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.    💛💜

MISH MOSH (June 13)

IMAGES FROM THE PAST. Funny thing happened in a training session this week. I signed up for a class on crystalline silica (causes silicosis) pretty much to scope out the lecturer to decide if he would be a good interview. I'm getting desperate. As I approached him at the break to broach the subject he knew me immediately.  You hired me at MIOSHA to do contract training. Oh yes of course, I thought that was you (back pedaling frantically 'cause I did not remember). At any rate he agreed to be dissected by me on air-cool.  Also roped in the host of the seminar-a construction skate I used to work with.  So two birds and an interesting class to boot. Forgot what it was like to sit and absorb all day and I even understood the material. 

Added bonus, the head of MIOSHA was at the class garnering CEUs to maintain his certification so when a remark was made castigating MIO, we were able to exchange eyerolls. My former boss had retired the previous week and he was bemoaning the fact of no replacement yet. I was tempted to offer my services, as he had invited me to interview for the top construction job shortly before I retired back in the day, but I hated to get his hopes up-LOL.  At that time the very idea of having to calm down, control and build credibility with a large group of construction inspectors was exhausting mentally and I was just not up for the challenge for the umpteenth time in my career. Just too much "mansplaining" would be involved which is exceedingy boring and superfluous.Though from what I hear (I still have spies in place) apparently the second in command does all the work on that job so opportunity lost - another LOL. 

MSC meeting this week where, as I was not presiding, I was able to get off some pithy "bon mots" (as Dad called them) to great hilarity. Lost our proverbial shirts at this year's conference, but hopeful for the future. There is still a lot of covid touchiness and the safety skates' excuses of not being able to get away. I know I had to take vacay days to attend the conference and still got paged, called, bothered several times a day when in classes. Thank goodness the finance committee I participate in anticipated "there would be days like this" ahead so we can cover our losses.

 I was gratified that the majority had listened to the podcasts and did not disparage them too much. Maybe it would be different if I was not sitting there eager as a puppy teasing out positive feedback. Next group of "pods" will include comparing mountain climbing to safety; the FRIB project at MSU; DOT Regs, and a few other topics yet to be decided. 

ADVENTURES WITH JOE. Joe visited literally from the moment he was let out of school for the year at noon on Wednesday until Friday night. As Nana was at a meeting he and Grandpa hit the bowling alley to have lunch and roll that new ball. Thursday plan to fish and swim at the lake was stymied by the depressing sight of the garage door hanging in pieces as it tried to close - poop. Lake trip cancelled though the way Joe's sinsuses were running, probably a good idea anyway. He insisted on a covid test by Friday after going through an entire box of tissues. It was negative, but he sure knows the routine for nasal swabbing...Dosing with allegra did not do much but we all soldiered on.  He eagerly starts Adventure Club at the school near us on Monday so hope Mom sends lots of nose wipes. 

 The boy may have a future in writing as he is a stellar story-teller. I have never heard anyone describe a dream to the detail he can provide. I do believe he works out a lot of anxiety in his dreams as they are vivid. Usually my dreams fade quickly-even the "good"ones. 

OH NO HE DID NOT! The January 6th Committee hearings have been a guilty pleasure this week. One wants to look away, but cannot. Basically, he knew he lost; his inner circle told him he lost (including family); there was no fraud; what he was proposing was illegal on all counts; the VP was almost murdered through his actions and he ripped off his supporters with his phony non-existent "Defense Fund" to the tune of a quarter of a billion dollars. However the sad truth is there is a large segment that wants to believe that only white anglo-saxon males have rights in this country so they don't really care. In their minds it's all about our hatred of orange julius. Judge Luttig was brilliant and spoke as if his words would be carved in stone-perhaps they should be. 

Of course there is high comedy in the Georgia Senate race between Reverand Warnock and Herschel Walker. Why did the r's put this clueless puppet in place. I would guess black against black.

MOVING ON. Regular doctor's check-up appoinment last week so more x-rays and a new referral. Perhaps this one will either shed a light or offer more platitudes while urging me to live with it. I swear I'm taking a cane this time, though I have to say my new anti-flame' drug is amazingly potent. Just that pesky little issue of the leg going numb in the midst of a run-no biggie.

Meeting with the Financial advisor this week so I am extremely interested in what he has to say about current circumstances. Squirm factor high though as I told him I certainly enjoy eating at a nice restaurant on his dime regardless. No doubt charts and virtual magic wands will be flourished as I ask about their fees while losing money....History is on our side bla, bla bla, but possibly not at our advanced age.  💛💜

LIBERTY & THE PURFUIT OF HAPPINEFF (JUNE 6)

 

FREEDOM FOR SOME Our founding fathers had some wisdom. Liberty was purposely left open-ended to gather meaning from experiences deeply rooted in our Nation's history and traditions. In other words, things do not stay the same. Though it is interesting to note that authoritarian regimes usually rise up after periods of benevolent and life-affirming regard for all.  Such a society of course, makes our "overlords" nervous and they rile up the lower economic classes by convincing them they are losing out to "others". 

It is amazing, (if you watched the "witch trials" which the former prez likes to call them), that he had a seven-point plan to overthrow the government but only one for covid??? In other news the beloved DeSatan decided to fine the SPECIAL OLYMPICS twenty-seven million dollars if they continued to insist on only vaccinated athletes to compete in Florida four days before the games were to start. Stats show that the intellectually challenged and disabled population is more susceptible to covid hospitalization and death. Further, according to a southern Florida University study, the largest group of deaths occurred in the "essential worker" realm. Not just public safety and hospital workers, but all those grocery store clerks, etc. who could not afford to stay home.

 Another fun fact. India, second largest population in the world with 1.4 billion, had 500,000 covid deaths compared to the US with 331 million and a million deaths.  Do the math. It makes you want to smack the smug off the faces of those who still insist the whole thing was overblown.  DeSat' rounded out the week by vetoeing funding for theTampa Bay Rays after their social media condemnation of mass shootings and donation to the Everytown for Gun Safety group. He claimed it inappropriate for "private corporations to "subsidize poitical activism".  That's exactly what we expect a good corporate neighbor to do considering their oversized influence. 

Not to blow it out of proportion (intentional pun), but Senator Thune (R-S.D.) said AR's are helpful in shooting pairie dogs. To which my twitter friend "Lakota Man" deadpanned "Man. My ancestors used to shoot buffalo with a bow and arrow".  And the NRA Sh-- show continues (btw the only place you can't bring a gun is to their conventions)

SQUEEGEE WARS On a lighter note, no squeegee at BJ's.  Noting some clingy bugs on my car while fueling up, I grabbed the windshield squeezee and rubbed it across my car. Which immediately spewed blackish water over my white paint job - Yuck. The attendant came screeching out of his little shack yelling that's for windows! I told him I was trying to knock off some bugs. He responded with "if your car is dirty you need to go to a car wash!" I debated pointing out the totally disgusting juice living in his window water tank but life's short. Joke's on him. I did have to go to the carwash afterwards. 

WHO ME & OTHER FUN  I was ruminating over some of the questions I was asked during my interview and one was "who was your mentor in the safety world?" Well, since the effort to eliminate accidents kind of became real in the 70's with enforceable regulations and I was anointed to this new world at the same time, there were not a lot of pioneers to emulate in the beginning. There was no one to lead, follow or train back in the day as most were struggling with workers' comp and had little time for the other side of the coin-prevention. Between taking classes, interpreting regulations and teaching I had to really come out of my self-imposed shell to become the opinionated individual I am today-LOL.  If pushed, I would say Frances Parker, FDR's Labor Secretary (and first woman in a President's cabinet). Of course we only got the vote shortly before then. A true leader in safety prevention, health and protection for women and children who were basically "cannon fodder" in service to the "man".

The automotive industry was way ahead on this journey of preventing worker mayhem, but I had the luck(?) to land in municipal government where change is rigidly snail-paced. I also credit Labor Unions with pushing for rules and regs to protect workers. At any rate, I will delve more into my journey in a later entry. I know my sister hates a long blog.  

We celebrated one of my younger sisters' birthdays where I gifted her with my mimosa infused artwork, setting up the others to ooh and ahh over the wonderful offering until I gave her a legit gift. Joke's on me-she's keeping it.   LOL

Brief stop at the Lake to soak up the sun (me), mow the grass and putter (him). At any rate I admired the nice pristine landscape that I hired someone else to clear-gardening ain't my schtick. St. Francis was beautifully framed by the now visible irises bowing in grace and the strawberries showed their red glory once the weeds were eliminated.

                                                             

Peace to Ukraine-all manner of horrors to Russia..may they reap what they sow 💜💛

LIFE AND ..... & WORKERS' COMP (May 30)

A mixed bag this week with its inevitable highs and lows.

 Accidently catching the tail end of the local Memorial Day parade waving to pedestrians with a backdrop of Joe's giggles.

Hearing the crushing news of Papa Larry's passing. But in celebrating a life watched my 10-year old grandson handle his duties with aplomb, heart and humor.

Humbled by an inspiring interview with a lady who was not afraid to show a real passion for creating workplace inclusion in a large corporation.  

A disappointing appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who basically said get over it-pain is inevitable. Upon asking me to identify my former career the Doc said in your work you were a problem solver-subtly indicating there is no solution for my malady.  Explains why many worker's comp cases don't get resolved.

I have dealt with many physicians in the course of my work and the arrogance of surgeons is somewhat expected but irritating.  I realize it takes a supreme amount of confidence to slice into living tissue and make it whole again, but the bedside manner is sorely lacking. Apparently if one does not enter the office on a gurney or hobbling with a cane (some were actually) it's not a chance to cut.  When mentioning balance issues, it was suggested I take up yoga. The leg going numb is apparently not an issue - walk it off-lol. Made me think of the old Cher song "Preach a little Gospel, sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good" 

The workers' comp aspect of injuries sometimes led to comp court and comp lawyers. A group that specialize in procrastination and accusations of terrible working conditions and super human demands placed by the employer. Sigh. The game is played by meeting in the back room and working it out. Silly me. I wanted injured employees to come back to work - not give them a few grand and dispose of them. I sometimes had to fight both sides (their lawyers and mine) to preserve the dignity of working. Often the injured individual was convinced by their counsel (who got a third) that they should take the money and run. Taking the easier and winnable route instead of what is right always bugged me. Blame it on my upbringing but fairness and respect for the person seemed more important. Windmill tilting my speciality. 

After talking with a friend (younger) who was lamenting that she had graduation parties on tap for the next three weekends, I was thinking we're at the age where we aren't burdened with grads and grooms as our friends are older too.  Until the OH pointed out "yeah, we get to go to funerals" touche!

 Amazing the laughter that rings out at wakes. All your friends and relatives present, surrounded by flowers and the smell of coffee; the guest of honor front and center, though strangely quiet.  Always a drama king or queen in the family to add to the show. Though her father pointed out to our only child that she would have both roles as chief mourner and drama queen when it is our turn. Of course we roared with laughter at her expression.  The OH is quiet but known for his "bon mots" as Dad would say.

But our own Joseph celebrated and mourned in his own way over the loss of his beloved Papa. All the grandkids sported ball caps from Larry's collection that they proudly wore during visitation. Then on the day of the funeral Joe stationed himself at the front door and greeted everyone who came in welcoming them to Larry's funeral. Such poise and confidence or coping mechanism, Like his Dad and Nana, I think he might be more comfortable actively engaged when life throws mud pies. 

                                             

                                                 

So what does one do after the  circus has left town? The jugglers have put away their clubs; the dancing horses are back in their stable and the music has stopped...forever.  Now the loneliness begins. They're never coming through that door again; one side of the bed remains serene and empty; no mindless chatter and going "what?" How does one stop the memories and with them the tears and regret of never again. If I had only known there was a minute left and all that was talked about was what's for dinner... The mundane rises up and crashes down.,,   

 But a young black bear has shown up in the neighborhood over the last several days, walked by the house... and the deceased's nickname since high school was, yeah, bear...💔