EAT IN OR EAT OUT. THAT IS A QUESTION? (July 17)

BRIEF COMMERCIAL BREAK...I'd like to take a moment to thank those stalwart fans who keep checking in on me every week to see which gasket I've blown, what rant has been inspired or encouraging my weird sense of humor and need to write. Now back to our program - Restaurants: Highs and Lows.

WEEK OF SERVICE To borrow from Charles Dickens, restaurant week has been the best and the worst of times.  Feast or famine. Starting with Monday night's dinner which was the OH's birthday and even I think it's tacky to expect him to cook especially after a hard day of golf. I treated to a Chinese restaurant which is not usually my fave but he does like his sticky rice. Not too busy but upon glancing around the room I realized there was not a soul under the age of 60 present, including the wait staff. We were past the magic "old people" dinner hour so apparently this was not the choice of the younger crowd. Surprise- no extras, everything is ala carte and even the fortune cookies have shrunk.😞

Next opportunity was Wednesday night at the Lake with some friends. We, ok I, suggested the mexican-style restaurant, after a couple of libations, which I knew was a crap shoot on which experience we would be getting. It did not disappoint.

 Some history. Our first meal there was breakfast where we were served very overdone (read burned) crusts for the carb offering. I usually just toss those suckers, not serve them to guests. After a reasonable period of time we tried another breakfast. Do you know how nasty cold Huevos Rancheros can be? Complete with green sauce. Ok. One more time for dinner which actually was pretty good-beer helps. So take a shot, dinner could be alright. Not. 

After having to ask for our chips and salsa after fifteen minutes not a great start. Delay was due to two wait staff fighting over whose table it was and getting the orders screwed up on their little electronic tablets. After one wait staff was declared the winner & claimed jurisdiction there ensued a long wait after which only two entrees appeared. The other two never made it to the cook! Reorder- another long wait and we get the news that meat ordered for the burritos was no longer available. Reorder, another long wait.  Was there a discussion on tipping-you bet. As there are very few restaurants in the area, we hate eliminating any, but three strikes you're out in the old playbook. 

However, undaunted we ventured out for breakfast the next day at another local restaurant, bakery and ice cream shop. The restaurant gods took pity on our restaurant tour and turned the tables on bad experiences (intentional pun). We took the only table available as the booths needed to be cleaned (we prefer the booths). An older, rather large gentleman came in and seeing no booths ready gruffly informed the wait staff that "we don't do booths". He got a mouse in his pocket?  A few minutes later noticing the booths were now available we happily signaled we would move and opened up the table for which he was grateful. We then saw his dining companion who definitely needed a table, or two. Everybody's happy. But imagine our surprise when the owner popped over and said our meal was being picked up by the grumpy older gentleman.  I did get him to smile as I gave him a big hug and peck on the cheek for his generosity. 

Our final restaurant meal this week was funded by our financial advisor at a rather upscale locale thus ending our restaurant week on a high note.Funny how they want you to save and invest and you want to know how soon and how much you can spend. Doom and gloom are always on the table as well as a lively discussion on world events and my shame at holding energy stocks.

POD TIME -- Held a rehearsal with my next guest who brought his entourage along for the ride. They didn't speak, just hovered in "TEAMS"  land (virtual meeting space) cameras off, though I could see their names displayed. Impressive. He shared that he wanted them to be aware of the topic and maybe they can handle a webinar or two in the future. I'm thinking "witnesses" to any obvious gaffes, but that's just me. He literally said I would have to cut him off in the recording as he tends to run long-oh joy. 

Got some feedback from MIOSHA on a topic and speaker. I offer them a slot each year. Just so happens the director named a gentleman and a topic that he and I disagreed upon a few years back leading to an tremendous rant on his part referencing my heritage and upbringing I believe. Again - oh joy.  He's a manager now so perhaps he's mellowed a bit. Having to deal with employees tends to teach you a bit of compromise. LOL. Peace Out.....💚  💙💛

THIS AND THAT (July 10)

 Surprising how much a party takes out of you. Well the aftermath.  Too much food, multiple types of drink, a rainstorm, almost drowning guests on the boat, breaking up the aggressive bag tossing in the cornhole game. Guessing what ingredients guests put in their offerings consumed a chunk of time, mainly gooseberries (which were misdiagnosed as some exotic berry from the Easter Islands). Guests bringing desserts were caught in a massive traffic jam arriving late but as they were bringing in the third course, no harm done. I swear it was not this hard 10 or 20 years ago.  Both knees were screaming in pain that night-sorry self, only getting one robot leg this year. 

One "bon mot" from the Joe. When I told him two teen-age ladies were coming he sighed and said "I can only do what I can. Teen age girls are kind of crazy" OMG

Had to do the script for a rehearsal this week so blog had to wait.  The Deputy Director for Labor-State of Michigan, courteously responded to me the same day I asked. Much easier to work with the "large and connected" sometimes.  After trying for two months to get a "sure thing" to respond about the same topic I finally tried the big Kohona and we already have a rehearsal and recording scheduled.  It's one of those my people will get with your people (me) and it's done.  

Also in contact with a lady from down south to talk about Heat Stress (they should know) and trying to convince a colleague of a previous podcast guest to speak about HVAC issues.  Trying to line up as much as I can before I become "incapacitated". The HVAC dude is concerned about hearing his own voice on recording and I assured him he's not the only one who did not listen to the final product.  Hell, I don't re-listen to my part either. LOL. 

Oh Joy. We each just got a letter from Lansing Community College explaining their data base was compromised releasing names and SS numbers. I took classes there for safety back in the 80's and the OH's time there was even earlier. At least we are getting a year of security monitoring.  Maybe the hackers are doing me a favor. Every time it happens I get another year or more of security monitoring. We've sold our souls to the internet. 

Also got my "guidebook"  for my upcoming knee job. Among other tasks such as completing a class and being interviewed several times there were very detailed instructions about showers.  One must take two showers, wash with antiseptic soap, sleep in clean pjs and clean sheets before reporting for duty at 5:30 am. Not sure when I'm supposed to sleep. I guess they want to be sure you are really committed to the process. Apparently marking your own leg ahead of surgery with magic marker is frowned upon, as is shaving, eating, drinking, smoking, dancing and general carousing. We who are about to die...etc, etc 

In my "other, other" doctor appointment (need a scorecard) today,when he asked me to stand so he could check my flexibility/mobility my joints cracked so loud it startled him. I told him all old people sound like that to which he retorted "well you're more musical than most".  Peace out ...... 💚  💙💛

ONLY HURTS WHEN I LAUGH (July 3)

AGING OUT One of the banes of getting older is frequent conversations which, by necessity, focus on issues of health - good, bad or indifferent. Running, skipping jumping become problematic requiring explanation or the occasional grunt of surprise when one realizes they can't accomplish what used to be a routine task of physical agility.  Case in point a friend thought it would be a cool photo op to spring up on a concrete platform and pose with a statue. Surprise and a bruised tailbone were the result. Of course we will endeavor to act as if nothing happened and stifle our excruiciating pain but that gets more difficult in advancing years. I do not know why just bumping my hand or foot on a stationary object hurts like someone stuck a rusty nail in me. No doubt that is why "seniors" get the rep of being thin-skinned and mouthier. Kind of a relief actually not having to fake invincibility. The super hero cape can be officially retired. "T'is only a flesh wound"

IN OTHER NEWS Speaking of pain, the Supremies rendered their "unsurprising"  verdicts this week in a rush. At least they did realize that State legislative control of federal elections was just a bridge too far. But the rest of the decisions were as expected from three new justices who prevaricated (yes, that's the right word to avoid slander) during their hearings and an African American who keeps cutting his own advantages, history and throat with his decisions. 

Now it was probably brought under the wrong law (shame Biden) but the justification for the student loan denial if I understand one argument, can be compared to a person who died of pancreatic cancer but five years later we discover a cure. As it was not available five years ago, it must be denied to recent cases. This was especially crucial for the students of "for-profit" entities who encouraged massive federal loans with promises of job placement. They have finally been brought to some sort of justice but still leaving many with crushing loans and non-productive degrees.

When we add the affirmative action decision (which may now demonize diversity in other areas) it may be overly simplistic, but apparently we will be satisfied with college only for the rich and powerful and legacy students. Also lest we forget, the case of the non-existent gay couple requesting service from a would-be web designer was also shot down under freedom of speech or in other words discrimination is now fine and legal. To re-emphasize, there was no "gay couple" and the web designer had no actual business but it made it all the way to the Supreme Court. Color me purple, but does not one have to have a case to pursue? Color me with sprinkles, but I don't believe it is up to the Supreme Court to set policy and law-last I knew that was a Congressional ;responsibility. Anyway enough of that. 

MEDICAL UPDATE "So do you take meds for pain? I try to restrict it until I'm desperate. Do you use a walker or cane? Nope, just gut it out with a cute little limp.  Are you sure you really destroyed your knee (even though the X-rays indicate no cartilage and mulitple bone spurs)? Well ignoring reality is my hidden super power." Not totally verbatim but gist of my convo with the Doc. I am ready for the knife and robot leg. 

I have read a lot of worker comp medical reports and always find it amusing that they start out with "So and so is a pleasant 71 year old woman who complains of..." with mine being no exception.  (My knee is not a worker comp issue, just overuse & age)  What would they say if the patient crawled in writhing in pain; packing heat accompanied by a bodyguard or showed up with, I don't know, a horde of howler monkeys who complained vehemently whenever the physician tries to speak. I would like to think they would phrase it "patient was a challenge...."  Later in my report the Doc said he explained things (he did) to my level of age and understanding, ruhh? Perhaps I should have asked him to use a doll to show me the parts of how the knee bone was connected to the pain bone to judge his level of sense of humor?

There is way too little fun in the medical world. What do you tell an exhibitionist when they don the sexy robe? Sir, sir or madam (in this age of gender neutrality) the gown goes on the other way. When they palpate the suffering body parts does one ask them to buy you dinner first? Feeling like a piece of meat in a butcher's window is merely the price we pay for health care. Then the question, so what do you (the patient) want to do? Ahh, I believe you are the one who spent ten years of your life learning to be a doctor. The patient whipping out their cell and googling drug interactions and treatment of discombobulated bone fragments is the ultimate conclusion, but then they get upset. I think the old reliable, "well my cousin's sister-in-law's friend got giant balls when he got the covid vaccine" method of diagnosis bothers them as well. So don't ask me. Pretend you know or at least sound a little more sure and enthusiastic for my impending table dance. I least I hope dancing is in my future.

YOU HURT WHAT? Speaking of worker comp injuries a couple come to mind. A lady claimed she burned her lady parts when she accidently sat down on a toilet seat she had just cleaned with, what acid?  Anyway I had to wonder if the antibiotics were for a more intimate malady. Oh well. Another gentleman (not the same incident) got a blow to the gentleman parts. It was so embarrassing for him to describe the "area of impact" he left it blank on the report. He was loathe to enlighten me. Probably needed one of those aforementioned Medi Annie dolls to get his point across. Again w.hat are we doing out there and why is the company liable. The law states there only has to be an aggravating or casual relationship to the workplace for illness/injury to be compensable. I can't say they weren't...HR is fun. Peace out.....💚  💙💛

 

SEX EDUCATION (June 26)

 Got you with my title right?   Though this might appear controversial, many times after a group meeting the "actual" movers and shakers end up meeting afterward to make decisions or discuss controversial topics to form consensus. I say that to preface the "afterglow" I attended at a local brewery after a big meeting last week. A member chairing one of our Divisions brought up some very interesting and much-needed changes to her division at the group meeting. A few folks, pooed pooed (technical term) her ideas without a proper hearing-not an uncommon happening.

Fortunately for the lady with the great ideas she was invited to our post-gathering where we listened to, discussed and supported her position and will push it through at the next meeting.  It was only after I looked around at who was casually invited to our social hour that I realized this is pretty typical of groups to assure continuity and progress. This same group of folks also perform a lot of outside support, handle issues and provides business and monetary support. The dynamics of this sub-group changes as people retire or move on, but our central role is historical perspective and mentoring promising volunteers. All done subtly and with due respect to the rest of the group. We can get away with it also because we are pretty much all past presidents and mostly older established farts. 

Anyway we were discussing changing the name of the Division to better reflect how we wanted to restructure it. One of the most frequent questions loss control folks (insurance) and MIOSHA gets is "I was just anointed the safety person. What do I have to do?"  And we wonder why accidents and injuries continue in the workplace?  Considering that from a professional standpoint we are degreed individuals who are required to interpret standards (like an attorney); create classes and train (like a teacher); understand mechanics and engineering to a point to be able to suggest improvements or changes to equipment; interpret fire codes and chemical impacts; investigate system failures that led to an injury or accident and be able to communicate accurately (like a journalist); the question is a tad insulting. 

Consequently the thought is to create a Division that focuses classes in the fundamentals for newly "anointed" safety folks.  As we debated names for the Division the hands down winner was "Safety Virgins"! Yeh. I don't think we could get that one to fly but I bet we would get a lot of attendees.

CHANGING GEARS After a few days of doctors and meetings I was able to corral the grandson for some lake time. He is quite the conversationalist and we had an entertaining drive over. He does ask some thought-provoking questions that require an answer geared to an 11 year-old's understanding without scarring him for life. It is a fine line. Like it was not really necessary to explain the evils of atomic war that Japan was trying to symbolize with all the Godzilla movies. Grandpa suggested I take another tack. There is a reason Mother dubbed me "Sheilabeast" as in if you don't want to know the gritty truth don't ask the shebeast.

Upon arrival Joe had a hook in the water before I unloaded the car. Finding no live bait he used some artificial stuff. He then stalked a giant bluegill near the dock that he landed within a couple of casts. He wanted to put it into a bucket to show the older fishermen when they came in. But then he noticed a bunch of little fish attacking what turned out to be a nest his catch had been protecting. Being Joe he forgot about bragging rights and immediately released what we determined was the Mama fish. An epic battle ensued as she fought valiantly to save her eggs from an early demise.  In relaying the story later Joe mentioned he sometimes questions what he's putting the worms through when he fishes.  Love that boy. 

Joe kept me in the loop when he and Grandpa went to the beach or went out on the fishing boat. I never know the status with the OH as he hates cell phones, and refuses to text, so he always takes the portable house phone (wireless) when he goes to the lake for a few days. Though it was nice not to have all those robot calls coming in last week. With Joe there I could keep track of the two of them as he would handle communications and fix Grandpa's phone when he got stuck. 

PROGRESS? Our generation had a major learning curve with technology; our children had one foot in each world and the grandchildren know no other world.  Just as my Grandmother lived from the dawn of flight through landing a man on the moon. Of course progress does not exist if you are a life time member of the Supremies who merrily pass and destroy laws based on 18th century thinking.  I suppose they'd say it all went to hell when women got the vote....Peace out 💚  💙💛

JUST FOR FUN (June 19)

Under Construction. 

FALLING FOR ..... And speaking of construction, you can take the woman out of MIOSHA but you can't take the EEK factor out of the woman. Enjoyed watching some commercial roofers (the bane of inspectors as well as residential) perching on the peak running a heat machine to seal their plastic onto the roof. They were only up maybe a story and a half reefing on the machine to make it behave. Pefectly fine with, I don't know, fall protection or barriers or perhaps a trampoline strategically placed. None of which was in evidence. I also felt bad for their hot duty in the full sun and humidity. Not as fun as riding a 400 degree asphalt machine down the street (for real) but hot enough. I have often said I have a lot of respect for the worker bees of the world that toil under difficult conditions to get the job done. Just wish they also took their personal safety as seriously. 

The rule for general industry (plants, stores, office, etc.) is four feet without fall protection or barriers. I guess due to that sticky issue of catapulting into a grinding machine or conveyor system. Though have you ever seen a "mature" office worker crash off a step stool and the resulting mayhem? With a shaky knee I am even concerned about going down stairs and marvel at individuals joyfully prancing down several stair steps without a care in the world. That used to be me anyway.

Oddly enough the rule is extended to six feet for construction and construction-type activities. Apparently the drop into the demolition pile is less painful than the aforementioned machine. Or maybe it's those hard hats they wear.  There is some science to the restraint systems catching hold at six feet in that the body being top-heavy will turn upside down as it falls at a certain distance guaranteeing a splashy ending. May your falls be short and less dramatic. And for those dieters the head is apparently heavier than the rest of the body so chew on that. 

FISH TALES The new trolling motor was field tested this morning. This sucker will run, turn, remember your favorite fishing spot and hover in little circles at the touch of a button/s as well as reaching dizzying speeds of 10 mph! No doubt it will sing, dance and chortle at your lack of fishing ability when properly tuned up. Technically the multi-talented machine allows you to dump the boat off at the dock to meander all by itself while you park the trailer until you beckon it back with its little black box. We're thinking of sitting on the deck and freakin' out the locals by running it without obvious human control up and down the canal. My picture below will apparently show the boat running all by itself as I lost the Captain somewhere along the way and I sure as hell do not run the boat as my official title is "Deck Fluff". 

 

MEANWHILE The fishing marathon is on and of course it's going to be hot as Hades this week. Fun as that sounds I will be continuing my sojourn through various doctors, meetings and Joe time. I've been over-using the knee so that I am sufficiently pathetic for the latest surgeon consult. I'm thinking of pulling out my old crutches as I always look so disgustingly healthy when I go to these appointments. Meanwhile other patients are sporting canes, walkers and in some cases, appearing on a rolling hospital bed. 

Once a year Medicare pushes the ole "are we crazy yet" wellness check. My visit usually takes five minutes as I don't play the game by whining about everything (though I do mention my wine addiction). They are so disappointed. I pointed out that drawing the clock is not even going to make sense for the younger seniors - we've gone digital don't you know. Village - kitchen- baby were my crazy lady words to remember. I added person, woman, man camera,TV, indictment for fun though. Peace out 💚💙💛

A WEEKEND IN JUNE (June 12)

 

WEDDING WEEKEND Also wishing one of my younger sisters a Happy Birthday this past weekend!  Hard to believe we are the "older generation". My brain is still wired to my early 20's (or younger) for some reason. Of course until I try to gyrate to Dancing Queen or walk across a field, essentially, for a wedding ceremony on my treacherous right knee. One has a choice -wear the sparkly matching heels and sit a lot or slide around in non-matching flip flops.  Well you know what I chose... and we left early LOL. However we did win first place on the "anniversary dance" (more of a shuffle for me) as being the longest married couple by six months. Now that is a sobering statistic. Kind of a win-lose situation. 

We were then asked to provide advice to the newly married couple. My "bon mot" as Dad would say, is "when you have pork & beans you always anonomously let the lady have the little pieces of pork". As I explained to them later, its' the little things one does that mean the most. His, with my prompting was "she's always right" so there you have it. I also explained to the couple to forget the BS about not going to bed angry-you will- and have energy to continue the next day. Sleep is important.

EXCUSE FOR SMALL VACAY Cruising the back roads one finds interesting scenery. One store in the so-called boonies advertised "Bakery - Deli - Furniture". That about covers the necessities of life consisting of fresh and processed food and a place to sit while eating it. Sometimes the only indication of a little town or hamlet is a lower speed limit, farm implement suppliers and their local version of an ice cream shop. When traveling I consider frozen treats a lunch equivalency as calories do not count on the road. I enjoy watching the hordes of children and the "caretaker" who use the moment as a mini break from entertaining. Unfortunately short as the youngsters plow through ice cream treats like hungry raptors not withstanding the amount that falls on their shirts. 

With time to kill we donated some money to the local Native American enterprise even though the Security Guard swore about the generosity of a particular machine aptly named "Last Chance". I wonder if he gets a cut....That and the fact that it required a maximum bet each time should have offered some clues. Not wanting the day to be a total "loss" we hit the closest vineyard (they are everywhere up there, even gas stations sell wine) and enjoyed a selection of libations overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay.  Of course the host seated us at the top of their double-decker patio. Apparently he was in a hurry as he far outpaced my one step drag the foot up the steps modus operandi due to my current lame position. He informed us we have a generous 75 minute respite before I toil down the three flights of stairs again which was nice. I do alright with rest periods, but this is getting old. Ready for the next phase of treatment or a robot leg if it lets me do the electric slide and dance with my sisters to Sister Sledge. 

WEDDING CON'T Speaking of being the "older generation", I complimented the DJ on all the 60's music he was playing. His response was they play that duirng dinner as no one is really listening,  I bristled and said I had a different opinion as I will sing motown with my mouth full if need be. You trashing Dylan and all our revolution songs? No, no he says, I think it's great music too.  Too late.  I later saw our "anniversary" competitors out on the dance floor doing whatever the hell we used to do at sock hops and realized "yeh we be old". Like I said earlier there is a brain-body disconnect. Also saw another little "Kristen" out on the floor dancing in pure joy until she wore out her shoes-memories of another little girl who danced until she fell exhausted at midnight and was carried off to bed. 

SAD Switching gears as I tend to do and I'm tired. Why do we come home from a vacay more tired than when we left? Anyway driving near Grayling it was pouring the proverbial kitties and puppies (almost forgot what rain looked like) but you could still actually smell the wood smoke from the fire that ravaged the area a couple of weeks ago. Mother Nature and Climate Change wait for no one. 

AND BACK TO THE...Another humorous side note. As we came out of the hotel all gussied up a shuttle pulled up blocking my handicap exit. He jumped out and asked if we're going to a wedding as he was chauffering guests to and from. Surprised that my sister-in-law had not mentioned the service we were about ready to jump in when the OH says "which wedding?" Oops-pertinent question as it wasn't the one we were attending. Disappointing as we heard they were having tacos,

However, I believe the highlight of the day were the two little nephews under 5 who preceded the bride with fully loaded multi-colored bubble guns!! Especially as they amused themselves from the front row between Grandma and Grandpa shooting bubbles at odd moments. We giggled every time. After seeing that I always want to witness a wedding through bubbles. It was awesome. Peace out...💕  

                                                       

THE GAMES WE PLAY (June 5)

INSURE THIS! Every time I see those commercials for extended warranties on cars, appliances, houses, cats, dogs, gerbils and death I shake my head at the irony. Insurers are betting you won't blow a gasket, burn up your can opener, flood your house and actually die; while the consumer bets on disaster.  Funny right? How does the sales person give it a positive spin. "Of course it's a remote possibility that x-y-z will happen, but if it does....cue the somber music. Paints a picture of reckles mayhem just hovering around any corner. I gaily put my extra in the bank rather than enriching the coffers of the only business with a green lawn right now.  Every notice how the landscaping is so beautiful around an insurance company? As I intend on only dying once, a paid up term policy provided by my former employer covers things quite nicely.

Which reminds me of the difficulty I had when trying to cancel our whole life policy. I literally had to call our agent's boss's boss to get our money as the agent claimed he did not know where we lived even though he had been here and was getting a little check from the policy each month.

Furthering my rant on insurance as we finalize expenses for my s-i-l's estate, I recall the obscene amount of hassle the company put us through to obtain her life insurance. I can only assume they hoped that we or her daughter (though she had no money) would just keep paying the bills ourselves. So easy to buy insurance, not so easy to collect is all I'm saying. They don't know my reputation of relentless pursuit to complete a project as I conducted research, called experts and learned to go through my daily chores with the phone on speaker for the 30 minute waits to talk to somone.  I had to literally call on a weekly basis for weeks before I found someone who simply and honestly walked me through the exact process I needed to obtain the payout. Maybe contact 1-2-3-4 could have given me that information in the first place?

Forcing a bereaved person to go through that kind of red/blue/green tape borders on fraud or, at the very least, misrepresentation. I also can't help pondering if the insurance and legal business walk hand in hand in making these issues more complicated than they need to be thus requiring double the expense to complete the duties after a loved one passes. Also why do you have to hire a lawyer to get your car insurance payoff?   

DEADLY DRYER All this to lay the groundwork for my clothes dryer exhibiting troubling behavior by spitting cloth and unknwn crud into the lint trap and, unfortuntely, not drying the clothes. I have money for a new one, but the OH took a crack at pulling the whole vent system out and cleaning. I am tentatively using it today and so far so good EXCEPT for the damn orphan tissue left in someone's pants pocket. Amazing amount of fluffy little footsteps hugging the load. 

THEN AGAIN Speaking of the courts (going back to the estate reconciliation) Probate gets their little piece of everything one does - filing, inventory fee (we put it together so why do they get paid), piece of the house sale. I have had my share of courts and judges from appealing MIOSHA citations (before I was MIOSHA); workers comp and unemployment claims. On one notable occasion I was the defendant and the defense attorney as our attorney forgot to put it on his calendar. Nothing like soloing and having to present your defense and tap-dancing to come up with questions for the opposition. I lost. Apparently Perry Mason only wins on television.

I learned on workers comp and unemployment to say as little as possible as the "employee" ususally self-destructs when questioned. "how do you explain a six pack of empties on the front seat?" "how did you manage to play in a Gus Macker (hard-core street basketball) when you claim you can't walk?" "Didn't you have to report you weren't working each week to the State while you were working for the employer?" "How did all these phone calls to the porn site get made when you were the only one in the building at night?"  Get the drift?  

However the hairiest one was when one case made it to circuit court and the strategy of letting the emp incriminate his/herself did not follow the script. The judge called me up to his "throne" and asked me point blank "do you have the ability to settle this for the company?" I learned later my attorney was sweating bullets and sending out mental smoke signals "don't lie, don't lie, don't lie".  As if.  As I recall it was our plan to "appear" able to settle but Mama didn't raise no dum-dums. This complaintant totally deserved to lose, but you sure as heck do not lie to a judge...in his courtroom...on the record.  Karma's a bitch.

Update on the wounded wing. Hard as it was to stay still, I tried. Have been adding more activities, probably more than I should and using the stairs a lot. Even doing some time on the stationary bike and starving myself as I'm burning fewer calories. Have actually walked around a few stores, albeit slowly. Funny note. I am having literally no sciatica or hip pain so perhaps the shot worked. Excellent timing demon knee.    Peace Out.... 💓 💚   💙💛