fortunately my daughter kept me laughing and complimented my "abstract" work like any good Mother or friend would do. She has a real knack for it though-both the cheerful attitude and art.  Hers at least resembled the original we were copying. I had to take another route. We decided we would place a special symbol on our paintings that was uniquely ours (no not the cross). That way when they end up on Antiques Road Show we will know they are our originals-Lol. We will do this again - especially with my sisters. 

Apparently I know nothing about creating depth so my logs looked like tombstones. I decided to go with it.  I call it Sailor's Memorial, and my waves are actually porpoises...

BODY COUNTS (MAY 9)

With a week of hot hot hot weather there was quite a stampede at the lake to get boats out of their Visqueen-wrapped siestas at the Marina. Upon noting the 15-20 mile an hour winds with 35 mph gusts, we agreed the safer side of valor would be to ask for a postponement.  It was basically - "we're getting them out rain or shine".  Ok. What's a few white caps. Pontoons are wide and heavy, and it should be stable enough. Meanwhile I'll meet you at the house as someone has to drive the car back...and be available for the Bat/Burt Signal if something goes amiss. Blowing sideways through the canal was exciting he said.                               

CHOICE/NO CHOICE I feel for the parents who are scrambling for baby formula. Back in the day, Karo syrup and evaporated milk was a go-to. But just be sure we know which Pres to blame. Remember when Maga Butt decided to "rewrite" NAFTA so Mexico and Canada could not replace our products with theirs? Guess what we used to get from Canada? Yep, baby formula. So, when our big plant went down, ummm. What people need to remember is Government is a non-profit entity. We are governed by laws, regulations and treaties so no quick whup-whup is available to fix problems.  (Though short-sightedness is a global issue.) However the current Pres needs to figure this out pronto. Also, for those not in the know (men) women cannot turn on the natural milk machines at will or possibly, even at all. And since we're on the subject understand if we are not ready to provide comprehensive sex education, adequate health care and mitigate workplace inequalities so Mothers can continue to support their children we are condemning women to death by outlawing her choices. (credit Madison Chastian)  Dramatic? Not really.

A wonderful choice for that racist piece of filth who traveled 300 miles to shoot innocent people grocery shopping in full body armor-what a cowardly act. To prove your white supremist manhood you need to shoot 13 people. I bet your parents are proud. The only hero in that scenario is the security guard, a retired police officer, who tried to stop him, minus the body armor, and gave his life protecting others. No boundaries anymore. Free speech should be protected but not when there are no moral role models and leaders to stand up and say - no that's wrong and not how civilized people act when lies are not challenged and conspiracies, formerly the fodder of far-out splinter groups, turn mainstream.

Case in point. We had breakfast at a popular Lansing restaurant that draws a lot of local and "mature" groups of folks. As we were leaving, we passed a couple coming in - she in a shirt that said "Get Over It" and her sneering old white companion said "F--- Joe Biden" (though actually spelled out). Really, how infantile and stupid. Especially ironic when you consider what point the lady was making. I think "get over it" is what they should have been doing rather than acting the fool. Maybe she was countering his uneducated and dangerous message considering how decent people are being attacked for doing their job in the health care and political realms. Those in power are complicit in not calling out outrageous behavior and spreading lies. "There are good people on both sides". No there is really only one side. Thank goodness, my brain has not deteriorated with age. 

FOOD SEGUE Speaking of food I noticed a picture of the local fire department's dining table that was vacated mid-meal to handle an emergency. When I worked with the FD, the firefighters took turns making the meal on a 24-hour shift. Some were more highly anticipated than others, obviously. If it was me, it would probably be grilled cheese sandwiches. Anyway I was doing some air monitoring at an older facility that used to stable horses right in the living quarters from the days of horse-drawn fire wagons. A modernization basically took out the straw, but the spaces were still connected. To assure that the diesel vapors were not compromising the living quarters I set up my meters for the day. Fortunately this was the day that a talented chef prepared lasagna from scratch.  Of course, right as we sat down for a sumptuous meal, the alarm went off causing premature lasagna-interruptus. Needless to say, I enjoyed everybody's now abandoned repast (had to monitor those meters). I did clean up. I'm not totally heartless.

Other notable for the week. The experiment with lattice draped over the pergola seems to be providing the shade we were looking for at high noon without totally blocking out the sky. Also handy for avoiding those little sticky presents the birdies like to leave on furniture, deck and the unsuspecting lounger.  

                                             

BIRD UPDATE  We finally have regular "hummer" visitors to the feeder and two stops by an oriole who is slumming I guess.  They usually prefer grape jelly or orange halves. Meanwhile our potential bird suicide occurred as the spilled chick crashed out of the nest.  I still think a squirrel was involved so may have been homicide. Also now that the Joe is double digits, side hugs (with a sigh) are all we get.

 Keep the pressure up Ukraine 💛💛💙💙          

BEING 2 DIGITS (MAY 2)

 Celebrated the boy on reaching two digits in age. I said he would have to wait 90 years to reach the third digit.  He pondered that and then speculated I would be 170 when he was 100 (I corrected him, merely 160).  Apparently, he believes I have the genes of Methuselah who was still siring offspring in his 200's or whatever-another Bible version.

It was a birthday of wheels. Bowling ball and bag from us, bike from the folks and another one from other Grandma and a wheel in the middle hover board from his uncle-who loves giving toys the two of them can commit mayhem in or on. Waiting to be measured, etc. he struck up a conversation with another gentleman in the Pro Shop-you know Joe.  The man complimented him on how well-spoken he was at his age. To our surprise he told the man he was used to talking to bartenders. I hastily explained his recent invites to a wedding and party-Joe just smiled.

 After much thought and three choices later (his awesome 1st choice wasn't available) he picked a pretty shade of teal... well he will be needing a new ball in a year or two, so perhaps something more rugged next time. 

I've been shaking the proverbial bushes to find folks to interview when I got a surprise request. While busily recruiting from conference attendees, division chairs, one lady at a soccer game and a union business agent, the surprise suggestion from the Podcast Committee chair was he wanted to interview me! Have to reread my posts, being sufficiently humble of course. This will take some pondering as I ruminate over what I would want to share that would encourage but not scare off potential interviewees or, for that matter, interested parties dipping a toe into the EHS profession.

Can't ignore the elephan-tine in the room-the latest controversy. I will only make three points.  1) Three supremie nominees essentially lied in confirmation hearings, and on record, stating they would not mess with precedent and rule of the land. (Of course, they would not have been confirmed if they hadn't);  2) How do we do away with abortion options when there is no day care, family medical leave and the fathers don't seem to be held accountable; and 3) the opinion claimed abortion was not discussed in the Constitution. But then neither was the institution of slavery, slaves' or women's rights for that matter. No one other than white land-owning males wrote the damn thing and only believed rights applied to them. In fact, some of Alito's opinion borrowed from the justification used during the Salem witch trials. Now I don't hate men. Some of my favorite people are white males. But there are other colors and shades in the crayon box and human rights apply to all citizens or we have just been kidding ourselves. I was worried we are going back to the 1950's but apparently I was off by 200 years. Might as well throw out the rest of the amendments... as oh yes, they were written as things change and advance-funny that. It's all about privacy-liberty-equality. Also interesting that all this frightened backlash, paranoia and white nationalism comes at a time when marginalized folks are finally fighting back. 

Whether its climate change or pandemic cleansing I do not know, but lately we seem to offer ideal nesting options for our numerous robin neighbors. The Lady of the Lake house is so confident she manages 3-4 broods a year. We co-exist for the most part and are only subject to intense chirping when grilling. Also after nothing for 38 years, in the past two years a Grand Ledge robin has taken up residence in our overhead yard light-meaning no light during nesting season. And for the second year in a row, bird suicide. Last year I heard a clump and the nest and its occupants were fatally scattered on the deck. This year in the midst of the parents performing feeding chores, the nest shifted.  Now it's still there, but they just can't see it as it has slipped down further behind the light. Makes me wonder what goes through their heads as they pose with worms hanging out of their beaks looking totally confused. "Look down dummy" does not work and they swallow the proffered treat and disappear to gather more, rinse, repeat.

                                                

Thoughts for Ukraine. There was a reason the Germans in their final stand wanted to be defeated by the other Allied forces. Russian soldiers were barbarians then and they are barbarians today. It's time to call Putin's bluff and destroy them. 💙💙💛💛

POINT OF VIEW (APRIL 25)

MEMORIES Ran into an old work friend at Joe's soccer game this weekend. We hugged and chatted; I knew the name but...I had no clue.  As I will see her at subsequent games, I did a little sleuthing. Thank goodness for Linkedin. She and I put together the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) many moons ago and she is still employed in Marketing at one of the local hospitals. We worked very closely together back in the day. Makes you wonder what else one may have forgotten. I get it when someone from my previous safety jobs says hello as there was only one of me and 1,000s of them, so not coming up with a name is not a deal.  But someone I worked with intensely, albeit many years ago, and could not remember where was disconcerting. Proves the old adage "out of sight, out of mind".  However she would be a good candidate for a podcast..

It would have been considered "woke" many years ago, but we were on the forefront of creating discreet mental health assistance for our employees.  Confidential and camouflage were of paramount importance as any hint of someone needing to treat emotional and stress issues in the workplace marked one with a scarlet letter of being "broken".  An attitude that has not changed a whole lot today, though it is a little less stigmatized. Gosh just look at all the pills being pushed to treat depression-it's both mainstream and chic. In my position I unfortunately learned more than I wanted on employee personal problems that impacted the workplace so I could determine if the EAP offered a better solution than discipline. Hair-raising when one realizes what people are loaded up with before they hit the shop.

People have always had problems and been angry, but it seems to be escalated these days. Easy access to guns, the lack of empathy, the removal of guardrails on formerly unbreachable standards (opening fire on school children, church bible groups, pedestrians, cursing and throwing things on players, etc) because one is upset. Also marginalized people finally fighting back should not be unexpected when those in power are never held accountable for publicly thumbing their nose at their grievances and encouraging class warfare. Their example has been studied, understood and applied. 

SOUTHERN CHARM Had to love Rep Taylor-Greene's lack of memory when put on the stand to recount her actions regarding January 6. "I don't recall" "I don't remember". "I was a victim". I think she was most offended when she had to swear to tell the truth which in her view of the world would inhibit her freedom of speech (LOL). Being so controversial means the media was constantly recording her tirades while she was merrily tweeting insurrection; both of which leave no doubt she was involved up to her eyeballs. Busy week, as she also condemned the Catholic church of being run by satan (does she mean DeSatan?) because caring for and feeding the displaced and immigrants goes against her Christian values. What version of the Bible is she mainlining? I could be wrong but I  believe it specifically promotes taking care of the poor without asking them if they are worthy.  

Similar thinking in Tennessee which is working on legislation that charges homeless people with a misdemeanor or $50 fine if they are found sleeping on public lands. Ok, the shelters are full and they have no money. Again Jesus must have said something about "kick 'em while they're down" in their bible.  Though a year ago, they were trying to pass legislation to make the Bible the state book. Again what version do they have? Obviously the commercially-inspired one.

GAMES Speaking of hysteria, we attended Joe's first soccer game for the season. OMG - you would have thought we were at the World Cup.  The dynamic duo of Joe and his best friend got 3 1/2 goals between them. He gets it! Playing defense Joe actually had to keep moving to cover a larger area as his team mate basically just stood still and watched the game instead of blocking. Hilarious. Then there were two injuries on the field (unfortunately to the same kid) so he finally gave up and hobbled off. At Joe's age it's a much bigger field and the kids are more in tune with the strategy-hence we were wildly yelling for points and cheering blocks as the score actually counted. Saturday mornings will be fun, especially if we go out to breakfast first.

My garden of blue and yellow. May Ukraine start to see a better world.  Peace..💛💙💙