HOLIDAY FUN (123123)

HAPPY NYE I just pulled a lemon meringue pie out of the oven. Perfect toasty hue to the creamy meringue; and beautifully aromatic. Hope people like lots and lots of meringue as I used the wrong-sized pie pan which meant my prepared crust took a steep dive on one side as it baked. Hmmm 9 inch and 11 inch apparently make a difference.  Hopefully it is not a harbinger of 2024, but as it is technically still 2023, we leave all negativity in the past and break into a waltz 1-2-3, 1-2-3.  

Christmas was successfully hosted by the daughter and son-in-law, also hopefully a harbinger of the future. He chose to make lasagna from scratch, artfully seasoned garlic toast, grape salad and an interesting crab dip. We supplied other "horse douvers" (as Dad used to say) and many brought desserts. Needless to say, but I will anyway, we were all too stuffed to tango which was fine as football was on tap with the LIONS winning their division! We shall gloss over last night's (Dec. 30) screwed up finale. After 29 years, number three seed and home field advantage is just fine. 

NOW WHAT? As I cannot go any length of time without an appliance issue the large television in the great room took a nap. After an hour working through Verizon online, I finally convinced them to send a technician- geez for what we pay...We were hoping to get a new box out of it. Anyway, what's the serial number they ask? Impossible to see as it is against the wall and surrounded by Mary, Joseph and a cast of thousands in the Nativity scene. Sh---ske. After a plastercide (figurines) massacre, magnifying glass and flashlight, numbers were obtained (right or wrong as we guessed). Repairs elusive either way. 

After scheduling the tech to show up that evening they could not resist and had their "Advance Technical Team" call. Possibly more frustrating than the online dance as they hung up on me three times over the course of an hour. Finally, someone had the bright idea to unplug the whole system and plug it back in...anti-climactic to say the least, but TADA it worked. Many swear words ensued. Oh final note, they apparently upped my bill again this month. Thanks!

I AM NOT A SPY Retired folks, if you play it right, are the eyes and ears of the subdivision whether people appreciate our fascination with comings, goings, deliveries, service people, daylight robberies, etc. We are just being protective. The binoculars are only there to ascertain friend or foe. Actually, if I didn't text the neighbor when the power comes on, they would be running their generator (which comes on automatically) forever. Ours is set up so certain lights come back on whether the generator is hooked up or not. Anyway, Thursdays are especially thrilling as that is garbage day. 

Those automatic armed rolling dumpsters are fascinating to watch. In my stint at the City, we had to do it the old-fashioned way, by hand, jumping in and out of the truck at each stop. Often performed without bringing the truck to a complete stop before leaping as was demonstrated when a civilian was almost run over. I found the UAW reps also tend to scream unfair when one is investigating "could this near-miss have been avoided?" All these old stories are leading me to a topic for an interview I am planning to do live at the Safety Conference. A couple of old geezers discussing the early days of being Safety skates. My next interviewee offered it as a topic with himself playing the title role. Little does he know I'm probably more "geezer-aged" than he is, hence, more stories. 

LIFE WITH JP With two long weeks of freedom, we gave his folks a break and took JP bowling and lunch. He is especially fond of Chicken Alfredo and usually his lunch is more expensive than ours. Though he does take half home.  I told him Stouffers probably makes a frozen variety and he immediately looked it up on his phone. He then informed me he would be most pleased if we could stock it for him when he visits. Nana's restaurant - we aim to please.

We then took him to the infamous (in Lansing) Preuss Pet Store which specializes in the more exotic types -no not lions and tigers just not kittens and puppies. Exotic birds, fish, lizards, spiders. JP was in heaven. He was so eager to talk to the employees and made the circuit around the store at least five times. In some cases he knew as much as they did and I learned quite a bit as he pointed out different species of birds and fish. Outside of musical comedy this is definitely his calling. 

My back gave out, of course, and there was no place to sit as the place is jam-packed with creatures, food and creature comforts. Actually, I would be afraid to sit anywhere in there, if you get my drift. The smell was tremendous, but one gets used to it.  So Grandpa took over after the first half-hour, and I sat in the car. Going to try the chiropractor route this week and see where it goes as the present state of physical shortcomings is not acceptable.

JP finished out the day trying out his new targets with the BB gun he "found" in the basement and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a little concerned if he ever hits a "varmint" accidently. He says he wants to hunt, but I wonder. 

 I am showing the model and my version so go ahead and laugh. It was posted on FB so my anonymity has been busted at any rate.   Peace out....💚  💙💛

SAFETY FIRST & OTHER PLATITUDES (Dec 18)

HOME WOES Being a homeowner (or multiple homeowner) has its moments. Outside of mortgages, taxes, upkeep there are the inevitable Surprise! moments. Like the temperamental dishwasher at the lake house. Sometimes she works and sometimes she doesn't. I use the feminine persuasion as I am the anointed dishwasher in the family a task I am happy to perform as I do not do the cooking. Works well. This week the GFI for the stove (Grand Ledge) kicked in twice. As I learned in my electrical classes-once a fluke, twice ruh oh. However, I could not get an appointment for a week so it's outside dining or microwaveable entrees. Whoo hoo!

Due to a cancellation the very next day (similar to the WHAM Last Christmas song) we were able to gift the electrician $200 to find NOTHING WRONG, of course. Meanwhile the stove is chuckling at our frustration.  Also, no problems with the external box we had installed that works with the fancy-pants generator that did not work at the last power outage. Generator worked fine but no power. It is not our imagination; machines and AI are taking over, and we are just letting it happen. Had him replace the GFI anyway, which on a gas stove pretty much works the clock and got assurances they would come back-no charge-if either played dead again.  Right. The OH gets frustrated that I insist on "safety first" with these episodes, but 40 years of education leaves its mark. And it's always expensive. Oh I get why management hated to see me coming, hmmm. 

Though interestingly enough the electrician knew one of the ladies who was the first female to go through the BWL's apprenticeship electrical program. A time I remember well as the other female apprentice quit as the guys were pretty tough on them even though I explained that is part of being a "grunt" (ground person). However, based on my experiences and later when female firefighters were hired at the city, some men do up the ante on females treading their hallowed ground. The electrician described this successful female as being tough as nails - which is kind of a necessary skill in male-dominated professions which explains why I have been called that and worse in my career. No fainting flowers or terrified tissues here. Not over-reacting when the Teamster President starts banging his chair on the floor (literally) as he is screaming about something is a real skill set. 

THE PLAY'S THE THING (credit to Hamlet) Happier thoughts. JP was being dramatic over something during our twice weekly phone call after school and I said he should definitely look into drama club when he has the chance. Though the boy loves an audience and performs without prompting, he said he would be worried he would forget his lines. I performed in a couple of productions in high school and told him about missing lines. The guy playing opposite would always muff a particular line just before mine, so I was ready when the inevitable pause occurred. After a brief wait, I started my part with "I know what you're going to say...." I was complimented roundly for saving the scene but, hey that's what rehearsals are for. I also got to throw water on him in the final scene so all good. Drew a gasp from the audience every time. I toyed with theater classes in college but life intervened and making a living seemed more important. Though having experience covering awkward pauses has been helpful with my podcasts. And people wonder why I insist on a run-through (think rehearsal) before we actually record. With little opportunity, personnel or time to do extensive editing "getting the take" in one is of paramount importance. 

DEATH OF INNOCENCE As I rant occasionally...on politics I was reminded the other day that one of my first professional jobs was editing a newsletter called "Washington Watch" which later became the "Washington Spectator" written by journalist Tristram Coffin. He was a liberal democrat with strong opposition to the Viet Nam war and his day job was as a political reporter covering the White House for ABC & CBS. I enjoyed our conversations where my tiny role was to tell him where I thought he should cut his copy to meet the printing guidelines.  Which meant I had to digest his opinion in the piece and suggest where we could cut and still make sense. That probably influenced my attempted organization of the mail room to support my first ever Presidential vote for McGovern. Well, we all know how the Nixon experiment played out. I did my part. Seemed so simple to hold the bad dudes accountable back then.

ONE WEEK TO GO On a different note, presents are wrapped; decorating is done and a..gasp...artificial tree is in place. As the daughter is hosting the Christmas dinner this year we toned it down a bit. She and her husband are breaking with the traditional meal and providing an alternative with an Italian flair. 

Funny how disjointed memories pop up this time of year. Going to California to visit my brother at his Marine base one Christmas; being broke and having about $50 to spend two months after our wedding and a tiny little blue lit tree; shopping with Mother at Meijers when I hosted my first Christmas dinner and everybody coming down with the flu the next day (I went first); my daughter's first Christmas when it was 65 degrees; that Christmas after Mother passed with the Sweet sisters sadly taking on her duties; but then believing in Santa again with my grandson as we made our cookies for Santa and waiting impatiently for him to get up so we could celebrate. Peace out....💚  💛💙

                                                     

BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE, ETC ETC (December 11)

December 11 - my daughter's birthday. Still remember that night when we were hosting staff at the old Playboy Club, and I had a small glass of wine after abstinence for nine months. Heck she wasn't due until the 12th.  Well, I enjoyed that wine coming back the other way along with dinner later that night. Marvelous and dramatic entrance of this sweet little dark-haired girl after we kicked everybody out of the house as apparently, we had other plans.  As part of the celebration for her birthday this year we had a busy weekend with JP leaving his folks to cope as best they could for two days. (LOL)

Ended Sunday night at a nice Christmas Concert and visiting with friends. I attempted chocolate covered sugar flavored pretzel sticks. Sounds easy; the recipes noted easy; the time listed for prep five minutes. Well, an hour later with chocolate refusing to melt into any recognizable fluid I started troweling said chocolate onto the sticks, throwing candy cane chunks and colored sugar on them praying something would stick. JP asked me what the heck I was doing and why was I throwing sugary crumbles everywhere. He did guinea pig for me and said they were nice and chocolaty, so tentative win and people ate them. I was much more successful with the lemon meringue pie I made - everybody likes lemon pie. 

Very social week meeting Board of Water & Light folks for lunch one day and MIOSHA folks the next day. Used to show pics of our children, now it's grandchildren. I am going to be interviewed for the BWL quarterly magazine as the author has reached my letter of the alphabet "I" in retirees. This prompted stories which they had never heard so apparently some things will not now go to my grave. The only currently working person from the MIOSHA gang arrived two hours late, but we were still yapping so no problem. 

Also obtained a quote for a new kitchen floor as it cannot be repaired-ouch. Continuing the reno mode I had someone look at the perpetually difficult sliding doors as long as we were doing one expensive thing-why not. Though showing many flattering reviews, the door guy was a non-stop high energy talker who left no room for interruption or questions, though we persisted. Several references to their work costs more, people will cheap out on a lower bid and ending with we seemed to be highly intelligent people who would know the difference. Final red flag was they could not guarantee a start date for six months. We do not "cheap out" but this one had unflattering sucker written all over it and we have been down that road before. Like the tile guy not knowing how to lay a pattern so I had to figure it out, creating an impasse at an impossible stage of remodel which required us to pay an inflated price for drywall and then handing me the caulking gun at the end saying they didn't have time to caulk everything. Guess we can live with the stubborn door for another forty years. 

As it came up in the get-together last night fresh outrage at the Atty Gen of Texas ignoring a court order for a woman to get a medically necessary abortion by threatening the hospitals in the area and her husband. This is a desired child who will most likely pass painfully at birth and probably render the woman incapable of having more children. Threats from a GA who was indicted by his own staff for dishonesty, bribes, etc. This has to be a decision between a woman and her doctor; again, why do conservatives always claim we are taking their freedom away? 

With two physician appointments this week I was faced with the inevitable blood tests. I always cautioned retiring staff to not take the 7 am or 12 noon appointments. Leave them for the working stiff. Boy I could not be more wrong. Arriving at 6:45 I had at least an hour's wait as the room was filled with us retirees. I know my problem is I'm always up early and I can't take my pain meds until I have something to eat and I've been fasting...... oh, right. Explains why my employees always seemed to take a half day for doctor appointments plus they got paid for sick leave. I actually don't recall seeing anyone under 60, which means several calls for the next patient as some of us can't hear either. The other fun part is that Medicare forces a nurse assessment of what level of gaga (technical term) you are once a year.  Give me the three words, draw the clock, though I could misbehave by drawing a digital clock, and stay out of my personal business. My assessment takes about 5 minutes. 

JP discovered his Mom's old BB gun in the basement and was eager to try it out. Took some effort and strategy to be able to cock it, but he persevered. (Yep a Red Ryder) Finally, he was able to hit the broad side of a tree and used up all the bb's in the rifle. He then expressed an interest in bagging a squirrel or chipmunk who wreak havoc around the foundation of the house and attack the bird feeders, but I'm not buying it. This is the same boy who took one of those creepy-crawlers that like to slide inside this time of year gently off my cupboard and put him outside with apologies to said bug. Peace out... 💚 💙💛

                                                               

RAMBLINGS (December 4)

Apparently, I have not started my Christmas rehab soon enough for my housecleaner. I still believe they have too much time on their hands as the last couple of visits they have explored and found holiday items to display. Is it too much to want to determine my own schedule for holiday change-outs? I only have so many door wreaths and a specific date for replacement. A new door wreath signals the seasonal transition of door-bathroom-dining room with specific objects for each, right down to the tablecloth. Retired people have their rituals. I have broken their habit of putting things in different places. Odd how one little thing out of it's usual dusty spot makes me anxious. Although I am not a fanatic about it, nor am I married to my house, I do enjoy my little decorating whimsey which does not need once a month transients disturbing the symmetry. I expect to see elves on the shelves after they've dusted at some point, but at least they don't get into the booze. Though placement after inebriation could be fun. 

In the hapless journey to better living through chemistry I went for a second shot. No sedation just point and stab. Regrettably, this one went deeper and longer than the last one. However, my curling fingers on the table were the only indicator that I was writhing in pain and two strokes away from drop kicking Dr. Demento across the room. Through gritted teeth I told him we had to stop meeting this way to everyone's amusement. Of course it's always fun and games until someone gets a derriere full of steroids. Some improvement, but so far standing and walking long distances is elusive. Fortunately, the new knee is working which has become a minor player in this scenario. I do miss shopping and have become an online consumer of late.

When dealing with a handicap, one has to get creative on errands, parking and socializing plus I am definitely less judgmental of folks sporting their "wheelie" card (handicap sticker). Convenient drop-off points and finding something to lean on have become increasingly important to my mobility. My strength of will is outmatched by the spinal stenosis, but I keep pushing. I hate to be told no. Which begs the question; is it counter-productive to push past a certain point or is one just building endurance?

I am no athlete but watching Tiger Woods come back and play golf after his horrendous accident (plus millions in medical and rehab) and Aaron Rogers tearing his Achilles tendon and back at practice a few months later (though probably won't play) how much is mental? There is no question that talent lies in the mind and heart which explains how so many athletes can perform even after injury. The assumption of 100% recovery also plays a role as I found out at my six-week check-up for my knee. My recovery has earned me no rechecks for a year, though they normally check their work after six months. Failure was not an option, though I wondered those first couple of weeks as I complained and whined (WINED) through all my physical therapy. But I had too many examples of good recovery and support from friends and family as well to think otherwise.  

Isn't it funny that as you get older no one asks you what your favorite dinosaur is anymore? That is the calling card of every little person whose fascination with big scary beasts I find puzzling. Apparently they are less frightening than what lurks under the bed.- whom I believe never really go away actually. Just a warm, or cold, body to share the insomnia. Peace out....💚 💙💛