(AUGUST 15-AUGUST 22)

 Been a sad and exhausting time as we have dealt with my sister-in-law's sudden death. After three days in the hospital and another several sorting out her affairs (which will be ongoing) I am hanging up the pen for a bit until I can catch my breath.

                                                           

Couple of thoughts -- Watching someone softly pass is not scary; she was so happy the week before with all of her dreams coming true; most people are compassionate (nosy but compassionate); but some are selfish showing who they are;  and finally, for your famiy's sake, take care of things now and dump all the extraneous items in your life that do not bring joy. We come into the world with nothing and leave the same way; except someone has to sort it all out at the end 😞🙏. Peace out....💙💙💙

CARTWHEELING (August 8)

CAN YOU NOT SEE ME? I am not sure if car wars are worse in the summer, but the overall popularity appears to be growing. They normally center around "do not let yourself be passed" regardless of courtesy or, heaven forbid, safety. Even on surface streets there is definitely a "me first" attitude even if one has to exceed the speed limit to win. When you inevitably meet at the same destination seconds apart one is apparently declared macho driver and can take a bow.  Especially alarming is the "stick in my lane" folks who, no doubt, tentatively climb on the expressway, pick a lane and will not be dislodged for love or money. This is especially noticeable when others try to squeeze onboard with a small window of extra lane and the hoggers rigidly avoid eye contact, refusing to give ground oblivious of potential mayhem. Which then leads to the second person angrily tailgating the non-mover and then racing by with choice words or gestures delivered. I try not to keep score.

MRI week so valium and a lot of self-hypnosis was involved. I chose MSU health center as I believed they might be on top of the game equipment-wise. Turns out they had the "big ones" and a little flutter of linen gently caresses your face as you are rolled in offering a cloud-like experience if you, against better judgment, open your eyes.  Plus I rode the table in feet first so managed not to freak and push the emergency bulb they hand you on your way into the cave. Earphones were clamped on but, trust me, the "Mickey Mouses' "  do not muffle the banging and slamming magnets performing their merry little dance.  They tried talking to me throughout, but total lost cause on my end, due to the dancing magnets, etc....

WASHINGTON WEEK Interesting week political wise.  Everybody signed off on the climate/medicare bill win-win. And Velveeta's mansion was "raided".  Though with a legal warrant I do not believe that was the proper description. It is interesting that all the repugs and maggots were screaming about searching an ex-pres' personal quarters, yet not one seems concerned that "ahh, taking and keeping classified documents is illegal".  

That's the gambit. Don't mention any alleged crimes up to and including espionage, but just the outrage over the "legal" search itself which indicates they know what it really means. How ironic that the dude signed legislation that made it a felony with jail time for holding classified materials, H.C.s emails, and who gets caught with their paws in the pussy jar?  Also "the mob takes the 5th as they're guilty" and who took the 5th 480 times during his deposition. Keep to the lies, bombastic BS and don't blink.  Oh yes, Alex Jones blinked. In fact he was sweating right into his expensive blue shirt. Interesting that the "support the blue" crowd is threatening FBI officers. Though it should be noted the cops are armed and will shoot back, not run.

In trying to understand where the other side is coming from, I realize that there is a large group of Americans who feel they are being ignored and not listened to, but I don't think the "pseudo-patriot right" encouraging violence is actually speaking for them. Government has the ability to help protect and provide for the people in ways that we as individuals cannot do on our own. However, it is only as good or corrupt as those we trust with our best interests. Push-back and accountability are absolutely necessary. When we let ourselves be led by conspiracies and promises of power and greed the whole pyramid collapses. 

One final thought for the enraged. We are treating DT with kid gloves compared to Nixon who was named as an unindicted co-conspirator who then had the decency to resign.  He just had knowledge of (or directed) a break-in. Mr. T may have been providing nuclear or classified information to the enemy. Something to ponder.

LAKE TIME Enjoyed a couple of days with sister and b-i-l this week at the lake with a twilight boat ride, succulent steaks and much good wine. They were contemplating a Great Britain trip and were quizzing us on ours from a few years ago.  I blogged several chapters on the trip at the time. We said Scotland was our favorite. First I surprised myself by tasting and enjoying scotch whiskey. Usually I can't get past the smell, but over there it was fresher, single malt and just better. Like tasting a Guiness at the Dublin brewery. It just doesn't taste the same over here. 

 For our whiskey adventure we actually stopped in a public park and the tour guide whipped out bottles of scotch and fig newtons. Amazing combo. Followed by near disaster when our driver could not get the bus back up the hill to the road.  We weren't feeling any pain so volunteered to get out and push. Thankfully it did not come to that.  Big bus and narrow roads. You literally cling to the mountainside and pray a lot when passing.  Fortunately most Europeans opt for small cars. We also enjoyed a boat trip on the infamous Loch Ness (no sea monsters spotted) and while in Edinburgh were able to purchase authentic Tartan scarves from our Grandmother's (family name - Pringle) factory. There was a whole adventure getting back from the store that finally resulted in a cab ride in one of those big, black ones they show on old movies. However I think the whole trip became worthwhile for the OH when we made a stop at St. Andrew's Golf course. His St. Andrews cap totally outclasses his Treetops version.  Peace out.....💓  💙💛

 

COUPLE OF WINS FOR THE PEOPLE (August 1)

APPLIANCE UPDATE   For the stunning conclusion to the broken dishwasher epic. I know, riveting saga...

Highly paid and anticipated electrician arrives; tears the machine front apart; lays on the floor and reaches in to.......put the plug back into the outlet-ARRRGGHHH.   I know, I know we're paying for him knowing what to do first.  The biggest hassle was reseating the dishwasher, with it's insulating coat wrapped around it, back into the teeny tiny space. He then says, so what else can I do for you today?  Fortunately we had an outside light that needed to be replaced so that huge bill felt a little less foolish. 

Good News-we now know how to tear the front off the machine and put the plug back into the outlet.  Expensive week as I asked him back to re-situate an oddly placed light switch in the garage. Using it always forced one to edge around the screen door in the dark to reach the switch on the opposite wall tempting a tumble down concrete steps. 

PEOPLE WIN What a good couple weeks for the good guys. Passed the Vet bill to cover their service related medical issues; chip bill passed bolstering domestic production (which rankled McConnel no end); successful slice and dice of al-Qaida leader Ayma al-Zawahiri; passed the first gun reform laws in decades and passage of a medical/climate/tax bill (which rankled all Repubs no end). I always wondered why Medicare, as the biggest payer of prescription drugs, never used it's buying power to obtain better prices. Businesses have created group policies forever for the same reason, not to mention other countries providing health care. Big duhh there. One also has to wonder why the repubs constantly stand against anything that helps their own constituents (all but the wealthy).  They are certainly making hay over the infrastructure bill which is happily funneling money into their districts even though NOT ONE republican voted for it. Again duhhh.

To show how far the crazy has gone. Election deniers running for office are claiming victories before the votes are counted; claiming fraud when they come in fourth forcing recounts and my own relation warning us not to be conned at the recent drop in gas prices. In her reasoning, it was $2 cheaper two years ago - you know during the pandemic...when no one was driving. It runs deep.

 VIVA LA DIFFERENCE Back to Medical costs.  I had a lot of exposure to local doctors when performing workers' comp duties and was privy to the avarice (greed) that some doctors and employees were not ashamed to reveal in benefitting from a work-related injury. One already degreed person wanted us to fund a Doctorate so they could become a lawyer (to fight for further bennies I guess). This was along with the demand for a hot tub prescribed by the doctor-I'm not kidding. You want to know why medical insurance is so expensive? Claim an accident or injury as work related and see how high the bills climb. There are literally different cost charts for work-related incidents compared to other causes of injury. That is why I became the Queen of locating light-duty assignments.  One emp was such a frequent injury-flyer he wanted me to make him supervisor of the injured workers I had assigned to light-duty jobs. Now that is what I call chutzpah. I have paid for shoes, chairs, alternative therapies, weight loss programs, masseuse', etc. in the quest for return-to-work. I just hated to give in, which some folk did not find especially laudable. 

MORE MEDS! Running out of my anti-inflam script I got from the meanie surgeon consultation I requested it from my personal doc. I get an answer back within minutes that I needed to go to the person who prescribed it. As meanie surg was a one and done and my personal doc and I had spoken about the pill's effectiveness I knew the person who answered had not even talked to my doctor.  I wrote one of my famously (read between the lines) complaint letters and got a response within minutes that my script had been called into the pharmacy. Pays to complain "constructively". Was someone trying to save the insurance company from paying my script? But then again my medical issue is not work-related.

AUGUST RAIN DOTH NOT HAVE THE SAME ROMANCE Both the OH and I have had our deluge moments this week. The August weather has been bizarre going from brain-boiling heat and humidity to monsoon. No gradual build-up. As the OH was in Home Depot when one hit, he happily perused the aisles until the all clear was imminent. Upon returning to the truck (which unfortunately was parked next to a drain) he was forced to wade through six inches of water. You know it took three days for those shoes to dry out. My own moment came shortly after I realized  my sunglasses were no longer necessary as the fluffy white had turned to black and funnel shaped. Unfortunately I needed to use the ATM and the 20 foot run to the door was exhilarating to say the least and wet t-shirt competitive to say the worst. Note:  Curly hair gets frizzy when wet without benefit of hair products and dryer. Oh well, bad style is better than no style I think.  

Also, though only at the Lake for 24 hours, Fisherboy Joe managed to catch six channel cats, two nice sized bluegills and an "amost" legal bass.  PEACE OUT....💙💛💙💛

 

PRIMARY WEEK (JULY 31)

Appliance update.  Though no luck on a repair person I absorbed the lesson and am grudgingly using the working dishwasher at least once a week.  The OH sensing an opportunity is presenting me with a dirty baseball cap in a holder to clean every time I do. Helps me reach a full load I guess.

SKELETON PARK & GOLF Have to give the devil his due. Apparently by burying his ex-wife on his golf course it makes the land a cemetery. According to New Jersey tax law, cemeteries are exempt from property tax, income tax and real tax. Wow. What a wonderfully charitable act, though inquiring minds want to know if the lady graces the front or back nine. Wonder how the penalty is assessed upon landing in the "cemetery". I guess it shows how "low" the undertaker will go. As one commentator pointed out (in reference to hosting the Saudi tournament) when given the choice between America and money he always takes the cash. The graft goes merrily on and no one's in jail. Time to utilize our backyards in a tax-winning strategy. Narcissism has its advantages.

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL Continuing the theme of "people are always mad at the wrong thing/person", a couple of oil companies just reported "massive" profits for the second quarter in a row while claiming they can't increase production (too expensive?)...while the public suffers horrendous gas prices...and blames the president. More education of who we should be mad at...the same party who is celebrating (against the majority opinion of the citizens) banning abortion for any reason  has also voted against family medical leave, the child care credit, universal health care, and expanded benefits for veterans, etc. Still blaming the Administration?  Not to mention the hypocritical R representative voting against the Respect for Marriage Act and attending his gay son's wedding three days later (Thompson). Save me from party politics even when your own child is involved and insulted.

 Recession? No recession? This is probably the 3rd or 4th time we've gone through this since I've started investing regardless of who is in office. Guess what? It comes back! War, supply chain problems, too much dependence on China, companies making massive profits from government bailouts that they spent on buying back their own stock or rewarding investors...blame the President. The con job continues.

A gentleman we were talking with the other day said he was wondering which R to support in the Governor's race, but I wisely kept my own counsel. The choices are so superlative. First the disqualified candidates who falsified signatures on their petitions for candidacy (including a former Police Chief). One who is backed by trumpie dump and believes there are sex conspiracies in junior high and no exceptions for abortion, "young girls should be forced to go through a pregnancy after rape/incest"; the guy who brought long guns into the Capitol and celebrated at the January 6 soiree; the pig father of three daughters who gleefully states if rape is inevitable, lay back and enjoy it; the ex-pastor who wants the Bible as a textbook in schools; the one who wants to throw  the "3 witches" (Governor, Sec of State and Attorney General) in jail for bravely doing their jobs while being threatened and harrassed  even in their own homes. Most also claim the election was stolen regardless of their own party's exhaustive efforts to prove fraud with no success. Stinks when honorable people can't produce bogus results...

The Dems have their own record of pratfalls. Their biggest problem is the puppy-like eagerness to have everybody like them, thus not landing the blows when they need to.  Though this inept scenerio brought about the 40-hour work week, ended child labor, created social security and universal health care, workplace safety and health, environmental advances.  You know the things that are important to we, the taxpayers. Have to admire the R strategy of pushing the narrative that Social Security will not last so no one would be surprised if they ended it.  Even though many strategies exist including taxing ALL incomes (no maximum cap) that would keep the fund solvent. Again the majority of seniors rely on this program and are being conned into thinking it is unsustainable. Voting against veteran and senior interests does not seem to be a winning strategy-if anyone is paying attention.

WIN FOR A MINUTE Score one for the good guys. Under Governor Snyder's watch citizen petition drives were put together for the November ballot raising the minimum wage and guaranteeing paid sick leave. In a snarky move, the legislature quickly passed their watered down version of these ballot proposals before the election thus making them null and void.  However the citizens sued and recently prevailed as the judge ruled the legislature had no right to change the "wording or intent" of the proposals.  Again it ain't the dems that are continuing to strike at the people's ability to live and thrive. Though it would be incredible if both sides could grow up and work together. Helping the citizens in a fiscally responsible way-what a concept.

JOE TIME --  Enjoyed the grandson's company at the lake for a few days where he proceeded to clean the canal of any stray channel cats that fell for his tasty worms.  He did score some lake swim time although the wave action was pretty intense. Fortunately the bright orange shirt I insisted he wear and the snorkel he donned kept him in sight between all the white caps. He likes to pretend he is different fish species as he scopes the bottom of the lake. Usually a sand or lemon shark, but for some reason he said he was a blue-footed booby which is a bird with an impressive mating dance. I don't want to know... 

We stopped for ice cream after swimming where he asked for a small vanilla cone. He's not a big ice cream eater and they gave him way too much so he ended up dumping it into my dish and just ate the cone.  Obviously I didn't need any dinner. Later I asked him if he wanted corn on the cob for his dinner.  Any self-respecting 10 year old would state his displeasure with a "yuck, gross, I hate corn on the cob."  All Joe said was "not one of my favorites".  I swear there is a 40-year old diplomat living in that boy. Peace Out... 💛💙💛💙

APPLIANCE WARS (July 25)

MORE MECH FAILURES The latest (well not so latest-2 months) appliance rebellion occurred at the lake house when the dishwasher took a dive and refused to resurface (note the water reference?) Only four years old and deader than a school of carp initiating a suicide pact. I guess my strategy of buying "el cheapo" as I have a dishwasher sized opening in my lower cupboards was not well thought out. To be clear, though I own two houses and thus two dishwashers, which I never use. Seems wasteful to me (against all science) when 5-10 minutes cleans up the kitchen sink. So obviously in a fit of pique from being ignored the lakeside version decided to punish me.

No problem. The culprit is relatively new and slightly used so the store should set me up with repairs. Unlike the defunct LG "frig" that no one would touch with the proverbial 10 foot magic wand. Note to self:  do not buy LG appliances...ever.  Anyway store referred me to outside repair shops, hmmm not a great start if they do not service what they sell. First call was answered by a shrew-like person who growled about no appointments for four score and who knows. But also they immediately identified the problem as a controller and those are VERY expensive. If the job was to discourage further contact and forego any ongoing monetary interactions they were successful.  Though I would love to know the cost of the magic eight ball that diagnoses over the phone. I have a feeling the answers as you shook the ball would include "You're kidding right? Never heard of that brand. They don't make parts for that anymore (what the heck are chewing gum and twine for then); Ask again later when I don't have to answer the phone and, of course, Don't know, don't care but whatever it is, it's VERY expensive"

Second call was the national Sears Applicance line. You know it's national, or international, as the service folks are named Jim and Mitzi and have very strong accents. After much back and forth, we agreed on service and timing and then they wanted my credit card. Well that was fifteen minutes of my life I'll never get back..Needless to say I still don't have a fix for my stubborn little friend. Tried Thumbtack which is Angi's List's little brother I think. No problem! One repair person who got 4.9 stars, great reviews and worked my little lake town. Well that was a week ago  and no callback. Sigh. Well at least it looks nice- that dormant, smirking piece of stainless steel.

USUAL RANT My political rant for the day as I was following some of the January 6 Committee revelations. Our forefathers were extremely concerned that the country not fall under the spell of a meglomaniac who would refuse to give up power and rule as a king. Especially since they were going through a lot of effort, expense and frankly, death to get rid of the one they had. Thus they put in checks and balances but also said the country needed to rely on those of moral courage and integrity. Well we have heard from those folks and they are being trashed, maligned and threatened by those who, to use an old saying, are not "fit to shine their shoes". We will have to fight this battle again and again and thank you for those who spoke the truth against all odds. 

On a lighter note a Congress woman was debating or blocking (take your pick) legislation to codify the use of contraception. She believed contraception leads to more abortions, duh. The same folks who think educating the masses and college are a waste of time. Same group banning books that tell history, math and the truth.  Obviously many of us are electing our "peers". Same clowns who think Jewish lasers cause forest fires (taylor green), unattractive women shouldn't worry about rape (gaetz); smoking doesn't kill (pence), etc. 

Speaking of trees. No I was actually I was following a log hauler the other day. I have an acute fear of following a trailer with massive cut logs/trees on it.  I always envision a loud twang and logs rolling slowly off into my windshield and impaling all front seat passengers, etc.  Reminded me of the hassle we had at MIOSHA about the unloading of logs in the UP. Drivers argued to stay in the cab as the massive trees were unloaded to save time. We argued the possibility of eating bark (crushed) if the hook malfunctioned resulting in 1000's of pounds of wood obliterating all and sundry. We were worry warts and they were defending the economic reality which was dependent upon getting their logs to the mill as fast as they could to get paid. The older you get, the more you are confronted with the grays of life (as opposed to pure black and white).

Continuing the agricultural theme the first tomato picking was today. The grape and cherry are usually first with their scarlet paws in the air saying "pick me! pick me!"  But these are a little suspect based on their size. We have either been accidentally infused with nuclear material causing tremendous growth or they were mislabeled at the farm.  At any rate looks like a very good year.

                                                                                        

SUMMER WIND Invited the wine tasting group out for "Lunch on the Lake". Another note to self: Do not overbuy the entree if one is supplying wine and appetizers beforehand.  Discovered: 1) we all fit on the patio in the shade; 2) I have enough non-breakable wine glasses for 10; 3) everybody brings wine and food; 4) Eight bodies and a drink cooler are the correct ballast on the pontoon to provide perfect balance especially on a windy day; 5) nice paper plates work just fine when one does not have a working dishwasher. Peace out (except for the lying russian cowards) 💛💙

                                      

SCATTERED THOUGHTS (JULY 18)

Took a couple of weeks off to enjoy Joe time, reunions, birthday galas, etc.  By Sunday night, all creativity exhausted. So this will consist of some observations, memories and the inevitable political rant.

AT YOUR SERVICE, MAYBE I think many have reached the end of their prospective ropes regarding service no doubt due to short staffing, supply chain snafus, demanding customers. At a chain sit-down restaurant we were basically ignored for any addtional services, condiments or coffee refills (which considering what they charge for coffee, unforgiveable). When noting this to the cashier, the response was "why didn't you ask me?" Huh? Even the local pharmacy was snooty upon asking a very pertinent question with answer along the lines of  "I haven't had any problems" Again Huh? Wave of the future I am guessing. Upon receiving good (not even great) service I now tend to overtip.

This is the happy time of year when property taxes are due as well as ALL the insurances for everything (cars, houses, boats, umbrella) which no one explains is the down side of bundling your coverages. I was feeling financially smug about my savings strategies, which, of course, was an irresistable temptation to disaster. In quick succession refrigerator, television and garage door all decided this was the moment to "take a crap". Ah well.  I now have a new frig, TV and garage door-and my savings strategies held up.

Speaking of investments, one should not look at their investments right now.

WORK TALES I remember how the fire fighters loved their down time between chaos and mayhem (fires and emergencies) as that gave them more time to work on their portfolios. When we changed the guaranteed pension to an investment system, a bunch of would-be financial advisor hobbyists were born. Instead of one very savvy financial manager coordinating the money, everyone gets a shot at it. The FF's were just able to do it on work time. I left the job but kept the financial advisor they had hired to put the system in place. He also loves to coordinate money.

Which segues into contracts. With seven or was it nine, different unions at my workplace I sat on negotiations more than once and became the "go to" for interpreting the minutes on what we "really" meant during the meetings. Straight faced when going toe-to-toe and dissolving into consternation and hilarity with my team on breaks.Though we met in odd places, spending the night in the Wastewater Plant conference room dozing on the tables was definitely one for the books.  Nothing like using uncomfortable circumstances to come to consensus. Then being awakened by the BOSS wanting to know what the hold-up was and telling me to "just do it". Yes, Sir. Though I question whether a staff manager had more power than a line manager. Apparently we did.

INEVITABLE RANT Speaking of power shifts. Apparently the fear that "certain" white males embody has borne fruit with the reversal of Roe v Wade. Ever since they found a reliable and safe means of contraception women have been able to control their lives like any other American which meant "others" could not control or shut down their advancement. Which, apparently, infuriates the same group of nosies that opposes civil rights, contraception, etc. etc.  We are already hearing the horror stories of women suffering miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies (forming outside the uterus that will not survive and kill the Mother). Doctors and hospitals are afraid to treat because of the uncertainty of the new law which is leading to complications, infections and fear in patients. I myself suffered a miscarriage and had a procedure to remove tissue (and a piece of my heart if I'm honest). If that right had not been there for me, who knows? Yes, it's personal and, might I add no one's business. I know there are men out there who agree that women should have a choice and also want to be part of decisions to determine when and how large a family they want.  Let's hear from them too! 

Not to spread conspiracy theories, but why are there thousands of American children waiting to be adopted yet people are opting for European (read white) children. hmmm. Listening pro-birthers?

And news flash, if you're going to allow people to pray publicly, at schools and "coercing" others to join in then you better get ready to get out your prayer mat and yamaka. There is a separation of church and state that are the foundations of this country and I think it's time we stop letting one "group" tell everyone else what to do while they are shouting "freedom". Freedom from these folks please. 

GAMES  As discussed earlier my own furthering the advancement of women precipitated my insertion into the Men's golf league. Two of my male collegues made me a part of their team, because they felt the system was unfair, but mostly they would get week off every couple. Since one of them was named Larry and the other Darold it was inevitable that we were known as Larry, Darol and Darelle.  Looked nice on the last place trophy. See women don't have to win or get special favors; just a chance to be a part of the game. Attitude is just a bonus. 😃 Plus as I've said before it made it much easier to deal with these folks later at work as we had golf (played badly) in common. Kind of like a secret handshake thingee. Women unfettered-scarey. Beat same woman at golf-buds for life!

 The humming bird wars are in full forcce. The male (why is it always...) is very territorial and will not let the, actually larger, female have a drink too. Especially silly as there is enough sugar juice in the feeder to cause the whole flock diabetes believe me. Getting fed seemed important to the female so as the male hummer flashed back and forth screeching, she tucked herself deep in the rose bush, thorns and all, and waited... Eventually he blew himself out and she got lunch. Let that be a word to the wise; I have learned in certain circumstances to wait and let you blow yourself out. Peace out ....💛💜

HISTORY MADE/HISTORY TAKEN AWAY (JUNE 20)

Lots of activity this week and not all of it work-related for a change.  Well yes, I did hold a rehearsal for my next poddie guest and I created a script for the MSU FRIB speaker and felt guilt for not contacting everyone I was going to, but....

LAKE DAYS & OTHER STUFF Spent a couple of days at the lake and got to use both boats with a legal sized walleye finally captured by the OH. We catch and release so it is merely heresay...I spent the morning cleaning and reading a book I've had out there for a couple of months. Enjoyable meander around the lake and dinner with sis and b-i-l. Made tracks the next morning as the weather was going to be toasty and also as the annual garage sale was starting Friday morning. It was absolutely essential to "holster" the fishing boat in the garage before the bargain seekers descended (early of course), but nice chilly ride across the lake with the sun coming out.

                                                                 

As set-up for the sale was occurring across the street and I actually saw the elusive lady who lives in the new house with the menacing signs of NO TRESPASSING & BEWARE  OF DOG, I thought I would go over and introduce myself. She's only been there a couple of years and does not talk to the neighbors. She literally blew me off and turned her back on me. Well I'll be sure to call 911 for you ma'am if the need ever arises.  Her husband, who was friendly when they first started building the house there, died of a heart issue-I can understand why.

 Enjoyed my visit with my new specialist who sports a children's story- type last name. I asked him if he got a lot of flak for it and he said "give me your best shot". A much more productive and pleasant visit and referral for PT before further nerve testing. As I was a half hour early (got 3 texts with 3 different start times) maybe he did not have time to get frustrated with earlier patients - lol.  Financial planner visit went as expected and not surprisingly, the magic beans we invested in did not pan out (da da thump-joke). Good time to buy of course. Nice restaurant, in Brighton of all places, and I even had a drink on him as we were early, no he was late actually. 

WARNING, POLITICS Of course the hearings rumble on and I must give credit to the producer. The segues and animation were superbly intertwined with the interviews, conducted with republicans as obviously the dems would not have a reason to overthrow the election/govt. Something about being under oath made people tell the truth which sure as hell would have helped this country if they had spoken up earlier. Hopefully some of these dufusses will follow the example of Rusty Bowers (Arizona) who truthfully, said he supported and voted for Dufus Quixote but in deference to his conscience, his oath to the constitution and his faith was not willing to cheat to win. (forget all that went before and ignore the man behind the curtain). He was mocked by the GOP party leader of Arizona who nicknamed him "Rusty Bowels" which is appalling to realize the "r's" condemn honesty and adherence to an oath over lies. Also these dudes are not going under the bus for "he who will not leave".

Have to love ole' Ron Johnson (Wisconsin) who was accused of passing on a packet of "false electors" to the Vice Pres. But as Schultz of Hogan's Hero's would say "I know notting".  Blamed his intern and stated his only role was to pass on a packet that 1) he did not know who it came from and 2) did not know what it contained.  I always take my underlings word for any important job they give me and ouch my stomach hurts and I'm on a phone call don't bother me...

The (non-partisan - choke) supremies have struck again. In the same week they ruled States do not have autonomy to decide who gets to carry a gun-so everybody does! They then claimed States get to decide who gets to die in childbirth.  Who's pro-life now? As I have stated before, until there is equal responsibility for the fathers, pre-natal care, medical coverage, child care and economic and educational support for the Moms who are literally risking their lives, schooling, careers (especially black women who die at 3Xs the rate as white mothers),  you are pro-birth and pro-maternal death and condemning many children and women to poverty. Disgusting. Clarence -how odd that you are the one chipping away at civil rights and personal liberties. The "good old boys" will be happy to show you what they think of a black man marrying a white woman. And I guess we can just believe Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois misspoke when she complimented the courts and Orangie by saying the Roe reversal was victory for white life. But how similar is Right to Life to White Life. The subconcious is a slippery rascal..She previously praised Hitler's tactics, and no she meant to say that one.

FOOD CHALLENGES Had an opportunity to visit a restaurant we had not been to since before the pandemic.  Nice Italian cuisine and good wine selection. Had my first cavier at at a wine-tasting visit there. At any rate I leaped on an offering of chicken picatta, a dish I had not enjoyed for a long time. Clues that things were not quite as remembered began with the argument over which Sauvignon Blanc I wanted. As Kim Crawford was priced $2 more and I know how cheap it is in the grocery store I tried to flag the server and finally had to literally track her down behind the bar opening Sister Crawford. She was not pleased-not my problem. Upon ordering our salads, the OH asked for Italian dressing. "We don't have that". Italian restaurant. Silence as she gave no listing of what they did have-we had to ask. She seemed surprised. Then we were subjected to a loonnnggg  wait for our appetizers. Second glass of wine required. Finally the entrees. One slice of lemon and 4 capers, hmmm. Have you ever had to saw your tender chicken breast with a steak knife? After leaving a piece and half of the 2 pieces they only offered a lousy 15% discount (only after pointing out it was inedible). But hope springs eternal as I signed us up for a wine tasting there this week. We shall see and make our decision. They will of course get one of my artfully conceived complaint letters (after the wine tasting of course).

Finally upon returning home on Friday we noticed the frig was not as cool as one would expect and blamed it on the hot weather. Um no. When I checked the freezer and found ice cream soup and no ice in the ice trays it was a Scoobie Do ruh ro. Try to find someone who will work on an LG (lousy grade) refrigerator especially without a service contract though the sucker is probably more than ten years old. When a compressor goes, so goes the whole thing we figured.  So a couple hundred dollars of food dumped and a mere $2100 later, we are now living out of coolers until next Wednesday when a new one is being delivered. (Whirlpool) Sigh.    💛💜