LIFE WITH JOE January 30)

 

JOE TIME While the younger folk were indulging in couples time in North Carolina, we were enjoying several days of Joe-time.  Dropping and picking up from school brought back memories.  His air of nonchalence with just the hood of his winter coat hanging off his head, no hat or gloves with me bundled up for, I don't know, winter was disconcerting but he claimed he was fine Nana. That's some hot blood and considering they have to endure recess three times a day, I guess he can handle a few minutes before getting in the car. 

Joe-ism. Having dinner with his folks a couple days before they left I told him our menu for his time with us was "Take it or leave it". He said "oh, is that a new restaurant?" I didn't know if he was kidding or not (UPDATE:  I asked him. He literally thought it was a restaurant, but it is also his sense of humor as he is now calling all our meals take it or leave it). 

In an attempt to please, I made Joe's favorite cookies for his visit which immediately got a hug of gratitude. Though I may have to turn in my "Nana badge" as their appearance was a bit bizarre. He's cool though.  What Grandmother can't make round cookies? Joe has a lasting effect on people. He and Grandpa were trading insults at the bowling alley when one of the pros stops to fist bump with Joe. They exchange stupid jokes and then the guy gives him a dollar "to take his sister out" (me). He makes a point to slap hands with the  security guard on his way into school and the movie usher jumps to carry his "GIANT" pop into the movie theater for him. I should get such service. 

PROGRAM NOTE:  Do not order the medium drink as it is essentially a six-pack. But eight bucks a pop and they do provide refills....as if.

We chose Puss'n Boots for our movie although he wanted Avatar. I'll leave that 2+ hour potty break for his parents to deal with.  Though the "GIANT" pop did do him in after an hour and a half. I had to nervously let him make his way to the restroom alone as he insisted I fill him in on what he missed. I think the kindly usher was nearby. He's just the right age to get the subtleties between the sight gags. At one point we both turned to each other and said "he's not a bounty hunter" (you had to be there). He also explained why Puss could defeat the 20 foot tree monster but not El Lobo. The wolf was faster- oh yeah-plus he was "death".  Pretty heavy for a cartoon which led to a discussion on the ride home of why death was a person (or a wolf). 

ON ANOTHER TOPIC Recently something I read reminded me of the constant battle finding appropriate work clothes for women in "non-traditional" jobs -- namely pockets!  Actually more and bigger pockets would be much appreciated by all of us.  Don't give me these dainty, hankie-sized pockets as I have a cell phone, work tools and possibly a pistol.  We demand equal ability to transport "stuff". Just wear men's clothes is not an answer unless you've never noticed the way your pancakes are stacked; fems and mens are shaped differently. Fact of life.  Steel-toed boots were basically men's shoes in smaller sizes and did those suckers ever hurt. Try climbing up the side of a building or tank, up on a deck or in and out of a trench on one of those alternating tread "boat-ladders or conventional ladder for that matter. One develops strong arms and wrists in a desperate attempt to stall the fall so to speak. Hard hats were worn with bandannas wrapped around our heads to provide more girth for the suspension system to cling to. And hanging pens off the neckline of one's shirt or the breast pocket (oops no pockets) was not an option so often I did not have a free hand.  

Well we have a vocabulary review and a spelling list to prepare for school tomorrow. Oh I really do not miss those days - lol.  He needs to explain the difference between  between debris and rubble and use them in a sentence as he describes the aftermath of an earthqake. How weird and relevant is that?           Peace out 💛💙

CONSTERNATION IN VARIOUS CHICKEN COOPS (January 23)

TEACH ME SOMETHING Sometimes it takes the perspective of youth to realize accomplishments and recognize the miracles. Joseph mentioned, while perusing a graphic novel, that when he was "little" he did not know how to read and then all of a sudden he could! The amazement in his eyes as he reached that conclusion was joyful to behold. I certainly do not remember at what point those black squiggles suddenly formed words, sentences and paragraphs.  Course the trick is to also understand what you read. I used to devour these little 100-page blue books in grammar school that were biographies of famous people which has given me a weird trove of trivial knowledge to this day. Joe is a visual learner as well. Just ask him to describe a favorite movie, story or dream to you. His memory of details is extraordinary.

Back when school was a place to learn new things and broaden one's horizons (I'm talking to all you haters of things woke/truth) I do remember in 2nd grade demonstrating for parents at an open house a "new" projector that helped children read and perform math. I was also part of an experimental group that were taught french to confirm the theory that the younger the student, the easier it was to learn a different language.  

PROGRAM NOTE: It appears there is a small window when a ton of learning can take place when students are young and spongelike. Eager to learn and retain new things. When do we lose that?

Though I took two years of french in high school, I still believe my early introduction to the language was what stuck as it focused on thinking and speaking the language not reading and writing it. Upon traveling to France with my daughter in 2000 I was able to dredge up those early lessons and at least understandably order a ham and cheese sandwich, ask for water and a bathroom. Useful indeed (BTW- hotels have the best bathrooms; the ones on the street not so much) However in traveling the British Isles, I struggled with English spoken by the British, Gaelic Scot and Irish folk. Don't even get me started on the slang when bangers and mash can mean money or sausages. Obviously, misunderstandings can occur. I also maintain that swearing in a foreign language can be extremely satisfying and oddly elegant. "Allez a l'enfer" is much more polite than it's english equivalency and it did get "un mec" from bothering me in a store.

TWO STEPS BACK/NO FORWARD Well I see DeSanctimonious is outlawing intelligence again. Pretty soon Florida will be a total wasteland of the biased and clueless. After ten years of development, the pilot AP class on African-American history has been cancelled due to historical inaccuracies. No doubt the parts about kidnapping africans from their country, reducing them to less than human status by using them as slaves and then fighting a war to keep them in that odious position.  Not to mention the incredible prejudices that have continued to this day for black Americans. The things that were not said out loud are now common vernacular with "some". Odd the "party" that wants personal freedom is all about restricting everyone elses' by re-writing history and tamping down knowledge. As DeSe pushes his white male supremacy agenda I don't imagine there will be too many takers for professorships at Fla's colleges.  But that is probably a-ok with people who had the privilege and education of knowing better. 

The difference between today's R's and D's is very apparent. We are appalled at the President's apparent mishandling of doucments and say so and he accepts responsibility. When the ex Pres does it, even more egregiously, they find excuses and cover it up or say nothing.  Where are the moderates in the party? Oh yes, they capitulated to the tea party-money talks.

PODCAST WORLD Well got my latest podie "in the can".  There is a pretty incredible HazMat training center over by the Michigan State Police post that I got to discuss with the manager last week. If you ever want to tip over a rail car, blow holes in a tanker truck or "fake" spread dangerous chemicals all over the ground and clean it up this is the playground for you. Plus you get credit and certificates for playing! My new laptop (cheap) froze partway through but I left enough room to edit that part out. My internet keeps dropping and since I pay the bill on time, I'm not sure what the issue is. But it does add a certain level of anxiety to the discussion.

DIGRESS:  Speaking of protection; were we?  Remember when that nasty covid spread its arms across the world and the pexiglass manufacturers made a lot of money providing little shields, basically, anywhere anybody breathes? I was way ahead of the game at the City. You know how excited you are when you get your first or 22nd parking ticket and you have to go the parking office to pay it or go directly to jail, do not pass GO. Exactly. Most people are not in the best of moods when doing their duty. Amazing the amount of spit generated and the distances it can travel when someone is really nerved up. Not to mention reaching across the desk to throttle the poor parking cashier.  So we got less than friendly by installing the magic plastic walls under my regime. Though it was pointed out it probably would not stop a bullet, we figured it would at least slow it down. 

 Being a safety skate is not an occupation where "book learning" answers all the questions or provides a blueprint for the challenges that come on a daily basis. Constant state of consternation in the chicken coop I like to say. Though the hardest part for me was determining when action was required and when just "letting them vent" is the proper response. Explaining this and more in our student podcast is the next challenge. I am working with the student committee of the MSC to create a meaningful program for them to:  1) get interested in the occupation; 2) help them get started in the field; 3) explain what to expect as a shiny new EHS professional.  (It ain't a whole lot of atta boy/girls and gratitude). (Pods for Safety Spectrum are on the Michsafetyconference.org  website and a few other places)

AND THEN Interesting that the country who rained war down on another country for existing apparently (and is losing) is threatening to destroy the multitude of countries arming the country who did not start this war. If you can't defeat one country with your advanced weaponry, war crimes against civilians and cowardly drone attacks (which you keep losing) what makes you think you can sword rattle the rest of the world? This dude needs a reality check or a short drop off a tall cliff.....                      Peace out....💛💙

POWER TO THE PEOPLE & OTHER CLICHES (JANUARY 9)

CHRISTMAS LEFT-OVERS Hosting parties two weeks in a row means my usual flurry and consternation on the state of the house was not at its normal acute level.  Just discovered today that a bouncy balloon that Joe likes to bat around the house has been lying on the floor in the living room all this time. It's not in a super noticeable place, but you can see it as soon as you walk in from the front door. Boy have I mellowed! Now if I was a Southern housefrau my "lady" friends would have noted that household faux pas in an instant. After initial vapors they would compliment me on my more "bohemian" approach to proper housekeeping. My sisters don't give a flying ---- thank goodness.  They're just happy to sip their mimosas and catch up.

I need to rename the white elephant game as the gifts are becoming increasingly nicer.  Instead of "gifting" useless items that need to move out of the giver's house, new food, books and alcohol seem to be the items of choice; along with at least one hardware-type item.(No fair directing your son to the mini-toolset when it was your turn to choose which just happened to be the right size for a ten year old.) As I say, pleasant choices with the exception of one brother-in-law who thought some items from a sex shop would be most appropriate. Unfortunately my oldest sister was the giftee and I have a feeling her appreciation was a tad forced.  Two donors were struck by the same inspiration angel. Chooser #1 picked the SnoopDog/Martha Stewart wine set which Chooser #2 immediately snagged. Meanwhile Chooser #1 goes back to the pile and YES, chooses the second SnoopDog/Martha Stewart ensemble, Hilarious.

WHO'S MINDING THE STORE? Can't let the weekly circus acts pass. George Santos who, if his lies keep escalating, will no doubt claim to be creator of the earth and seas. Make sure he votes for the speaker, then maybe a couple of voices say "ahh, maybe we should censor him and get him to resign" One more example of the corruption of a once proud party. One newspaper published his BS before the election and his campaign office suggested maybe he should withdraw.  People - pay attention! When someone shows you who they are,, believe them.

 

And of course, all the hue and cry over classified materials that Biden "discovered". Now it's an issue? "Oh the humanity! Oh the hypocrisy!" When the past prez took 15 boxes, lied about it, then declassified them with his mind not a word. But OMG the democrats!  Biden's lapse is serious-seems like there should be a "system" for checking out materials and keeping track of them-libraries have been doing it for years. The irony is be careful how far you go or you hang your guy with the same rope.  Though they are not in the same catergory of serioiusness, based on the facts that trumpie can't keep his mouth shut about and the sheer volume of documents "stolen", it does put a damper on punishment

PROGRAM NOTE: And would the media quit harping on everything ad nauseum. Unless you have something new to report stifle yourselves! That goes for both sides. Geez. I blame the 24/7 new cycle.

Based on a comment made at a small gathering I called out a lady when she said people are lazy and want the government to provide. I find it interesting that people parrot the billionaire's lament and hatred of "woke" people claiming workers are just too lazy to work and just live off handouts. Check that crap at the door and ask someone on assistance how high on the proverbial hog they're living. May I suggest the billionaires offer better wages and sick leave etc., (I am still at a loss of why Biden did not push the railroad owners to offer these 70 hour a week workers some damn sick leave when he had the chance) and get an education on the cost of living? We have an aging workforce, less younger and first time workers and a long bull market that encouraged many early retirements (should I go on?). Time to finally realize you have been ripping off workers for years while garnering, and hiding, obscene profits. Slave labor is not in the cards boys and girls-the younger generation is better educated than you are apparently. Makes you wonder why those with the money also oppose higher education and tuition relief...btw the lady's husband said "Hell I didn't want to work either when I was young"  LOL.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT The OH's church has a small congregation and we are some of the younger ones-lol. So low on money and dependent on volunteers, of which there are few. We pull housecleaning duties every other month but we also help out sometimes on the every other Tuesday free community dinners.  Last month a third party started renting the conference room for their weekly meetings, also on Tuesday evenings. The aromas of our hotdogs, sloppy joes, beans, cookies etc. waft across the building to the conference room during the meeting and all the folks must pass directly past the free fixings.  Why is this a problem you may ask as we offer food to these visitors as well which they never accept.  Unfortunately......it's Weight Watchers!  I have never seen such sad faces - rather hilarious actually.  I know I'm a bitch...

Also according to the scientifically approved info on Facebook, a statement was made that the song that was Number 1 on your 23rd birthday is how your 2023 will go.  Yeah, yeah the unscrupulous trying to mine information. Anyway for me it was "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" God I hope not. Peace out 💛💙

FEVERED DREAMS (December 25- Jan 7)

 

Decided to "rinse and repeat" the Christmas family soiree on New Year's day. As usual over-estimated the numbers and have been dining on left-overs for the past week; which is a good thing as both of us are fighting colds (with varying degrees of success).  Hopefully we did not pass it on to Joe as we had the pleasure of his company for a couple of days. So between company and hacking/sneezing/sleeping I took a break from thinking (blog). Did go to the lake for a day so Joe could help Grandpa with some chores and talk him into letting him sink a couple of dead worms in the canal.  But darned if he didn't hook a fish!  They were joshing each other at lunch about doing CPR on the worms, but apparently the fish do not know the difference.

Did enjoy the sh--- show that went on in the House this week.  No expert, but if you let a minority basically hold you hostage on a lot of bad decisions to gain something you want so badly you miss the point that they now own you Boz. Do you really think you will accomplish anything worthwhile in the foreseeable future without their okie-doke and a constant threat to oust you if you don't please your handlers? Kevin traded his honor, morals and integrity for his crappy legacy. Though not surprising, we've seen this craven performance before. After January 6 when he stated DT was responsble and then went crawling to kiss his ring a couple weeks later. Karma's a bitch so it should be a very productive couple of years.  

Apparently the Dems had an enjoyable time. One Repub rep noted they were entertaining themselves with their popcorn, blankets and alcohol through the interminable votes (she did smile when she said it).  AOC tweeted "if we had a shot for every time McCarthy lost they would all be unconscious." See they can reach consensus. As a couple of the Repubs almost came to blows I think the Dems had the better time.

I must still be on a coricidin and nyquil afterglow as I am finding it hard to focus and engage in cerebral exercise. Need to pull it together as I'm meeting with the student chapter tomorrow to determine how to create a podcast to entice young people into EHS occupations. How do we explain what we do? How do we make it sexy? How do we explain that credibility is number one regardless of your education? How do they  aquire experience? Oh yeah, and show me the money. 

 Then I'm hoping to record the Director of the State Police HazMat Center and make it interesting. I need drama; body counts; happily ever after stories of how the training helped! A scary fact is that a majority of fire departments are volunteer which really makes ongoing  training a challenge. In a recent discussion with a DOT rep who is a volunteer firefighter we agreed that it is a continuing dilemma. Though 100's of candidates would show up for agility testing for an opening at the City (a full-time gig), many departments have to rely upon a full time chief and a whole lot of on-call personnel. Ever wonder why so many local departments are called in to assist on emergencies?  But they love what they do and they are dedicated people. 

Michigan State beat the dudes from Ann Arbor so all is good. Peace out....💚💚 (💛💙-Ukraine)

CHRISTMAS 2022 (December 18-25)

Many in the country had to endure the "mother" of all snowstorms just in time for Christmas. Snow that measured in feet snarled traffic, created white-outs and horrendous pile-ups, cancelled flights and the ability to move to our destinations curtailed many a celebration. Some insisted on venturing out regardless, their fate still not known at this time. Our own family extravaganza has been postponed to New Year's Day which will sport a balmy 40 degrees and rain. However my kids live in town and some very good friends whose children were in scattered parts joined us for dinner so celebration, lights and special goodies were enjoyed. Our Joe was innundated with Dolphin paraphernalia, much of which he wore to cheer on his beloved team. 

                                

Hard not to recall other memorable Christmases. A little girl watching out the window waiting for Dad and Mom asking what that noise was. I said "just the Christmas tree snapping it's fingers". Grandma's metallic tree with the revolving color wheel; high decor in the 50's. Or my senior year gifted with a trip to California to visit my brother in the Marines. A memorable trip surrounded and entertained by a large group of young marines. Though too naive to understand the collective and muted gasp when a black marine asked me to dance. In 1968 race relations were smoldering, but all I saw as a 17 year old girl were young men who wanted to dance. 

As newly marrieds of three months trying to scrape up enough to have a few decorations (blue as I recall) and gifts for family. Then the back and forth to parents for the holidays until the OH's folks booked for Florida in the winter.  We started hosting though I remember collapsing one year in sleep just as dinner was finally served which began a domino effect as each family member fell ill in turn (except Dad who enjoyed the now-deserted feast). We were stacked sideways three to a bed and thank goodness two bathrooms. No, it wasn't my food, just a nasty little virus running through the crowd. 

One year we braved the arctic chill and snowstorm and dark of night (yeah we were young) to head north for the holidays as the California branch was eager to be home for Christmas. In retrospect not our best decision. Years there was no snow and the year with no power and bone-chilling cold where we wandered like the proverbial holy family to find room at the inn. The year that Mother passed and the sisters sat together in such grief that it alarmed our children until we decorated the oldest sister's car with Rudolph gear to make her laugh. Though it did start the tradition of the sister gifts as we each spontaneously wanted to give the others a token of healing from the loss. 

The year when our Kristen was born exactly two weeks before Christmas (70 degrees that day). I still remember Mother cuddling the sleeping child in one arm and serving dinner with the other. Then 13 years later when an unexpected pregnancy ended in the wee hours of Christmas morning with tears over a new life slipping away. 

Christmases with a grandson and it starts all over again. Especially the year when Joe, at the tender age of two, ignored our debate as to whose house would stable the riotous new rocking horse. Upon noticing his disappearance we found him at the back door where he had dragged his horse. Debate resolved. So many changes and children and memories; joy and tragedy overcome by love and hope for the new year just around the corner.  

Happy Haanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Joyous Solstice and Happy Holidays.  There have I satisfied the snowflakes in the room?  After watching people (evangels' and foxy folks) explode if you use the wrong phrase I have to wonder who is the snowflake they are so fond of chastising.  At any rate it is a wonderful time of year for us if we let it as we watch those defending their country (and all democracy) from the marauding horde of Putin's domination folly.  I see them cheering their downtown Christmas tree (lit by a generator) as sounds of explosions occur in the background. I see them share a meal by candlelight and song.  Just as Mr. Grinch found out, it's not the tinsel and gifts that identify Christmas as once again the Prince of Peace will not be stopped from coming.  💛💙

                                             

 

PODCAST MUSINGS, ETC. (December 11)

 

DECEMBER FOLLIES Forty years ago today, the sweet little treasure of my life was born.  A beautiful, talented and independent woman today.  As she cheerfully reminded her husband of his upcoming 50th, we gleefully reminded her of her own milestone birthday.  LOL 

Obviously I wrote that before my laptop decided it wanted to spend the week at the Geek Squad cave teaching my new laptop how to relate to me.  Week lost so caught up on my pile of magazines.  Though reading New Yorker predictive articles from before the mid-terms was rather amusing.

LIFE OF POD One of my next podcast interviewees is an Occupational Psychologist.  Funny, I told him. I used to have an employee with the same Phd designation.  He named him.  Apparently these folks run in the same circles. I still say that was the best job interview I ever held so there is something to this psychology stuff. As we discussed our experiences he told me I was a pioneer for women in the EHS field though I retorted there are still a lot of the male persuasion at the conferences and trainings I attend. Another thought. Pioneers or those "who go first" do not set out to be a pioneer, example or breakers of glass ceilings.  We just do the job with no particular thought to the historical connotations. We're too busy. 

My ex-cop, current security company drug expert podcast launches Monday and I found him very interesting.  We always like to talk to doctors, lawyers and police officers, or at least I do.  After chatting for about an hour and a half before the recording he told me I should have been a cop.  I told him most safety folks kind of are...along with wearing a preacher's collar.  He also told me living in a smaller area he rather knows the bad guys when he sees them.  Consequently as his town sports a casino he says guess where they hang out in the middle of the night. Not gambling, but no doubt other nefarious activities.  Great, just ruined my desire to hit a casino at 3 in the morning. 

He also shared that many new/young officers get into the biz to "get the bad guy".  His words. A lot are ex-military. But traffic duty is where they spend the bulk of their time and efforts. He had a hilarious take on the methadone reckless drivers on Monday mornings, rushing to get their "medical fix". (Sorry didn't make the interview). His job was to "season" the eager beavers to teach them to take their time, do their research, make a judgement rather rushing in where angels fear, etc etc.  Suicide by cop was an example that he used when responding to a call of a "guy with a gun" if  proper consideration is not done before a rushed, eager response. (podcasts are on  michsafetyconference.org  website among others)

Also there is a peculiar sense of humor associated with police officers that is a bit macabre to say the least as in most cases, they've seen it, stopped it or arrested it.  Reminded me of the first fatality I had to investigate at work.  The local police interviewed me after the incident to finish up their report apparently.  I told them I was nervous as this was a first. They chuckled and said "why, did you kill him?"  See what I mean? Although I received unverified information later that may have had some bearing on why the deceased followed the action that he did I didn't share it. But you never forget your first.

JOE & OTHER STUFF On the Joe front, he came down with that RSV syndrome the night of our Christmas tree foray running a 102 fever. Pretty miserable for about four days with a bad cough. But by the following weekend he stayed with us and taught me how to play a card game which he won.  He apologizes when he kills me in the game which led me to suggest cutthroat Go Fish to even the score. He then insisted he knew how to make his own mac and cheese, but Nana was a little too helpful he told Grandpa later. He is polite to my face lol.

On another subject, we help out at the OH's church some Tuesdays when they provide a free community supper. It's usually hot dogs (which people clamor to have them roasted black) or sloppy joes with accompanying side dishes and a drink.  Upon arriving we saw that Weight Watchers was holding a meeting that night as they rent a space there a few times a week. Had sympathy for these folks who had to inhale the beckoning scents of baked beans and sloppy joes while trying to listen to a lecture on healthy eating.  I kept offering free food as they left the meeting, but no takers.  I also labeled the dinner "Scoop & Poop" as we had to scoop out the meat and well, there were beans.  Although amused, our friends said they probably would not use my slogan for advertising. Ok I have a peculiar sense of humor as well.   Peace Out....💛💙

AT YOUR SERVICE (December 4)

Crazy week with repair people.  As it is pratically an "act of god" to get anyone to begin with, one counts their proverbial blessings when you get a response, let alone a commitment. The demand is so great for knowledgeable people (and I wasted my time and money with college) that I picture them sitting on their little tool encrusted thrones determining which job provides the most money, excitement and, I'll say it, mercy.  Inspired begging/crying works but only from women. 

Job 1.  Called before Turkey day for a broken microwave. As it is a built-in, it's difficult to work around. We'll come out a week from Tuesday between 8 & 4' Wha?  Amazing all the little things one uses a microwave for not to mention the light over the stove is now missing. Anyway, bustling around on errands Monday I get a restricted call followed by another call 20 minutes later from repair company. The technician is at your house getting no response. Well, duhh, it's Monday not Tuesday. And, funny twist they think they're there to fix the washer. Hmmm.  

DIGRESS:  This same company did come to fix the washer a couple of years ago and determined I needed an expensive part and much labor. Enough that we decided to buy a new washer.  When going to his company to look at washers, the sales person happened to mention the hose has to be higher than the machine to pump properly. Went home home and elevated hose-problem solved -arrghhh. For this I pay an exhoritant service call that did not properly diagnose the, now, obvious problem. That should have been Chapter 1 of the repair manual.  However do it with flair so it looks like you earned the 80-90 bucks.  Much like the eletrician who had no qualms charging for a full service call when all he needed to do was plug the dishwasher back in. Were my face and checkbook red. 

Anyway,  I frantically zoom back to the homestead (with cruise on, so I won't overstate my speed in my anxiety). He's still there. He says didn't they call you Friday to say I'd be here at 1:00, Umm no. And btw it's a microwave not a washer. 2 mintes later (exaggeration but not much) he says I thinks it's a fuse. My boss will call you with a cost so we can fix it, about 200 bucks.  Ok I'm already in it for 90 for the service call and new ones cost about 300. Oh yeah the 90 is part of the 200. What are these solid gold fuses? Anyway, acceptable. 3 days later, no call. Checking with the company they tell me they've ordered and received the part for my WASHER. It's a microwave I frantically explain AGAIN. Oh yeah ha ha my mistake. Really. So when can you come back to fix it? A week from now. WTF? Stay tuned. I may be washing clothes in the kitchen if all goes as anticipated.  

Job 2. My programmable thermastat at the lake house (NEST) has been slowly taking over my life and consumers' bill. It joyfully turrns itself up and down at will, notwithstanding my remote commands otherwise.  They may be called "smart" thermostats, but apparently they are actually the advance guard on the robot take-over being planned. Silly humans-do not try to resist. After three years of this losing battle I agreed to a new smart thermastat with another cute name Sensi from a local HVAC company. We are old friends as they play with my furnace out there every year. I made it clear any issues are on their heads.  Ok, they can be there Friday at 1 pm. Have a podcast recording set for 10 so no problem-o. 

Job 3 But then my other mechanical device (laptop) decided an hour before broadcast time, to "gift" me with no speaker ability.  Damn I miss in-house IT.  After futile attempts and advice from headquarters office and my interviewee I hot-foot it to Okemos (about 20 minute drive) to record at headquarters. Podcast completed, I head back to GL in plenty of time to make it to Hastings for 1:00 service call. Phone rings at 11:50 (the technology worked in the car at least). Again another technician says I'm at your house, where are you?  Ahh the appointment was for 1:00. Oh. At any rate they came back at 1:30 and story has happy ending with a thermastat that appears to be behaving, for now. Except the bill was 100 more than expected.  Merry Christmas - I now have brand new tires and a thermastat, so I'm good. 

Had to take a break in blogging as the young people wanted to go cut down a fragrant green symbol of the holidays. A tradition that goes back to K's salad days when she was a bundled up little package then a perilous rider on the tree cart, puller of the tree cart and finally first assistant on the "timber" portion of the adventure.  Now her little boy has advanced from the bundle to cart pulling stage. Since we have the truck our presence is both tradition and necessity.  After both trees were snuggled all warm in their (truck) bed, we debated lunch options.  K was concerned we were forced to avail ourselves of take-out as our trees were just hanging out in the back of the truck. This prompted the quote of the day from her OH Matthew who proclaimed "Anyone who steals a Christmas tree is going straight to hell". Duly noted-we ate INSIDE the restaurant.  Peace out....💛💙