THE TURKEY CONNECTION (November 25)

 

THE SEASONAL RACE BEGINS Almost turkey time! So much work and prep for so.....much reward! Fortunately, I am a common sewer (connoisseur) of the dark side when so many want the white meat, so I am always fulfilled. Our free turkey has needed a constant influx of ice to slowly thaw as you-know-who got the biggest free turkey he could trundle out so turning out not to be so free. 

Watching the 40th anniversary of Silver Bells in the City reminded me of the first couple of parades. From when it was a just a twinkle in the BWL and Mayor's eye to the full-blown extravaganza of 70 electrified floats and 11 marching bands. A bit of a boost for the downtown shopping venues. As a member of the Mayor's staff we were ordered, er, er, helped out at City Hall culminating with a "private" party in the Department and a birdie eye view of the Capitol, parade route, fireworks and of course, the lighting of the "shrub". This year the tree is covered completely in red lights. Is someone sending a message? Memories of Melania's dragon's blood Christmas display at the White House. So festive. 40 years is ruby of course.

MARMALADE NOTES Speaking of shocking things, all the hullabaloo of gender specific bathrooms. Who are we really? What's the big deal? Any women's potty chair I have been a visitor to has a "door" to block the intimate parts, so what up? And shocker-we have all partaken in gender neutral bathrooms. Think airplanes, porta-potties and homes. When you gotta go, you gotta go-who gives a flying f---. I myself have led the charge to the men's room when the line for the ladies is wrapping around the block. Shut the door people! Apparently the repubs are obsessed with the thought of sexual assault in the bathroom. Probably because they also don't believe in abortion for sexual assault. What kind of people do they hang with?

I mean do you really want to know what goes on in bathrooms? Make-up retouches, hair and perfume spray, emergency stain removal, sponge baths, diaper changing, gossip; oh yeah; and massive BMs. I know hideous! Oh Lordie, I feel faint. Though I have one puzzler, if men manage to keep their business to themselves in a urinal why do they always get the bathroom floor wet at home? Mysteries of life.

Fun Fact. As Harris lost by less than 2%, one point fraction person out of every 3 people you meet voted for her. Clearly a mandate  😄

HOME FRONT The BYOW party went well. In trying to avoid driving at night we started at 1 pm. Everyone still left after dark which tells me it was a good party with an ample supply of food and drink. Every bottle dry and every crumb pretty much consumed. And success, the dump pitcher held very little discards confirming that the five different wines were pretty much a hit. Fortunately, the bilateral pokes in the OH's sacroiliac did their job and he was a lot more mobile during the party. He even took the boy bowling a couple of games though he had to learn how to bend his knees again. Pretty stiff still. Apparently use it or lose it is a real thing. 

Like the commercial, the oven repair guy actually showed up as scheduled and immediately took the oven door off. That would have been a heck of a lot easier when I was cleaning the oven to be able to remove the door, duh. 20 minutes, a new igniter, $225 and we were back in business.  At what point does it make more sense to buy new or repair? Sigh.

ADVENTURES WITH JP My grandson is a humble soul. When asked what he wanted/needed for Christmas he told me socks! I need socks...and underwear. Those are usually the disappointing pariah of all pretty packaged surprises for kids under the tree. We had quite a discussion on Santa. He said he wishes he never learned he was fake because he liked the idea that some generous dude out there gave random gifts to kids. He said the songs don't make any sense now, etc. Sigh.  I pointed out that isn't it cool that people who know you love you enough to give you gifts at a special time of year. I appreciate his take on things though. We ended up going to see "Red One" which is a hysterical action movie on Santa Claus. He is not so jaded as to not enjoy it and we laughed our proverbial butts off. Course anything with Dwayne Johnson gets my vote. JP finally did say he didn't really want anything for Christmas as he has everything he needs, but he would like a dog. We know.  Peace Out.....💚  💙💛

      

SPREADING THE MARMALADE (November 18)

 

I KNOW This is the column no doubt you were looking for last week. I was not ready. I had to digest the rawness that the America I thought I lived in showed its true colors on November 5th. I had to get rid of the taste of bile in my mouth as I pondered the unreality of it all. If you voted to endorse hatred, violence and bigotry, the fires of hell will not be able to consume your black soul and may the jackals feed upon your flesh. If you believed the lies and were afraid, then perhaps you can be rehabilitated, if we survive. 

A lot of reasons, but one stands out if you've been looking. The pre-ponderance of right-leaning media has taken over. Doesn't matter if FOX had to pay a huge fine for lying. If you check the number of viewers for FOX, Breitbart, NewsMax they leave the traditional media in the dust. Those are what people are listening to which are owned and controlled by wealthy conservatives. They are not afraid to exploit silliness. Where do you think the hoopla about cat-eating Haitians came from, etc. etc. When I took a little journalism in college, we were cautioned to have two independent sources on facts and no speculating.  LOL - boy did that go out the window, but I do practice it when I give my opinion on the blog. 

And after only spending 200 million or so, Tesla's X boy bought himself a country or at least the dude running it as apparently the richest man in the world is taking over on critical phone calls and de-regulation for the pres-elect. One could expect nothing less from the guy "allegedly" sharing top secrets with the enemy. Guess the con-man got conned aye Donnie? Excuse me while I order the lifeboat supplies. Won't it be funny when he realizes the inefficiency and overspending is in the legislature- lol. 

Why is it easier to practice hate than love? They're both 4-letter words. Do I still think people will help a neighbor or support a charity - yes. However, we have been lied to and encouraged by "them" on issues that we have no impact on except "they" told us it was bad, and the other side was bad. Shame on "them". The joke of the election hinged on the price of eggs or gasoline, well gas was down, and eggs are high because thousands of birds have been destroyed to stem avian flu. See how "they" get us fired up. We need to stop letting "them" control our thoughts and fears. Shut off the ridiculous social media and biased news feeds. Check the facts for yourself. Live your life proudly and fearlessly. We can send "them" running for the hills as public opinion is what "they" fear the most. We are "them" and yes, we are our brother's keeper. If we do not speak up for injustice against others, there is no justice for any. Might as well snuff out the torch of that beautiful lady in the New York harbor.

HOWEVER On another front, deep red states voted for minimum wage, family leave and freedom of choice so I think we missed the boat on what was important to folks (hint the economy). Though why they think they will get that from a deeply red federal government is beyond me. That was promised in 2016 and surprise the spoils went to the rich and powerful, so they tried the lie again and it worked!

 Second, Kamala lost by 2% or less, several democratic candidates beat fanatic nazi magas and our buddy got less of the popular vote than several Presidential candidates before him. Third, if Garland and Smith release the report about the Trump cases (that Jack Smith owes the AG before he resigns) directly to the public before the end of the year we can avoid it being quashed and "spun" by those affected.... So, if we can survive and stay positive, all the missteps we are about to witness will cause a blue backlash in 2026. So do not let despair and disappointment rule your life. 

Another fun fact. Considering the only qualification to be a Cabinet member is undying fealty to orange marmalade, you may see some actual pushback. There is not an overwhelming mandate from the voters and congress and senate folks are aware of it. Rumpie  believes he has all kind of capital to spend, but these choices will burn through it pretty quickly.  A Russian advocate for national intelligence; an alleged sex offender for AG, a white supremist who paid off a woman he allegedly assaulted for Defense (where he is threatening to fire or court martial real officers), an oil executive for Environmental and a dude with a worm in his head for HHS. I can't wait to see what Cabinet position Trump offers Putin. Again, if these fly, they will impact the poor and uneducated the hardest. C'est la vie, it's Deja vu all over again. It's a proverbial middle finger to the public and this country in his lust for retribution.

                                                                

OTHER NEWS On the home front the OH is lining up for a hip stab from the pain doc this week. I got mine cold turkey because I am insane that way and love the challenge of how much pain I can take. Not sure if I should warn him, it really stings. I'll just have him pop a hydrocodone and hope for the best.  The issues seem to be spreading so I'm trying to keep him from doing any heavy lifting. Can you imagine I actually stood on my head and cleaned out the oven? It's not lighting, and I wanted to pretend I'm a little Sally trad wife keeping things clean before the repair guy comes to pass judgement on my housekeeping. I also need to wash some floors as apparently wet mopping by the highly paid housekeeper does not include soap. A little apron is probably pushing it though I suppose. 

Just posted a new podcast on MDOT (timely with 2 recent road worker deaths); interviewed two dudes about Conference awards and getting ready to interview Michigan Medical Security and Nursing staff on "Situational Awareness for Emergency Responders" (or make sure the patients don't have weapons). Shouldn't make fun of the last one, violence against medical personnel has escalated especially since the Pandemic. Violence, impatience and entitlement rules. Oops! There I go getting all negative again. I'm tired. 

At any rate in the good news column: I'm getting a free turkey at BJs (yes I do spend that much there); hosting first wine party for the year-during the day as we're old and day drinking and driving is better than night drinking and driving; I have most of my Christmas shopping done; JP's annual calendar is at the printer and Lions are kicking ass! Peace (and we really need it) out...💚  💙💛

A ROSE IS A ROSE (November 11)

 

Atlas' wife held up 50% of the world but his sheer noisy bulk (ego) covered up her contributions. 

 ONE LAST TIME Ok, let's get it out of the way. Picking a known felon, sex offender and all-around lousy businessman was apparently better than an experienced, educated female. Do I wish we had had a chance to go through primaries and choose our candidate rather than pulling someone in 3 months out? Of course, but....

Kind of how I feel after taking in the 5th. My birthday being around election time is always a mixed bag of good/bad news, but life goes on. Not this time...again.  Not to dwell on it, but I just feel so tired of always having to be better because of being female and I am also tired of apologizing for having an education. Blame Mom-she never differentiated between the boy and the girls. With that background in my first safety position, imagine my shock after educating myself and bringing the safety program to high levels and working alone for a year, I did not get the job. Not only did it go to a male with no experience, but I was also expected to maintain the high levels of the program because he did not know how to do it. He did apologize but still took the job. 

Reason given: "You're too passionate". Man speak for you don't back down and act all fluttery and feminine. Well in safety you sure as hell better not back down if you're right and someone's life is at stake. Oddly enough I was often accused of being cold by not talking about personal stuff (mine) but I could always get the story from those with whom I interacted. (I know my family will say-"you never shut up"). Dispassionately negotiating with and succeeding with the rank and file, upper management, politicians, doctors, lawyers and with judges in Court apparently did not prove I was good under pressure or get too stressed. Of course, my nephew has pointed out I don't bet in poker unless I have a good hand so not as poker-faced as I thought LOL. 

Fun fact-I moved on to a better and more responsible position somewhere else where I was the manager of the activity - though again working alone to create a credible safety and health program. That move got me accused of being disloyal by the previous employer, shocker. I am gratified they had to hire an entire department to replace me, however. The person who got hired after me quit after a couple of months because she told me later "they expected me to do all this extra stuff!" So, I guess I am an over-achiever. Being the facilitator and founding "Grandmother" of the MIOSHA Training Institute that has credibility throughout the entire State for Safety and Health, is a gratifying legacy, however. Apparently, that was finally enough as predictably they offered me a chance at a big promotion just before I retired (after bypassing me twice). Hopefully it will help the women who follow. 

MEDICAL UPDATE Well, the OH's pursuit of a cure continues with another appointment with a new specialist Monday. Although he said he was willing to live with the pain level he's at, that's not how I roll so we will continue our search for relief. Everyone needs a fearless (passionate) cheerleader. Besides I would not want to have to learn how to cook after all these years! I am mastering the microwave which means I have discovered there is a power level button-makes all the difference.

Saw the kids and grandson for a birthday dinner. Another fun fact my son-in-law loathes when they sing to you at a restaurant. Something to do with a traumatic experience when he had an early job waiting tables eons ago. So, he charmed the wait person, he's good at that. In fact, we were all friends by the end of dinner, and she quietly gave me my little birthday sundae on the down low. I always mention birthdays when we are celebrating at a restaurant in case there's any free stuff to be had. I can stand a little public humiliation for a freebie. Call me crazy/greedy.

FINAL THOUGHT When we notice that little glimmer of light under the door shining into our dark room, the hope is that it cannot, will not, be totally extinguished. I pray that I am right.                    Peace out ... 💚  💙💛

                                                                               

           

CAN'T WE JUST GET ALONG? (November 4)

CANDY IS DANDY BUT... I think we have the Halloween record for entertaining the oldest tricker treater.  A lady asked for an extra treat for her 93-year-old Mother. I was prepping to see a crone, a robot wheelchair or at a least garland-covered walker. No such luck. Apparently, the lady in question was elsewhere. As the kids did not look confused or loudly call out the mom of telling a whopper, I bought it. Told them to grab a handful of little treats. Surprising how big a 5-year old's hands can be.  I am also known to the parents as the house who offers adult treats. At times the eagerness of a group of parents almost elbowed the kids away from the candy bowl.  Although convivial I think the kids were more polite, but what the heck we all had fun.  Some of the parents were sporting beers so a shot and a beer added to their festive night. 

After nightfall there are long pauses until we get the occasional older straggler. Our street is pitch black with no streetlights and we were only house decorated with orange lights, an illuminated pumpkin milk can and a spinning lighthouse with a pumpkin head. From out of the darkness emerges an evil-looking scythe attached to a long black robe moving ponderously into the light. Freaked me out until I saw a very young feminine face peeping out. Apparently, Death travels alone in search of treats. 

A VOTIN' WE WILL GO A friend and I decided to try out the in person early voting for the first time. I have been voting from the comfort of my kitchen for years. Had to be reintroduced to the whole process again. I kept humming "Like a Virgin". Thank you, Madonna, for getting a chuckle out of the election crew when I mentioned it. Gratifying to see so many folks and so many of the younger persuasion all showing the gravity the situation called for. While I was waxing humorous of course. The lady overseeing the tabulation machine had the most anxiety as various voters kept coming up with glitches. You know the anxiety a "boomer" has when something "techie" goes wrong. What makes it even more interesting is she has to shield her eyes not to see your ballot. Which makes it hard to come over and see what's wrong. I kept hearing her say, "what does the machine say" lol. Ah well. People were patient and nobody got belligerent. You need to work elections sometime to see how honest and hard-working these people are, and the fail safes that have been built in.

In a related side note, we have a neighbor who has been flying a rumpie flag for four effing years, which he changes out every so often. Even when he compares him to God no one has "accidently" removed, hidden or stomped on the repulsive thing. Trust me we have many of a different persuasion in our neighborhood. Now if we had put an opposing flag up it would have been destroyed accompanied by a lawn burning. Ironically, he also posts a "Freedom" sign underneath. But apparently that only applies to one side from what I have observed. Just saying...

 OBSERVATIONS When you finally get an ad that is not political it's either for charity, ASPCA or fixin' feet.  What's up with all these people who apparently have been suffering for years but in the last year or so the solution has been found. Alleluia! Orthotics have been around forever. I myself had them prescribed by my chiro and I hate the damn things and hardly ever wear them. Very uncomfortable so maybe I should do an anti-happy feet ad. I just think the feet people finally met a smart marketer. Every ad shows various people touting the same theme, but the one where the guy cried before he got them and cried after he got them is really annoying. As he says I'm not an actor-no kidding. 

I heard someone call a Catholic Mass "Bells and Smells". Much as I admire the wit, I can explain the bells part. When they spoke in Latin (without a Microphone) people were clueless as to what was happening, and the bells woke them up to the big act (actually the point of the service) which is the consecration-bread and wine/body and blood. Otherwise, I think folks would continue snoozing, gossiping or eating. I think turning around the alter to face the people was probably a smart move to get people involved in the process or to note who's snoozing, gossiping, etc. 

The smells (incense burning) part is not really practiced that much and always announced ahead of time for the snowflakes in the congregation. I guess people passing out in the pews and children loudly asking "what is that stinky smell" provided bad optics for the church. Understand I am of the generation who saw the change to English, guitars around the altar, normal clothes for nuns and fun music. What we used to call a "happenin'".  Speaking of generational slang, I freaked my young grandson -Generation Alpha- when I asked him if he had a particular "pookie" at school which is a love interest. "How do you know that Nana?" I popped a few other words (while looking at the translation on my phone) and he was quite irritated with me.  Oh well. Far freakin'out, groovy and definitely stay calm this week. Peace Out....💚  💙💛