SEX EDUCATION (June 26)

 Got you with my title right?   Though this might appear controversial, many times after a group meeting the "actual" movers and shakers end up meeting afterward to make decisions or discuss controversial topics to form consensus. I say that to preface the "afterglow" I attended at a local brewery after a big meeting last week. A member chairing one of our Divisions brought up some very interesting and much-needed changes to her division at the group meeting. A few folks, pooed pooed (technical term) her ideas without a proper hearing-not an uncommon happening.

Fortunately for the lady with the great ideas she was invited to our post-gathering where we listened to, discussed and supported her position and will push it through at the next meeting.  It was only after I looked around at who was casually invited to our social hour that I realized this is pretty typical of groups to assure continuity and progress. This same group of folks also perform a lot of outside support, handle issues and provides business and monetary support. The dynamics of this sub-group changes as people retire or move on, but our central role is historical perspective and mentoring promising volunteers. All done subtly and with due respect to the rest of the group. We can get away with it also because we are pretty much all past presidents and mostly older established farts. 

Anyway we were discussing changing the name of the Division to better reflect how we wanted to restructure it. One of the most frequent questions loss control folks (insurance) and MIOSHA gets is "I was just anointed the safety person. What do I have to do?"  And we wonder why accidents and injuries continue in the workplace?  Considering that from a professional standpoint we are degreed individuals who are required to interpret standards (like an attorney); create classes and train (like a teacher); understand mechanics and engineering to a point to be able to suggest improvements or changes to equipment; interpret fire codes and chemical impacts; investigate system failures that led to an injury or accident and be able to communicate accurately (like a journalist); the question is a tad insulting. 

Consequently the thought is to create a Division that focuses classes in the fundamentals for newly "anointed" safety folks.  As we debated names for the Division the hands down winner was "Safety Virgins"! Yeh. I don't think we could get that one to fly but I bet we would get a lot of attendees.

CHANGING GEARS After a few days of doctors and meetings I was able to corral the grandson for some lake time. He is quite the conversationalist and we had an entertaining drive over. He does ask some thought-provoking questions that require an answer geared to an 11 year-old's understanding without scarring him for life. It is a fine line. Like it was not really necessary to explain the evils of atomic war that Japan was trying to symbolize with all the Godzilla movies. Grandpa suggested I take another tack. There is a reason Mother dubbed me "Sheilabeast" as in if you don't want to know the gritty truth don't ask the shebeast.

Upon arrival Joe had a hook in the water before I unloaded the car. Finding no live bait he used some artificial stuff. He then stalked a giant bluegill near the dock that he landed within a couple of casts. He wanted to put it into a bucket to show the older fishermen when they came in. But then he noticed a bunch of little fish attacking what turned out to be a nest his catch had been protecting. Being Joe he forgot about bragging rights and immediately released what we determined was the Mama fish. An epic battle ensued as she fought valiantly to save her eggs from an early demise.  In relaying the story later Joe mentioned he sometimes questions what he's putting the worms through when he fishes.  Love that boy. 

Joe kept me in the loop when he and Grandpa went to the beach or went out on the fishing boat. I never know the status with the OH as he hates cell phones, and refuses to text, so he always takes the portable house phone (wireless) when he goes to the lake for a few days. Though it was nice not to have all those robot calls coming in last week. With Joe there I could keep track of the two of them as he would handle communications and fix Grandpa's phone when he got stuck. 

PROGRESS? Our generation had a major learning curve with technology; our children had one foot in each world and the grandchildren know no other world.  Just as my Grandmother lived from the dawn of flight through landing a man on the moon. Of course progress does not exist if you are a life time member of the Supremies who merrily pass and destroy laws based on 18th century thinking.  I suppose they'd say it all went to hell when women got the vote....Peace out 💚  💙💛

JUST FOR FUN (June 19)

Under Construction. 

FALLING FOR ..... And speaking of construction, you can take the woman out of MIOSHA but you can't take the EEK factor out of the woman. Enjoyed watching some commercial roofers (the bane of inspectors as well as residential) perching on the peak running a heat machine to seal their plastic onto the roof. They were only up maybe a story and a half reefing on the machine to make it behave. Pefectly fine with, I don't know, fall protection or barriers or perhaps a trampoline strategically placed. None of which was in evidence. I also felt bad for their hot duty in the full sun and humidity. Not as fun as riding a 400 degree asphalt machine down the street (for real) but hot enough. I have often said I have a lot of respect for the worker bees of the world that toil under difficult conditions to get the job done. Just wish they also took their personal safety as seriously. 

The rule for general industry (plants, stores, office, etc.) is four feet without fall protection or barriers. I guess due to that sticky issue of catapulting into a grinding machine or conveyor system. Though have you ever seen a "mature" office worker crash off a step stool and the resulting mayhem? With a shaky knee I am even concerned about going down stairs and marvel at individuals joyfully prancing down several stair steps without a care in the world. That used to be me anyway.

Oddly enough the rule is extended to six feet for construction and construction-type activities. Apparently the drop into the demolition pile is less painful than the aforementioned machine. Or maybe it's those hard hats they wear.  There is some science to the restraint systems catching hold at six feet in that the body being top-heavy will turn upside down as it falls at a certain distance guaranteeing a splashy ending. May your falls be short and less dramatic. And for those dieters the head is apparently heavier than the rest of the body so chew on that. 

FISH TALES The new trolling motor was field tested this morning. This sucker will run, turn, remember your favorite fishing spot and hover in little circles at the touch of a button/s as well as reaching dizzying speeds of 10 mph! No doubt it will sing, dance and chortle at your lack of fishing ability when properly tuned up. Technically the multi-talented machine allows you to dump the boat off at the dock to meander all by itself while you park the trailer until you beckon it back with its little black box. We're thinking of sitting on the deck and freakin' out the locals by running it without obvious human control up and down the canal. My picture below will apparently show the boat running all by itself as I lost the Captain somewhere along the way and I sure as hell do not run the boat as my official title is "Deck Fluff". 

 

MEANWHILE The fishing marathon is on and of course it's going to be hot as Hades this week. Fun as that sounds I will be continuing my sojourn through various doctors, meetings and Joe time. I've been over-using the knee so that I am sufficiently pathetic for the latest surgeon consult. I'm thinking of pulling out my old crutches as I always look so disgustingly healthy when I go to these appointments. Meanwhile other patients are sporting canes, walkers and in some cases, appearing on a rolling hospital bed. 

Once a year Medicare pushes the ole "are we crazy yet" wellness check. My visit usually takes five minutes as I don't play the game by whining about everything (though I do mention my wine addiction). They are so disappointed. I pointed out that drawing the clock is not even going to make sense for the younger seniors - we've gone digital don't you know. Village - kitchen- baby were my crazy lady words to remember. I added person, woman, man camera,TV, indictment for fun though. Peace out 💚💙💛

A WEEKEND IN JUNE (June 12)

 

WEDDING WEEKEND Also wishing one of my younger sisters a Happy Birthday this past weekend!  Hard to believe we are the "older generation". My brain is still wired to my early 20's (or younger) for some reason. Of course until I try to gyrate to Dancing Queen or walk across a field, essentially, for a wedding ceremony on my treacherous right knee. One has a choice -wear the sparkly matching heels and sit a lot or slide around in non-matching flip flops.  Well you know what I chose... and we left early LOL. However we did win first place on the "anniversary dance" (more of a shuffle for me) as being the longest married couple by six months. Now that is a sobering statistic. Kind of a win-lose situation. 

We were then asked to provide advice to the newly married couple. My "bon mot" as Dad would say, is "when you have pork & beans you always anonomously let the lady have the little pieces of pork". As I explained to them later, its' the little things one does that mean the most. His, with my prompting was "she's always right" so there you have it. I also explained to the couple to forget the BS about not going to bed angry-you will- and have energy to continue the next day. Sleep is important.

EXCUSE FOR SMALL VACAY Cruising the back roads one finds interesting scenery. One store in the so-called boonies advertised "Bakery - Deli - Furniture". That about covers the necessities of life consisting of fresh and processed food and a place to sit while eating it. Sometimes the only indication of a little town or hamlet is a lower speed limit, farm implement suppliers and their local version of an ice cream shop. When traveling I consider frozen treats a lunch equivalency as calories do not count on the road. I enjoy watching the hordes of children and the "caretaker" who use the moment as a mini break from entertaining. Unfortunately short as the youngsters plow through ice cream treats like hungry raptors not withstanding the amount that falls on their shirts. 

With time to kill we donated some money to the local Native American enterprise even though the Security Guard swore about the generosity of a particular machine aptly named "Last Chance". I wonder if he gets a cut....That and the fact that it required a maximum bet each time should have offered some clues. Not wanting the day to be a total "loss" we hit the closest vineyard (they are everywhere up there, even gas stations sell wine) and enjoyed a selection of libations overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay.  Of course the host seated us at the top of their double-decker patio. Apparently he was in a hurry as he far outpaced my one step drag the foot up the steps modus operandi due to my current lame position. He informed us we have a generous 75 minute respite before I toil down the three flights of stairs again which was nice. I do alright with rest periods, but this is getting old. Ready for the next phase of treatment or a robot leg if it lets me do the electric slide and dance with my sisters to Sister Sledge. 

WEDDING CON'T Speaking of being the "older generation", I complimented the DJ on all the 60's music he was playing. His response was they play that duirng dinner as no one is really listening,  I bristled and said I had a different opinion as I will sing motown with my mouth full if need be. You trashing Dylan and all our revolution songs? No, no he says, I think it's great music too.  Too late.  I later saw our "anniversary" competitors out on the dance floor doing whatever the hell we used to do at sock hops and realized "yeh we be old". Like I said earlier there is a brain-body disconnect. Also saw another little "Kristen" out on the floor dancing in pure joy until she wore out her shoes-memories of another little girl who danced until she fell exhausted at midnight and was carried off to bed. 

SAD Switching gears as I tend to do and I'm tired. Why do we come home from a vacay more tired than when we left? Anyway driving near Grayling it was pouring the proverbial kitties and puppies (almost forgot what rain looked like) but you could still actually smell the wood smoke from the fire that ravaged the area a couple of weeks ago. Mother Nature and Climate Change wait for no one. 

AND BACK TO THE...Another humorous side note. As we came out of the hotel all gussied up a shuttle pulled up blocking my handicap exit. He jumped out and asked if we're going to a wedding as he was chauffering guests to and from. Surprised that my sister-in-law had not mentioned the service we were about ready to jump in when the OH says "which wedding?" Oops-pertinent question as it wasn't the one we were attending. Disappointing as we heard they were having tacos,

However, I believe the highlight of the day were the two little nephews under 5 who preceded the bride with fully loaded multi-colored bubble guns!! Especially as they amused themselves from the front row between Grandma and Grandpa shooting bubbles at odd moments. We giggled every time. After seeing that I always want to witness a wedding through bubbles. It was awesome. Peace out...💕  

                                                       

THE GAMES WE PLAY (June 5)

INSURE THIS! Every time I see those commercials for extended warranties on cars, appliances, houses, cats, dogs, gerbils and death I shake my head at the irony. Insurers are betting you won't blow a gasket, burn up your can opener, flood your house and actually die; while the consumer bets on disaster.  Funny right? How does the sales person give it a positive spin. "Of course it's a remote possibility that x-y-z will happen, but if it does....cue the somber music. Paints a picture of reckles mayhem just hovering around any corner. I gaily put my extra in the bank rather than enriching the coffers of the only business with a green lawn right now.  Every notice how the landscaping is so beautiful around an insurance company? As I intend on only dying once, a paid up term policy provided by my former employer covers things quite nicely.

Which reminds me of the difficulty I had when trying to cancel our whole life policy. I literally had to call our agent's boss's boss to get our money as the agent claimed he did not know where we lived even though he had been here and was getting a little check from the policy each month.

Furthering my rant on insurance as we finalize expenses for my s-i-l's estate, I recall the obscene amount of hassle the company put us through to obtain her life insurance. I can only assume they hoped that we or her daughter (though she had no money) would just keep paying the bills ourselves. So easy to buy insurance, not so easy to collect is all I'm saying. They don't know my reputation of relentless pursuit to complete a project as I conducted research, called experts and learned to go through my daily chores with the phone on speaker for the 30 minute waits to talk to somone.  I had to literally call on a weekly basis for weeks before I found someone who simply and honestly walked me through the exact process I needed to obtain the payout. Maybe contact 1-2-3-4 could have given me that information in the first place?

Forcing a bereaved person to go through that kind of red/blue/green tape borders on fraud or, at the very least, misrepresentation. I also can't help pondering if the insurance and legal business walk hand in hand in making these issues more complicated than they need to be thus requiring double the expense to complete the duties after a loved one passes. Also why do you have to hire a lawyer to get your car insurance payoff?   

DEADLY DRYER All this to lay the groundwork for my clothes dryer exhibiting troubling behavior by spitting cloth and unknwn crud into the lint trap and, unfortuntely, not drying the clothes. I have money for a new one, but the OH took a crack at pulling the whole vent system out and cleaning. I am tentatively using it today and so far so good EXCEPT for the damn orphan tissue left in someone's pants pocket. Amazing amount of fluffy little footsteps hugging the load. 

THEN AGAIN Speaking of the courts (going back to the estate reconciliation) Probate gets their little piece of everything one does - filing, inventory fee (we put it together so why do they get paid), piece of the house sale. I have had my share of courts and judges from appealing MIOSHA citations (before I was MIOSHA); workers comp and unemployment claims. On one notable occasion I was the defendant and the defense attorney as our attorney forgot to put it on his calendar. Nothing like soloing and having to present your defense and tap-dancing to come up with questions for the opposition. I lost. Apparently Perry Mason only wins on television.

I learned on workers comp and unemployment to say as little as possible as the "employee" ususally self-destructs when questioned. "how do you explain a six pack of empties on the front seat?" "how did you manage to play in a Gus Macker (hard-core street basketball) when you claim you can't walk?" "Didn't you have to report you weren't working each week to the State while you were working for the employer?" "How did all these phone calls to the porn site get made when you were the only one in the building at night?"  Get the drift?  

However the hairiest one was when one case made it to circuit court and the strategy of letting the emp incriminate his/herself did not follow the script. The judge called me up to his "throne" and asked me point blank "do you have the ability to settle this for the company?" I learned later my attorney was sweating bullets and sending out mental smoke signals "don't lie, don't lie, don't lie".  As if.  As I recall it was our plan to "appear" able to settle but Mama didn't raise no dum-dums. This complaintant totally deserved to lose, but you sure as heck do not lie to a judge...in his courtroom...on the record.  Karma's a bitch.

Update on the wounded wing. Hard as it was to stay still, I tried. Have been adding more activities, probably more than I should and using the stairs a lot. Even doing some time on the stationary bike and starving myself as I'm burning fewer calories. Have actually walked around a few stores, albeit slowly. Funny note. I am having literally no sciatica or hip pain so perhaps the shot worked. Excellent timing demon knee.    Peace Out.... 💓 💚   💙💛