SAFETY FIRST & OTHER PLATITUDES (Dec 18)

HOME WOES Being a homeowner (or multiple homeowner) has its moments. Outside of mortgages, taxes, upkeep there are the inevitable Surprise! moments. Like the temperamental dishwasher at the lake house. Sometimes she works and sometimes she doesn't. I use the feminine persuasion as I am the anointed dishwasher in the family a task I am happy to perform as I do not do the cooking. Works well. This week the GFI for the stove (Grand Ledge) kicked in twice. As I learned in my electrical classes-once a fluke, twice ruh oh. However, I could not get an appointment for a week so it's outside dining or microwaveable entrees. Whoo hoo!

Due to a cancellation the very next day (similar to the WHAM Last Christmas song) we were able to gift the electrician $200 to find NOTHING WRONG, of course. Meanwhile the stove is chuckling at our frustration.  Also, no problems with the external box we had installed that works with the fancy-pants generator that did not work at the last power outage. Generator worked fine but no power. It is not our imagination; machines and AI are taking over, and we are just letting it happen. Had him replace the GFI anyway, which on a gas stove pretty much works the clock and got assurances they would come back-no charge-if either played dead again.  Right. The OH gets frustrated that I insist on "safety first" with these episodes, but 40 years of education leaves its mark. And it's always expensive. Oh I get why management hated to see me coming, hmmm. 

Though interestingly enough the electrician knew one of the ladies who was the first female to go through the BWL's apprenticeship electrical program. A time I remember well as the other female apprentice quit as the guys were pretty tough on them even though I explained that is part of being a "grunt" (ground person). However, based on my experiences and later when female firefighters were hired at the city, some men do up the ante on females treading their hallowed ground. The electrician described this successful female as being tough as nails - which is kind of a necessary skill in male-dominated professions which explains why I have been called that and worse in my career. No fainting flowers or terrified tissues here. Not over-reacting when the Teamster President starts banging his chair on the floor (literally) as he is screaming about something is a real skill set. 

THE PLAY'S THE THING (credit to Hamlet) Happier thoughts. JP was being dramatic over something during our twice weekly phone call after school and I said he should definitely look into drama club when he has the chance. Though the boy loves an audience and performs without prompting, he said he would be worried he would forget his lines. I performed in a couple of productions in high school and told him about missing lines. The guy playing opposite would always muff a particular line just before mine, so I was ready when the inevitable pause occurred. After a brief wait, I started my part with "I know what you're going to say...." I was complimented roundly for saving the scene but, hey that's what rehearsals are for. I also got to throw water on him in the final scene so all good. Drew a gasp from the audience every time. I toyed with theater classes in college but life intervened and making a living seemed more important. Though having experience covering awkward pauses has been helpful with my podcasts. And people wonder why I insist on a run-through (think rehearsal) before we actually record. With little opportunity, personnel or time to do extensive editing "getting the take" in one is of paramount importance. 

DEATH OF INNOCENCE As I rant occasionally...on politics I was reminded the other day that one of my first professional jobs was editing a newsletter called "Washington Watch" which later became the "Washington Spectator" written by journalist Tristram Coffin. He was a liberal democrat with strong opposition to the Viet Nam war and his day job was as a political reporter covering the White House for ABC & CBS. I enjoyed our conversations where my tiny role was to tell him where I thought he should cut his copy to meet the printing guidelines.  Which meant I had to digest his opinion in the piece and suggest where we could cut and still make sense. That probably influenced my attempted organization of the mail room to support my first ever Presidential vote for McGovern. Well, we all know how the Nixon experiment played out. I did my part. Seemed so simple to hold the bad dudes accountable back then.

ONE WEEK TO GO On a different note, presents are wrapped; decorating is done and a..gasp...artificial tree is in place. As the daughter is hosting the Christmas dinner this year we toned it down a bit. She and her husband are breaking with the traditional meal and providing an alternative with an Italian flair. 

Funny how disjointed memories pop up this time of year. Going to California to visit my brother at his Marine base one Christmas; being broke and having about $50 to spend two months after our wedding and a tiny little blue lit tree; shopping with Mother at Meijers when I hosted my first Christmas dinner and everybody coming down with the flu the next day (I went first); my daughter's first Christmas when it was 65 degrees; that Christmas after Mother passed with the Sweet sisters sadly taking on her duties; but then believing in Santa again with my grandson as we made our cookies for Santa and waiting impatiently for him to get up so we could celebrate. Peace out....💚  💛💙

                                                     

BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE, ETC ETC (December 11)

December 11 - my daughter's birthday. Still remember that night when we were hosting staff at the old Playboy Club, and I had a small glass of wine after abstinence for nine months. Heck she wasn't due until the 12th.  Well, I enjoyed that wine coming back the other way along with dinner later that night. Marvelous and dramatic entrance of this sweet little dark-haired girl after we kicked everybody out of the house as apparently, we had other plans.  As part of the celebration for her birthday this year we had a busy weekend with JP leaving his folks to cope as best they could for two days. (LOL)

Ended Sunday night at a nice Christmas Concert and visiting with friends. I attempted chocolate covered sugar flavored pretzel sticks. Sounds easy; the recipes noted easy; the time listed for prep five minutes. Well, an hour later with chocolate refusing to melt into any recognizable fluid I started troweling said chocolate onto the sticks, throwing candy cane chunks and colored sugar on them praying something would stick. JP asked me what the heck I was doing and why was I throwing sugary crumbles everywhere. He did guinea pig for me and said they were nice and chocolaty, so tentative win and people ate them. I was much more successful with the lemon meringue pie I made - everybody likes lemon pie. 

Very social week meeting Board of Water & Light folks for lunch one day and MIOSHA folks the next day. Used to show pics of our children, now it's grandchildren. I am going to be interviewed for the BWL quarterly magazine as the author has reached my letter of the alphabet "I" in retirees. This prompted stories which they had never heard so apparently some things will not now go to my grave. The only currently working person from the MIOSHA gang arrived two hours late, but we were still yapping so no problem. 

Also obtained a quote for a new kitchen floor as it cannot be repaired-ouch. Continuing the reno mode I had someone look at the perpetually difficult sliding doors as long as we were doing one expensive thing-why not. Though showing many flattering reviews, the door guy was a non-stop high energy talker who left no room for interruption or questions, though we persisted. Several references to their work costs more, people will cheap out on a lower bid and ending with we seemed to be highly intelligent people who would know the difference. Final red flag was they could not guarantee a start date for six months. We do not "cheap out" but this one had unflattering sucker written all over it and we have been down that road before. Like the tile guy not knowing how to lay a pattern so I had to figure it out, creating an impasse at an impossible stage of remodel which required us to pay an inflated price for drywall and then handing me the caulking gun at the end saying they didn't have time to caulk everything. Guess we can live with the stubborn door for another forty years. 

As it came up in the get-together last night fresh outrage at the Atty Gen of Texas ignoring a court order for a woman to get a medically necessary abortion by threatening the hospitals in the area and her husband. This is a desired child who will most likely pass painfully at birth and probably render the woman incapable of having more children. Threats from a GA who was indicted by his own staff for dishonesty, bribes, etc. This has to be a decision between a woman and her doctor; again, why do conservatives always claim we are taking their freedom away? 

With two physician appointments this week I was faced with the inevitable blood tests. I always cautioned retiring staff to not take the 7 am or 12 noon appointments. Leave them for the working stiff. Boy I could not be more wrong. Arriving at 6:45 I had at least an hour's wait as the room was filled with us retirees. I know my problem is I'm always up early and I can't take my pain meds until I have something to eat and I've been fasting...... oh, right. Explains why my employees always seemed to take a half day for doctor appointments plus they got paid for sick leave. I actually don't recall seeing anyone under 60, which means several calls for the next patient as some of us can't hear either. The other fun part is that Medicare forces a nurse assessment of what level of gaga (technical term) you are once a year.  Give me the three words, draw the clock, though I could misbehave by drawing a digital clock, and stay out of my personal business. My assessment takes about 5 minutes. 

JP discovered his Mom's old BB gun in the basement and was eager to try it out. Took some effort and strategy to be able to cock it, but he persevered. (Yep a Red Ryder) Finally, he was able to hit the broad side of a tree and used up all the bb's in the rifle. He then expressed an interest in bagging a squirrel or chipmunk who wreak havoc around the foundation of the house and attack the bird feeders, but I'm not buying it. This is the same boy who took one of those creepy-crawlers that like to slide inside this time of year gently off my cupboard and put him outside with apologies to said bug. Peace out... 💚 💙💛

                                                               

RAMBLINGS (December 4)

Apparently, I have not started my Christmas rehab soon enough for my housecleaner. I still believe they have too much time on their hands as the last couple of visits they have explored and found holiday items to display. Is it too much to want to determine my own schedule for holiday change-outs? I only have so many door wreaths and a specific date for replacement. A new door wreath signals the seasonal transition of door-bathroom-dining room with specific objects for each, right down to the tablecloth. Retired people have their rituals. I have broken their habit of putting things in different places. Odd how one little thing out of it's usual dusty spot makes me anxious. Although I am not a fanatic about it, nor am I married to my house, I do enjoy my little decorating whimsey which does not need once a month transients disturbing the symmetry. I expect to see elves on the shelves after they've dusted at some point, but at least they don't get into the booze. Though placement after inebriation could be fun. 

In the hapless journey to better living through chemistry I went for a second shot. No sedation just point and stab. Regrettably, this one went deeper and longer than the last one. However, my curling fingers on the table were the only indicator that I was writhing in pain and two strokes away from drop kicking Dr. Demento across the room. Through gritted teeth I told him we had to stop meeting this way to everyone's amusement. Of course it's always fun and games until someone gets a derriere full of steroids. Some improvement, but so far standing and walking long distances is elusive. Fortunately, the new knee is working which has become a minor player in this scenario. I do miss shopping and have become an online consumer of late.

When dealing with a handicap, one has to get creative on errands, parking and socializing plus I am definitely less judgmental of folks sporting their "wheelie" card (handicap sticker). Convenient drop-off points and finding something to lean on have become increasingly important to my mobility. My strength of will is outmatched by the spinal stenosis, but I keep pushing. I hate to be told no. Which begs the question; is it counter-productive to push past a certain point or is one just building endurance?

I am no athlete but watching Tiger Woods come back and play golf after his horrendous accident (plus millions in medical and rehab) and Aaron Rogers tearing his Achilles tendon and back at practice a few months later (though probably won't play) how much is mental? There is no question that talent lies in the mind and heart which explains how so many athletes can perform even after injury. The assumption of 100% recovery also plays a role as I found out at my six-week check-up for my knee. My recovery has earned me no rechecks for a year, though they normally check their work after six months. Failure was not an option, though I wondered those first couple of weeks as I complained and whined (WINED) through all my physical therapy. But I had too many examples of good recovery and support from friends and family as well to think otherwise.  

Isn't it funny that as you get older no one asks you what your favorite dinosaur is anymore? That is the calling card of every little person whose fascination with big scary beasts I find puzzling. Apparently they are less frightening than what lurks under the bed.- whom I believe never really go away actually. Just a warm, or cold, body to share the insomnia. Peace out....💚 💙💛

                                                           

                                                      

 

DOGGEREL (November 27)

MY FAVORITE DOG This week had its highs and lows-that's life. Began by saying good-by to our grand-dog Zoe. She was two years older than JP and though Dad's dog, she was always protective of the boy and a companion when he came home from school. Animals keep you from looking crazy when you hold those one-way conversations. Brittany's are affectionate and loyal, but this girl went above and beyond showing herself as the perfect lady no matter the circumstances. I often said her master could be eating steak two feet from her nose and she would never lower herself to beg but patiently waited until the treat was offered. 

LIFE WITH JP As school was out for the week, we had the pleasure of the boy's company for two days (plus the time that Zoe was put down). His new bowling name is JPawesome which I pronounced J- Pawsome to his amusement. He was nailing the strikes, so he was happy. However the bowling pro said his beginner ball would probably only fit for about another month - hint, hint. Lunched at one of his favorites as he can order chicken alfredo from the kid's menu (one of the few places he is interested in seeing a baby menu).

I am not sure where the bartenders of today are getting their training. Apparently, they can only pour wine, beer or bubble gum drinks. Upon requesting a vodka gimlet (usually made with gin) I got blank stares. I explained it's simple composition-vodka & lime juice, shaken not on the rocks. The bartender then said he had no cocktail glasses unless I wanted a martini glass but no stems. Ok-now I'm confused. At any rate he had to go to his "bartender book" to make it; I'm not kidding.  This exchange prompted JP's grasshopper bar joke. Again, the bartender has apparently never heard of this drink either though the waiter though it was hilarious as he dragged the hapless barkeep over to hear it. Then we had to explain it- geez. At this point JP was confused as well. Hey, the OH and I get our chuckles where we can. I'm notorious for ordering vodka gimlets and the accompanying explanation. As the daughter of a man who's bartended as a side gig we know our booze.

DIGRESS:  The last statement reminds me of a Dad story. He had explained that top shelf liquor was the "name" stuff and the bar's regular stock was fine. To prove my superior knowledge that better liquor tastes better I ordered him Bombay instead of whatever bar swill he was drinking. He was right-he found no difference. However as he and I proceeded to finish off the evening with more than one drink at more than one establishment it was clear that they all work to create equal amounts of inebriation (we had a designated driver). Found out the VFW sells $1 beers which I found to be a mistake later in the evening, and the next morning when I had to do a safety presentation to a construction group....So those dudes that are trying to impress with their fancy Tanqueray, Goose's and Crown it all ends up the same. With the exception of Crown on the rocks of course. If you mix, it all works, like whiskey and squirt don't fall for the upgrade. There's a subliminal message when they only display the fancy stuff on the "top shelf" lol. Thanks Dad. 

TURKEY TROTS Enjoyed two turkey days at two different locations over three days. Well, I have two houses and multiple family groups. Although the turkey was not, I was literally stuffed. We gave up on stuffing the bird long ago and just make the dressing without inner bird assistance. Less messy and gravy covers all. Now time to get creative with leftovers though we gave away as much as possible. I'm afraid my massive weight loss after surgery has been undermined especially as we were mainlining Redi-Whip directly to the mouth without benefit of dessert. Which reminds me of Mom as the practice started one Christmas when someone did not want to wait. 

On the negative side this week, my sis's KIA became the latest victim to the KIA ragers that snagged it right out of their driveway and proceeded to wreck it-to a point. BUT, the week ended with her joy at the brand-new KIA she received on Friday which may not have ever happened without the initial tragedy. Things happen for a reason; Karma's a bitch; when a door closes a window opens, etc. etc. 

LIFE WITH JP 2.0 In this JP-packed week he had a chance to share some 5th grader stories. For instance, he is not the class clown, surprise. As he tends to unconsciously sing during study time and has to be reminded to lower the decibel level, he is known as the crazy class singer which is apparently a positive with his peers.  Well, could be called worse I suppose. Also, after the bartender debacle at Appleby's the other day he has determined he wants to be a bartender/comedian. Already has his first joke when he serves Angry Orchard as he will claim it's made from crabapples. The boy has a future. 

Oh yeah, Michigan beat OSU, the only time I vote blue. BTW the blue & yellow hearts I use are for Ukraine not the Har-by boys prefaced by MSU green.   Peace out.....💚  💙💛

                                                                

THE SHOW GOES ON (November 20)

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF D.C.  "Sit down. Sit down. You're a United States Senator." Who would have thought ancient "socialist" Bernie Sanders would have to break up an MMA fight in the middle of a Congressional hearing? This is where the monkey show has taken us folks. At least Senator Sanders wasn't wearing mittens as he waved his hand around. I don't even blame the Teamsters President for accepting the challenge to fight as the Oklahoma Senator claimed his people elected him to apparently "respond with violence". But one thinks the Teamsters may not be the smartest group to "piss off" unless you like "swimming with the fishes" plus they love confrontation LOL. Points to the dude from Massachusetts. 

MISCELLANEOUS Well apparently "de-leafing" is done for the season. There are two stubborn trees who grip their bright yellow buddies until the last hung is dog. Wind, rain, hail do not detract them from their role of leaf hoarder extraordinaire. After years of gathering, bagging and dumping, we have finally joined the mulch brigade which merely requires a blade set to crunch and munch once a week resulting in a healthier lawn in the Spring. Even cleaned up the lake lawn with yours truly wielding a rake for a time. Surprisingly that did not trigger the back pain - only a nice comfy bed holds that dubious honor.  

The Sweet sisters managed to pull off a multi-birthday celebration lunch this week with the eight of us pretty much taking over the restaurant. But we tip well. Big Sis provided cupcakes for the honorees, and I splurged on a dozen infamous Crumbl Cookies. Note to self: they are not that good a day or two later. I guess it's all about the prestige of the brand. As long as we avoid politics or "rising to the bait" we have a great time. Odd fact: the OH and all three of my brothers-in-law are left-handed; the ladies are right-handed and the kids are a mix. 

EVENTS Watching Silver Bells in the City the other night made me recall my days at the City where we had front row seats to the spectacle with my fourth-floor office facing the Capital. We would put on our own "mocktail" party which apparently food-wise was better than the mayor's soiree (his words). Not too many know the number of faux pas' that occur when planning a big event, but you soon realize the attendees will never know what they're missing. I had the dubious honor of planning the first BWL employee picnic and, unfortunately was also tapped to organize the City Employee Recognition events until I left. I privately would not have attended these events (too much employee interaction in my job) if I wasn't running the darn things.

The BWL picnic hosted tours, a fishing tournament and line worker rodeo. I also had to confiscate these incredibly cute and detailed posters we were giving to the kids that depicted a cartoonish and colorful downtown map. However, they also depicted two dogs going at it in an alley - a small but significant oops. As a collector's item I did keep a couple... for research of course. You'd think I was trying to make kids read "The Diary of Ann Frank" from the parent reaction, who of course wondered if there were any extra copies after I threw them away.

The City event was not funded in advance the first year, so all the Directors had to canvass for donations. I said I would do anything but ask strangers for money. Be careful what you wish for.  Fortunately, I never stopped to realize the enormity of organizing a 300-600 person (never knew how many would show up) outdoor event providing food, activities and entertainment. I did have some dedicated workers who were a lot more social and came up with and coordinated the entertainment ideas. But it did teach me how to delegate (or die) to any stray body I could commandeer. If you act like you know what you're doing and bark orders, it works. Also learned to take complaints and criticisms during the event in stride knowing nothing was going to change but thanks for playing; smile, nod, wink-wink. 

The second year, upon instruction to use a particular vendor, I slowly came to the realization they had never catered an event of this size before. Which was discovered as people were lined up for food and waiting and waiting and waiting. The vendor cried to me "those teenage boys are taking more than one chicken leg!" Well a big duh to you lady. I think we had a lot of desserts that year from a different vendor so crisis (or salmonella averted). On the positive side the daughter got to try out all the activities ahead of everyone as her reward for working with me all day. And I preserved the HR department reputation by knocking out the Public Service Director in Sumo wrestling. When you're smaller a good offense will prevail.

PODLAND Got another podcast in the can last week and a couple more in the "waiting room". My hope is to knock off as many as I can so I can take a break. Our Executive Director for the Conference is an amazing workaholic. When I tuned into ZOOM before the recording, she revealed she was recording from the hospital as she had been admitted a couple days before. I assured her a postponement was entirely understandable and she did have staff, but she said she felt great and was working away. We do not argue with our leader. I thought I was bad taking work into doctor's appointments as they are always running late, but that is a whole new level of dedication. A toast to all those who keep the machines running!   Peace Out....💚 💙💛

SCORPIO TIMES (NOV 13)

PROGRESS OR LACK THEREOF REPORT Well much to my consternation in the chicken coops apparently my remedial shot in the back was met with chuckles and derision by said backside. In other words - not effective. Just muddling through is getting old. On the plus side, my knee is doing well and the scar is past the "ick" stage. Surgeon was pleased though he should watch all that personal back patting or he will pop a rotator cuff. He referred me to his "favorite" orthopedic back surgeon who speedily set up an appointment for, wait for it, March 6, 2024! At least his name is funny Winkelpleck. I can only imagine how that type of speedy treatment works for folks truly bedridden or unmotivated. I think we may need to look a little further or maybe it's just an indication that this area is full of orthopedic challenged "older" people. 

RUMP EFFECT Considering the craziness of the times one can only marvel at the lack of intelligence unleashed over the last several years prefaced of course with, if you don't like the outcome do not accept it-facts be damned. Ohio GOOP, after two solid rejections by its citizens to curtail women's rights is now trying to circumvent judicial oversight to cases brought before them related to abortion. Huh? Michigan GOOP is trying to impeach the Attorney General for indicting "confessed" fake electors for the 2020 Presidential election. 2nd huh? And oh joy this year marks the largest amount of vaccine exemptions granted. So, polio, etc. formerly eradicated, will now have a chance to regroup. Too bad for the naturally immune compromised folks who get exposed. How Christian of you'all.

 For those who think the courts are not treating the ex-prez with respect how many of us would get away with threatening and name-calling of the judge FROM THE WITNESS STAND and not be thrown into jail for contempt of court.  Apparently there is no respect, decorum or class anywhere in the GOOP world. This is not normal people.

IRRITAING WORDS & FUN STATEMENTS Veggies, kiddos, sus, bae to name a few that seem to be common vernacular. "Furious Ohio goop reports widespread incidents of women voting." "How do we flush an unflushable turd?"  A family claiming to be financial/business geniuses apparently do not know how their business works when questioned under oath. "Old age has slowed me down but hasn't shut me up." Fun stuff.

Speaking of jeans. You know the ones that are grossly ripped apart upon purchase yet costing an arm and two legs. Do you suppose the jean factory has people assigned to create those big holes? Through wear, scissors or just a lot of "oops" moments? Aren't the wearers going to be cold and wet? And what stops them from completely ripping apart? In college it was a badge of honor to wear your frayed bell bottoms mostly because you spent your extra cash on wine and pot. Not to mention to be truly cool one's hem needed to drag on the floor. Ok - guess we were just as dumb then about abused clothing. 

                                                

PERSONAL STUFF We were taken out to lunch by the daughter and grandson for my birthday and I actually, miracle, accepted a 20-minute wait time as apparently everyone on the west side chose that restaurant for the holiday. Though we did hear some mumbling about "state workers" getting the day off cluttering up things. Of course, JP was dramatically dying of hunger and his Mom and Nana didn't carry crackers-note to self. I was shamelessly willing to use my handicap sticker but a parking spot in front of the door was amazingly available. K pointed out that the advantage of us driving was to enjoy the elevated status.  I keep forgetting I have the wheelie card for a couple of months, though actually most handicap spaces are already filled when I get anywhere. There's a lot of us apparently though it makes you wonder how and why we are so mobile. 

One advantage of sleeping in fits and starts is that I remember a lot of dreams as I never seem to get past the REM stage as a shift in position triggers a painful wakeup call. A lot of people from my past (alive and otherwise) and strange scenarios, many focused around being late and having to use the bathroom. Some are actual full stories where I am back in school, teaching a class or working a job. I'd be fascinated rather than irritated if I actually got any restorative sleep, but then I wouldn't remember them...Peace out 💚💙💛

DINOSAURS AND LUBRICANT (Nov 6)

 PROGRESS REPORT - Alleluia - pain doc immediately scheduled one of those epidural shots in my much mis-aligned spine - good news. Bad new-it got postponed for two days meaning no pain meds for three days. I was definitely a candidate as I stumbled into the office bent over like a drunken pretzel to get my "fix". "You need sedation?" "I'm at a 7 pain level so no, I don't need no stinkin' sedation, stab away". Face buried in the massage-type table we were all having a little chit chat before the procedure. As my answers were mumbled into my mattress hole the nurses translated. They are polite about one's tattoos and very gentle as they pull your stretchy pants down to your "bu-tocks" crack. "Wiggle your foot around" conjuring images of possible paralysis, but at a 7 level one simply does not care. Took two of them to walk me back to my chair afterwards though. Not sure what they do with the ones who need knock-out juice. I rewarded myself with a multi-grain pancake at "Flap Jack Shack" afterwards. I now sleep, but PT is postponed, and the "cure" is not quite all the way-fingers crossed. 

POLITICS. Don't want to go there, but there is so much to wade through last week. Another mass shooting with no red flag laws and ample warnings from all around about the shooter and congress says nothing they can do except pray. Ahem - actually they are the ONLY ones who can change the laws. How can they be so out of touch with the majority of Americans who favor some sensible gun laws, women's choice and marriage equality? Who the hell do they represent? 

Remembering the horror when JFK, a Catholic was elected President as apparently, he would be controlled by the Pope, one can only be gob smacked by the House electing a man who actively tried to overthrow a legitimate election; who wants to rule by the Bible; has no knowledge of science or logic (God given) and loves putting dinosaurs and cavemen together. Whatever happened to religious freedom and there being more than one way to love your God/gods. Where will the snake lovers go to be accepted? Plus after the speaker says he takes his world view from the Bible, I guess we will see legislation banning seafood and pork and go from there. The possibilities are endless. 

Of course, our favorite crime family were all brought into Court to explain "I know nothing and I can prove it" while the chief "unflushable" claims threatening witnesses and attacking a judge and staff is protected free speech. Maybe it's just me, but what does that have to do with the ability to campaign where one talks about issues, etc. 

FURTHER FUN  Actually, walked mighty Meijers using the cart as my cane - less mayhem and injuries to unwary shoppers that way. I am phasing strenuous exercise back to protect and encourage my precious supply of spine juice to do its job but did three loads of laundry with the accompanying upstairs and downstairs that required. Downtime consists of hanging my new knee by the ankle so as to allow gravity to pull the hamstring down to match the "good" knee. There are many nuances to recovery they don't really explain very well. Dancinig is out, but trying to walk on my toes gets extra points in PT. 

Recorded my second podcast on cannabis by interviewing the retail side and just completed a draft script for the next program on agricultural injuries and fatality investigations. One thing I can say about the series - they are diverse! I was discussing the need for the podcast committee to "vette" potential interviewees to save me some time. Our Executive Director said (I'm sure she thought it was a compliment) "nobody wants to do what you do".  LOL. 

                                                               

ALL HALLOWS After the cruel postponement of my spine tingler; I was too sore to ride to the lake for our annual candy and a shot for the neighbors. I am sure we were missed. Saw only about 15 or 20 folks here so LOTS of candy left over which the OH immediately put into a bowl in plain sight. Not the best plan for healthy weight maintenance. Apparently, I am too weak to put it in a less conspicuous place or something. The boy went as a "nasty" Harlequin, I believe.  Peace out...💚👺  💙💛