THE ART OF THE BEEF (December 16)

Heard in my house recently.."I remember being able to get up without making sound effects..Good times!"

SARCASM or is it? I've determined I have not complained enough in my life. I say embrace your god-given crotchetiness and bitch at someone, somewhere, some anything. Go rain on someone's parade. Don't hold back on criticizing clothes, manners, service or just feeling feisty and find it too much effort to hold back. Don't go to your deathbed regretting the times you bit your tongue for the sake of peace and got your butt handed to you for your meekness. Let loose the devils of never being satisfied with the status quo. It is so liberating. Cooperation pooh. Squeaking wheels do get the grease. Especially when dealing with obviously inferior beings. 

I need to go back to all those times when I should have said "no, man it's not ok and you're a dumb (emphasis) ass." Why must those of higher intellect suffer fools gladly as the saying goes. So mind-numbing. We get to pick our friends, not be friends with everyone. Something the wisdom of "older age" teaches you. Drugs and pain are a real leveler/destroyer of politeness and restraint. Just saying. Quite useful when dealing with medical issues. If you just "go along" you will be months waiting for the lackadaisical limited largesse of the insurance world and abbreviated appointments.  So be a sticky wicket, hurdle, hindrance, bitch, impatient pain in the rear and enjoy the moment. 

IRONIC MOMENT - Isn't it interesting that Mangione was apprehended the same day that Perry was acquitted of murder. One killed in the name of heartless greed in health care, another killed reacting to a victim of the same system. Neither death is to be celebrated. 

OUTTA BE A LAW A democratic rep from Florida immediately changed to repub after election. Not to be outdone, a West Virginian elect turns from red to blue after election. (Unfortunately, he also threatened to kill other legislators). Seems rather underhanded, though and voters are being lied to. I would "assume" they knew they wouldn't win based on the color of their tie in the particular district they were trying to steal but still. Wonder how they managed the straight faceiness needed to embrace the platform of the "others" and not get caught when they sneered at the rainbow or celebrated ghost guns. 

Meanwhile marmalade keeps plucking rotting flowers from the house and senate to be in his administrative garden. Sole requirements- ability to wallow in manure (fertilizer), pledge undying allegiance and agree to be placed under the bus as needed, to the two? presidents we apparently elected. The house majority was already slim so all good. Keep on a'plucking. Even McConnell (a polio survivor) was not kind to the RFK choice. Mittens from Utah admitted he misjudged the American people. Welcome to the club. Oh, and give your son a solid by shipping his girlfriend to Greece. 

 

TWO SEASONS Michigan humor of winter and construction season. Though the way people are already having a problem with keeping between the lines and slamming the ditches with a little bit of snow we still have not admitted to the season change. Of course, heading back to temps in the 50's is not helping the mindset. Drive like your critical grandmother is in the car, because heck, your grandmother is in the other car sliding into your space. However, as the tail of construction is still wagging driving around the city is an adventure of epic proportions. How early to leave for an appointment on, merely, the other side of town? Maybe about an hour, or two. Checking the MDOT website has become a daily occurrence. Impish detours keep cropping up and I've watched many a car dare the odds and end up needing to back up 300 yards when choosing wrong. Add a bit of rain, snow or dark of night and the fun gets serious. Call it detour roulette where the numbers on the wheel keep changing position.

Busy weekend taking the boy Christmas shopping and rehearsing for the podcast recording tomorrow so will cut this short. Why am I only now learning what he really wanted for Christmas as we peruse the shops. Note to self: have shopping trip earlier in season Peace out...💚  💙💛

BLACK DOVES (December 9)

My idea of housework is giving the room a sweeping glance...Unfortunately I am cursed with knowing dirt when I see it after the housecleaners have been here. Not sure what I'm expecting but I thought washing floors would be part of it; not dusting my myriad of knickie knackies on the living room shelves. Doing bathrooms and cleaning those dang glass tables is the best of their work, however. 

MARMALADE COMICS Has to be said. Biden should have done his pardon (I don't have problem with it) and said nothing else. No justification, no malarkey, no nothing, nada. Mr Felony of course railed at the injustice of it all, but now he has more justification (as if he needed it) to release his personal mob from Jan 6 as every little dictator needs his private army. I especially find amusing that the gang of three (marmalade, muskie and higgly piggly-hegseth) are clutching their pearls and bemoaning family values. Between them they have multiple liaisons, children and have cheated on all their mates. 

Marmie uses his sperm offerings as cannon fodder when needed or to get out of court. This is the same loving person who buried his beloved first? wife on his golf course but I am sure that had nothing to do with cemeteries beings tax-exempt but an act of respect and esteem. A wonderful resting place among the rolling green hills-oops, ball landed right on top of that mound there. And muskie with his 12 oddly named and strategically placed (away from him) offspring with names like jackhammer and moon doggie I believe. And higgly's own Mother condemned him as a man who drinks and then berates and disrespects women putting him squarely on Santa's naughty list. The milk of human kindness has definitely curdled.

Further hilarity ensues when turtle man (McConnel) is appalled with the partisanship shown as several federal judges delay their retirement after the red election. OMG-stings when we use your playbook aye?

DRIVING WHILE CRAZY So when did turn signals become optional. I love the game of will she or won't she (turn that is). Is it obvious? Are the wheels cocked a certain direction? Should I take a chance. Nope usually fooled by the eventual direction taken. These are the same folks who dodge in front of you and go below the speed limit. They have established their place and by gum the rest is up to you - followed by the screeching of brakes and a disgusted look from the chaos causing driver ahead. Cars are too comfortable as folks appear to be directing their vehicle similar to how they ride their lounger, head below seat level, soda and popcorn to the ready. Dashboard screens as wide as their home-grown televisions prompting attention everywhere than the road ahead. The equivalent of self-driving cars and gosh are we ever ready for them. 

As a defensive driving alumni, I probably infuriate rather than act as a stress reliever to others. I know that as when going precisely 3 miles over the speed limit I am constantly passed. Often where space for passing is non-existent. I sneer at your double yellow line; the shoulder is for winners; speed limits are merely suggestions for turtle people. 

DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN I must have one of those faces. I am constantly being accosted by friend and foe with "don't I know you?" Weird thing is, they probably do. Saw a woman in college I hadn't seen since the 3rd grade and she ran right up to me and said my name. I, of course, was clueless. Either I never age (LOL) or I am terrible at remembering faces. Probably a good thing I don't remember as I have the blessing/curse of getting people to reveal their darkest secrets from my days as an investigator upon a short meeting. Often it is because I am interested especially when a person is shy or reticent and I enjoy getting them to open up. But sometimes that intense understanding stare may actually be boredom and not an invitation to spill; unless it's required.  I have perfected the internal yawn on those occasions. 

Anyway, last week saw a lady who looked vaguely familiar and I'm going through my church? BWL? City? MIOSHA? podcast interview? pissed off union person? litany of where do I know them from? Got drunk and barfed on them? Who knows. She immediately said "I know you, I'm Elaine".  Instantly remembered. I wish more people did that. No fumbling around, no talking for 10 minutes trying to remember from scattered clues. I knew exactly who she was and the horrors we shared at the City. Good times. Something to practice myself if I ever am not actually on the receiving end of the recognition train. I was going to say wheel, but there is no end on a wheel, something about infinity or whatever. So now you know if I ever walk past you blindly and there are no location clues it's on you.                 Peace out....💚  💙💛

The scariest thing to read in Braille "Do not Touch"

                                               

STICKEE WICKIE (December 2)

ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK...Christmas tree oh Christmas tree. We are promoting the Art of the Tree. Since no small people are into wielding a saw this year at ye old tree lot, we are enjoying the beauteous shape of "store 'boughten" greenery. Though we fought in the past over who would crawl under the tree and water the live nursery escapee every other day, I unselfishly claimed responsibility for maintaining the new "maintenance-free" member of the house. I know, I know, it's only fair.

After years of dutifully trudging through the increasingly dwindling supply and rising costs of live trees, we were not all that upset about the new regime. People start going after trees right after Labor Day from what I can surmise. I'm also basing that on the number of areas denuded, out of bounds or earmarked for military families as the pickings be slim. The tree farm's cheerful little reminder card with its laughable $2 coupon was usually the signal to set up an expedition. $2 won't even buy one of their decorated cookies, hot cocoa or donuts. But you do get a free wagon ride out to the boonies for your tree selection. No matter, we still trudge and look and wander and whirl ending up at the same spot we started. Then of course, loaded down with a tree, we find it difficult to catch a ride back as everyone else on the flip side is sporting a 17 ft tree under their arm thus overloading the wagon. The long trek back dragging our prickly beauty is not for the faint of foot. 

Finally arriving at the literal drop zone after schlepping through either knee-deep snow or ankle-deep mud we meet the twister boys. They grab the unruly bush and shove it headfirst (the tree) into their little needle shaking twine machine. As a safety person I always speculate on the amount of human carnage possible if in their hurry, they flip one of the twister guys rather than the tree into the running machine. Shaken, flattened into half their size and tied from top to bottom like a fly in a spider web would probably not be too survivable. 

Fun Fact. Apparently that $2 coupon was too much for this operation as they decided to discontinue its questionable value this year. I mean I still used it, and we all got a good laugh that someone actually presented a $2 coupon for a $100 tree, but I have no shame. 

SPEAKING OF SHAME.  Other indicators that things are not the same in marmalade world. Outside of the increasingly bold nazi demonstrations (though they still wear masks-cowards) a new low is a Florida candidate for Congress who has threatened the two female Muslim congresswomen they better get out before he gets there "bombs away". Isn't that a nice sentiment that you said OUT LOUD Randy Fine. Though it's understood, free speech only applies to repubs. Funny thing though. If we treated the maggots like they treat others they would be such upset little snowflakes.

Also as predicted in the never-ending quest for revenge, marmalade is choosing boot licker Kash Patel for FBI chief who vows to prosecute anyone, who basically, says anything about his boss he doesn't like-even when it's true.  Good-by any free press or anyone decent enough to note the lack of emperor clothing.  Where are the heroes going to come from to thwart their nefarious plans? Well upon further reflection, in regard to the popular vote, marmie did win the most votes but the percentage was 49.9% compared to Harris' 48.3 so mandate proof he is not. So technically 1 out of 2 voted for the country rather than a dictator.

WICKED Rather fitting that the hot movie of the day is one called Wicked, which sums up the new administration including the Oz man, though I can think of much nastier terms. That much hype for a movie is ridiculous or a very bad movie trying to get our attention. Oh, wow even more reflective of current times.  But really, at the point you have created a buzz and a long line I'm out. I'll wait for the made-for-TV version. Ok I have never seen Barbie or Forrest Gump or Top Gun or all the Star Wars either. The list goes on. I am more of a cinema noir type I suppose with plot twists, etc. But I also enjoy the predictability of the Hallmark tried and trues. Call me complicated.  Peace out...💚  💙💛

 

THE TURKEY CONNECTION (November 25)

 

THE SEASONAL RACE BEGINS Almost turkey time! So much work and prep for so.....much reward! Fortunately, I am a common sewer (connoisseur) of the dark side when so many want the white meat, so I am always fulfilled. Our free turkey has needed a constant influx of ice to slowly thaw as you-know-who got the biggest free turkey he could trundle out so turning out not to be so free. 

Watching the 40th anniversary of Silver Bells in the City reminded me of the first couple of parades. From when it was a just a twinkle in the BWL and Mayor's eye to the full-blown extravaganza of 70 electrified floats and 11 marching bands. A bit of a boost for the downtown shopping venues. As a member of the Mayor's staff we were ordered, er, er, helped out at City Hall culminating with a "private" party in the Department and a birdie eye view of the Capitol, parade route, fireworks and of course, the lighting of the "shrub". This year the tree is covered completely in red lights. Is someone sending a message? Memories of Melania's dragon's blood Christmas display at the White House. So festive. 40 years is ruby of course.

MARMALADE NOTES Speaking of shocking things, all the hullabaloo of gender specific bathrooms. Who are we really? What's the big deal? Any women's potty chair I have been a visitor to has a "door" to block the intimate parts, so what up? And shocker-we have all partaken in gender neutral bathrooms. Think airplanes, porta-potties and homes. When you gotta go, you gotta go-who gives a flying f---. I myself have led the charge to the men's room when the line for the ladies is wrapping around the block. Shut the door people! Apparently the repubs are obsessed with the thought of sexual assault in the bathroom. Probably because they also don't believe in abortion for sexual assault. What kind of people do they hang with?

I mean do you really want to know what goes on in bathrooms? Make-up retouches, hair and perfume spray, emergency stain removal, sponge baths, diaper changing, gossip; oh yeah; and massive BMs. I know hideous! Oh Lordie, I feel faint. Though I have one puzzler, if men manage to keep their business to themselves in a urinal why do they always get the bathroom floor wet at home? Mysteries of life.

Fun Fact. As Harris lost by less than 2%, one point fraction person out of every 3 people you meet voted for her. Clearly a mandate  😄

HOME FRONT The BYOW party went well. In trying to avoid driving at night we started at 1 pm. Everyone still left after dark which tells me it was a good party with an ample supply of food and drink. Every bottle dry and every crumb pretty much consumed. And success, the dump pitcher held very little discards confirming that the five different wines were pretty much a hit. Fortunately, the bilateral pokes in the OH's sacroiliac did their job and he was a lot more mobile during the party. He even took the boy bowling a couple of games though he had to learn how to bend his knees again. Pretty stiff still. Apparently use it or lose it is a real thing. 

Like the commercial, the oven repair guy actually showed up as scheduled and immediately took the oven door off. That would have been a heck of a lot easier when I was cleaning the oven to be able to remove the door, duh. 20 minutes, a new igniter, $225 and we were back in business.  At what point does it make more sense to buy new or repair? Sigh.

ADVENTURES WITH JP My grandson is a humble soul. When asked what he wanted/needed for Christmas he told me socks! I need socks...and underwear. Those are usually the disappointing pariah of all pretty packaged surprises for kids under the tree. We had quite a discussion on Santa. He said he wishes he never learned he was fake because he liked the idea that some generous dude out there gave random gifts to kids. He said the songs don't make any sense now, etc. Sigh.  I pointed out that isn't it cool that people who know you love you enough to give you gifts at a special time of year. I appreciate his take on things though. We ended up going to see "Red One" which is a hysterical action movie on Santa Claus. He is not so jaded as to not enjoy it and we laughed our proverbial butts off. Course anything with Dwayne Johnson gets my vote. JP finally did say he didn't really want anything for Christmas as he has everything he needs, but he would like a dog. We know.  Peace Out.....💚  💙💛

      

SPREADING THE MARMALADE (November 18)

 

I KNOW This is the column no doubt you were looking for last week. I was not ready. I had to digest the rawness that the America I thought I lived in showed its true colors on November 5th. I had to get rid of the taste of bile in my mouth as I pondered the unreality of it all. If you voted to endorse hatred, violence and bigotry, the fires of hell will not be able to consume your black soul and may the jackals feed upon your flesh. If you believed the lies and were afraid, then perhaps you can be rehabilitated, if we survive. 

A lot of reasons, but one stands out if you've been looking. The pre-ponderance of right-leaning media has taken over. Doesn't matter if FOX had to pay a huge fine for lying. If you check the number of viewers for FOX, Breitbart, NewsMax they leave the traditional media in the dust. Those are what people are listening to which are owned and controlled by wealthy conservatives. They are not afraid to exploit silliness. Where do you think the hoopla about cat-eating Haitians came from, etc. etc. When I took a little journalism in college, we were cautioned to have two independent sources on facts and no speculating.  LOL - boy did that go out the window, but I do practice it when I give my opinion on the blog. 

And after only spending 200 million or so, Tesla's X boy bought himself a country or at least the dude running it as apparently the richest man in the world is taking over on critical phone calls and de-regulation for the pres-elect. One could expect nothing less from the guy "allegedly" sharing top secrets with the enemy. Guess the con-man got conned aye Donnie? Excuse me while I order the lifeboat supplies. Won't it be funny when he realizes the inefficiency and overspending is in the legislature- lol. 

Why is it easier to practice hate than love? They're both 4-letter words. Do I still think people will help a neighbor or support a charity - yes. However, we have been lied to and encouraged by "them" on issues that we have no impact on except "they" told us it was bad, and the other side was bad. Shame on "them". The joke of the election hinged on the price of eggs or gasoline, well gas was down, and eggs are high because thousands of birds have been destroyed to stem avian flu. See how "they" get us fired up. We need to stop letting "them" control our thoughts and fears. Shut off the ridiculous social media and biased news feeds. Check the facts for yourself. Live your life proudly and fearlessly. We can send "them" running for the hills as public opinion is what "they" fear the most. We are "them" and yes, we are our brother's keeper. If we do not speak up for injustice against others, there is no justice for any. Might as well snuff out the torch of that beautiful lady in the New York harbor.

HOWEVER On another front, deep red states voted for minimum wage, family leave and freedom of choice so I think we missed the boat on what was important to folks (hint the economy). Though why they think they will get that from a deeply red federal government is beyond me. That was promised in 2016 and surprise the spoils went to the rich and powerful, so they tried the lie again and it worked!

 Second, Kamala lost by 2% or less, several democratic candidates beat fanatic nazi magas and our buddy got less of the popular vote than several Presidential candidates before him. Third, if Garland and Smith release the report about the Trump cases (that Jack Smith owes the AG before he resigns) directly to the public before the end of the year we can avoid it being quashed and "spun" by those affected.... So, if we can survive and stay positive, all the missteps we are about to witness will cause a blue backlash in 2026. So do not let despair and disappointment rule your life. 

Another fun fact. Considering the only qualification to be a Cabinet member is undying fealty to orange marmalade, you may see some actual pushback. There is not an overwhelming mandate from the voters and congress and senate folks are aware of it. Rumpie  believes he has all kind of capital to spend, but these choices will burn through it pretty quickly.  A Russian advocate for national intelligence; an alleged sex offender for AG, a white supremist who paid off a woman he allegedly assaulted for Defense (where he is threatening to fire or court martial real officers), an oil executive for Environmental and a dude with a worm in his head for HHS. I can't wait to see what Cabinet position Trump offers Putin. Again, if these fly, they will impact the poor and uneducated the hardest. C'est la vie, it's Deja vu all over again. It's a proverbial middle finger to the public and this country in his lust for retribution.

                                                                

OTHER NEWS On the home front the OH is lining up for a hip stab from the pain doc this week. I got mine cold turkey because I am insane that way and love the challenge of how much pain I can take. Not sure if I should warn him, it really stings. I'll just have him pop a hydrocodone and hope for the best.  The issues seem to be spreading so I'm trying to keep him from doing any heavy lifting. Can you imagine I actually stood on my head and cleaned out the oven? It's not lighting, and I wanted to pretend I'm a little Sally trad wife keeping things clean before the repair guy comes to pass judgement on my housekeeping. I also need to wash some floors as apparently wet mopping by the highly paid housekeeper does not include soap. A little apron is probably pushing it though I suppose. 

Just posted a new podcast on MDOT (timely with 2 recent road worker deaths); interviewed two dudes about Conference awards and getting ready to interview Michigan Medical Security and Nursing staff on "Situational Awareness for Emergency Responders" (or make sure the patients don't have weapons). Shouldn't make fun of the last one, violence against medical personnel has escalated especially since the Pandemic. Violence, impatience and entitlement rules. Oops! There I go getting all negative again. I'm tired. 

At any rate in the good news column: I'm getting a free turkey at BJs (yes I do spend that much there); hosting first wine party for the year-during the day as we're old and day drinking and driving is better than night drinking and driving; I have most of my Christmas shopping done; JP's annual calendar is at the printer and Lions are kicking ass! Peace (and we really need it) out...💚  💙💛

A ROSE IS A ROSE (November 11)

 

Atlas' wife held up 50% of the world but his sheer noisy bulk (ego) covered up her contributions. 

 ONE LAST TIME Ok, let's get it out of the way. Picking a known felon, sex offender and all-around lousy businessman was apparently better than an experienced, educated female. Do I wish we had had a chance to go through primaries and choose our candidate rather than pulling someone in 3 months out? Of course, but....

Kind of how I feel after taking in the 5th. My birthday being around election time is always a mixed bag of good/bad news, but life goes on. Not this time...again.  Not to dwell on it, but I just feel so tired of always having to be better because of being female and I am also tired of apologizing for having an education. Blame Mom-she never differentiated between the boy and the girls. With that background in my first safety position, imagine my shock after educating myself and bringing the safety program to high levels and working alone for a year, I did not get the job. Not only did it go to a male with no experience, but I was also expected to maintain the high levels of the program because he did not know how to do it. He did apologize but still took the job. 

Reason given: "You're too passionate". Man speak for you don't back down and act all fluttery and feminine. Well in safety you sure as hell better not back down if you're right and someone's life is at stake. Oddly enough I was often accused of being cold by not talking about personal stuff (mine) but I could always get the story from those with whom I interacted. (I know my family will say-"you never shut up"). Dispassionately negotiating with and succeeding with the rank and file, upper management, politicians, doctors, lawyers and with judges in Court apparently did not prove I was good under pressure or get too stressed. Of course, my nephew has pointed out I don't bet in poker unless I have a good hand so not as poker-faced as I thought LOL. 

Fun fact-I moved on to a better and more responsible position somewhere else where I was the manager of the activity - though again working alone to create a credible safety and health program. That move got me accused of being disloyal by the previous employer, shocker. I am gratified they had to hire an entire department to replace me, however. The person who got hired after me quit after a couple of months because she told me later "they expected me to do all this extra stuff!" So, I guess I am an over-achiever. Being the facilitator and founding "Grandmother" of the MIOSHA Training Institute that has credibility throughout the entire State for Safety and Health, is a gratifying legacy, however. Apparently, that was finally enough as predictably they offered me a chance at a big promotion just before I retired (after bypassing me twice). Hopefully it will help the women who follow. 

MEDICAL UPDATE Well, the OH's pursuit of a cure continues with another appointment with a new specialist Monday. Although he said he was willing to live with the pain level he's at, that's not how I roll so we will continue our search for relief. Everyone needs a fearless (passionate) cheerleader. Besides I would not want to have to learn how to cook after all these years! I am mastering the microwave which means I have discovered there is a power level button-makes all the difference.

Saw the kids and grandson for a birthday dinner. Another fun fact my son-in-law loathes when they sing to you at a restaurant. Something to do with a traumatic experience when he had an early job waiting tables eons ago. So, he charmed the wait person, he's good at that. In fact, we were all friends by the end of dinner, and she quietly gave me my little birthday sundae on the down low. I always mention birthdays when we are celebrating at a restaurant in case there's any free stuff to be had. I can stand a little public humiliation for a freebie. Call me crazy/greedy.

FINAL THOUGHT When we notice that little glimmer of light under the door shining into our dark room, the hope is that it cannot, will not, be totally extinguished. I pray that I am right.                    Peace out ... 💚  💙💛

                                                                               

           

CAN'T WE JUST GET ALONG? (November 4)

CANDY IS DANDY BUT... I think we have the Halloween record for entertaining the oldest tricker treater.  A lady asked for an extra treat for her 93-year-old Mother. I was prepping to see a crone, a robot wheelchair or at a least garland-covered walker. No such luck. Apparently, the lady in question was elsewhere. As the kids did not look confused or loudly call out the mom of telling a whopper, I bought it. Told them to grab a handful of little treats. Surprising how big a 5-year old's hands can be.  I am also known to the parents as the house who offers adult treats. At times the eagerness of a group of parents almost elbowed the kids away from the candy bowl.  Although convivial I think the kids were more polite, but what the heck we all had fun.  Some of the parents were sporting beers so a shot and a beer added to their festive night. 

After nightfall there are long pauses until we get the occasional older straggler. Our street is pitch black with no streetlights and we were only house decorated with orange lights, an illuminated pumpkin milk can and a spinning lighthouse with a pumpkin head. From out of the darkness emerges an evil-looking scythe attached to a long black robe moving ponderously into the light. Freaked me out until I saw a very young feminine face peeping out. Apparently, Death travels alone in search of treats. 

A VOTIN' WE WILL GO A friend and I decided to try out the in person early voting for the first time. I have been voting from the comfort of my kitchen for years. Had to be reintroduced to the whole process again. I kept humming "Like a Virgin". Thank you, Madonna, for getting a chuckle out of the election crew when I mentioned it. Gratifying to see so many folks and so many of the younger persuasion all showing the gravity the situation called for. While I was waxing humorous of course. The lady overseeing the tabulation machine had the most anxiety as various voters kept coming up with glitches. You know the anxiety a "boomer" has when something "techie" goes wrong. What makes it even more interesting is she has to shield her eyes not to see your ballot. Which makes it hard to come over and see what's wrong. I kept hearing her say, "what does the machine say" lol. Ah well. People were patient and nobody got belligerent. You need to work elections sometime to see how honest and hard-working these people are, and the fail safes that have been built in.

In a related side note, we have a neighbor who has been flying a rumpie flag for four effing years, which he changes out every so often. Even when he compares him to God no one has "accidently" removed, hidden or stomped on the repulsive thing. Trust me we have many of a different persuasion in our neighborhood. Now if we had put an opposing flag up it would have been destroyed accompanied by a lawn burning. Ironically, he also posts a "Freedom" sign underneath. But apparently that only applies to one side from what I have observed. Just saying...

 OBSERVATIONS When you finally get an ad that is not political it's either for charity, ASPCA or fixin' feet.  What's up with all these people who apparently have been suffering for years but in the last year or so the solution has been found. Alleluia! Orthotics have been around forever. I myself had them prescribed by my chiro and I hate the damn things and hardly ever wear them. Very uncomfortable so maybe I should do an anti-happy feet ad. I just think the feet people finally met a smart marketer. Every ad shows various people touting the same theme, but the one where the guy cried before he got them and cried after he got them is really annoying. As he says I'm not an actor-no kidding. 

I heard someone call a Catholic Mass "Bells and Smells". Much as I admire the wit, I can explain the bells part. When they spoke in Latin (without a Microphone) people were clueless as to what was happening, and the bells woke them up to the big act (actually the point of the service) which is the consecration-bread and wine/body and blood. Otherwise, I think folks would continue snoozing, gossiping or eating. I think turning around the alter to face the people was probably a smart move to get people involved in the process or to note who's snoozing, gossiping, etc. 

The smells (incense burning) part is not really practiced that much and always announced ahead of time for the snowflakes in the congregation. I guess people passing out in the pews and children loudly asking "what is that stinky smell" provided bad optics for the church. Understand I am of the generation who saw the change to English, guitars around the altar, normal clothes for nuns and fun music. What we used to call a "happenin'".  Speaking of generational slang, I freaked my young grandson -Generation Alpha- when I asked him if he had a particular "pookie" at school which is a love interest. "How do you know that Nana?" I popped a few other words (while looking at the translation on my phone) and he was quite irritated with me.  Oh well. Far freakin'out, groovy and definitely stay calm this week. Peace Out....💚  💙💛