COWS CARS AND GUNS (WEEK OF NOV. 22)

 Happy Turkey, stuffing and politics day, for those who host alternative opinions at their dinner table.  We just had the kids so politics doesn't really come up, though Joe did want us to go around the table and say what we were thankful for.  Pretty much each other and their new house. Hours of prep and 15 minutes of feasting, watching the Spartans win and Lions lose about sums it up. Love those people!

Traveling to Grand Rapids on a holiday week was probably not an adventure we stopped to consider ahead of time. As we were not actually going anywhere for the holiday, we blissfully ignored the fact that a massive amount of vehicles would be barreling merrily down the highway on the way to Grandma's or whoever's house.  It resembles an episode of Car Challenge (I just made that up). Hovering around the speed limit we were basically blown off the road by speedsters for whom that 10 minutes saved is worth all the general vehicular mayhem. There is a segment on my show called "car passing wars" which is played by the experienced and inexperienced alike. Basically consists of sitting on another's rear bumper at 85 miles an hour until the offending (legal speed) vehicle offers passage (apparently it's personal). Those who set their cruise control will not budge regardless of the rear provocation and angry finger gestures practiced by those in the rear view. What is especilly thrilling is the bumper riders who can absolutely see the car ahead has nowhere to go as both lanes are currently occupied. This, at times, leads to those spectacular multi-car pileups one reads about yet hopefully is not a participant thereof.

Our trip was to scope out the meat processor who was receiving our massive amount of beef "on the hoof". Our first venture in buying a "piece of cow" (or steer more accurately). The rancher texted me with the exciting news of the impending slaughter and stated our contributing moo-er clocked in at 898 pounds. Being a novice I thought he meant our share. Holy shitoly-where are we going to put 900 lbs. of beef?  The processor gently disillusioned me by saying that's the total weight-you're getting 1/4. (Would not  like to meet a 3600 lb steer) Whew. Without having to meet our bovine volunteer except in parts I had the master chef pick how he wanted the pieces distributed in their neat little packages. 

Shifting gears now. After hearing the horror stories and pulling every string and safety procedure for months to avoid a possibly painful and defintely uncomfortable procedure (I hear they make contact with brain matter up there), I have managed to avoid covid testing. However I am now part of the initiated. Popping out of the car at the rendering/processing plant was a whole new experience in the science of smells. Gasping, and breathing out of my mouth did not dull the moment. Wow. So basically it not only cleaned out my sinuses, but I also know I have not lost my sense of smell. Win-win.

My sister and her new husband decideded to tour a large portion of the US, by car, for a honeymoon hitting Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Missouri etc etc. They love to drive. My need to stop about every two hours to unkink the joints that work sporadically at best would probably have been a hindrance. She was sending us text updates on the adventure. She mentioned coming out of Needles, California and passing the exit to Twenty-Nine Palms. For those who do not know the area, it is the location of a large Marine base that my brother inhabited for a couple of years. She teased me that it was a lousy place for a vacation as it's all desert. When I was a senior in high school I got to visit him there over Christmas.

When she asked me what was there, besides desert, I responded "about 1,000 young marines" Touche! Just 17, I flew by myself into Palm Springs and hung out at the bar in the airport for hours while my brother tried to hustle up a car to pick me up. Needless to say, he was surprised that Mom heard his whining about being away from home at Christmas and gifted him with.... ME!  I stayed with his NCO and family who were also surprised they were having a guest over Christmas.  I traded room and board for babysitting services. 

Furthering my education in California as a sheltered white girl, in 1968 I was not cognizant that civil rights was a real and painful thing. We had dinner with a African American marine and his family where I heard "if it came to a race war, I'm siding with my people". This while I'm playing with their beautiful little girl and helping his wife with the dishes. I was surprised. Then at the Christmas party at the base, I was quite unaware there was a little gap between the black marines and the white ones. I happily danced with whoever asked me not realizing there was a bit of tensing up when I "bugalooed" with a member of the black contingency. My brother told me later, but I was confused. They were all in the same outfit serving our country. Unfortunately we haven't moved too far forward on that front.

But what does one do on a marine base surrounded by desert? Why you go shooting of course. With so much open nothingness, targets and permission are not required.  

Before the Fashion Police start snarking, let me remind one and all that this was 1968!!! The Marines laughed at me too though, but that was for all  the hardware they loaded me up with.   Peace Out....

THIS AND THAT (Week of Nov 15)

After a long hiatus, I am down to my last podcast recording. Desperation mode. Even though we were planning a break in Jan-Feb I need to finish out the year. I also think a break may not be a good idea if we want to keep interest up however.  So what happens? An interview I was counting on which got delayed/cancelled, etc., etc. all of a sudden pops up today wanting to record this week. Ok, but then I got another response from other feelers I put out as it appeared I would not get the first interview done in time.  When the proverbial rain falls, it pours as they say. Now need to coordinate with the Conference, the interviewee and myself somehow this week. Plus touch base with the second response. So if Murphy's law holds true, I will no doubt hear from the third person I contacted. Busy week already planned so good thing I'm retired...

The new electrical installation led to a weeks long massive cleaning project in the basement. In finding items to discard, donate or dine on, I found a Japenese teapot set. Where and when??  After I donated it, I suddenly remembered. It was a wedding gift from the Librarian at my old high school. He was a good friend and mentor when I was in school and stayed in touch (Paul Kempter). It was one of the few pretty things I had to display when we were first married and living on borrowed furniture. Ah well, I still have the memory...

After a miserable night of prep the OH went through a colonoscophy. Good news-everything looks great and better news-he slept like a baby he said. Best sleep he's had in 30 years. Wow.  As the nurse was gently guiding him out to the car afterwards I was reminded of a similar incident many years ago when I got called to the scene of a lady fainting. The ambulance was called, but upon gaining consciousness she begged me not to have the indiginity of being hauled through the building on a stretcher to everyone's curious eyes. I offered her my arm and we slowly made our way to the EMTs.  I think her embarrassment came from the fact that she was a larger woman and no doubt had been judged before. As we walked she nervously said "I don't know what you can do if I fall." I quickly quipped, "we'll go down but I'll soften the blow for you!" Sometimes that's all we can do and all we need to do when life gets tricky.

These firefighter/EMTs are a hardy bunch. When riding with them several times I learned the difficulties they face in transporting patients. The transporting part is easy enough-it's the getting them ready and out to transport that poses the problems.  No one collapses right in front of the door at stretcher height with ample room to maneuver. Stairs, restricted hallways and bad weather play a role. One of the most notable was the episode where I was helping put the young patient on a stretcher and I had to strongly suggest her father move his freakin' motorcyle he was tinkering with IN THE LIVING ROOM out of the way.  

Hilarious, but not. Leader of the Proud Boys is whining about his incarceration as he is suffering "inhumane" conditions. First of all considering he only got five months when he could have been hanged basically as a traitor I think he got very little punishment. Secondly, these are the dudes who march around with pistols on their hips and semi-autos strapped to their backs to intimidate the more evolved. Poor pathetic little man. Suck it up buttercup. 

In more not so hilarious "patriot" news, the "boy" who went to another State with an illegal rifle to fight protesters (killing two people and seriously wounding a third) was found innocent claiming self-defense. I'm not sure justice was served, but there are two points to be made: 1) if the "boy" had been black and showed up at a riot from another State with an illegal weapon and shot people we would not have heard from him again, and 2) any yahoo with a gun can now take out protesters they deem dangerous and call it self-defense. 

Time for some good news.  One has to search to find the kernals of positivity as in the News business "if it bleeds it leads" which explains why we did not know there are actually reasonable people on both sides in Washington. They just don't get the coverage. I wish we wouldn't give the crazies so much attention.

Anyway:  Home Goods and TJ Max declared they are in an excellent inventory postion ahead of the holidays; Target's inventory surged 17.6% last quarter and staffing is up (which I can personnally vouch for); as of Nov. 1 none of the GM's North American assembly plants were offline due to lack of chips; Toyota's production in Japan has returned to full production; the number of import containers at the Port of Los Angeles has dropped by 25%; global shipping rates, an inflation indicator, has plummeted 50% since peaking in October; and gas prices have dropped 14%.  So there. Also as the local GM plants were using their precious chips for trucks as they were basically blowing out of the showrooms as soon as they arrived, there is a wonderful supply of brand-new Camaros just sitting there that should go for a pretty good discount when they finally focus on finishing them. Love me some Chevy.

Apparently the grandson had a pretty good report at the Parent-Teacher conference this week. Compassionate and a leader. First one finished with assignments, but a little talkie and has to be reminded to put his book down when he is engrossed in his reading. I think the teachers have more issues with the little bright bulbs. Harder to keep interested when so much of the time has to be devoted to those who need more help. I used to have to read to the class when I was his age as I got bored and probably sighed a lot.  LOL.   Peace out....

YES, IT'S ALL ABOUT ME (Week of Nov 8)

 Birthday week started out with a visit from my favorite child and grandchild. Singing, gifting and caking were the highlights and they both have exquisite taste of course. Though Joe does like to help "unwrap" as he is eager that I see what they brought. He reads the cards out loud as well. Great start to the week.

This led to an all-day party (all about me) Monday, the natal day, and the start of my 71st year. Gad why did no one tell me-your mind feels 20 but your body says, "hmm just a sec, I have a new physical issue I want to show you". Anyway, breakfast at an old favorite; Christmas shopping punctuated by a stop to pick up my favorite yellow roses and then an hour or two to myself for more shopping. All culminating in a dinner at a "chop house wannabe" restaurant in East Lansing. Although literally loaded with ambience and wonderful service, the food is mediocre at best, an issue which we had wrestled with before. We thought we would give them another chance. Although the soup was exquisite and the roasted califlower marvelous, the walleye feast was blah at best and the $38 steak I was served was so loaded with fat and gristle even I couldn't stomach it. They at least comped me the main course and brought a nice dessert, but the damage is done.  All and all though an awesome day.

Hitting a decade milestone does prompt one to review the immediate past ten years and this is a snapshot of how I remember my sixties.  The birth of my much loved grandson and the loss of my father-in-law two weeks after his birth. I always believed he chose that time to pass as with his alzheimer's he never would have known his wonderful little great-grandson. Choosing to retire as after knee surgery and a two week recovery, the OH and I decided we could be together 24/7 without major mayhem. The passing of both my Father and Mother-in-law in the same year. Dad never explaining the cryptic message/formula on his sons-in-laws sweatshirts and Jean fighting but then choosing her moment to let go with dignity. Being with both of them at the end was both a blessing and a heartache.

Excited to vote for the first female President on my 65th birthday only to spend the next four years (and beyond) in total disbelief as our entire caring and polite society has descended into chaos and cruelty. We are now at the point where a Congress person posting videos of killing another elected official while sword fighting with the President draws no censure or criticism from the person's party. Aghast watching supporters of the incompetent dictator and his big lie actually attack and attempt to destroy one of our greatest symbols of democracy resulting in numerous injuries and deaths. 

Our trip to Great Britain (among other trips) of which I wrote several earlier chapters about. The research, purchase and furnishing of the long-desired lake house. The research, planning and supervising of several remodeling projects. My triumphant comeback to the office as a founding ?Mother? to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MIOSHA Training Instititute (MTI). Although we had never created a school before, it continues to be a great success in launching safety and health professionals into their field in Michigan. 

My finally attaining the Presidency of the Michigan Safety Conference (after 35 years) with the distinct honor of serving two years in the "time of Pandemic" which meant I got to preside over 1) no conference and 2) the first ever virtual conference. Which immediately led into my serving as the first host of another new project for the MSC - Safety Spectrum podcasts.  I am a performer at heart and I apparently thrive on projects.

One cannot see the entire quilt of one's life as so many of the squares are folded and only emerge when the blanket is turned or spread out in its entirety. However that is a good thing as it would be overwhelming at best.

This afternoon after hosting my grandson overnight I totally understood my daughter admonishing her son at his constant chatter and singing to himself as she was trying to talk to her Father.  I told her that "Joe is the background music of your life".....Peace out.

                                               

THE PARTY HAS JUST BEGUN (Week of Nov 1)

 

Thanks Consumers! Got an urgent email from Consumers Power that, oh no, my next bill is jumping $40 and I need to take notice and contemplate some radical action. Well, geniuses of CP; 1) the weather is colder; 2) your prices keep going up and, this is scarey; 3) I have a rogue robot Nest Thermometer that likes to program itself when it feels a breeze (always upward that is).  Yes, I've programmed it from scratch, so has Kristen, but it continues to do it's own thing apparently. 

At the lake Monday putting away the Halloweenie lights and stringing up the Christmas lights at the lake (oh yes we did). Sadly putting away the summer furniture and winterizing the boat. Sigh. 

Had our boosters this week Yay!  Dealt me a miserable two days of yuck - not so yay.  The OH was fine, no issues.  I was down and out with fever and general yuckiness. I found that starvation diets or fasting certainly works. Couple of days of nausea results in three pound loss-though I would not recommend it as a ongoing thing as I suppose you would eventually die, I guess. Almost made 100 degree fever! Which after not being at all sick for almost 2 years due to our new sterilzing habits, it was kind of  a whole new thing. At any rate do I have some butt-kicking anti-bodies or what? Grandson getting his first shot next week and Nana is relieved that he is finally going to be protected, though he is good about wearing his mask.

Political Rant -- I knew this before but it is so frustrating that our congress folks are tied to their big contributors and the little people (i.e., the folks who actually pay taxes that fund the whole shebang) have no chance of being heard.  One Senator said she has no idea what the people want -Waa? When your ears are plugged with contributions from big Pharma I guess you could say that. So what the H are these people running on? And how dumb are the voters that apparently they don't know either. That one or two folks can hold up any progress, which then gets blamed on the President, is ridiculous. And discovering that current congress people were actively recruiting for the January 6 insurrection and are not being held accountable is unconscionable. Oh yes, and condeming those of your party who gave a crap about the citizens and voted for infrastructure that is purely bi-partisan and of ASSISTANCE to the whole country is mind-boggling.  

Joe tried to emulate Superman and found gravity had a say in his activities according to the story from school. End result was wind knocked out of him and an-almost one eye shiner. He's pretty upbeat about it though. I told him Nana had a similar incident at about the same age when I tried to catch a ball while leaning off the top of the bleachers on the playground. Head in contact with blacktop-no soft wood chips for me. I do remember seeing two of my teacher which got me, finally, sent to the office and then home. Though I have no idea how I got home. I swear I walked the 6- 8 blocks, but I can't imagine they would let me do so after a head injury. But the 50's were not as litigious as they are now and we did not have a second car for Mom could come and pick me up. I do remember her chatting with my doctor who just basically said keep her awake and be sure she doesn't start talking in tongues. Apparently the "walk it off" medicine was alive and well.  At least I wasn't dosed with that nasty Vernors.  (Detroit kids)

Joy of joys. At 69 years, 11 months and 24 days I was carded trying to buy wine. I was pretty bold about my right to choose and bear booze. Oh happy day.....Peace Out

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY (Week of October 25)

A little tired today and interrupted sleep last night. No I was not in East Lansing tipping over cars and setting couches on fire which of course was going on. Why an emotional sports event leads to such an emotional reaction complete with social disobedience and dangerous bonfires I am not sure. No doubt that release of adrenalin has to go somewhere. Or we are all frustrated with the dilemma of what to do with old furniture. Odd though, that the folks arrested are usually out-of-towners who came for the party and stayed to trash. Fortunately the game ended just before I left for church so I had a moment to rip off my "lucky" MSU shirt and put on a more conservative one.  Though dress code is not an issue at church these days.

Funny that good old U of M continues to trash talk and allow no respect for the team that has beaten them 10 out of the last 13 years. Even Ohio State facetiously compliments their opponents in the rare possibility that they may be handed their rears by a weaker (in their mind) team. (as State did yesterday snark snark)

CRAZY TIMES: Incidents of public hearings being adjourned or disrupted and public officials being horribly threatened  (as well as their families) stalked and chased, based on their position or statements is very unsettling.  Our relief used to be the ballot box or well-phrased and civil communications. What decent individual goes after a person's family? We are now officially living in the Wild West with guns on our hips and bullies threatening mayhem and bloodshed when they do not agree. Unfortunately this intimidation tactic is working as another honest republican is not seeking re-election. I almost long for those days when public figures only bent over for money and bribes. Much cheaper strategy too.

CHANGE GEARS: Ever notice how much rubber tire vomit is left on our highways and byways? Yes, I know they are retreads that are applied in pieces, but maybe they want to stay "retired" and peeling off at inopportune moments may be their form of revenge. Dodging their emaciated remains ranks right up there with all the dead animals littering the roads. I always wonder if that squished racoon has a family somewhere.

Wonderful week wrestling with a local electrical contractor who charges for every second, sneeze, mile and part at 3 times the rate. Although they are licensed, competent and polite as hades, I had to draw the line at some of the quotin' going down. There is a difference between "free" estimates and calling it a "non-free diagnostic".  Much like going to the hospital and they admit you for "observation" rather diagnostic purposes. The difference in price is astronomical and insurance does not cover "observation". Nuff said. 

Got to see the grandson's costume which is some wild looking cat? from Fortnite which scored him a whole bag of Sour Kids from Nana so win-win. He was off to a party and "gang-trick or treating" so we are off to the Lake where we actually get some participants. They grow up so fast.

                                                      

BREAK:  Gotta go staff the All Hallows goodie table. Featuring an ADULT TREAT option as well of Butter Shots and Hot Damn. 

Back and major fun tonight. I was enjoying my wine (had to start a new bottle as I finished up an old one). Well I had to keep warm and hydrated. 70's music from Spotify which got me dancing after the first hour and half of "treating'.  Nice weather so large groups came through. Labeling ADULT TREAT became the advertising bonanza of the day as "parents" saw it and huddled over the cooler to check out the treat.  Children were left hanging when the parents saw the treat in store.  I made sure all the little ones got their share of chocolate as that is my job-but so was bartending and ascertaining legal age. The one who would not remove his mask and was excited over candy was denied the adult beverage. I'm not an idiot.

Saw and spoke with an old friend from one of my earlier safety positions while shopping at Meijers-one eventually meets all of one's friends and acquaintances there at some point or another. I had to-he screamed my name across the frozen produce aisle.  We compared number of years retired, people we knew, apalled at how things are now etc, etc. He did share with me that he was one of the first dozen cases of Covid in our county when no one knew how bad it was going to get. He said he had no idea where he got it, but it led to two hospitalizations, but hopefully he is in full recovery as he is working part-time now and been doing a lot of remodeling work. He believes in science (an electrical engineer) and definitely follows the rules. Contrast that with the friend I mentioned earlier who believed natural immunity was the only way. I regret to say he passed this week and broke his wife's heart. So again what was the point?

Getting boosted on Tuesday so I plan on milking a bad reaction for at least a day or two, though I need to get moving on podcasts as only one is left in the "can". Please excuse any spelling errors I have had some wine. Peace out.....

WINE, WHINE, WIN (Week of October 18)

 

After a couple of years of caution and as we were facing an ever declining wine rack, we believed it was time to go a'wining through the north country. Reds, pinks, whites, purples coupled with red, orange, yellow - Fall is the perfect time to combine beauty and bounty. We even snared another couple to ride along, warning them to be prepared to make multiple stops and bring your checkbook. Our record I believe is 9 or 10 vinyards, but we managed eight. Full Disclosure: The OH is the designated driver so he partakes sparingly and we are fully equipped with carbs and water. However with three of us indulging we often got different flights and were able to share more flavors. (Win Win part)

As this was an educational trip as well, we made a first stop at Sleeping Bear Park as our friends had never had the pleasure. A bit nippy and rain threatening, but actually perfect weather as you do have to hike a bit to see "Mama Bear" and the Manitou Islands (Her deceased cubs). Though threats were made, no one went down the 400 ft cliff described by the volunteer as climbing the steps of a  45 floor building, in sand, without a handrail.  

No, that's not a guy barfing. It's an arrow.  Three grand to rescue your sorry butt, so we speculated on the method of rescue. I'm saying a rope tied around your waist and winched up. Should be painful.

First disappointment is Fall did not cooperate this year and the prettier dresses that trees don this time of year were apparently still in storage. And of course, the highly specialized and sought after apple variety, that onlygrows up here, was also depleted.  One year we're too early, one year too late - curses. Of course I always have to ask an apple stand queen what is that apple that only grows up here in a limited way as I can never remember the name. They always know though. Good news, its' called such and such, only grown by Mr. So and o, and yes they are all gone now. Settled for some other oddball varieties and a crumb cherry pie for the stop in Manistee to see the newlyweds.

Pandemic rules and the necessity to earn back some of the lost revenue from lock-down led to some expected increases and changed procedures.  Gone are the days of belly up to the bar to be regaled with fascinating stories about this vintage which is flavored with apricot, grapefruit, smoke and bat crap nuances. I missed that. As veteran winers, I knew which one opened first (Peninsula) and we made it there with 3 minutes to spare enjoying the place to ourselves. First rule-credit cards on entry and pexi-glass barriers.  However our "barkeep" was convivial and had stories about the wine and the old converted schoolhouse they resided in, which was of great interest to our teacher friend. He did introduce me to an "under the counter limited" wine called something like limburger or whatever, which is a bit of an aquired taste. Limited stock got me and I bought a bottle that I will only share with a confirmed and adventurous wino.

Chauteau Chantel is always the second stop, due to its outdoor beauty, but I have been snootified by them for the last time. No personal touch, no stories and a taunt that perhaps their prices were too high for me, Wow, as even. I always thought they were snotty, but this was confirmed by our companions so I can cross personal paranoia off my list. Next stop Brys Estate which did not disappoint except that we were confined to our table and a waitress, who at least knew the wines. Could not pass up the Sauvignon Blanc even though the grapes are imported. 

 Quick stop at Mari to see what merch (merchandise) they had as their owners are dropping $100s of 1,000s  on their televised treasure hunt at Oak Island Canada. Again nothing to see here folks, just give me your credit card, ummm no.  Onto our favorite - Shady Lane- which now consists of a couple of tables and waitresses who know nothing of the wine. Very limited varieties as well. Actually all the vinyards had very limited varieties - not sure the reason on that one. Although they are ecstatic over the 2021 crop which apparently will be abundant and delicious-so keep that in mind when looking the next couple of years. 

Tasting prices were all over the board from $12 to $22!. That last one was Ciccone's owned by Madonna's family. As she was not there, we did not linger or pay the ransom amount, just used the restroom.  Which brings me to another surprise. All the restrooms were spectacular. Each unique, comfortable and beautifully appointed. I see an illustrated book in my future.  

As I was looking forward to my "naked chardonnay" at Bluestone we savored that for one of the last stops. Imagine my chagrin when checking in at the host stand (they all had them) to be asked if we had a reservation. At a wine tasting? "We try to provide a more intimate experience". I thought we were trying to avoid "intimate experiences" due to covidee. "We are all booked up; do you want to get on the wait list?" Freakin' wait list? Out in the boonies, miles from town and we have to wait in the car and get a text as obviously there is no bar to wait at.  Oh well, shockingly for me to agree, we decided to give them a try.  Within five minutes we were in (huh?). Totally worth it and as promised an intimate experience with an informed and humorous sommelier. I asked if he rented out to parties as I would definitely use him.

Final stop at Bel Lago to "see the lake" as it's just a small place.  However it now sports quite an elaborate outdoor layout.  Vinyard folks were busy during lock down creating all these awesome outdoor venues. The inside was totally remodeled as well so we enjoyed the final flight of the day with a newbie host, but eager and accomodating.

Couple of side notes. As our hotel was right across the street from Red Mesa, an excellent mexican restaurant, we took our lives in our paws and scurried across US 31 for dinner. After margaritas at the bar our table was ready and we were informed we needed to wear our masks to our table. Been there for half an hour, sitting at the bar and needed a mask for our 20 foot walk to the table. Oh well. Also as we were bubbling over with conversation we did not notice our entree was taking longer than usual. So they comped us $10 apiece for the inconvenience. Another Win! Hit the Park Hotel for a drink at the Beacon Bar at the very top of the hotel-always one of my rituals. However upon asking at the front desk if the bar was open we heard "not since  last November" and congrats for the asking the most frequent question we get here.  LOL.

All and all, convivial travel buddies and a successful hunt for the reds, whites and purples of October.

Oh yeah, we did let the OH drink at dinner as we were walking...

MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS AND "JOE-ISMS" (Week of Oct. 11)

Does anyone know why people put stickers on their cars that state "Baby on Board"? Does that prompt a special untouchable screen around the car in question that repels any possible collision? Which would indicate if it's just regular people, not babies, one can attack at will. Rules of auto war games I assume.

And does anyone really want to buy a product from fake commercial people that basically call anyone not doing what they recommend an uninformed dumbass? I especially loathe the two women who apparently spend their entire waking moments cleaning their houses. One even spouts "I know all the tricks". So there is trickery involved-who knew and who cares? Most of us are not married to our houses though that would be an interesting combo. Just think of the excuses - "No, we can't come to the party; my house is having a mid-eave crisis and has nothing new to wear". Being annoyed I always forget what they're selling-not a great advertisement for the product/service.

Exciting week as the new "plug in your house" system was installed. Upon losing power we now have the ability to generate specific vital parts of our ongoing existence-mainly heat, water, refrig and potty. However, the second component, the generator, led to a bit of wrangling with the OH over his usual insistence on "overkill" on the generator size and manufacturer.  Although the 6500 would do the job, the 7000 would do the job better, quieter, no carburetor, blue tooth enabled and would not have to work at full capacity. So what's the problem? The 180 day, give or take, wait time for the 7000! Apparently any available generators are all down in Louisiana. Praying for good weather for the foreseeable future, as is Louisiana I imagine,

But the OH was vindicated when, big surprise to the Honda dealer, a wayward 7000 unit mysteriously appeared. Whether it was a miracle, stolen or just bad intel, the main thing is we now have the behemoth in the garage happily awaiting its maiden voyage; the machine which of course I could not figure out how to connect to my phone as advertised...sigh,

Changing topics, I am struck by the similarity with police departments fighting so vehemently about vaccine mandates with my own struggles with the City police and fire when vaccines and protective gear were introduced. Logic would indicate that these public safety folks are on the front lines of exposure to general mayhem, violence and disease because of their work. So fighting against the wearing of latex gloves with patients, bullet resistant vests, hepatitis and covid vaccines seems a "no-brainer". Especially when a positive test affects co-workers, other people and family members.  

More than 400 officers died through covid infections, twice as many as from gunshots, since March, 2020. This is documented by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Though I scrupulously peruse any information explaining why they are resisting outside of a vague "freedom of choice" I've seen no cogent argument. Freedom, of course, is relative and only  applies in specific circumstances for some people. I think I shall start deciding which rules or laws I shall adhere to in the name of freedom. 

Shift Change again. Putting up the latest school picture of the grandson I am stuck by how much he has changed in a couple of years.  Face is thinned out and he looks more mature-the baby is gone 😔. Joe is such an outgoing extrovert it surprises folks to know how young he is. Belle of both September parties and memorable as I keep hearing from folks who were in attendance.  He has these "Joe-ism" moments I call  them.  He refers to Crystal Light Lemonade as "pink water". He refers to not wearing a shirt as a "naked shirt". He has clearly instructed his Mother not to pick him up from school until at least 5:30 as he needs time with his buds. He researches what he is interested in rather than asking Nana. Alas I am outdone by Google, but sometimes the big G and I do not agree.  

He asked permission to watch a Godzilla movie on his IPad the other day. He knows I hate monster movies, but his concern was different this time. "It has some bad words in it like the B-word and the F-word."  Curious I asked if he understood what the F-word meant. "Oh yeah" he says. I persisted and he told me it meant you were dumb. Stifling my amusement I told him "Well that's not exactly what it means, but you're right, you should not use it".   

Final Shift  Unlike school pictures chronicling the differences, we often don't notice change until we stand back and compare. Though so much stays the same regardless of the impetus put to it.  Things like hatred, fear, bias and bad behavior. Someone said, actually in a comic, that people love to pile on and hate something or someone when prompted by a bully as it keeps them from focusing on their own horrible behavior. It certainly is a different world than four years ago and rudeness and impatience are the norm. I know I don't use the middle finger after bad traffic behavior any more in fear of armed retaliation.  Well, full disclosure, that was kind of rude behavior on my part as well. ..but so satisfying to signal "I saw that Bozo"...  PEACE OUT  ✌