CHECKS, BALANCES AND SHOTS (November 2/116 or not)

 

To paraphrase a book I read in school, "A Weed Grows on Metal Roofs".  At least that was my observation the other day. Who would have thought that wily weeds would find a crack or crevice in metal to spread their dubious noxious selves-looked very untidy. The owner should get on that. Unless they are starting an Italian style roof garden. Myself I would go with evergreens. 

CREDIT CARD CIRCUS After many years of satisfaction with two major credit cards and a debit card, I finally decided to bite the bullet and apply for one at a wholesale club I frequent to save 15 cents/gal on gas. Simple right? Let the games begin. At the store they actually staff tables pushing their cards, not to mention the techie guys who accost you walking down the aisle to push the latest tablet, phone, television, robot (made that one up). The customer service lady (who claims many years in banking approving credit-she lied) said they probably won't even check my credit. As the card is part of the Capitol One family, of which I already have two lines of credit, I agreed. Filled the app and got an email immediately that my credit was frozen and I needed to undo the freeze and they would keep the app open until Nov. 25. 

I knew my credit was frozen as I did it, so I immediately thawed it for a week the same day. The following day I get a letter saying I'm denied as they can't check my credit; call their number if I disagree. Well with no debt, an 850-credit score and more than adequate income one podunk store is sadly mistaken on my credit worthiness. Geez, you get multiple approvals in the mail for pity's sake. My theory is they don't like people who pay their bills-just a working theory. Anyway, I dutifully call the number and hear the same malarkey (thanks Biden) so I reported I am currently thawed and can they redo it? She said I have to do it online-no really? So, I go online and guess what? You can't reapply you silly woman-you've already been denied. Next, I call the super-secret Capitol One credit numbers the "bank lady" gave me and they say I have to reapply to the number they sent me in the letter! As stated earlier, I already have two lines of credit with Cap One already so the "bank lady" knows not whereof she speaks. I point out they already refused to do that-apply online-which of course leads to a denial per previous denial. Subsequently, another novel comes to mind "CATCH 22". I upgraded to Club+ status and am saving 5 cents a gallon. What a bunch of maroons. 

ALL HALLOWS AND JELLOS (shots that is). Saturday night and balmy weather brings out a lot of ghosties and goblin heads. Also, a lot of teenagers and old people looking to score. I am known for handing out Butter Shots schnapps so there were suddenly 2, 3, 4 adults accompanying one token kid in costume. No prob. I tried jello shots (orange and black cherry for theme) as distribution is much simpler and hey, who doesn't want a shot of vodka disguised as an innocuous little cup of jello-heh heh heh. However, when they start showing up a dozen at a time in a farm cart, it gets a little rowdy. With the neighbors playing some awesome music and running their smoke machine, it was a pretty cool scene. My favorite was the half dozen Dalmatians accompanied by their very own white hair/dark hair Cruella. One doggie turned down the treat as she was "not drinking tonight". I assumed she was the designated doggie who volunteered to steer the rest home, 'cause I'm not sure how she works the pedals with her doggie paws. 

My sister is a election challenger and staging station for the canvassers, which meant she had to keep her porchlight on until 9 pm Halloween night. Not sure what she used for a wayward treater after 8 o'clock, so I assumed she handed out campaign literature. Bet that "candy" got scrutinized. She found the election challenger portion interesting and uplifting. No problems with bad actors, just an array of people eager to vote...a lot of people eager to vote. 

As far as the grandson's choice of Halloween party ensemble, the debate was whether he would make a better John Lennon or Ozzie Osbourne. Now our musical boy is a thoroughly modern music buff, but he cut his teeth on his parents 60's to 90's preferences. He can enjoy ACDC and Phil Collins right along with Turnstile and Bruno Mars and he is mad about the boss-Springsteen. He even soloed a difficult rap song at his first concert. Well Ozzie was the overwhelming choice and he killed it, right down to the crosses and tats. As his voice has already deepened, he definitely could carry it off. 

Bless them souls and honor them Saints-November has arrived. 💚  💙💛  

 Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be Where You Find 'Em/Don't Fear the Needle/Choose Wisely

PURPLE WORKS TOO (October 25/117 or not)

FUN WITH APPLES As there are not a plethora (love that word) of eating establishments in the lake area, we ended up at Appleby's. Yeah, I know. They do, however, have a 2 for $25 deal-ieo with the usual mark-ups if you go rogue on ordering, but all in all a decent deal. The wait staff person seemed somewhat new-friendly but a little uptight about things. First there was major consternation over the two sides issue. I am not fond of potatoes and usually ask for none or a substitute if possible. "You have 2 sides and your substitute for broccoli is green beans" (bleeaa). Also, they were out of broccoli. What is steak without the broccoli people say? Or I say. I vetoed cole slaw as I was already getting a salad.  Do you want two green beans? In what world does one want two green beans.

Apparently, it is impossible for our wait staff person to walk away without fulfilling some standard of side dish protocol. No doubt a vigorous training session for new employees with an emphasis of give the people MORE than they want. The OH at this point was highly amused while I was trying to make it simpler for the order to just go through sans potatoes. Finally, to save her from becoming more agitated, I said "fine, just give me the potatoes" crisis averted. NOTE: I ended up giving the OH the potatoes and ate his cole slaw-I know, I know. All progressed calmly from there and I had a surprisingly good sirloin cooked correctly. 

As the final act our server cheerily comes by and says "so are we splitting the check"? What is it about 2 for $25 are we missing here? I wanted to say what 12.50 apiece and what did we drink-would have led to another hour of misguided conversation if we were mean. The OH and I made eye contact and just rolled with it. At any rate I am happy I was able to train staff for Appleby's and didn't stiff on the tip. 

EARLY VOTING I thought about signing up to work the polls, but I suppose someone would dig up my blog and send the ICE boys even though I'm third generation citizen. A subversive working the polls, 1st amendment be damned. 

 

DEJA VU On the news they mentioned MIOSHA had cited the DOT for the two road worker deaths. DOT claimed they had not received the citations and denied culpability anyway. Happened to me when two guys took a nap in a sewer vault (they survived). After working multiple hours on the incident, I came down with a bad cold and was off work when the citations arrived-they always knick you on training. The Public Service director was waylaid by the press and claimed no knowledge. They were sitting in my inbox. He berated me on the phone for not knowing what was in my inbox (days when paper was still a thing) and then had to apologize when he realized I was home sick. Seems like the boss should have taken the heat not me, but. I still find it amazing that I have no poker face, when playing poker, but can manage it when I'm being yelled at. 

BOAT BEGONE The weather cooperated, and it was "smooth sailing" to dry dock. We didn't tell her we were going to leave her outside for the winter as I'm sure she would not have approved of losing her comfy spot in the barn. Another week of appointments, deliveries and heading back to the lake for Halloween. Finally, a neighbor has joined in, so we have music and another reason for the kiddies to traverse our non-sidewalk, streetlight lacking street. Those candy bars and jello shots are not going to eat themselves. Well, worst case scenario, I suppose we could improvise. As we are immersed in an area that sports multiple government jurisdictions, it's a crap shoot when the Howling hours start and end. I figure 5:30 to 8:30 to be on the safe side. 

                                                       

So prep for all those lost souls about to invade your spaces and pray for all the Saints that follow. It actually is a set of Catholic feast days. We've just made it more interesting.

Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be Where You Find 'em/Don't Fear the Needle/ Choose Love

BLACK IS THE NEW ORANGE (October 18/118 or not)

WEEKEND WOES Sorry for the delay my ever-suffering readers. Busy weekend as Saturday I was tied up eliminating the rotten fruit I got from BJ's. Though the good news is I have thoroughly tested the spanking new commode and I am here to say a higher, longer design is definitely a plus when the ravages of bad fruit attack. Believe me, on hauling my suspect fruit to the store I did get my money back, if not my dignity and I didn't even have to float a bad review for incentive. Sunday was wrapping up the pontoon for the season. We are giving the offspring room back in their barn by storing at the local marina. Expensive but so much easier than hauling back and forth on the trailer with me nervously following waiting for a trailer tire blow-out or worse. Plus, the kids get the other half of their barn back. 

Gassing up gussy was a bit of a hassle. You always store with a full tank to discourage ice build-up. That meant hauling huge gas cans to the gas station, back to the lake and pumping into the fuel tank. As I did the pumping part my job was easier especially since we invested the $50 and got the battery-operated type. We have hand-pumped before and putting 18 gallons in is one long and nasty process. 

                                                                                   

This week is filled with appointments, lab tests and another trip back to put the boat to bed; cleaning up leaves and, hopefully, mowing a last time at the lake. So just a few highlights. Thanks for checking back-makes my numbers look good!

EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT I am convinced the social security system is rigged to make it impossible for people to access or get questions answered. In a rare and happy surprise, we got our SS checks a week early-ruh oh. Not very trusting, I assumed someone made a mistake and I looked sideways at this windfall thinking they would probably come back in a year and demand it back with interest. Fortunately, I am solvent enough to wait and assure a second set of payments didn't arrive on the appointed day, which didn't happen.

But again, as I do not trust our keepers in DC I tried to get some sort of explanation. Being tech savvy adjacent, I tried googling early SS payments for some explanation. No dice. Checked my usual sources-nada. Checked the bank and payment was normal. Went to my SS account and it cheerily said my next payment was due on October 14, as per usual.  Second ruh-oh as scam lights up my brain. 

Whether on purpose, due to lack of employees, DOGE's purge or the general take-over of AI, calling the special phone number offers a very pleasant robot that offers three choices, none of which applied. Becoming impatient with the "human" it's a take it or leave it situation and eventually you get hung up on. If you try the local number, you get shipped to the same 3-answer-pick one-robot. I pity the older folks who do not have the expertise, equipment or patience to continue to dig and get the answers they need. I used to say if I had access to a phone and a laptop, I could pretty much run the world. (Now apparently, you just need a megla maniac, complicit Supreme Court and Congress). No longer. The system is rigged against you. At any rate I never did resolve the early payment issue so that remains a mystery..which reminds me...

MYSTERY EXPLAINED If you have ever been plagued with the question of what happened to one sock when you unload the dryer and lack a matching twin, I may have a partial answer. The washer is somewhat complicit. Moving the wet to the dryer, I discovered one errant sock hiding beneath the rim of the washer much like a desperate barnacle clinging to the side of a shrimp boat. It was very nonchalant about the whole thing and acted like, of course, I was going to join my brother sock, you just had to ask. Call me suspicious. But how they make their way out of the dryer vent to the outside I am still flummoxed to explain. 

ELECTION THOUGHT Please vote-nothing is a given. Whether they seat any democratic winners remains to be seen as I discussed with our finance advisor as we debated the future. But I am becoming more impressed with Addul El-Sayed. Unlike his un-worthy opponent, he is not afraid to answer the tough questions, whether it's faux news, debates or hecklers with sane, calm responses. Wow sense and  integrity in a politician. Also, without insulting, and name-calling is refreshing. As for our local congress person running for re-election, he ducked every town hall or open questions, but his ad campaigns make him look like a choir boy. Though not fond of his dem opponent, I still see that total commitment to the orange man regardless of what the ads say. Also, anybody else notice the lack of yard signs this year? Ponder that.

Ok time to go out and help haul in our Spring/Summer collection for the winter, sigh, and batten down the proverbial hatches. So Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be Where You Find 'em/Don't Fear the Needle 

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE-staying home cost us two elections. 💚   💙💛

ORANGE IS THE WORD (October 11/119 or not)

 RANDOM If you don't think men can multi-task, watch how many take a newspaper, or in today's vernacular, a cell phone into the bathroom with them. Though the big question is do they wash their hands afterward? Anon./just kidding it was my quote.

Feeling nostalgic, the daughter has been posting old Facebook pictures of her son as a baby/toddler. Upon mentioning it to the grandson, he was less than thrilled. So Grandpa said maybe Nana should start posting baby pictures of your mom. "Please do" he responded. 😅I don't understand as both hers and his are absolutely adorable. What is it about being a male teenager that makes it so embarrassing? Though I may get the same reaction if I follow through with Grandpa's threat. Mother always said our daughter was the most photographed child in history, and that was before cell phones so maximum effort was involved. That was during the OH's photography stage as well.

FEELING ALL HALLOW Went to the lake with one of the tasks being stringing up the Halloween decor. We have quite a collection out there having given up on our local neighborhood. Despite a plethora of school-agers around us, they do not beg in our neighborhood. No doubt the lack of sidewalks and streetlights has impacted the number of houses around us who even bother distributing. Though we loyally walked literally miles through our expanded neighborhood when it was our turn in the begging business. Fortunately, it tired the daughter out pretty well too so Dad and I could confiscate a few choice pieces, as we performed our due diligence by examining the loot for suspicious packaging of course, while she crashed.

 At the lake we actually have a spinning pumpkin head lighthouse to mark the spot. Though I usually provide Butter Shots for the over 21's, this year I am attempting vodka Jello shots. At any rate, we are known for treating both sides of the age gap by providing the big candy bars and booze. Oddly enough only the parents of the older kids take the drink. The cute itty-bitty participants usually have conscientious parents who believe the holiday is about the kids.  They'll learn. My own father would accompany us with his pith helmet (no I have no idea how he obtained it) and was known for accepting the odd beer or two on our rounds. Then sometimes we'd hit our cousins' locale in Grosse Pointe Woods (the big houses) while our parents partied. Now that's Halloween. As dispenser I usually just wear a long cloak over an all-black outfit and tall boots; warm and fashionable. 

BIZARRO WORLD One useless event this week included giving "special retirees" $90 to offset Medicare, not everyone and not much more than a bucket drop. Meanwhile millions more "special" people will be losing health care. With all the money we're saving shutting down foreign aid, whole departments, research, firing half the government workers, etc., etc. the national debt must be dropping like a rock. Oops guess that money is needed for the continuing destruction and building of new federal buildings and monuments and gold gilding statues. Also sad is the so-called architect of all the destruction has the artistic taste of a mud-encrusted horse-haired weevil butt. Everyday costs go up and the band plays on.  Oh yeah and there's that pesky war that has bankrupted pretty much the whole world. And just in time for mid-terms, transportation secretary has signed orders to suspend all those pesky refunds airline passengers used to get when they get bumped, delayed, cancelled. Playbook for how to fire up the base. 😖

Also, we got rid of "Woke" so marmie could maul/kiss his new assistant and compliment her parent's breeding ability. Since we were so obtuse on what constitutes civil behavior, we needed to "mandate" human dignity, but unfortunately identifying appropriateness is considered too hard for those fragile magats. Calling a normal, respected, intelligent person (Jack Smith) a "dirt bag" after he calls out the inquisition on erroneous information is now the norm for highly placed individuals. Playground bullies always were bereft of an adequate response when confronted.  

EVERYBODY'S A'TALKING It's pretty much feast or famine in the recording world. Or should I more correctly say, when it looks like I'm dead in the proverbial river for content it always shows up, in multiples. I was cussing the lack of response to meet my monthly guota of podcasts when two people responded with their questionnaires intact and I already had promised two others. Holy tomato. I was able to suggest one move to February, and I am trying to talk MIOSHA into January to do their year-end wrap-up to accommodate my latest influx of talent. So tentatively, our topics are "Suicide in Construction" which if you haven't heard is a growing epidemic; "Emotional Intelligence in Safety Programs" "MIOSHA Wrap-Up", "Lock-out Programs" and "Technology and AI in Safety". Plus a couple of randos who have expressed interest-though are technically not yet the old bird in the hand so to speak.  That should get me through to the April conference where I pick up a couple interviews right at the conference, so feeling pretty stoked as they say. Enough already so...

Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Ve Where You Find 'Em/Don't Fear the Needle  💚  💙💛

                                                                         

                                                                               

WELCOME OCTOBER (October 4/120 or not)

"Next time you're shopping ask the cashier what their favorite candy bar is, buy it and give it to them. I did that today. I used self-checkout, but I still think it's a nice thing to do...

CHESTNUTS ROASTING ETC, ETC The next generation of music makers has arrived. My mother, sister and her son are great singers and now the grandson tried out and made the second choir at school today-the Carolers. I keep threatening him that we should go sing karaoke together, though the only place I have ever done so has been in the UP in college towns. As nobody knows me or knows my temporary locale they are stymied from bringing the pitchforks and torches to assure I refrain from singing in public again. 

This budding baritone said he tried out as:  as his buddies were doing it; they needed male voices; he's been taking voice lessons and; 3/4 of the singers are female. Though he actually never mentioned the fourth reason. However, I know boys who took Home EC based on the F/M odds, just saying...

CIDER'S A'POURING Day drinking is a thing, especially for us old folks who need to sober up and recover before bedtime. Which is a way to introduce our trip to Uncle John's cider mill. Wonderful during a weekday with lots of parking and very little bulging family groups. As of course, this is an annual rite of Fall to pick your apples and ride to the pumpkin patch to get your orange jollies. Especially comforting is unlimited access to two, yes only two one-seater bathrooms. There must be a lot of peeing in the back of the barn during the peak season I'm just saying. After the ritual of fresh cider and donut, one moves to the tap room to sample the slightly harder stuff-less sweet and fizzier. 

We had the bar-istas to ourselves but were focused on the hard cider. I decided not to purchase any extra and I never did try their wine which I imagine would be too sweet for my palate anyway. Mission accomplished though I had to throw out 1/2 of the OH's cherry cider. I am known as a wine "finisher" and can't stand to see any left in the bottle, but on this stuff I passed. I swear we are too hooked on our sweeteners, and flavoring that we don't even know what things taste like in their natural form. I always drink coffee black myself, partially because I'm not buying a $7 cup of sugar and I am still able to have a cup even if there are no enhancers available. A definite advantage on remote workplaces where the black stuff is derived from an unknown source and has been percolating for a very very long time. Brownie points are given for my acceptance of the nasty stuff. One must build credibility in imaginative ways. 

REST OF THE WEEK JP's new choir practice forces him to miss the bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays (they have to learn nine songs in the next six weeks) so we will pick him up whenever we're around. Brought him home Thursday after the first practice and he was bubbling over while yelling insults to his buddies out the window as we drove by. When I asked, he of course wanted Chinese food for dinner, then remembered I'm not a fan and quickly tried to backtrack. He's such a sweet kid, but I assured him Nana could manage. He's like his Mother in that they always choose to accommodate others before themselves which is refreshing. 

Otherwise, usual week of non-events ending with getting my butt kicked in Euchre. We've been playing with our good friends for over 50 years always pairing up with the other half's half. That way I said we wouldn't insult each other and sulk-wrong. I bitch at Dave like he's family. I said maybe it's time to consider switching partners, begging Jan can I pair with you as your hub is losing his edge.  LOL. 

Ok. Getting ready to go out and get stabbed as we actually believe in vaccines. One in each arm assures soreness in both, but only one trip. 

Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be Where You Find 'Em/Don't Fear the Needle

                           

DESPITE ALL ODDS (September 27/121 or not)

"If you're depressed, you're living in the past; if you're anxious, you're living in the future; if you're at peace, you're living in the present" Sartre? Confucious?  Naw, Hallmark. Not bad though.  

Got a surprise while recording my latest poddie last week. As I started my first question, I call the icebreaker where the interviewee gets to do a short commercial on who they are, who they work for, what they want to promote, etc., etc. he turned the tables on me. He stated that this was my 60th! podcast and thanked me on behalf of the Conference (he is the Board Chairperson) for all the creative work. Cool. Even more interesting, is it meant he actually thought to check how many there were. I am sometimes more impressed by the effort than the accolade-I just float that way. On the other hand, I've been doing these for what, five years now?

SPA-LIKE WITH A WOW FACTOR (thanks Sue) With a final sizzle, reference due to the electrical problem, the bathrooms plural are done. No drum beating or clashing of cymbals, but Yah! Turns out a neutral wire was MIA on a downstairs plug impacting all their brother and sister plugs. Old house, old electrical which we seem to be replacing one room at a time. Not to mention (I said don't mention) our hot water heater decided this would be the most fantastic time to crash and burn. Well, there was no noise and the object is to keep from burning I suppose. Thank you "This Old House". My new heater is set a tad higher which means hand washing dishes is now an endurance sport. In the water heater's defense, though it is very pretty. Oddly enough, as with the electrical inspector who came during the electrician's troubleshooting during the inspection, the building inspector was there to sign off on the bathroom remodel while we were busily installing a new water heater. Which, of course, means he has to come back to inspect the water heater install. How inefficient of all of us. Disasters should occur more conveniently. 

I am happy with the price and appearance of all the remodeling, but it's worth noting our contractor was sporting a giant new pick-up the last time he was here. Glad we could help. Though I really think folks just getting that one-day tub to shower remodel are paying too much, considering what my two bathrooms cost. The contractor agreed and said those commercials really piss him off. Also, that sexy shade of green I picked is now starting to appear in new houses and actually as a car color-I've already seen a couple. Ahead of my time  

SOCIALLY SPEAKING I wish the dems would just explain the difference between socialism and social democracy (Nordic way). Free enterprise and capitalism remain, but the social network is funded so people are educated, fed, housed and have medical care as part of the "social" contract. That's where the taxes go. Though I think it funny that marmie thinks he's insulting dems by calling them communists when he grovels at the feet of Putin, Xi and Un, communist dictators. He needs to have that explained sometime. 

A GOOD MAN Sorry to hear of Mayor Hollister's passing last week. He was a tremendous leader, and I enjoyed several interactions with him when I worked there. I still recall Monday morning meetings where he would throw out a topic and let the directors react and debate, watching carefully, then make a decision. My boss and I were meeting with him on a worker comp issue, and he wanted my opinion on a course of action and doctor, when I called him Dave-thought my boss was going to have a stroke. "Mayor" she said. Politicians be weird but he didn't seem to mind. He was known for bringing the Lugnuts to Lansing and campaigning to keep GM here, and as one of the founders of the Lansing Area Food Bank but how many people know about his compost worm farm on the 10th floor that the kids loved.

 Personally, he supported my asbestos, bloodborne and drug and alcohol testing programs, though we tangled on the three strikes you're out for positive blood tests.  He also asked our department to bring some programs to life that I facilitated like the city-wide seatbelt campaign (Put a Belt on It) creating the first all-City employee picnic, creating a down payment plan for city workers buying a house in Lansing called L-Hope. He was a man of vision with the expectation of trust for people who worked for him. Truly a defender of the people with optimism and determination despite his Parkinson's diagnosis.

AND THEN Noting a sign on the automatic door "In Emergency/Push to Open" and waiting too long I decided to call an emergency and pushed. The darn thing fought me.

Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect          Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be Where You Find 'Em

                                                 

SEPTEMBER GRASS IS GREENER (September 20/122 or not)

SIGH So tough being MSU, Lions, Tigers fans. Well, maybe next year becomes an ongoing mantra. Last week, for MSU the defense didn't show up and this week it was the offense. Taking on the 3rd ranked team in the nation and holding their own until the 2nd half, then the defense holding and waiting for the offense to acknowledge the effort. The blue and silver almost blow a 21-point lead and then help the Bills inaugurate their new stadium with a pre-ordained loss. The tigers of course...continue to trade their best players. Hopefully, the mantra will change to this year. However, when expectations are low the ability to delight doesn't take much. 

Interesting week as we are trying to get the final pesky details finished on the remodels. Nothing like frantically fixing an electrical snafu when the electrical inspector shows up for the inspection. The good news-after installing two brand new GFI's we passed inspection. The bad news; the original snafu showed up again this morning-argghh. Still need installation of a grating and I can't find the little paint pens they gave us to cover a small strip of cabinet that did not get its color wash in the 2nd bathroom. 

PICK YOUR OUTRAGE From the myriads of disgusting incidents from mr. dementia this week, what kind of pathetic garbage threatens to destroy another man's (war hero and beloved president) memorial because they won't put his own name on it. Plus, now calling the obscene 250-foot arch blocking the view of the Lincoln Memorial and defacing Arlington National Cemetery a defensive installation to get around any challenge. He's going to put ammo, drones and snipers in it-OMG. Not like the Capitol of the USA is literally swarming with military and bases. Little tin soldiers crammed into the arch to leap into action at the moment of threat. A trojan horse so to speak-I'm dying here. 

OLD STORIES Rode over to Novi last week for a Safety Conference meeting where the appearance of normal road was constantly obscured by road construction. Well, that's one reason to welcome winter. We have two seasons as they say, winter and road construction. I rode with the current MSC president and paid by buying lunch (gas would have been more expensive-lol). He's an ex-MIOSHA construction enforcement supervisor so of course we critiqued the various road activities. Good thing we're both retired but those workers are living on a prayer. FUN FACT:  I used to work with his father, a former MIOSHA Construction Director. God I'm old.

 The Dad tried to help me when I was at the BWL when they hired "farmer brown barn builders" to build a storage shed (for TNT-I'm not lying) on one of our properties. They were, shall we say, not conversant with certain rules and I feared an accident - no the TNT wasn't in it yet. Anyway, Joe came out from MIOSHA and tried to "ed-gee-cate".  However, despite our efforts they did manage to knock the structure down and one guy suffered a broken leg. One really hates being right. 

After the BWL I continued to wreak havoc at the City within my first few months of course, because I'm a rule follower. First by interviewing/interrogating a company on their asbestos survey (unbeknownst to me a big supporter of the mayor). Secondly, accompanying a wage and hour rep on his survey of a construction site to determine if they were paying prevailing wage - a requisite of most government jobs. When I realized he was climbing up into an attic full of, wait for it, asbestos, I had some small concern as I told him to GET OUT NOW! When I explained the health evals, personal protective equipment, training and monitoring that needed to happen to mitigate his exposure some of his various gaskets were blown. He had his boss a well-known defender of the little people try to intimidate (never a good tactic with me). Not backing down, I countered with the City Attorney. I won. Actually, this dude and I ended up with a good working relationship, and he is a mover and shaker himself in a very public position these days. 

NEW STORIES This week I'll be doing a podcast interview on Emotional Intelligence (EI) with our current MSC Board Chairperson. Easy interview so we're just going to wing it. Putting the theory into practice so to speak. Considering the different generations in the workplace understanding is sorely needed. The younger folk are into relationships and not "working 'til you drop" for a hearty handshake. Smarter than us oldies perhaps. Then I have 3 feelers out for the month of November so hopefully one will shake loose before my deadline. 

Took the grandson bowling last week ahead of his league start and the teenager is emerging. Our usually bubbling over buddy was more reserved and has cultivated that little curling lip they tend to get. Polite and respectful just not as social as we're used to. He's a bit judgmental these days too and asks hard questions. An interesting twist. So just going to enjoy each stage as it happens.

Our hummer (hummingbird) has been stoking up for his long trip south, perched on the feeder for long periods of time. I understand they put 30-40 percent of their body weight on before leaving so I'm guessing straight-through, no bathroom breaks. I keep thinking well, this is the last day but then he shows up right about dusk and dips his thin little straw deep into the fake plastic flower and goes comatose. 

Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently & Less/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be Where You Find "em 

                                                                                     

MAKING SENSE OF IT (September 13/123 or not)

WHERE'S THE PARADE? Who would have the thought the best thing we saw on the Lansing Area Parade of Homes was the cute little bracelet/keychains supplied by the sponsoring credit union? They may have been worth the entry fee-to be sure, I took two. First clue was no posting of the houses featured on the website just ticket information. That meant no addresses even after you purchased tickets which turned into a game of drive around and look for the little green arrow signs that indicate you may be in parade home vicinity. Only upon a successful scavenger hunt was one awarded a much-slimmed down parade book with no map. As most of the offerings were new streets, surprise, the addresses did not show up on google. Back to the scavenging. We literally drove into surrounding townships and just played hide and seek looking for more signs. Did not realize we were engaging in a religious pilgrimage. Would you not think they WANT you to find the houses for sale?   

After being underwhelmed by the first offering I was eagerly approached by the realtor who enthusiastically asked, "so what do you think?" Reacting quickly, I replied, "Well, I see brown is back" and made my escape. We were looking for bathroom inspiration and am happy to say mine is prettier, though I do see some brave souls venturing into the greens for cabinet colors - I was first. They were pretty "meh" as the kids say so again happy with my own inspiration. The most intriguing and actually locatable house was ultra-modern and really cool except drapes/curtains are apparently not a thing anymore and there were really a lot of windows so owners need dress accordingly. Checked the open house next door to the modern one and I would hate the be the neighbor as you would constantly be compared and end up lacking. 

After driving around the proverbial hell's half acre for one of the last ones, we gave up and hit a sports bar for an early dinner and MSU football. Positive closing to our housing ramble. 

WE REMEMBER Not to sully the 9/11 remembrance but rumplethinskin sleeping through the memorial and offering an illegal $5,000 bribe for people to vote republican are his latest outrageous defecations on America. Such a contrast to what the world was like right after that horrible day coming together as a nation and the world mourning with us compared to what we are today.

I was at Eastern Michigan University evaluating a training program when we got the news. We were piled into the administration office glued to the television in sheer disbelief when the second plane hit and the news kept getting worse and worse. Sickened by what we watched and wondering if more was coming and if we were now at war. To make things more poignant, we were practicing fall protection harnesses in the ROTC building. I watched these young cadets, men and women, with fear yet resolve on their faces as they awaited what might come next. It was weeks before I could look towards Detroit and not wonder if another plane would appear. I wondered if this was how my parents must have felt when Pearl Harbor was attacked.  America had avoided so much of the devastation that war brings on our own soil. We now knew we were vulnerable. Never forget. 

ANOTHER WEEK IN THE WEEDS Needing to meet a repair person for a broken window at the lake Wednesday, we were loaded up early and were ready to move out when 1) we lost power in the two new bathrooms and living room lights and 2) our contractor texted that the painter would be here at 8:00 to finish painting the second bathroom. Say what? The no light thingee could wait until we got back, but the painter-no notice? People take one for granite or quartz or ceramic, I digress, when you're retired. Couldn't contact the glass doctor (literally) until 8 am to beg an afternoon appointment rather than "we'll call you when we're coming" which is what we were working with. Both tasks were accomplished and we were actually able to entertain some friends at the lake as planned. Meanwhile I am still drying my hair in the 1/2 bath downstairs until the elusive electrician shows up.

"Peace (if it's possible) Out/Stay (more than ever) Strong/Love (more than ever) Your Neighbor/Drive (it's only going up) Efficiently/More than Ever Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel (and khaki)/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be where You Find 'em

                                                                               

HOME IS WHERE YOU FIND IT (September 6/124 or not)

"Some people's two cents worth is why we got rid of pennies..." 

Since it's a holiday weekend, I am entitled to downtime and short blogging; also alcohol, sweet desserts and general flatulence. All and all a good weekend. Met the "kids" at the lake for a day and let them take the rest of the weekend and all the bedrooms. As was pointed out, working people have precious little downtime and retirees can go whenever. As we had plans, it worked out great! Fortunately (heh heh) the weather was so lousy Saturday, the S-I-L took on some chores electrical and otherwise to fight the boredom, so we are beyond happy.

JP NAILS IT! My grandson is more like me than I knew. His family went there Friday night as they have their own key, and we couldn't be there until Saturday so like, let the party begin sooner. And for the first time in forever I was not wearing my connected watch, and my phone was on silent. Upon retrieving said phone, I found six calls from my daughter! Who died? Who burned the house down? Who unhooked the boat? Are vandals sitting on my lawn furniture? Actually, they forgot their key and were wondering if I had one hidden in the garage as they have access to that. Not reaching me, they contacted our neighbor and unofficial caretaker and breached the premises. My daughter asked her son, "think like your grandparents-where would they hide a key?" As he is there much more often than they are, a reasonable possibility he would know. He suggested the refrigerator (we have one in the garage) which was scoffed at, and wrong. Later the next day she asked me where I would put a key and I said, no shitske-probably the refrigerator. General hilarity ensued. The boy and I did not collaborate on that answer, we just think alike. 

DRESS UP TIME Started the weekend with an anniversary dinner at the OH's favorite restaurant where he gets his massive prime rib (dog bags were involved) but I couldn't get a second glass of wine. (That's why you order the bottle, but then the police are extra involved holiday weekends, so it turns into a whole thing). Not sure why there was only one bartender on another floor who was apparently slammed. No biggie but they apologized with a free dessert. Well, I am not one to turn down luscious creme brulee obviously-winning! Since I have been wearing flat sandals all summer it was the first time wearing heels in three months going out to dinner. I could balance fine, but I walk so much without heels I was clomping around like a T-Rex. 

LABOR OF LOVE We also attended, I think, our 35th Labor Day bash with friends where everyone brings a dish to pass so we end up with all salads or all desserts with the hostess also filling in gaps with gay abundance and abandon! I compromise by bringing one of each. Since I use the OH's favorite cake recipe for cupcakes and there are always left-overs to take home-winning! One interesting comment. In recovering from my half-decade of surgeries by focusing on exercise and smarter eating I have gotten closer to my fighting weight of many years ago. However, nothing humbles you more than when your old man gets asked "has she been sick"? What you thought was youthful-looking is translated into-what deadly disease is she fighting to achieve that fashionable starving orphan look? They should have looked at my overly laden plate as I try every offering. Some items find themselves artfully disguised and discarded when I hit an ick factor. Word to the wise: do not ask what is in something. Was that chicken chunks in that salad, um no-go no further at that point. But there was an odd item on the dessert array that apparently was dried mushrooms-ok (dessert, salad, appetizer?). In some cultures....? Yeah, I tried one. I think it is what dust would taste like if you cleaned house with your tongue. 

PATHETIC POLITICS Both amusing and pathetic. Vance is calling Abdul a very, very evil man who is bringing background and religion into the campaign-no that would be your side. But then Dr. El-Sayed, an epidemiologist who chose public health and policy over private practice has spearheaded Wayne County's opioid crisis response as the county health director and championed removing lead from schools, assisted disadvantaged children obtain glasses among other programs only wants to talk about the issues. Evil indeed. Is that the best you got? 

Speaking of toads, toadstools, poison mushrooms, I have found a little fairy village wrapped around our tree that appears to be anticipating tiny little occupants. It's temporary housing that sprang up after the massive amount of moisture we've experienced lately, so hopefully it serves some forest creature food or shelter.   

                      

✌Peace Out/✊Stay Strong/💖Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish Be Where You Find Them    

WHAT'S IN A NAME? (August 30/125 or not)

SHAME! The new mnemonic device for our magnifico' Great Lakes. Totally apt for our current "what stupid, meaningless thing should I do today" calendar. Considering the name of each lake is a derivative of first nation peoples who populated the area and named the lakes wayyy before America or Canada were nary a gleam in their founder's eye. Oniatari:io meaning "lake of shining waters" or more simply "beautiful lake" which certainly does not describe the U.S. right now. 😂Which is another bone-y of contention. We are not America-we are the United States of America so calling anything, Gulf, Lake, Ocean American merely give homage to the entire set of countries west of Europe. Funny how that works. Another insult landing something south or north of its so-called target. Speaking of names, when marmie is talking about dems being, horror, communists, aren't his best buds communists (Russia, North Korea, China). Someone needs to 'splain these things in small words and easy sentences.

THEY'RE COMING! I am not a super movie buff. I have not sat through the Hobbit series or Star Wars or Fast & Furious or even Harry Potter. However, in movies I have seen where AI takes over mankind so it was pretty much a foregone conclusion, especially after seeing "I Robot", that mankind would eventually hoist their own petard through technology. So not terribly surprised that AI is running away from human control and the techies who created the monster are the ones warning us about it. As Skoobie Do was fond of saying, Ruh-oh. But at least I know one hero who will do their best to protect. All this build-up was to brag about my daughter as she starts a new position managing a team of system security, compliance and risk experts at the State of Michigan. The Wonder Woman cape is a given but optional. Now all she has to do is fight administration (read politicians) to support the inevitable crucial changes, and economics needed to protect us. Yes, piece of cake

PIVOT My hope with my monthly podcasts is that they sound spontaneous, off-the-cuff, nimble. But all that takes mucho prep-LOL. I usually pen my intro and closing before I even start the interview. The closing might change a bit, but since the whole thing is timed, I have to be able to control the narrative and general meandering to meet our 30–40-minute timeframe with no awkward (isn't there a city named that? oh yeah Auckland, NZ) um-um pauses wasting valuable time. Got to keep it clicking. Anybody watching the YouTube version can see me glancing at props out of sight of the camera. I recommend folks stick to the audio version. Did you know you can tell sight unseen if a person is smiling while they talk? It's kind of fascinating and I keep reminding myself if I'm not happy and excited about the topic neither will the listener. 

 Anyway, my interviewee decided to change my whole intro just before the interview. Yes, his version was more technical and explanatory, but my opening is more whimsical, trying to get you interested-in my own voice so to speak. No problem, I bow to your impressive resume and the ease of interviewing you. Then he kind of swayed into the answers to the questions before I asked them as we both knew the script, right? So, talk about the ability to be nimble as I rephrased things and said, "you mentioned, bla bla bla" and kept us on track. I was rewarded with him telling me I was a very good host with the ability to keep things on track. You think? But I took the compliment as I know he gets interviewed a lot. I try to emulate my favorite virtual interview mentor Stephen Colbert, who was excellent in getting his subjects to relax and spill except I try not to be the main voice you hear. On occasion Stephen got excited and cut them off sometimes making me say-stop, I want to hear their answer to that. So, I guess you can say I learned from his mistakes as well. But if I think of something that makes them say "that's a good question" meaning they hadn't thought of it that way, I'm happy.   "I'm so vain" which is my go-to song on the few occasions I have done karaoke-far away from home of course. I keep telling JP we need to do a karaoke sometime. But I digress. Anyway, another poddie in the can. 

BATH TIME The OH told the contractor we should put him on our Christmas card list as we've seen him more for the past 2 1/2 months than anyone else we know. 2nd bathroom was rolling along but we have a new floor to lay and painting before we can set the immortal throne and finish the rest of the plumbing. There are a couple of issues left on the "completed" bath and a missing part that we ordered and paid for. Although the part really isn't needed (robe hook) we paid $21 for it with a 30% restocking fee so that golden sucker is going to hang somewhere. Now I'm happily searching for green/gold accoutrements for the countertop. Did I mention that the mirror is so humongous that I don't even need to use the little close-up mirror attached to the door to be able to see every pore and eyelash when I put makeup on? Consequently, the mirror works, but like the warning in your rearview "objects probably are much bigger in real life". Looks so perfect and reasonably sized in the showroom set up exclusively for the best display. But I definitely achieved the spa experience except for cleaning those #@#$$ glass doors. Picture shown is reasonable facsimile of completed green room.

                                                                            

Per usual: Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish be Where You Find 'Em 💚  💙💛

GETTING WET (August 23/126 or not)

 

BATHROOM BLUES/GREENS. Well after finally being released from bathroom bondage we took 4 whole days off and went to the lake. JP had asked for an extended fishing trip and Grandpa was more than happy to oblige as it's tough to find fishing buddies. Especially when one goes out early and late. JP had no problem with the late nights; it was the early mornings that required several shake, rattle and rolls to get things moving. Grandpa made an elaborate breakfast the first morning for someone who barely had his eyes open and food was the last thing on his agenda. I just shove energy bars and muffins at him for when he's ready to break his fast. I stick to my raisin bran as nothing says regular but my dependable fiber cereals-so sue me. 

FISHING IS ELEMENTAL It hits dark around 9 pm so I am anxiously awaiting JPs call that they're back in the canal. As I wait on the patio, they soon herald their impending arrival with Joe striking a Statue of Liberty pose as he wields the high-wattage spotlight while they pick their way through our neighbors' anchored boats and docks. 'Cause if you're fishing at night the OH does not come back in until the last proverbial "hung is dog". He has GPS so he just follows the little red line. I just think they be crazy. I also think the two of them would have stayed out all night if they could have kept the bugs at bay. However, all the effort did not yield any trophies, so no fish pictures on Facebook. However, they did hook a sizeable bass which resulted in their patented quick catch and release. No not landing it, unhooking it and sliding it gently back in the water. No, the darn thing broke just before netting. Fish tales of the one who got away. They found my confusion hilarious. JP also swears that he hooked the biggest bass he's ever seen off our dock which also did the do-si-do on him but I'll have to take his word for it.

On their downtime we were watching TV when JP chortled as he brought my attention to an "old people commercial". That's anything from the heartbreak of psoriasis to dementia medicine. Ah the callousness of youth.  I had quite a relationship with commercials when I was a kid. I had a whole dance routine for Welch's grape juice; I could do a reasonably accurate rendition of the little girls who claimed, "Mother I can do it myself" and "It's Shake N Bake and I hepped". And I totally memorized the bit "Crest toothpaste has proven to be an effective dentifrice when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral hygiene and regular professional care .....bla bla bla." Mom would have me perform for company. 

Then JP can be the sweetest kid when he whispers, "do you need a chair Nana (I was sitting on a stool as we had company) I can bring one from my bedroom". He also helped Grandpa with the boats plural without being asked. I may be biased, but I think he's pretty cool. I was teasing him about not introducing himself to the second window man I had in for a quote. He immediately stuck his hand out and said, "I'm Joe, nice to meet you". Curses foiled again. 

BUZZING As the "r's" clutch their pearls and commiserate over them cheatin dems, and the orange one supports a graham cracker who claims publicly she knows nothing much about foreign policy -"I'll just trust the president but I want to be a senator" I have to ask one question. If we are so darned good at cheating how the heck did we lose the presidency and congress? I guess logic doesn't enter into it. Meanwhile the USPS is going to withhold mail-in ballots unless states follow the latest illegal marmie maneuver.

BACK TO WHAT PASSES FOR NORMAL Two doctor appointments this week, probably a start-up of bathroom number two, and a podcast recording with an interesting dude I've interviewed three times. The guy who I keep refusing a second interview is going to have kittens. I don't get paid, I don't have a contract and I can interview who I please. Meanwhile my talented daughter is taking a new job next week at DMB at a higher level and it sounds interesting as heck-something to do with IT and security, etc. and a pretty good-sized staff. You go girl.  They'll have to fit it in with Joe's new passion for drums meaning lessons and practices, not to mention our trying to turn him into a bowling maven. As always: Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect a Vet/Don't Plasticize Your Life/Fish be Where You Find' Em  💚  💙💛

OUT WITH AND IN WITH (August 16/127 or not)

LUXURY Well my fancy pants bathroom seems to be completed. Final crazies included the dreaded drywall to cover the original holes from "too tall Tim" as I like to call him. Both the storage cabinet and mirror were just a wee bit too high for my diminutive self. So new holes, new plaster, new clean-up, though he was relatively neater this time. Then the painter comes back to cover the holes and the finger marks and the gouges as they rehung things. In a month or so I probably will not notice the flaws. 

Asked the electrician to rehang the mirror rather than have "too tall" come back for a five-minute job. Though their boss agreed, do not ask one skilled trade to do another skilled trade's work. They are such prima donnas. They grudgingly moved the mirror down one inch though originally, they were asked to move the light down one inch and mirror down two, plus the gouge marks were theirs. Fortunately, the plumbing inspector just said do a video rather waiting for him to come back to be sure the faucets are aimed the right way or something.

With all the new lighting and see-through glass shower doors one feels like they are performing on stage in a porn movie. I see every eyelash when I do make-up and my wrinkles have never looked so amazing. I believe we could guide and possibly land a passenger jet on the house based on the wattage we're currently enjoying. Now the fun part of picking out accessories. The second bathroom should be  proverbial child's play after my spa extravaganza. Though I have under the table asked the painter if she could "sneak" back in and paint the second bathroom ceiling for a modest fee. I could do it, but there are ladders involved, I am very messy and she's amazing-probably a 10-minute job with nary a drip. 

But also, and especially important, we have de-plasticized our life. Well at least the bedroom. No longer the squishy squish across the room. Just the stairs and the landing until the 2nd bathroom is reimagined. I can live with that, well actually I don't really have a choice.

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH?  300 bank accounts closed by Capital One belonging to marmie on suspicion of money laundering, no really? Front page stuff anywhere except when you own the media. See how that bitch move works out for the orange one? 😏

BIRD WARS Must be the time of year, but the finches are fighting a never-ending turf war against the sparrows. The doves are too fat so they just sit on the ground and wait for droppings, of which there are many. At time there are more brown bodies up there than yellow, but the finch brigade regroups and dive bombs the intruders. Seed is for everyone, but the finches are prettier. Meanwhile hummer has decided these dudes have nothing to do with him so he has actually been feeding regardless of the patriot missiles and B-52 action going on next to him. Hard to think it's actually getting on in the season and everybody is filling up the tanks. 

LIFE WITH JP Church dinner week and JP played his designated waiter duties, taking orders and delivering food. He likes to give me the number in different languages-what a tool. He usually chit chats with everyone, not his fault, he's just so charming and they give him gifts like cookies, crocheted potholders and advice. A young Asian gentleman had attended church and heard about the dinner, so he stopped in for food and then insisted on helping. Which was a whole adventure as he did not know a ton of English. But he did whatever he could see needed doing and we tried our best to communicate. I tried to ascertain if he was Lutheran or Christian for that matter and we were not connecting so he finally had me speak into his translator on his phone. He did understand when I asked his name and gave me an Americanized version, sigh. JP was quite impressed that Nana tried to talk to him even though we weren't doing that great at it. But the young man did understand Thank you and You're welcome and we all learned to bow to each other. A lot of courage I think to put yourself out there when you don't know the language that well. 

We finally had some time off from remodel and JP's busy social life to schedule a few days at the lake to fish which he requested early in the summer. Then, of course, he was thrust into some other school projects so he can't come this week. I am sure it will get harder the older he gets, so a little bittersweet.

Just some small changes....

Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life 💚💚  💙💛

BLUES & GREENS (August 9/128 or not)

                                                                        

LAPTOP LAPSING OH NO -- Again I lament the loss of IT support as a boomer retiree. My main laptop kept going into sleep mode which should have triggered some mild concern. Only when I was down to 30% power with the beast plugged in did I realize my dilemma. "She not be a'chargin". OMG my life is on that thing. Save to the cloud? What does that mean? Download to something? Back-up to what? S-I-L says the fading laptop will fight and die before giving up your files which seems to be the case whenever the bad/good guys access the perp's laptop after he's bounced it off a 3-story building while in flames. Amazing. However, I do not have that level of expertise.

Quick text to the afore mentioned S-I-L to see if he has an extra cord that might work as we both have Lenovo/Legions. Geek Squad cannot get to me until 4 pm and you need at least 30% power and download everything before you bring it in. I am now at 20% as I kept dinking around with the cord and the previously mentioned download issue. Mr. Pessimist has declared the port is busted so my hopes of a quick fix are doomed. SideNote: being married to a doom and gloomer has its points. I always know the absolute worst that can happen and I am never surprised. Some may find that depressing, but I believe it is liberating not wasting all that time and mental anguish imagining "what if". 

At any rate, my son from another mother came over at lunchtime and sacrificed his own power cord in hopes that was the problem. Worked perfectly and I frantically powered 'er up to 100%. He also "amazoned" me to find a new cord, which, though I loathe bozo they were able to deliver the cord I needed within a couple of hours. Knowing it was his work laptop I made a point of delivering his cord back to him that night...and I was jonesing for a blizzard at Dairy Queen. Now many who order blizzards are treated to the spoon suspended in the treat and the cup presented upside down to show its frozen state. We were in line one time at DQ watching the show in the car ahead when the server got a big surprise as the treat cascaded out of the cup onto the ground and we laughed and laughed. Apparently, they have changed that practice as my "small" was delivered with a cap on it, dripping all over my hand. I had to eat it with a straw. Blizzards are going downhill these days....literally. 

DUMB AND DUMBER - Fun in DC this week as they hold Dr. Fauci in contempt as he was not willing to let Congress dump their failings on him by answering the set-up questions. Led by the dude who says he's a medical doctor based on certification he gave himself from a group that he and his wife created. Oddly enough when repugs were called to testify, they just refused. Dems need to start being bigger bastards when they finally, hopefully, get the com. Second and dumber, the brain-dead senate confirms marmie's lawyer as head of the DOJ. Like he hasn't already proven multiple times he is          1) incompetent; 2) working as the orange one's agent and 3) dishonest. Dumber still are the senators who fell into line. 

Some hope, at least in Michigan. Crazy Perry doesn't move forward in the governor's race, a lot of people in the UP are ok with an American with an odd name moving forward in the Senate race and on a personal level two of my nieces have done their part to make a difference in this country. One niece Theresa Sweet is the Sweet (Sweet vs Devos) who brought the class action suit against the US Dept of Ed for delaying and ignoring repayments to students exploited by predatory colleges; the largest settlement in history at great personal cost to herself. A second niece Abbie Groff Blaszak just won the democratic primary for State Senate in the 29th district in West Michigan. Fingers crossed.  

B-ROOM UPDATE Last Monday was a bit chaotic as the carpenter, house cleaners and the OH's golf partner all had plans to show up at 8 am. All managed their assorted tasks, and no one died. Next was the shower doors being installed. Dude and his son. The old man greets me and says, I thought humorously, "is it downstairs?" No. "Of course," he says. Then he dragged his broken body up the stairs to check the locale and measurements. His son, who actually looked older, seemed to move ok. I know how that doggie feels having my own hip issues though I'm not hauling big ass glass doors. 

But the big news. The counter was installed late Friday-major TA DA. My vision is coming together. I have tried to photograph it, but the richness of the green just does not come through as it does in person. The little streaks of gold will be picked up with plumbing and any accessories I'm picking out.

 Now onto the final plumbing, mirror, lights, fixing the hole over the cabinet, plaster some slashes, etc. etc. Also, to make it fun, we are starting on the other bathroom this week. As so many subs are coming to the house I just tell them to "follow the yellow-brick road". The first thing the contractor did was to plasticize (is that a word?). We have plastic running from the front door up the stairs across the hall and the bedroom right to the bathroom door. Everybody gets it and no one gets lost. But I will be so thrilled when I can walk anywhere without that squish squish squish sound and feeling. 

 Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Don't Plasticize Your Life

                                        

                                                                    

DESTROY/BUILD/HOPE (August 2/129 or not )

RENO JOKE "An Elephant walks into a bar. Renovation ensues". Ta da boom

UPDATE We have floor, we have color, we have a new commode! No more schlepping down the hall tempting a sleepy plunge down the stairs. Accommodation is right across the room. Lit only by the trembling night light, obstacles avoided from a long history of muscle memory, a comforting oasis appears out of the gloom offering solace and comfort in the wee hours. (Oases are usually round). 

This week includes the shower doors being installed and by Friday the fancy cabinet is placed on its lily pad throne. So close....Of course, then we have to start on the second bathroom whose flaws only became apparent as we put it to regular use, sigh. The plumber wants to be sure we have one completely functioning bathroom before he starts working on the next. Vanity is an all-in-one unit, so no waiting for install. They will perform a rip and drop in one day.  

                                                                                                    

I also no longer have a child-proof medicine cabinet. Trim dude installed a massive cabinet over the toilet which is 3 feet tall. I had no idea how big that was really to going to be until I tried to reach the shelves. As I said child-proof, or small adult proof. Only the cyanide, strychnine or any of those skull and crossbones labels on the top shelves. When I asked the contractor if he was going to make a little stool for me to reach the cabinet, he wisely sent his trim dude back to lower it six inches. Which, surprise, revealed a small hole in the wall as he couldn't locate the stud. And gosh he was right there (ta da boom-his joke)!!

 So, a bit more wall repair is in somebody's future-not that any normal sized person could see it. Though anyone who reads this will try to find it if they happen to be in there.  Funny thing when one mentions  mistakes, sometimes that's all some people remember. Years ago, I mentioned our first kitchen redo at work and an unfortunate light placement. When people from the office came over for a party, that's the first thing this one lady looked for. Some folks get off on that, I guess. It wasn't noticeable if I hadn't mentioned it, but there I go again. 

EXHAUSTING Hard to only focus on one thing as the duck boy causes so many distracting crisis's every week. Couple of hits:

    -First Ukraine can make Patriot missiles, now they can't-Russia bombs the proverbial sh-- out of             them.     

    -Major bombing of Iran postponed as they're talking again - but not according to Iran who btw has         attacked an American tanker. Maybe if you hadn't fired everyone who knew anything about fighting     wars you might have the cojones to finish this fight. Now the whole middle east is exploding again.

    -His joke peace group gets Hamas to disarm and "naughty nahoo" bombs Gaza again.

    -The attorney general of choice is not going so well, so he is going to withdraw him, but then he             threatens to go ahead and take billions to pay his allies if Senate doesn't approve. So that agreement       that "mr b" said was withdrawn (not in writing) was really not, what one would call a lie. 

    -Then the persecution of the only man who held the country together in the midst of the worst                 pandemic in 100 years of whom mr. bleach could not rise high enough to polish the good doctor's            shoes. 

As if that wasn't enough, we also needed a swipe at the American people by taking away the Medicare drug subsidy which will raise millions of people's costs because they've supposedly made deals with big Pharma. I blame the media who reports every gas bubble this joker has rather than wait for real conclusive actions. He plays them like a fiddle. Except Kaitlan (just smile) Collins the warrior journalist. Or here's a thought, just report outcomes, results, consequences, not every burp in a midnight rant. 

So, for heaven's sake. Vote like your life depends upon it as it does. Funny how for 240 years we had fair and free elections until a serial liar told us they were rigged and people believed him. Wow. 

PCI I fear I was suffering from premature countertop installation last week thinking they were going to install last week which would have been a miracle. But this week's install is still miraculous according to our contractor. Then the final plumbing can be completed by our Plumber Philosopher. He and I were debating Hinduism and who was the stronger - Shiva or Shila-destroyer vs rebirth. He studied comparative religion in school before following in his father's wet footprints.

I'm always fascinated by people's stories. Though the OH said the plumber sure talks a lot instead of working -lol. My fault as that's how I operated at work as 1) I am truly fascinated by people's contrasts; and 2) worked well when I had to investigate boo-boos (technical term) as they knew I saw them as more than just a worker who screwed up.  My family is going oh yeah-Ms talks too much actually listens?  LOL. 

Helps in the podcasts too as I found out a very strict safety director for a dangerous manufacturing group likes to ice climb in his spare time-you know cheating death on a regular basis; or that a management trainer on leadership helps out the local high school in robot building; or the lithium battery guru is involved in a local fire apparatus museum; and another was instrumental in getting life preservers and "Stop the Bleed" kits at State parks. People are interesting and humble.

JP TIME Enjoyed a couple of days with the grandson last week. Bowling and an overnight where we glommed on popcorn watching Roadhouse 2. Then golf with Grandpa. He then courteously let me watch A League of Their Own. He's such a gentleman. I kind of hate action, violent movies as I feel like the whole world is that way right now. He is sensitive enough to know I need to escape. LOL.  

Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/VOTE VOTE VOTE 💙     💚  💙💛

                           

                                                                      

DREAMS OF GREEN (July 26/130 or not)

 TA DA! - first fruits from the garden. They will be followed by increasingly larger offerings as they ripen and mature. I tried to make a clock out of them similar to what the nurse asked me to do at my cognitive testing as well as remembering boy, girl, camera, rat, pedophile, crook, etc. I usually draw a digital clock first for laughs. Not sure how the millennials are going to answer the "draw a clock" question. 

GREEN UPDATE Cabinets installed, countertop measured. This week floor laid and final painting. Now the, unfortunately lonnngggg wait for the countertop to be cut. There was some consternation as the "boys" sorted through the cabinet boxes in the garage as apparently, they can't tell the difference between oyster and a subtle lily pad green. Hence bringing in a piece of the wrong color first. I threw an appropriate fit and attacked their typical masculine brand of "color-blindness". Green, oyster, purple-all the same to them. I suppose I could have waited until they tried to match the wrong pieces to the drawings as obviously, we have time to install and reinstall. Also having to explain that, of course, the fancy matte black pulls and knobs go in the subtle green bath not the common nickel-geez. Good thing I'm here. 

Floor guy is here and again one of the biggest dudes to date. Odd that the plumber and floor guys are big and tall when their jobs require them to be closer to the ground and crawling around. Oh crap, he just asked me if I want the tiles to go long way or short way. Uh Uh,Uh, long. The OH will say he'd rather they went the other way but he's not here so too bad, so sad. I think it will make a small room look longer so all good. 

So much fun when you remodel as little issues pop up. First, it was the shape of the bathroom counter to fit the new larger shower requiring some creative blueprints, then the fan not being vented to the outside, the wall having to be straightened and the water pipes along the wall needing to be wrapped. Now the floor guy says the carpet people didn't put the carpet far enough into the bathroom to match the floor so he had to call his contact to come up with a threshold piece to cover the gap. Best to just not be here and let them figure it out. 

WHEN IS A WAR NOT A WAR? When you want to obfuscate the deaths of four young soldiers who were killed during a "supposed" ceasefire. Which again is another way of stating you are in a war. What an insult to their families that their children's sacrifices are smeared with this stupid attempt not to connect their death to a war. Not being military, even I think I can connect the dots that US bases in the middle east are being attacked and destroyed because a demented dictator and his henchman "had a feeling" and wanted to play with people's lives with an "undeclared" war. 

 

MORE VOTER FUN As if you needed a reason not to vote repub and Mike Rogers in Michigan. He has stated in his campaign if we elect him, he will stop any investigation of Elon Musk-you know the guy who destroyed the federal government, helped the prez cheat on the election and is a billionaire due to bribery, negotiated tax breaks and government contracts. Who the hell does that promise appeal to-Betsy DeVoss? Are we listening Michigan?

BIRD WARS My favorite hummers are still sneaking in when the finch feeder is empty to snatch their sugar water so it's a balancing act between the two species. Then insult to injury, we have a very aggressive male hummer who will not allow the female to drink her share and runs her off if he sees her. So, she makes several recon flights before she scoots in for her drink. She actually uses the perch hoping the male doesn't notice her there on the back of the feeder but is usually dislodged within 30 seconds. The finch-pigs on the other hand are getting more aggressive. If they go a day without seed, their leader bird flies in and hovers at the window. After a quick rest on the shepherd's crook, it then flies and hovers at the window several times in a row.  As soon as the feeder is refilled, the window attacks cease. You would think they were at the bird version of McDonalds and I'm operating drive-up window service. And no doubt as they are young, they are also bitching about the lack of an app for ordering requiring more physical effort to get their order filled. 

We're approaching a hiatus of sorts. If they can finish everything but the countertop, we may be able to finally get to the lake for a few days during the week. JP is wanting a couple of days to fish with Grandpa and we would like to do it before school starts again. Though he does have a busy social schedule.  At any rate, Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/ VOTE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT 💚 💙💛

AT HOME AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION (July 20/131 or not)

 

Ok. I didn't lie. I did see the cabinets last week in that beautiful subtle light green I chose. Only issue is they are in boxes in the garage! Wallboard, mudding and sanding took all freakn' week. Monday starts paint and trim and, fingers crossed, Friday for install. Then a lonnggg wait after measuring to get the countertops cut. I do apologize for those (you know who you are-Kristen, Marcie) for that shower you had to use in the other bathroom. That is one tight squeeze. Living through a remodel is much like living out of a suitcase for a couple of months. My clothes are scattered in several places, and I need to get underwear out of the bedroom bureau and be Shit-showered and shaved (well relatively) before 8:00 most mornings. Not a problem as I am usually up before 5 to walk. Then added to my morning ritual is encouraging my fledging grass patch with their own little gentle shower every morning. Meanwhile the rest of our lawn looks like a war was fought and lost resulting in that distinctive scorched earth motif.

VIVA THE DIFFERENCE Someone made a very astute comment. The difference between the two political parties is the dems threw out a popular, viable candidate who was "accused" of sexual assault; the repugs celebrate the guy who just paid 5 million to a woman of whom he was convicted of sexual assault. People either have integrity or they follow the orange king. That's all you need to know. 

Speaking of people getting their rewards. A woman I've known for many years in the construction business just got promoted to Deputy Director of MIOSHA. She came from outside MIOSHA similar to me, and took over as the Head of the CET Division a few years ago and has moved up the ladder. The MIOSHA Director has no qualms picking leaders regardless of gender, race or national origin. The same man who invited me to try out for the head of Construction Enforcement trying to keep me from retiring. How DEI of him-LOL. 

Makes you leery when you see the nutcases running for governor who think it can be run like a business. Snyder and Musk found out, but only after damaging the entire structure during their tenures. Does anybody else have a problem with multi-millionaires donning a vest and saying they're for the regular people? Nope, not buying it either. 

BIRD POWER When is a finch like a pig? When they empty the birdfeeder every other day. I was letting it ride for a day or so on empty when they started approaching the glass with little birdie pleas on their beaks whenever I sit at my laptop in front of the picture window. Geez. Meanwhile the lone hummer only shows up right before dark and takes several sips on the wing before settling down for the night. Apparently, the perch on my feeder is not big enough for their dainty little feet to rest and take their time. Or maybe all the yellow action on the feeder beside them freaks them out. Though I also wonder if the six trees that disappeared across the street affected their preferred habitat.

                                                     

Now I need to get back to the laundry and prepping for the podcast tomorrow morning. Hopefully, the painter doesn't drop any buckets, etc. while I'm recording. Things are so chaotic and there is so much plastic down on the walkway and stairs that I had to cancel the housekeeper meaning I had to wash the floors and am constantly dusting, bummer. It's work zone frenzy time for a while. So, Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel 💚  💙💛

MELLOW YELLOWING (July 12/132 or not)

AYE AYE CAP'N Learned a new nautical term this weekend. Apparently dropping anchor is relieving oneself and if you're already in the lake so be it.  With great anguish on my part, I chose to wait and drop anchor back at the lake house, properly. LOL.  Or maybe it's because I was wearing pink underwear which would have no way looked like the bikini bottom of a swimsuit and I didn't want to sit in a wet pair of shorts. Oh yes, I suffered. 

Wind was up so trying to anchor to swim proved an interesting challenge and the s-i-l had to push us out at one point as the waves kept pushing us back on shore. We ended up at a 30-foot-deep spot but only put out one anchor which of course kept the boat swirling a 360 every few minutes. All and all a perfect day weather and humidity-wise for our annual family party. JP also caught a decent-sized bass when he and Grandpa went out for a couple of hours Friday night. He had to bring it back in the live well so he could show me, of course, for the inevitable pictures of course. He named him Derrick, of course and he let him go, of course. 

WEATHERLY Speaking of weather, maybe firing half the NOA staff and dismantling all the weather balloons may have an impact on all the interesting weather, damage, flooding and injuries we've been experiencing as "surprise", another storm rolls in quicker than predicted, if predicted at all. Which was especially apparent in the open-air eggs-stravaganza planned by the orange one. CBS who had the exclusive is definitely run by idiots as they scrambled for content for two hours leaving their "folks on the scene" in a lightening-filled storm for two hours. Insult to injury they still had to cover marmie's 11:00 hate speech. Kids had given up on fireworks at that point and went to sleep.

This debacle was followed the next day with an environmental warning for folks to stay inside because no one realized setting off fireworks in 10 hot humid locations around Washington DC would fill the air with smoke for days. Not to mention the trash. Never get tired of winning right and who needs science? When you have a trillionaire who exists on tax breaks and government contracts and a top health dude who swims in sewage running things, what do you expect?

 CANNERY ROW Helping one's neighbor is alive and well. At least at the Grand Ledge Meijer. As we were wheeling our cart full of "a couple of things we actually needed" and everything else, I noticed a young woman with a lot of black plastic bags heading into the store. By gum she almost made it too. While adjusting one of the bags a mass of pop and beer cans and water bottles started pouring out like Niagara. It was fascinating as I kept thinking it'll stop. Nope-they kept coming and coming and coming. Then other bags joined in. Adding to the mass chaos of plastic/aluminum flooding was the fact that it was downhill towards the road from where the explosion occurred. I hesitated, looked at the OH and we both dropped our cart and started chasing the flotsam and jetsam rolling and blocking traffic in the parking lot. I mean it was overwhelming. She must have been collecting for years, ran a frat house or had the most awesome party ever seen. As the three of us were snagging returnable booty and laughing our as--es off, several other people stopped to help as well. Only lost one can as it rolled inevitably to the street. It was too hot and too far so we just wished it luck and waved it goodbye. After thanking everyone the lady made the immortal statement "I guess I should have tied the bags"   You think? 

UPDATE Not much to report. Drywall done, mudding taking three frickn'g days then painting starts this week. So, we may see the much-anticipated cabinets finally making an appearance. Meanwhile a broken window at the lake may require an entirely new window, not just a glass replacement as it is all one unit-sigh.

GARDEN GLORIES We have to admit, the fence "crows" did their job. The OH says there are so many tomatoes coming on we may have to open a roadside stand. Bumper crop this year so a lot of people will be getting little red gifts. He has been waiting for a year like this. Lanscaper came back and reseeded my crop of weeds at no charge, so fingers crossed it works this time. Then a little yellow miracle. I bought some Meijer tulips around Mother's Day, but they looked so crappy we ended up digging the bulbs up and planting them for next year. However, these long green shoots would not be denied. It couldn't be tulips they don't rebloom. So, either there was a stowaway in the tulip patch or it flew into our garden from parts unknown (no it's a bulb so it can't). At any rate I ended up getting the most beautiful yellow lily-like flowers. Sometimes accidents are happy surprises. 

                                                                  

As always:  Peace Out/Stay Strong/Love Your Neighbor/Eat More Cake/Drive Efficiently/Salute a Vet/Respect Flannel/Believe in Miracles