CHOOSE YOUR LEADERS WISELY (July 31)

 

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, AGAIN Nature seems to be exploding as the monsoons of July made an appearance. Weeds of course, but white hydrangea puffballs, pink and purple flowers (no idea what I planted), roses falling all over themselves and my butterfly and Rose o' Sharon bursting with blooms overnight. Have at it ye orangie monarchs. In a humorous sidenote after a weed whip massacre of the 2 foot tall chives the yard smelled like onion for days

                                                    

Also blooming is the latest crop of baby cows. Passing a Longhorn ranch on the way to the lake always prompts one to look for the cow herd in the brief moments before the forest overtakes the view. Latest trip showcased all the adults chomping the hillside of suprisingly fresh green grass and all the little ones amassed in a circle reminiscent of  a kindergarden class. I swear there was an older one (they all have horns, so sex is unknown) with glasses, holding court to the rapt and respectful audience of babies no doubt learning the finer art of succulent grass choices. 

Of course in mooing disapproval stomping its hoof was a coiffed cow protesting the babies' freedom to reason and problem solve in choosing the grass of their desire claiming it is a communist plot.  Obviously she/he never read "Animal Farm". No wait, they closed the "cow-braries" as superfluous so as to house misbehaving bovines.  Which is any cow not following the herd or sporting a different horn or having their spots on the wrong side. But they're all Longhorn cows one protests. Ahh, there's the rub.  The Bible is not the only source of parables. In life many cows will follow the leader when they believe he/she holds the key to the grass. Thus they will ignore danger, compassion, logic, sanity and maga err moo loudly as they joyfully run off the cliff.  

Which makes me wonder which GLOP octogenarian will take over for the always delightful turtle man McConnell as leader of the pack. Would be nice to see some spry 60 year olds, in any party joining the game in Washington.

POD UPDATE Pulled off a second recording this month on the topic of heat stress. After my enthusiastic opening with "Baby it's hot out there" it was mostly a rendition of the current regulations and best practices. Though we did not utter the trigger words "Climate Change" my guest's MA in Environmental Health and my statement about experiencing increasingly exotic summers, I think it could be assumed. Phoenix with 30 days over 110 F could be another indicator; until the next blizzard I suppose (short attention spans-cue the cows).

Next up. MIOSHA and cannabis grower hazards.  Who knew? I thought it was only an issue of making sure the employees don't smoke up the profits, but apparently there are health and safety hazards in Cannabis Grow Operations. We'll also be discussing MIOSHA's State Emphasis Program so stay tuned.  My initiative of putting several programs to bed before surgery is working better than I hoped. 

JOE NEWS Have had several video calls with Master Joe this week as he has been visiting with a friend's Nana.  Apparently he has bowled over 100 for the first time; went on a boat trip on Lake Huron (only got seasick  a little) and is attending a Bee Gees tribute band concert. Fortunately Joe is an "old soul" when it comes to music and actually digs Motown, 80's and 90's and doesn't protest when I put the 70's station on in the car. Then, thoughtful lad that he is, he asks me what I've been doing. Ummm-not much. Went to a wine dinner-he thought I said Hawaiian and was all excited. Wine was ho-hum but we dined on Oscar Rockefeller oysters, lobster risotto, pork loin wrapped in bacon and truffles. Also accompanied by some good friends who are up for anything wine related and a lot of fun. Joe probably wouldn't be interested. On the other hand he quickly informs any server that he wants the regular menu, not the kid's one. It's becoming more expensive to take him out-lol.  Peace out....💚  💙💛

FINDING RELIEF (July 24)

SUBLIMINAL SUGGESTIONS Funny the impact words have on one's psyche or should I say subconcious or dinner. In lunching with my sister the other day I realized my sisters do not have lemon slices in their teas after I laid out the possibility that "they who slice" may not have clean hands or store slices in unsanitary conditions. That's what  I get from hanging out with industrial hygienists, one of whom never drank anything in public but hot water-taking the germy concept to a new level. I myself have no problem inviting Sam & Ella Lemontree to my iced tea trusting my somewhat reliable immune system. Or as Mother would say "everybody needs to eat a little dirt in their life". 

Another "Motherism" is my constant need to "check" before I go out of the house even on short errands where I know a restroom will be available. It's ingrained from my youth. I even force the grand boy to "check" before we leave. He finds this doubly annoying as in a pinch (sometimes not) he would rather take aim outdoors at a trusty tree. What is it about boys/men?

TRAVEL WOES  Continuing the water hole theme one of my anxieties in Europe was finding and recognizing available water closets. In France there were public, semi-public and river oppourtunties for relief. One of the worst on the street was shaped like a burrito that slid open, after inserting the appropriate coinage, revealing a trough that one crouched over like a badger fighting a mongoose .  I stationed my sister nearby, with appropriate coinage, to rescue me if the magic door failed to open allowing my release.  After several days, I just learned to hit hotels-Marriots are Marriots everywhere..duhh.

Though a highlight at Mont Saint-Michel (Normandy) was meeting my first "une dame pipi" who guarded "les toilettes" with a scowl and master grip on the pipi paper ( I made pipi paper up to stay in character). She extracted her toilet tax, but a simple "Bonjour Madame" & "Merci Madame" made her less formidable. Incongruously this was the site of an old monastary (with currently practicing monks). Relief stations were located at the top. Your trip up the Mont is laborious but filled with food and souvenier shops so one was in dire need at the summit. But of course mon ami.  

Great Britain was less intimidating, but then we spoke the language. Although bidets are still a mystery to me as one still has moisture to contend with, I totally get the concept. Europeans think we are way too attached to the pipi paper. Note to self -- always carry PP. 

POD UPDATE Shifting gears as I am apt to do, I  completed my podcast on Mental Fitness in the Workplace. Some startling statistics included that 21% of construction worker fatalities are from suicide. Another surprise is that studies indicate that 40% of the workforce is at some level of depression...or not totally present...or fogging...at work! Ok-think power plant operator, pilot, engineer, truck driver, medical personnel, etc.  Couple that with distracted employees and we have a crisis indeed. But some employers are still thinking overtime and working six days a week is productive. hmmmm. Now I'm depressed. 

 I am hoping to nail down the heat stress poddie this week and publish while we experience one of our hottest weeks of the summer. Also had an interesting meeting with the MIOSHA media person who wants to partner on podcasts. He was a reporter before this gig and said he liked doing wide-ranging interviews and open-ended questions. I told him that's the way you do it when you have an editor who picks out the good parts to fit in the timeframe. In this case, I have to nail it in one take. He was suitably impressed lol -CUT! Well it was predicted that I would end up doing safety for the Governor one day so interviewing the Deputy for the Labor Department and partnering with MIOSHA will get me close, and not a moment too soon. I'm getting older LOL.

SWEET RELIEF An advantage of working from home is the freedom to place one's desk in a strategic spot. Mine is in the front window right next to my humming bird feeder. Throughout the day our friend flutters in, sips and darts away. A tiny body clothed in a  necktie and iridescent green not as big as my fist, yet fiercely aggressive toward any errant bird that dares to steal his sweet reward. With a cylinder that could support multitudes, it is his alone. As dusk draws near, his trips grow more frequent and more filling. Barely touching, but never stopping all the way to the convenient perch beneath his feet, he sips 5, 10, 15 times preparing for the semi-hibernation of night. Like Dad used to refer to them, we call him Hummer...Peace Out 💚  💙💛

                                                        

EAT IN OR EAT OUT. THAT IS A QUESTION? (July 17)

BRIEF COMMERCIAL BREAK...I'd like to take a moment to thank those stalwart fans who keep checking in on me every week to see which gasket I've blown, what rant has been inspired or encouraging my weird sense of humor and need to write. Now back to our program - Restaurants: Highs and Lows.

WEEK OF SERVICE To borrow from Charles Dickens, restaurant week has been the best and the worst of times.  Feast or famine. Starting with Monday night's dinner which was the OH's birthday and even I think it's tacky to expect him to cook especially after a hard day of golf. I treated to a Chinese restaurant which is not usually my fave but he does like his sticky rice. Not too busy but upon glancing around the room I realized there was not a soul under the age of 60 present, including the wait staff. We were past the magic "old people" dinner hour so apparently this was not the choice of the younger crowd. Surprise- no extras, everything is ala carte and even the fortune cookies have shrunk.😞

Next opportunity was Wednesday night at the Lake with some friends. We, ok I, suggested the mexican-style restaurant, after a couple of libations, which I knew was a crap shoot on which experience we would be getting. It did not disappoint.

 Some history. Our first meal there was breakfast where we were served very overdone (read burned) crusts for the carb offering. I usually just toss those suckers, not serve them to guests. After a reasonable period of time we tried another breakfast. Do you know how nasty cold Huevos Rancheros can be? Complete with green sauce. Ok. One more time for dinner which actually was pretty good-beer helps. So take a shot, dinner could be alright. Not. 

After having to ask for our chips and salsa after fifteen minutes not a great start. Delay was due to two wait staff fighting over whose table it was and getting the orders screwed up on their little electronic tablets. After one wait staff was declared the winner & claimed jurisdiction there ensued a long wait after which only two entrees appeared. The other two never made it to the cook! Reorder- another long wait and we get the news that meat ordered for the burritos was no longer available. Reorder, another long wait.  Was there a discussion on tipping-you bet. As there are very few restaurants in the area, we hate eliminating any, but three strikes you're out in the old playbook. 

However, undaunted we ventured out for breakfast the next day at another local restaurant, bakery and ice cream shop. The restaurant gods took pity on our restaurant tour and turned the tables on bad experiences (intentional pun). We took the only table available as the booths needed to be cleaned (we prefer the booths). An older, rather large gentleman came in and seeing no booths ready gruffly informed the wait staff that "we don't do booths". He got a mouse in his pocket?  A few minutes later noticing the booths were now available we happily signaled we would move and opened up the table for which he was grateful. We then saw his dining companion who definitely needed a table, or two. Everybody's happy. But imagine our surprise when the owner popped over and said our meal was being picked up by the grumpy older gentleman.  I did get him to smile as I gave him a big hug and peck on the cheek for his generosity. 

Our final restaurant meal this week was funded by our financial advisor at a rather upscale locale thus ending our restaurant week on a high note.Funny how they want you to save and invest and you want to know how soon and how much you can spend. Doom and gloom are always on the table as well as a lively discussion on world events and my shame at holding energy stocks.

POD TIME -- Held a rehearsal with my next guest who brought his entourage along for the ride. They didn't speak, just hovered in "TEAMS"  land (virtual meeting space) cameras off, though I could see their names displayed. Impressive. He shared that he wanted them to be aware of the topic and maybe they can handle a webinar or two in the future. I'm thinking "witnesses" to any obvious gaffes, but that's just me. He literally said I would have to cut him off in the recording as he tends to run long-oh joy. 

Got some feedback from MIOSHA on a topic and speaker. I offer them a slot each year. Just so happens the director named a gentleman and a topic that he and I disagreed upon a few years back leading to an tremendous rant on his part referencing my heritage and upbringing I believe. Again - oh joy.  He's a manager now so perhaps he's mellowed a bit. Having to deal with employees tends to teach you a bit of compromise. LOL. Peace Out.....💚  💙💛

THIS AND THAT (July 10)

 Surprising how much a party takes out of you. Well the aftermath.  Too much food, multiple types of drink, a rainstorm, almost drowning guests on the boat, breaking up the aggressive bag tossing in the cornhole game. Guessing what ingredients guests put in their offerings consumed a chunk of time, mainly gooseberries (which were misdiagnosed as some exotic berry from the Easter Islands). Guests bringing desserts were caught in a massive traffic jam arriving late but as they were bringing in the third course, no harm done. I swear it was not this hard 10 or 20 years ago.  Both knees were screaming in pain that night-sorry self, only getting one robot leg this year. 

One "bon mot" from the Joe. When I told him two teen-age ladies were coming he sighed and said "I can only do what I can. Teen age girls are kind of crazy" OMG

Had to do the script for a rehearsal this week so blog had to wait.  The Deputy Director for Labor-State of Michigan, courteously responded to me the same day I asked. Much easier to work with the "large and connected" sometimes.  After trying for two months to get a "sure thing" to respond about the same topic I finally tried the big Kohona and we already have a rehearsal and recording scheduled.  It's one of those my people will get with your people (me) and it's done.  

Also in contact with a lady from down south to talk about Heat Stress (they should know) and trying to convince a colleague of a previous podcast guest to speak about HVAC issues.  Trying to line up as much as I can before I become "incapacitated". The HVAC dude is concerned about hearing his own voice on recording and I assured him he's not the only one who did not listen to the final product.  Hell, I don't re-listen to my part either. LOL. 

Oh Joy. We each just got a letter from Lansing Community College explaining their data base was compromised releasing names and SS numbers. I took classes there for safety back in the 80's and the OH's time there was even earlier. At least we are getting a year of security monitoring.  Maybe the hackers are doing me a favor. Every time it happens I get another year or more of security monitoring. We've sold our souls to the internet. 

Also got my "guidebook"  for my upcoming knee job. Among other tasks such as completing a class and being interviewed several times there were very detailed instructions about showers.  One must take two showers, wash with antiseptic soap, sleep in clean pjs and clean sheets before reporting for duty at 5:30 am. Not sure when I'm supposed to sleep. I guess they want to be sure you are really committed to the process. Apparently marking your own leg ahead of surgery with magic marker is frowned upon, as is shaving, eating, drinking, smoking, dancing and general carousing. We who are about to die...etc, etc 

In my "other, other" doctor appointment (need a scorecard) today,when he asked me to stand so he could check my flexibility/mobility my joints cracked so loud it startled him. I told him all old people sound like that to which he retorted "well you're more musical than most".  Peace out ...... 💚  💙💛

ONLY HURTS WHEN I LAUGH (July 3)

AGING OUT One of the banes of getting older is frequent conversations which, by necessity, focus on issues of health - good, bad or indifferent. Running, skipping jumping become problematic requiring explanation or the occasional grunt of surprise when one realizes they can't accomplish what used to be a routine task of physical agility.  Case in point a friend thought it would be a cool photo op to spring up on a concrete platform and pose with a statue. Surprise and a bruised tailbone were the result. Of course we will endeavor to act as if nothing happened and stifle our excruiciating pain but that gets more difficult in advancing years. I do not know why just bumping my hand or foot on a stationary object hurts like someone stuck a rusty nail in me. No doubt that is why "seniors" get the rep of being thin-skinned and mouthier. Kind of a relief actually not having to fake invincibility. The super hero cape can be officially retired. "T'is only a flesh wound"

IN OTHER NEWS Speaking of pain, the Supremies rendered their "unsurprising"  verdicts this week in a rush. At least they did realize that State legislative control of federal elections was just a bridge too far. But the rest of the decisions were as expected from three new justices who prevaricated (yes, that's the right word to avoid slander) during their hearings and an African American who keeps cutting his own advantages, history and throat with his decisions. 

Now it was probably brought under the wrong law (shame Biden) but the justification for the student loan denial if I understand one argument, can be compared to a person who died of pancreatic cancer but five years later we discover a cure. As it was not available five years ago, it must be denied to recent cases. This was especially crucial for the students of "for-profit" entities who encouraged massive federal loans with promises of job placement. They have finally been brought to some sort of justice but still leaving many with crushing loans and non-productive degrees.

When we add the affirmative action decision (which may now demonize diversity in other areas) it may be overly simplistic, but apparently we will be satisfied with college only for the rich and powerful and legacy students. Also lest we forget, the case of the non-existent gay couple requesting service from a would-be web designer was also shot down under freedom of speech or in other words discrimination is now fine and legal. To re-emphasize, there was no "gay couple" and the web designer had no actual business but it made it all the way to the Supreme Court. Color me purple, but does not one have to have a case to pursue? Color me with sprinkles, but I don't believe it is up to the Supreme Court to set policy and law-last I knew that was a Congressional ;responsibility. Anyway enough of that. 

MEDICAL UPDATE "So do you take meds for pain? I try to restrict it until I'm desperate. Do you use a walker or cane? Nope, just gut it out with a cute little limp.  Are you sure you really destroyed your knee (even though the X-rays indicate no cartilage and mulitple bone spurs)? Well ignoring reality is my hidden super power." Not totally verbatim but gist of my convo with the Doc. I am ready for the knife and robot leg. 

I have read a lot of worker comp medical reports and always find it amusing that they start out with "So and so is a pleasant 71 year old woman who complains of..." with mine being no exception.  (My knee is not a worker comp issue, just overuse & age)  What would they say if the patient crawled in writhing in pain; packing heat accompanied by a bodyguard or showed up with, I don't know, a horde of howler monkeys who complained vehemently whenever the physician tries to speak. I would like to think they would phrase it "patient was a challenge...."  Later in my report the Doc said he explained things (he did) to my level of age and understanding, ruhh? Perhaps I should have asked him to use a doll to show me the parts of how the knee bone was connected to the pain bone to judge his level of sense of humor?

There is way too little fun in the medical world. What do you tell an exhibitionist when they don the sexy robe? Sir, sir or madam (in this age of gender neutrality) the gown goes on the other way. When they palpate the suffering body parts does one ask them to buy you dinner first? Feeling like a piece of meat in a butcher's window is merely the price we pay for health care. Then the question, so what do you (the patient) want to do? Ahh, I believe you are the one who spent ten years of your life learning to be a doctor. The patient whipping out their cell and googling drug interactions and treatment of discombobulated bone fragments is the ultimate conclusion, but then they get upset. I think the old reliable, "well my cousin's sister-in-law's friend got giant balls when he got the covid vaccine" method of diagnosis bothers them as well. So don't ask me. Pretend you know or at least sound a little more sure and enthusiastic for my impending table dance. I least I hope dancing is in my future.

YOU HURT WHAT? Speaking of worker comp injuries a couple come to mind. A lady claimed she burned her lady parts when she accidently sat down on a toilet seat she had just cleaned with, what acid?  Anyway I had to wonder if the antibiotics were for a more intimate malady. Oh well. Another gentleman (not the same incident) got a blow to the gentleman parts. It was so embarrassing for him to describe the "area of impact" he left it blank on the report. He was loathe to enlighten me. Probably needed one of those aforementioned Medi Annie dolls to get his point across. Again w.hat are we doing out there and why is the company liable. The law states there only has to be an aggravating or casual relationship to the workplace for illness/injury to be compensable. I can't say they weren't...HR is fun. Peace out.....💚  💙💛