PRIMARY WEEK (JULY 31)

Appliance update.  Though no luck on a repair person I absorbed the lesson and am grudgingly using the working dishwasher at least once a week.  The OH sensing an opportunity is presenting me with a dirty baseball cap in a holder to clean every time I do. Helps me reach a full load I guess.

SKELETON PARK & GOLF Have to give the devil his due. Apparently by burying his ex-wife on his golf course it makes the land a cemetery. According to New Jersey tax law, cemeteries are exempt from property tax, income tax and real tax. Wow. What a wonderfully charitable act, though inquiring minds want to know if the lady graces the front or back nine. Wonder how the penalty is assessed upon landing in the "cemetery". I guess it shows how "low" the undertaker will go. As one commentator pointed out (in reference to hosting the Saudi tournament) when given the choice between America and money he always takes the cash. The graft goes merrily on and no one's in jail. Time to utilize our backyards in a tax-winning strategy. Narcissism has its advantages.

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL Continuing the theme of "people are always mad at the wrong thing/person", a couple of oil companies just reported "massive" profits for the second quarter in a row while claiming they can't increase production (too expensive?)...while the public suffers horrendous gas prices...and blames the president. More education of who we should be mad at...the same party who is celebrating (against the majority opinion of the citizens) banning abortion for any reason  has also voted against family medical leave, the child care credit, universal health care, and expanded benefits for veterans, etc. Still blaming the Administration?  Not to mention the hypocritical R representative voting against the Respect for Marriage Act and attending his gay son's wedding three days later (Thompson). Save me from party politics even when your own child is involved and insulted.

 Recession? No recession? This is probably the 3rd or 4th time we've gone through this since I've started investing regardless of who is in office. Guess what? It comes back! War, supply chain problems, too much dependence on China, companies making massive profits from government bailouts that they spent on buying back their own stock or rewarding investors...blame the President. The con job continues.

A gentleman we were talking with the other day said he was wondering which R to support in the Governor's race, but I wisely kept my own counsel. The choices are so superlative. First the disqualified candidates who falsified signatures on their petitions for candidacy (including a former Police Chief). One who is backed by trumpie dump and believes there are sex conspiracies in junior high and no exceptions for abortion, "young girls should be forced to go through a pregnancy after rape/incest"; the guy who brought long guns into the Capitol and celebrated at the January 6 soiree; the pig father of three daughters who gleefully states if rape is inevitable, lay back and enjoy it; the ex-pastor who wants the Bible as a textbook in schools; the one who wants to throw  the "3 witches" (Governor, Sec of State and Attorney General) in jail for bravely doing their jobs while being threatened and harrassed  even in their own homes. Most also claim the election was stolen regardless of their own party's exhaustive efforts to prove fraud with no success. Stinks when honorable people can't produce bogus results...

The Dems have their own record of pratfalls. Their biggest problem is the puppy-like eagerness to have everybody like them, thus not landing the blows when they need to.  Though this inept scenerio brought about the 40-hour work week, ended child labor, created social security and universal health care, workplace safety and health, environmental advances.  You know the things that are important to we, the taxpayers. Have to admire the R strategy of pushing the narrative that Social Security will not last so no one would be surprised if they ended it.  Even though many strategies exist including taxing ALL incomes (no maximum cap) that would keep the fund solvent. Again the majority of seniors rely on this program and are being conned into thinking it is unsustainable. Voting against veteran and senior interests does not seem to be a winning strategy-if anyone is paying attention.

WIN FOR A MINUTE Score one for the good guys. Under Governor Snyder's watch citizen petition drives were put together for the November ballot raising the minimum wage and guaranteeing paid sick leave. In a snarky move, the legislature quickly passed their watered down version of these ballot proposals before the election thus making them null and void.  However the citizens sued and recently prevailed as the judge ruled the legislature had no right to change the "wording or intent" of the proposals.  Again it ain't the dems that are continuing to strike at the people's ability to live and thrive. Though it would be incredible if both sides could grow up and work together. Helping the citizens in a fiscally responsible way-what a concept.

JOE TIME --  Enjoyed the grandson's company at the lake for a few days where he proceeded to clean the canal of any stray channel cats that fell for his tasty worms.  He did score some lake swim time although the wave action was pretty intense. Fortunately the bright orange shirt I insisted he wear and the snorkel he donned kept him in sight between all the white caps. He likes to pretend he is different fish species as he scopes the bottom of the lake. Usually a sand or lemon shark, but for some reason he said he was a blue-footed booby which is a bird with an impressive mating dance. I don't want to know... 

We stopped for ice cream after swimming where he asked for a small vanilla cone. He's not a big ice cream eater and they gave him way too much so he ended up dumping it into my dish and just ate the cone.  Obviously I didn't need any dinner. Later I asked him if he wanted corn on the cob for his dinner.  Any self-respecting 10 year old would state his displeasure with a "yuck, gross, I hate corn on the cob."  All Joe said was "not one of my favorites".  I swear there is a 40-year old diplomat living in that boy. Peace Out... 💛💙💛💙

APPLIANCE WARS (July 25)

MORE MECH FAILURES The latest (well not so latest-2 months) appliance rebellion occurred at the lake house when the dishwasher took a dive and refused to resurface (note the water reference?) Only four years old and deader than a school of carp initiating a suicide pact. I guess my strategy of buying "el cheapo" as I have a dishwasher sized opening in my lower cupboards was not well thought out. To be clear, though I own two houses and thus two dishwashers, which I never use. Seems wasteful to me (against all science) when 5-10 minutes cleans up the kitchen sink. So obviously in a fit of pique from being ignored the lakeside version decided to punish me.

No problem. The culprit is relatively new and slightly used so the store should set me up with repairs. Unlike the defunct LG "frig" that no one would touch with the proverbial 10 foot magic wand. Note to self:  do not buy LG appliances...ever.  Anyway store referred me to outside repair shops, hmmm not a great start if they do not service what they sell. First call was answered by a shrew-like person who growled about no appointments for four score and who knows. But also they immediately identified the problem as a controller and those are VERY expensive. If the job was to discourage further contact and forego any ongoing monetary interactions they were successful.  Though I would love to know the cost of the magic eight ball that diagnoses over the phone. I have a feeling the answers as you shook the ball would include "You're kidding right? Never heard of that brand. They don't make parts for that anymore (what the heck are chewing gum and twine for then); Ask again later when I don't have to answer the phone and, of course, Don't know, don't care but whatever it is, it's VERY expensive"

Second call was the national Sears Applicance line. You know it's national, or international, as the service folks are named Jim and Mitzi and have very strong accents. After much back and forth, we agreed on service and timing and then they wanted my credit card. Well that was fifteen minutes of my life I'll never get back..Needless to say I still don't have a fix for my stubborn little friend. Tried Thumbtack which is Angi's List's little brother I think. No problem! One repair person who got 4.9 stars, great reviews and worked my little lake town. Well that was a week ago  and no callback. Sigh. Well at least it looks nice- that dormant, smirking piece of stainless steel.

USUAL RANT My political rant for the day as I was following some of the January 6 Committee revelations. Our forefathers were extremely concerned that the country not fall under the spell of a meglomaniac who would refuse to give up power and rule as a king. Especially since they were going through a lot of effort, expense and frankly, death to get rid of the one they had. Thus they put in checks and balances but also said the country needed to rely on those of moral courage and integrity. Well we have heard from those folks and they are being trashed, maligned and threatened by those who, to use an old saying, are not "fit to shine their shoes". We will have to fight this battle again and again and thank you for those who spoke the truth against all odds. 

On a lighter note a Congress woman was debating or blocking (take your pick) legislation to codify the use of contraception. She believed contraception leads to more abortions, duh. The same folks who think educating the masses and college are a waste of time. Same group banning books that tell history, math and the truth.  Obviously many of us are electing our "peers". Same clowns who think Jewish lasers cause forest fires (taylor green), unattractive women shouldn't worry about rape (gaetz); smoking doesn't kill (pence), etc. 

Speaking of trees. No I was actually I was following a log hauler the other day. I have an acute fear of following a trailer with massive cut logs/trees on it.  I always envision a loud twang and logs rolling slowly off into my windshield and impaling all front seat passengers, etc.  Reminded me of the hassle we had at MIOSHA about the unloading of logs in the UP. Drivers argued to stay in the cab as the massive trees were unloaded to save time. We argued the possibility of eating bark (crushed) if the hook malfunctioned resulting in 1000's of pounds of wood obliterating all and sundry. We were worry warts and they were defending the economic reality which was dependent upon getting their logs to the mill as fast as they could to get paid. The older you get, the more you are confronted with the grays of life (as opposed to pure black and white).

Continuing the agricultural theme the first tomato picking was today. The grape and cherry are usually first with their scarlet paws in the air saying "pick me! pick me!"  But these are a little suspect based on their size. We have either been accidentally infused with nuclear material causing tremendous growth or they were mislabeled at the farm.  At any rate looks like a very good year.

                                                                                        

SUMMER WIND Invited the wine tasting group out for "Lunch on the Lake". Another note to self: Do not overbuy the entree if one is supplying wine and appetizers beforehand.  Discovered: 1) we all fit on the patio in the shade; 2) I have enough non-breakable wine glasses for 10; 3) everybody brings wine and food; 4) Eight bodies and a drink cooler are the correct ballast on the pontoon to provide perfect balance especially on a windy day; 5) nice paper plates work just fine when one does not have a working dishwasher. Peace out (except for the lying russian cowards) 💛💙

                                      

SCATTERED THOUGHTS (JULY 18)

Took a couple of weeks off to enjoy Joe time, reunions, birthday galas, etc.  By Sunday night, all creativity exhausted. So this will consist of some observations, memories and the inevitable political rant.

AT YOUR SERVICE, MAYBE I think many have reached the end of their prospective ropes regarding service no doubt due to short staffing, supply chain snafus, demanding customers. At a chain sit-down restaurant we were basically ignored for any addtional services, condiments or coffee refills (which considering what they charge for coffee, unforgiveable). When noting this to the cashier, the response was "why didn't you ask me?" Huh? Even the local pharmacy was snooty upon asking a very pertinent question with answer along the lines of  "I haven't had any problems" Again Huh? Wave of the future I am guessing. Upon receiving good (not even great) service I now tend to overtip.

This is the happy time of year when property taxes are due as well as ALL the insurances for everything (cars, houses, boats, umbrella) which no one explains is the down side of bundling your coverages. I was feeling financially smug about my savings strategies, which, of course, was an irresistable temptation to disaster. In quick succession refrigerator, television and garage door all decided this was the moment to "take a crap". Ah well.  I now have a new frig, TV and garage door-and my savings strategies held up.

Speaking of investments, one should not look at their investments right now.

WORK TALES I remember how the fire fighters loved their down time between chaos and mayhem (fires and emergencies) as that gave them more time to work on their portfolios. When we changed the guaranteed pension to an investment system, a bunch of would-be financial advisor hobbyists were born. Instead of one very savvy financial manager coordinating the money, everyone gets a shot at it. The FF's were just able to do it on work time. I left the job but kept the financial advisor they had hired to put the system in place. He also loves to coordinate money.

Which segues into contracts. With seven or was it nine, different unions at my workplace I sat on negotiations more than once and became the "go to" for interpreting the minutes on what we "really" meant during the meetings. Straight faced when going toe-to-toe and dissolving into consternation and hilarity with my team on breaks.Though we met in odd places, spending the night in the Wastewater Plant conference room dozing on the tables was definitely one for the books.  Nothing like using uncomfortable circumstances to come to consensus. Then being awakened by the BOSS wanting to know what the hold-up was and telling me to "just do it". Yes, Sir. Though I question whether a staff manager had more power than a line manager. Apparently we did.

INEVITABLE RANT Speaking of power shifts. Apparently the fear that "certain" white males embody has borne fruit with the reversal of Roe v Wade. Ever since they found a reliable and safe means of contraception women have been able to control their lives like any other American which meant "others" could not control or shut down their advancement. Which, apparently, infuriates the same group of nosies that opposes civil rights, contraception, etc. etc.  We are already hearing the horror stories of women suffering miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies (forming outside the uterus that will not survive and kill the Mother). Doctors and hospitals are afraid to treat because of the uncertainty of the new law which is leading to complications, infections and fear in patients. I myself suffered a miscarriage and had a procedure to remove tissue (and a piece of my heart if I'm honest). If that right had not been there for me, who knows? Yes, it's personal and, might I add no one's business. I know there are men out there who agree that women should have a choice and also want to be part of decisions to determine when and how large a family they want.  Let's hear from them too! 

Not to spread conspiracy theories, but why are there thousands of American children waiting to be adopted yet people are opting for European (read white) children. hmmm. Listening pro-birthers?

And news flash, if you're going to allow people to pray publicly, at schools and "coercing" others to join in then you better get ready to get out your prayer mat and yamaka. There is a separation of church and state that are the foundations of this country and I think it's time we stop letting one "group" tell everyone else what to do while they are shouting "freedom". Freedom from these folks please. 

GAMES  As discussed earlier my own furthering the advancement of women precipitated my insertion into the Men's golf league. Two of my male collegues made me a part of their team, because they felt the system was unfair, but mostly they would get week off every couple. Since one of them was named Larry and the other Darold it was inevitable that we were known as Larry, Darol and Darelle.  Looked nice on the last place trophy. See women don't have to win or get special favors; just a chance to be a part of the game. Attitude is just a bonus. 😃 Plus as I've said before it made it much easier to deal with these folks later at work as we had golf (played badly) in common. Kind of like a secret handshake thingee. Women unfettered-scarey. Beat same woman at golf-buds for life!

 The humming bird wars are in full forcce. The male (why is it always...) is very territorial and will not let the, actually larger, female have a drink too. Especially silly as there is enough sugar juice in the feeder to cause the whole flock diabetes believe me. Getting fed seemed important to the female so as the male hummer flashed back and forth screeching, she tucked herself deep in the rose bush, thorns and all, and waited... Eventually he blew himself out and she got lunch. Let that be a word to the wise; I have learned in certain circumstances to wait and let you blow yourself out. Peace out ....💛💜

HISTORY MADE/HISTORY TAKEN AWAY (JUNE 20)

Lots of activity this week and not all of it work-related for a change.  Well yes, I did hold a rehearsal for my next poddie guest and I created a script for the MSU FRIB speaker and felt guilt for not contacting everyone I was going to, but....

LAKE DAYS & OTHER STUFF Spent a couple of days at the lake and got to use both boats with a legal sized walleye finally captured by the OH. We catch and release so it is merely heresay...I spent the morning cleaning and reading a book I've had out there for a couple of months. Enjoyable meander around the lake and dinner with sis and b-i-l. Made tracks the next morning as the weather was going to be toasty and also as the annual garage sale was starting Friday morning. It was absolutely essential to "holster" the fishing boat in the garage before the bargain seekers descended (early of course), but nice chilly ride across the lake with the sun coming out.

                                                                 

As set-up for the sale was occurring across the street and I actually saw the elusive lady who lives in the new house with the menacing signs of NO TRESPASSING & BEWARE  OF DOG, I thought I would go over and introduce myself. She's only been there a couple of years and does not talk to the neighbors. She literally blew me off and turned her back on me. Well I'll be sure to call 911 for you ma'am if the need ever arises.  Her husband, who was friendly when they first started building the house there, died of a heart issue-I can understand why.

 Enjoyed my visit with my new specialist who sports a children's story- type last name. I asked him if he got a lot of flak for it and he said "give me your best shot". A much more productive and pleasant visit and referral for PT before further nerve testing. As I was a half hour early (got 3 texts with 3 different start times) maybe he did not have time to get frustrated with earlier patients - lol.  Financial planner visit went as expected and not surprisingly, the magic beans we invested in did not pan out (da da thump-joke). Good time to buy of course. Nice restaurant, in Brighton of all places, and I even had a drink on him as we were early, no he was late actually. 

WARNING, POLITICS Of course the hearings rumble on and I must give credit to the producer. The segues and animation were superbly intertwined with the interviews, conducted with republicans as obviously the dems would not have a reason to overthrow the election/govt. Something about being under oath made people tell the truth which sure as hell would have helped this country if they had spoken up earlier. Hopefully some of these dufusses will follow the example of Rusty Bowers (Arizona) who truthfully, said he supported and voted for Dufus Quixote but in deference to his conscience, his oath to the constitution and his faith was not willing to cheat to win. (forget all that went before and ignore the man behind the curtain). He was mocked by the GOP party leader of Arizona who nicknamed him "Rusty Bowels" which is appalling to realize the "r's" condemn honesty and adherence to an oath over lies. Also these dudes are not going under the bus for "he who will not leave".

Have to love ole' Ron Johnson (Wisconsin) who was accused of passing on a packet of "false electors" to the Vice Pres. But as Schultz of Hogan's Hero's would say "I know notting".  Blamed his intern and stated his only role was to pass on a packet that 1) he did not know who it came from and 2) did not know what it contained.  I always take my underlings word for any important job they give me and ouch my stomach hurts and I'm on a phone call don't bother me...

The (non-partisan - choke) supremies have struck again. In the same week they ruled States do not have autonomy to decide who gets to carry a gun-so everybody does! They then claimed States get to decide who gets to die in childbirth.  Who's pro-life now? As I have stated before, until there is equal responsibility for the fathers, pre-natal care, medical coverage, child care and economic and educational support for the Moms who are literally risking their lives, schooling, careers (especially black women who die at 3Xs the rate as white mothers),  you are pro-birth and pro-maternal death and condemning many children and women to poverty. Disgusting. Clarence -how odd that you are the one chipping away at civil rights and personal liberties. The "good old boys" will be happy to show you what they think of a black man marrying a white woman. And I guess we can just believe Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois misspoke when she complimented the courts and Orangie by saying the Roe reversal was victory for white life. But how similar is Right to Life to White Life. The subconcious is a slippery rascal..She previously praised Hitler's tactics, and no she meant to say that one.

FOOD CHALLENGES Had an opportunity to visit a restaurant we had not been to since before the pandemic.  Nice Italian cuisine and good wine selection. Had my first cavier at at a wine-tasting visit there. At any rate I leaped on an offering of chicken picatta, a dish I had not enjoyed for a long time. Clues that things were not quite as remembered began with the argument over which Sauvignon Blanc I wanted. As Kim Crawford was priced $2 more and I know how cheap it is in the grocery store I tried to flag the server and finally had to literally track her down behind the bar opening Sister Crawford. She was not pleased-not my problem. Upon ordering our salads, the OH asked for Italian dressing. "We don't have that". Italian restaurant. Silence as she gave no listing of what they did have-we had to ask. She seemed surprised. Then we were subjected to a loonnnggg  wait for our appetizers. Second glass of wine required. Finally the entrees. One slice of lemon and 4 capers, hmmm. Have you ever had to saw your tender chicken breast with a steak knife? After leaving a piece and half of the 2 pieces they only offered a lousy 15% discount (only after pointing out it was inedible). But hope springs eternal as I signed us up for a wine tasting there this week. We shall see and make our decision. They will of course get one of my artfully conceived complaint letters (after the wine tasting of course).

Finally upon returning home on Friday we noticed the frig was not as cool as one would expect and blamed it on the hot weather. Um no. When I checked the freezer and found ice cream soup and no ice in the ice trays it was a Scoobie Do ruh ro. Try to find someone who will work on an LG (lousy grade) refrigerator especially without a service contract though the sucker is probably more than ten years old. When a compressor goes, so goes the whole thing we figured.  So a couple hundred dollars of food dumped and a mere $2100 later, we are now living out of coolers until next Wednesday when a new one is being delivered. (Whirlpool) Sigh.    💛💜

MISH MOSH (June 13)

IMAGES FROM THE PAST. Funny thing happened in a training session this week. I signed up for a class on crystalline silica (causes silicosis) pretty much to scope out the lecturer to decide if he would be a good interview. I'm getting desperate. As I approached him at the break to broach the subject he knew me immediately.  You hired me at MIOSHA to do contract training. Oh yes of course, I thought that was you (back pedaling frantically 'cause I did not remember). At any rate he agreed to be dissected by me on air-cool.  Also roped in the host of the seminar-a construction skate I used to work with.  So two birds and an interesting class to boot. Forgot what it was like to sit and absorb all day and I even understood the material. 

Added bonus, the head of MIOSHA was at the class garnering CEUs to maintain his certification so when a remark was made castigating MIO, we were able to exchange eyerolls. My former boss had retired the previous week and he was bemoaning the fact of no replacement yet. I was tempted to offer my services, as he had invited me to interview for the top construction job shortly before I retired back in the day, but I hated to get his hopes up-LOL.  At that time the very idea of having to calm down, control and build credibility with a large group of construction inspectors was exhausting mentally and I was just not up for the challenge for the umpteenth time in my career. Just too much "mansplaining" would be involved which is exceedingy boring and superfluous.Though from what I hear (I still have spies in place) apparently the second in command does all the work on that job so opportunity lost - another LOL. 

MSC meeting this week where, as I was not presiding, I was able to get off some pithy "bon mots" (as Dad called them) to great hilarity. Lost our proverbial shirts at this year's conference, but hopeful for the future. There is still a lot of covid touchiness and the safety skates' excuses of not being able to get away. I know I had to take vacay days to attend the conference and still got paged, called, bothered several times a day when in classes. Thank goodness the finance committee I participate in anticipated "there would be days like this" ahead so we can cover our losses.

 I was gratified that the majority had listened to the podcasts and did not disparage them too much. Maybe it would be different if I was not sitting there eager as a puppy teasing out positive feedback. Next group of "pods" will include comparing mountain climbing to safety; the FRIB project at MSU; DOT Regs, and a few other topics yet to be decided. 

ADVENTURES WITH JOE. Joe visited literally from the moment he was let out of school for the year at noon on Wednesday until Friday night. As Nana was at a meeting he and Grandpa hit the bowling alley to have lunch and roll that new ball. Thursday plan to fish and swim at the lake was stymied by the depressing sight of the garage door hanging in pieces as it tried to close - poop. Lake trip cancelled though the way Joe's sinsuses were running, probably a good idea anyway. He insisted on a covid test by Friday after going through an entire box of tissues. It was negative, but he sure knows the routine for nasal swabbing...Dosing with allegra did not do much but we all soldiered on.  He eagerly starts Adventure Club at the school near us on Monday so hope Mom sends lots of nose wipes. 

 The boy may have a future in writing as he is a stellar story-teller. I have never heard anyone describe a dream to the detail he can provide. I do believe he works out a lot of anxiety in his dreams as they are vivid. Usually my dreams fade quickly-even the "good"ones. 

OH NO HE DID NOT! The January 6th Committee hearings have been a guilty pleasure this week. One wants to look away, but cannot. Basically, he knew he lost; his inner circle told him he lost (including family); there was no fraud; what he was proposing was illegal on all counts; the VP was almost murdered through his actions and he ripped off his supporters with his phony non-existent "Defense Fund" to the tune of a quarter of a billion dollars. However the sad truth is there is a large segment that wants to believe that only white anglo-saxon males have rights in this country so they don't really care. In their minds it's all about our hatred of orange julius. Judge Luttig was brilliant and spoke as if his words would be carved in stone-perhaps they should be. 

Of course there is high comedy in the Georgia Senate race between Reverand Warnock and Herschel Walker. Why did the r's put this clueless puppet in place. I would guess black against black.

MOVING ON. Regular doctor's check-up appoinment last week so more x-rays and a new referral. Perhaps this one will either shed a light or offer more platitudes while urging me to live with it. I swear I'm taking a cane this time, though I have to say my new anti-flame' drug is amazingly potent. Just that pesky little issue of the leg going numb in the midst of a run-no biggie.

Meeting with the Financial advisor this week so I am extremely interested in what he has to say about current circumstances. Squirm factor high though as I told him I certainly enjoy eating at a nice restaurant on his dime regardless. No doubt charts and virtual magic wands will be flourished as I ask about their fees while losing money....History is on our side bla, bla bla, but possibly not at our advanced age.  💛💜

LIBERTY & THE PURFUIT OF HAPPINEFF (JUNE 6)

 

FREEDOM FOR SOME Our founding fathers had some wisdom. Liberty was purposely left open-ended to gather meaning from experiences deeply rooted in our Nation's history and traditions. In other words, things do not stay the same. Though it is interesting to note that authoritarian regimes usually rise up after periods of benevolent and life-affirming regard for all.  Such a society of course, makes our "overlords" nervous and they rile up the lower economic classes by convincing them they are losing out to "others". 

It is amazing, (if you watched the "witch trials" which the former prez likes to call them), that he had a seven-point plan to overthrow the government but only one for covid??? In other news the beloved DeSatan decided to fine the SPECIAL OLYMPICS twenty-seven million dollars if they continued to insist on only vaccinated athletes to compete in Florida four days before the games were to start. Stats show that the intellectually challenged and disabled population is more susceptible to covid hospitalization and death. Further, according to a southern Florida University study, the largest group of deaths occurred in the "essential worker" realm. Not just public safety and hospital workers, but all those grocery store clerks, etc. who could not afford to stay home.

 Another fun fact. India, second largest population in the world with 1.4 billion, had 500,000 covid deaths compared to the US with 331 million and a million deaths.  Do the math. It makes you want to smack the smug off the faces of those who still insist the whole thing was overblown.  DeSat' rounded out the week by vetoeing funding for theTampa Bay Rays after their social media condemnation of mass shootings and donation to the Everytown for Gun Safety group. He claimed it inappropriate for "private corporations to "subsidize poitical activism".  That's exactly what we expect a good corporate neighbor to do considering their oversized influence. 

Not to blow it out of proportion (intentional pun), but Senator Thune (R-S.D.) said AR's are helpful in shooting pairie dogs. To which my twitter friend "Lakota Man" deadpanned "Man. My ancestors used to shoot buffalo with a bow and arrow".  And the NRA Sh-- show continues (btw the only place you can't bring a gun is to their conventions)

SQUEEGEE WARS On a lighter note, no squeegee at BJ's.  Noting some clingy bugs on my car while fueling up, I grabbed the windshield squeezee and rubbed it across my car. Which immediately spewed blackish water over my white paint job - Yuck. The attendant came screeching out of his little shack yelling that's for windows! I told him I was trying to knock off some bugs. He responded with "if your car is dirty you need to go to a car wash!" I debated pointing out the totally disgusting juice living in his window water tank but life's short. Joke's on him. I did have to go to the carwash afterwards. 

WHO ME & OTHER FUN  I was ruminating over some of the questions I was asked during my interview and one was "who was your mentor in the safety world?" Well, since the effort to eliminate accidents kind of became real in the 70's with enforceable regulations and I was anointed to this new world at the same time, there were not a lot of pioneers to emulate in the beginning. There was no one to lead, follow or train back in the day as most were struggling with workers' comp and had little time for the other side of the coin-prevention. Between taking classes, interpreting regulations and teaching I had to really come out of my self-imposed shell to become the opinionated individual I am today-LOL.  If pushed, I would say Frances Parker, FDR's Labor Secretary (and first woman in a President's cabinet). Of course we only got the vote shortly before then. A true leader in safety prevention, health and protection for women and children who were basically "cannon fodder" in service to the "man".

The automotive industry was way ahead on this journey of preventing worker mayhem, but I had the luck(?) to land in municipal government where change is rigidly snail-paced. I also credit Labor Unions with pushing for rules and regs to protect workers. At any rate, I will delve more into my journey in a later entry. I know my sister hates a long blog.  

We celebrated one of my younger sisters' birthdays where I gifted her with my mimosa infused artwork, setting up the others to ooh and ahh over the wonderful offering until I gave her a legit gift. Joke's on me-she's keeping it.   LOL

Brief stop at the Lake to soak up the sun (me), mow the grass and putter (him). At any rate I admired the nice pristine landscape that I hired someone else to clear-gardening ain't my schtick. St. Francis was beautifully framed by the now visible irises bowing in grace and the strawberries showed their red glory once the weeds were eliminated.

                                                             

Peace to Ukraine-all manner of horrors to Russia..may they reap what they sow 💜💛

LIFE AND ..... & WORKERS' COMP (May 30)

A mixed bag this week with its inevitable highs and lows.

 Accidently catching the tail end of the local Memorial Day parade waving to pedestrians with a backdrop of Joe's giggles.

Hearing the crushing news of Papa Larry's passing. But in celebrating a life watched my 10-year old grandson handle his duties with aplomb, heart and humor.

Humbled by an inspiring interview with a lady who was not afraid to show a real passion for creating workplace inclusion in a large corporation.  

A disappointing appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who basically said get over it-pain is inevitable. Upon asking me to identify my former career the Doc said in your work you were a problem solver-subtly indicating there is no solution for my malady.  Explains why many worker's comp cases don't get resolved.

I have dealt with many physicians in the course of my work and the arrogance of surgeons is somewhat expected but irritating.  I realize it takes a supreme amount of confidence to slice into living tissue and make it whole again, but the bedside manner is sorely lacking. Apparently if one does not enter the office on a gurney or hobbling with a cane (some were actually) it's not a chance to cut.  When mentioning balance issues, it was suggested I take up yoga. The leg going numb is apparently not an issue - walk it off-lol. Made me think of the old Cher song "Preach a little Gospel, sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good" 

The workers' comp aspect of injuries sometimes led to comp court and comp lawyers. A group that specialize in procrastination and accusations of terrible working conditions and super human demands placed by the employer. Sigh. The game is played by meeting in the back room and working it out. Silly me. I wanted injured employees to come back to work - not give them a few grand and dispose of them. I sometimes had to fight both sides (their lawyers and mine) to preserve the dignity of working. Often the injured individual was convinced by their counsel (who got a third) that they should take the money and run. Taking the easier and winnable route instead of what is right always bugged me. Blame it on my upbringing but fairness and respect for the person seemed more important. Windmill tilting my speciality. 

After talking with a friend (younger) who was lamenting that she had graduation parties on tap for the next three weekends, I was thinking we're at the age where we aren't burdened with grads and grooms as our friends are older too.  Until the OH pointed out "yeah, we get to go to funerals" touche!

 Amazing the laughter that rings out at wakes. All your friends and relatives present, surrounded by flowers and the smell of coffee; the guest of honor front and center, though strangely quiet.  Always a drama king or queen in the family to add to the show. Though her father pointed out to our only child that she would have both roles as chief mourner and drama queen when it is our turn. Of course we roared with laughter at her expression.  The OH is quiet but known for his "bon mots" as Dad would say.

But our own Joseph celebrated and mourned in his own way over the loss of his beloved Papa. All the grandkids sported ball caps from Larry's collection that they proudly wore during visitation. Then on the day of the funeral Joe stationed himself at the front door and greeted everyone who came in welcoming them to Larry's funeral. Such poise and confidence or coping mechanism, Like his Dad and Nana, I think he might be more comfortable actively engaged when life throws mud pies. 

                                             

                                                 

So what does one do after the  circus has left town? The jugglers have put away their clubs; the dancing horses are back in their stable and the music has stopped...forever.  Now the loneliness begins. They're never coming through that door again; one side of the bed remains serene and empty; no mindless chatter and going "what?" How does one stop the memories and with them the tears and regret of never again. If I had only known there was a minute left and all that was talked about was what's for dinner... The mundane rises up and crashes down.,,   

 But a young black bear has shown up in the neighborhood over the last several days, walked by the house... and the deceased's nickname since high school was, yeah, bear...💔