YES, WE'RE CRABBY (April 28/194)

What's all blue and sleeps in the front row? Our intrepid clown prince who eschews funeral black at a most solemn occasion showing the "best" of Amer-i-cer. Even his wife knew better.

 Apparently, much whining ensued to be seated where he could be seen so it is fitting that he was seen....sleeping. Stuck between Estonia and Finland must have been a real let-down. Meanwhile "Sleepy Joe" was doing just fine and managed to stay awake for the whole service. Again, marmalade's wife had to snarl (my word) at him to just shake Macron's hand during the peace sharing-what a tool. The idol of the evangelical-jellies, and creator of the bible (according to orange aid) it's amazingly obvious the dude's never been in church or at a funeral.

Not to cast aspersions (all biblical today with eschew and casting) but who was one of the last peeps to see the Pope? Why our own junior clown-in-waiting. Maybe looking into those soulless eyes was the proverbial last straw. I'm glad though that the venerable Francisco got to see those thousands of well -wishers and had a last ride through the crowd blessing babies. A much more fitting last day. Part of me wonders if we have seen the last of the good guys for a while... I am so over a bastard administration that deports babies.

MOVING ON Though still not firing on all cylinders this week I was able to get some work done with the podcasts. I'm hoping to get the whole summer's worth done in May. But lordie, I do hate nudging docs and attorneys on meeting deadlines. This is an all-volunteer operation, and this volunteer is getting tired.

Got to enjoy the last week of our non-teenage grandson. His transition into beast commences Friday as he turns 13. I understand it is instantaneous and inevitable, and we will now enjoy a vocabulary of grunts, sighs, surprising defiance and sudden deafness.  I will no doubt hear that plaintive "Nana" as I crash headlong over whatever embarrassing faux pas I have made on his behalf. It's going to be fun! But on the other hand, we are talking about JP who has never been at a loss for words since he enunciated his first "mama". Even before he could talk, we have video of him speaking klingon, blarney, space jam or something and waving his arms around as he follows something, someone we can't see engaged in an obviously heated discussion. 

PURPLE POISON The most anticipated purple ball made its appearance Thursday. He called early in the week to ascertain my activities on B-day. As if. But I made him work for it. So evil to watch your beloved boy twist in the wind as you feign ignorance about what has him all stoked. First shot, surprisingly, was a strike showing the versatility of a finger-tip ball curving a perfect arc into the sweet spot. He was beside himself. He proceeded to bowl four games and then another six on Saturday. He was itching for the trifecta Sunday, but his folks wanted him home for at least part of the weekend. The teenage face emerged, but he held his tongue. 

JUST CALL ME ARTHRITICA As I haven't had any medical drama for a while I thought I would try to address the issues I have with walking, sitting, stairs and bending over to put on my shoes. I have a recalcitrant (oh how I love big words that absolutely describe the situation) hip. I did not know how bad it was until I went to my first PT appointment. The therapist said "you don't bend that way, do you?" Apparently not. Takes an outsider I guess though I have been told I walk funny for a while. Why am I not laughing. I also found out that, like a crab, I walk kind of sideways bent over. The knee bone is connected to the backbone connected to the hip bone as my arthritis continues its inevitable course. My theory is my body only torments me one issue at a time before it coyly and playfully reveals the next surprise. At any rate I now have a series of tortuous stretching exercises to do twice a day for the next month and probably forever. Beats surgery. As I need to get up and walk now, Peace Out.....💚  💙💛

                                                                                        

WINING/WHINING (April 21/195)

What's your earliest memory? "I remember when I was born. I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half!" (compliments of Steve Martin)

"Grape and Cherry working together" sang JP. No, he was not creating a farmer joke. He was lauding the new bowling ball he is receiving for his birthday. Ok that takes some explanation. He has been fascinated that "Storm" creates bowling balls with different scents. Yeah, I don't get it either. However, for three years he has begged to go into the pro shop whenever we bowl to "sniff the balls". It has led to some odd looks from other patrons, but it's a Storm thing and he's cute. 

So, the big moment had arrived. He finally got his lesson from the resident pro who said he was ready for a heavier, fingertip ball. JP's dreams are about to come true! Rushing to the pro shop leaving his ailing Nana to pick up his abandoned ball and bag, the snif-a-thon now commences in earnest. Green ball is vanilla; purple is grape; red is cherry. Plus, a couple of other choices in the order book. Who will pass the sniff test and emerge triumphant. I'm not kidding this was an event that can only be described as the MOST IMPORTANT DECISION OF HIS LIFE! (there will be others) He savored the moment and sweated over making the wrong choice. Cherry is cool but the grape one is purple! Grandpa likes the green one..but purple! Should I mention that he was wearing a neon yellow shirt and lime green pants-the kid is not shy about standing out. Ok finally down to cherry-grape. Upon realizing his mom has a cherry ball, he can double his smell options if he goes with grape. PLUS-it's PURPLE! Hence, cherry and grape working together floats out from the backseat. ROFL from the front seat ensues. 

Thought I was feeling my age last week at the Safety Conference. On Tuesday I was practically laying my head down for a nap at the 7:30 pm mark of the banquet. Hiding yawns and trying to look attentive after only one small wine. Wednesday, I was just as exhausted. I was planning two interviews which meant listening to their programs, taking notes and then turning it into an interview on the fly. First day went fine. Second day consisted of many discussions, taking notes at the program, moderating another program and flying back downstairs for the 2nd interview which I really had to wing. I was so proud that I managed it until I reached over the turn the recording off at the end and got the death statement "Recording On". F---K to the 10th ever-loving degree! I never started recording! Oh well, it was a couple attorneys, and they probably would have wanted to "vette" it anyway plus I never mentioned their upcoming seminar they wanted mentioned so maybe it was for the best. Attorneys hate being rushed or handed surprise questions. We'll just do it over ZOOM with their questions laid out like civilized people. Damn.

McDonalds. When is a sundae not a sundae? When it's a bowl of ice cream in a sundae dish. When one asks for a sundae, one assumes more dressing up than plain vanilla ice cream. Odd they never asked me what flavor. End of a long weekend in Traverse City. Lots of family time with Sisters and B-I-L's and a baby shower with the OH's half. One event, a wine and cheese pairing was quite informative and alcoholic. It ended with a visit to the lower-level wine aging area which was accessed down a wooden staircase with each of us clutching a glass of wine - after sampling four with cheese. We all made it unscathed. We sampled several barrels in varying stages of "aging". They definitely needed a spit bucket down there. I of course cornered the host and pointed out some safety issues, cause that's my groove especially when I am imbibing. The OH knew the drill so he escaped the drill by going upstairs to order wayyy too much wine, and cheese of course. I am just relieved we only ended up with two cases from the four-day trip.

Not being sick for a long time, I didn't recognize the signs. The exhaustion was a harbinger of a kicking one's butt common cold. I have been hugging the couch and trying to slow the mucous trail. No sore throat, a little fever-with an Alice in Wonderland head three sizes too big and a hacky cough. JP kept checking my eyes and telling me how bad, or good, I looked. He worries when his significant others are under the weather. Though he did abandon me when the siren call of a new ball had him scurrying for the pro shop. Otherwise, he's such a sweetie.

Since I have been upright too long trying to avoid medicating too much, I'm going to go back to my couch cocoon and build a tent of kleenex.  Peace out......💚   💙💛

                                              

NEEDING TO GO, WITH STYLE (April 7/197)

OLDEN TIMES Now that we are in our 70's we're not sure whether we need to go into assisted living or politics. I can appreciate the younger woman running to be the next Senator from Michigan replacing Gary Peters. The ancient mariners fluffer-buffering their way around Congress need to move on down the road. Time to get in tune with the 21st century already a quarter century old.

Considering the age and degree of dementia in the presidency, we really need to make a change. Of course, one octogenarian had better advisors, so the economy was booming, employment was at a record high, wages were up, prices and inflation were steady or coming down and we had more power in the workplace than ever before. Then three THREE months later that is all in the toilet. Because a lot of people just couldn't stand the idea that "others" (black, brown, immigrants, women) were enjoying the economy as well.  They weren't duped-they voted for exactly what they wanted-a racist, misogynist felon who promised they could reign supreme again. Surprise- he didn't care about you folks either. How much aid is getting to the devastated south right now?  The dems need to stop making excuses or hoping maggats will come to their senses. They will stay loyal because even if they suffer all the "others" will suffer more. 

TARIFF LAND Meanwhile all the penguins and seals on Heard and McDonald Islands are fretting over their 10% tariff burden. Their economy of fish and ice will no doubt take a hit.  Though I bet they look pretty cute in their little fishing boats and caps as they are now expected to export something. Don't get me started on the folks living on British Indian Ocean Territory which consists entirely of US and UK military personnel. Are they exporting security and importing everything else? Who knew? Clown cabinet again fails to educate the chief buffoon on reality.  

LATEST JP The grandson leads a busy interesting life, so we can no longer just show up and expect him to drop all and hang out. Though he is still young enough to go along with it for now. Surprised him the other day after school with a bowling adventure. He asked for a moment and walked off to talk in his phone. Apparently, he had arranged with the "guys" to play some Minecraft that afternoon and the old folks showed up. Though I told him it was cool as we didn't check ahead of time, he said no problem. I also appreciate that he walked away to make his excuses to spare me.

Later, we got him a sub sandwich for dinner. I just handed him a twenty to handle the transaction himself reminding him we had drink and chips at home so just the sandwich. About five minutes later he comes back weighted down with sandwich, pop, chips and my change. Without my saying a word he goes "Wait, wait. I can explain". Apparently, the extra items were free, and he brought me fourteen dollars back on an eleven-dollar sandwich. Color me confused. He mentioned something about engaging in some small talk. I stand amazed at his abilities to make friends and influence as the saying goes. Better not to push for details. Did I mention it's usually a couple of high school girls on duty at the sub shop at that time.

Taking a small vacay to Traverse City this week followed by the Michigan Safety Conference next week so may not be posting on Sunday. If I get time, however, I may scribble about my fascination with TC vineyard bathrooms. They are each unique and I have threatened to write a pamphlet about their variety-usually themed-accompanied by pictures. I have scheduled two wine/cheese events in addition to our idle ramblings and possibly a quick wallet emptying sojourn at the local casino. Typical sedentary activities for seniors. Big Sis and B-I-L coming for a couple days, so looking forward to some down time. Two live interviews scheduled during the conference so back to "work". Hold tight and don't look at your 401 anytime soon. This too shall pass.  Peace out....💚   💙💛

                                         

                                                                                          

PS Thank you Cory Booker for a masterful performance and the amazing truth that you are standing there - a black senator- despite the 2nd longest speech by a man determined to destroy your ability to be a black senator. A beautiful spark of light in a mostly dark week showing the good guys win sometimes too.

A SIRENS' CALL (March 31/198)

SCAMMY SHAMMYS  In a brilliant move, one step up from the Nigerian prince needing money, I received a fascinating letter from a Solicitor's office in Ontario. In it I was the recipient of a ten-million-dollar bank account left by a Dr. Maria with no heirs - hoo hoo. Well, I had to give 10% to charity but I am perfectly fine with what's left. Being the curious type I looked up the attorney and there is actually a law firm of that name and partner of the right name.  Again, I am impressed with the scammer's attention to detail.  So of course, I wrote the attorney and sent him a scan of the letter for their amusement or concern as I put it. He, of course, was happy to pursue fraud proceedings against the letter writer.  I had also apologized for the orange clown and extolled the virtues of his beautiful country confessing to relatives from his area of Canada. He turned out to be a fan of Red Wings, Lions and Tigers (as a border town dweller) and assured me this too shall pass. Thank goodness for the ever-optimistic Canadians.

PLAYING AT WAR Who knew grown men/women would revert to cutsie emojis while they're, supposedly, raining down hell on the bad guys. Serious plans hatched in Signal chat like a bunch of Valley Girls setting up a shopping adventure on Rodeo Drive. The head of the CIA, National Security, National Intelligence (oxymoron), Defense, State, Counter-Terrorism and the White House (among others) must have fired everyone who could have instructed them on how to play Stratego or Sink My Battleship -take your pick - without totally exposing their proverbial backsides to the "other side".  Incompetence, arrogance, unexpected and inappropriate humor prevail while our soldiers are being compromised or killed. Big fun. 

Showing the merit-based competence that got them their jobs we can imagine "Do I need to save these coordinates on my phone?" asks the clueless head of Intelligence (Gabby) who probably just passes everything on anyway. "Boom-Boom" chuckles Mr Natl Security (Walz) while Defense's blue boy (Hogshead) arranges the after party or did that happen before the boom-boom? Ratcliffe (CIA) just whines "we are so misunderstood. We were just chatting about the weather". Meanwhile the only one with integrity and who practiced discretion is the journalist who was accidently put on the circle jerk.  At least until they started to malign his integrity. Surprise! He just happens to be editor-in-chief of a prestigious multi-platform magazine and possesses a brain. Again, intelligence fail!  I feel so much safer now. 

IT'S ABOUT LIFE STUPID After feeding his adoring slack-jawed adherents that vaccines cause issues, like life, Rkay, not a doctor or immunologist, promoted mass doses of Vitamin A for nervous parents. Leading to several cases of liver failure because Vi- A in large doses is a direct toxin!! Kind of makes you long for the old Fauci days, an actual doctor-scientist-immunologist, when we bitched about all the washing, 6-foot rule, masks and vaccines but we lived. Sad, I know.  

But pretty much that's the future when you lay off thousands of people who actually do know what they're talking about and close down all research and prep on the next epidemic or disease. I know if I was a germ I would definitely be taking note. When I was researching the aids/hepatitis program for police and fire I could actually pick up the phone and reach someone at the CDC for advice. You know not go on my opinion, or worse, the employees who wanted no muss, no fuss. Well, you have your wish and again my catch phrase. I feel so much safer.

SPRING BREAK Took the boy to the lake for a couple of days as he had the week off. Bowled a couple of times and a quick visit to the Air Zoo in Portage to replace his beloved WWII flight jacket. Kids insist on growing. Cold but sunny which was Joe's point when I caught him out on the dock fishing pole in hand -no coat and no shoes. I insisted on shoes but have given up on coats. Update -- the song JP sang at the talent show was "In the End" by Linkin Park. He said he couldn't sing like Bennington and I tried to explain that every artist has their own style. You might sing the same song, but it is your own rendition. Upshot is he signed up for both choir and acting for his "enhancement" classes this next term. Hmmm.

Ever curious what a frozen Coke can looks after it blows? Outside of coating the entire fridge from its resting place in a drawer it becomes a work of art.  See Pic. Ok Michigan State-give us a heart attack one more time tonight!  Peace out.....💚💚💚  💙💛

                                                                 

P.S. Money saving tip of the week. How much did the government save by just parking 20 truckloads of food costing one million dollars when marmie cancelled the food bank program in Cleveland.  Cruelty is the point. 

ROLLING ALONG (March 24/199)

The first five days after a weekend are the hardest...

OH THE HUMANITY "I thought the left, you know, the Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy and caring. And yet they're burning down cars.." Real quote from a petulant muskie to fax news.  This from the guy who labeled empathy "the fundamental weakness of Western civilization" as well as calling anyone who received ANY kind of federal assistance "parasites". Oh boo hoo, want some cheese with that whine? Being paid by the government to rip through every institution and federal program with wanton glee. Getting fat on government contracts and using the prez and commerce secretary to hustle his goods and buy his stock. LOL & OMG! 

 In other words, he was relying on our "softness" to ignore his evil, heinous behavior and big mouth. Guess what? We didn't. Just to show you we are not bogged down in that pesky old empathy we shall rejoice in your tumbling stocks and sagging sales. Call us cruel. It's the new world you and yours asked for and created. Karma's a bitch they say.

 Word must be filtering down or consequences from Washington have finally impacted one individual in our neighborhood. For four long years we have had to endure one neighbor flapping his ludicrous banners in our collective faces extolling the virtues of their beloved cult leader. They changed them out now and then but always allegiance to the orange one. An especially egregious one proudly stated           God-Guns-marmie. Like the Almighty had anything to do with Sir POS. And for four long years, our mostly sane neighbors never tore down, torched or pooped on the daily assault. "Cause the Democrats are supposedly the party of empathy and caring".

Oh and no tears shed for the mostly poor red state schools who will have to deal with no money as they torpedo the Dept of Ed. Never fear they have a plan. Posting the 10 commandments and prayer will compensate for empty bellies, no supplies, equal treatment or special ed. Somebody's got to work the fields after all the foreign workers get deported.

FRUSTRATION I know men find it difficult to understand why women take so long to shop. Case in point. Mission:  need one pair of black dress slacks and replacements to two leisure pants that are long in the tooth as they are worn...a lot!  (suits were easier actually) Result: Two hours later, one pair of dress pants and 2 shirts I didn't even know I needed. This is after, literally, trying on a dozen pairs of pants. Male clothing mission: need pair of dress pants and a shirt. Result: 10 minutes (including check-out) after trying on one pair of pants and picking up the usual size shirt. Difference? Women's clothing has a multitude of designers, and their sizes are not uniform!  Arrgghh Trust me. No one is a perfect size whatever. That's why when you order online they ask you who (what brand) you usually wear-see they know. There is no standard sizing for women's clothes and, insult to injury, the same thing costs us more. It's called the female tax. Or does that sound too DEI? Truth hurts....us. 

STAR POWER Ok, enough negativity about the proverbial roosters flapping home to rotate. We have a budding star in the family. Through his own grit and determination, the grandson made his stage debut. He was part of a talent show where he sang a difficult half-rap half singing number that he chose and practiced. Loving grandparents attend faithfully and pray he makes it through successfully. Surprise-he was a hit! Casually holding the mic in one hand, other hand in the pocket grooving with the beat got the audience bobbing right along with him. The cheers, outside of family, were legit. Did he sing a little too fast in a couple of places? Was he off melody a couple of times? Maybe but who knows with rap anyway. Lol. We've always said his future should be in musical theater. His outfit was reminiscent of Springsteen in jeans, work boots and a long black button-down shirt over a tee shirt-all he needed was colored shades. 

                                                                                              

So stay alert and keep your powder dry. Keep dancing MSU!  Peace out....💚💚💚   💙💛

If attacked by a mob of clowns go for the juggler...

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS (March 17/200)

RANDOM THOUGHTS -Beware the Ides of (in)March, we are much too feisty for one day. 

 Why is it so many folks, including the ones on LinkedIn that I consider more savvy than most, are still siding with marmie and can even justify the debacle with Zelensky? How do they not know that Ukraine is the only one standing on the precipice of NATO fighting to save democratic ideals. Fox News better let them know. Though even foxie conservatives have been a' chastising the "boy" for screwing with their 401's. 

When asked by seniors at a Michigan plastics plant to stop trying to cut Social Security, Vance's response was "Don't you all have jobs?" kind of fell flat with the crowd. Amazingly tone deaf and harbingers of things to come. Those 70+ folks better brush off their resumes. 

Cruising by a popular hang-out for the homeless folk, I noticed no one holding up their usual sign. You can tell the spots based on the amount of uneaten food kind folk present to them trying to help. Apparently, they take weekends off? 

Amusing that marmie said anyone who signed the USMCA agreement (because he didn't like NAFTA I guess) must have been an idiot. He negotiated and signed it in 2018. Now he's beating our longest and best ally over the head with it. And we thought he possessed no self-awareness - kudos.

Ever wonder why frauds work so well on seniors? You might think it is their lack of sophistication with the internet or failing mental facilities or just easier to scare. Nope it's because they answer their phone. Try calling anyone under the age of 50- buzz buzz buzz. They are desperate for connections and socialization. What we should do is force conversation and long never-ending get to the point stories on unknown callers. We can wear out these rascals trust me. As a past personnel director I had the pleasure? of listening while retirees talked about their cat, their grandchildren, Mildred down the street, etc. until they actually forget what they were calling about. I used to get a lot of work done once I mastered holding the phone on my shoulder and would usually answer emails as they talked. They eventually got there and were always grateful for the respect.  

In the continuing effort to make us, unhealthy, stupid and unemployed, the administration's funding cuts to Johns Hopkins will shut down a large part of the City of Baltimore as they are the largest private employer in the City. Another smart money-saving move by chainsaw mary. 

The priest at my church likes to start the service by asking if anyone has any good news to share. He was just bubbling over with eagerness to share his news. Reaching under the lectern he pulls out a large basket. "I know it's hard to get eggs right now, but someone gifted me some." Ok big whoop. But then he tilted the basket to reveal giant bright blue ovals that look like they were laid by a dinosaur. One looked to be the same volume as a dozen chicken eggs. He further revealed they were EMU eggs! Double huh. As I've not noticed many Liberty Mutual clones around the neighborhood it is a mystery. Especially since Doug, the emu, is, well a guy. 

Paraphrasing Jeff Foxworthy, "you may be a racist if you deport a Brown Medicine highly skilled organ transplant surgeon from Lebanon with a proper H-1B visa" or "detain a woman in Puerto Rico coming back home to the USA because she is brown". You may be a scared little white boy and racist when you deliberately ERASE all references to women, African American and Hispanic heroes who are buried at Arlington National Cemetery by order of two little scared white boys-marmie and hogshead.

Speaking of scared white boys, I always seem to be greeted at church by the grumpiest hospitality member in the group.  Very definition of an oxymoron, I know. It's like he darts over to the door to hand me my book to which I always say thank-you but never a friendly acknowledgement. Mind you these are volunteers, and no tips are at stake.  I asked another member why he is always so grumpy, and his answer was "he's grumpy and I'm sneezy" hilarious. He also services my row when they pass the plate and is in my path to hand me my bulletin, a regular three-peat. It has a become a game. However yesterday, he fumbled the signal and forgot to pass the plate so I'm frantically trying to throw money at it. We clasped hands as he took possession of the envelope. Nope-no change. Still handed me my bulletin with his trademark scowl. Totally makes my day.

Like most celebrity endorsements, a crappy car was hawked by a celebrity who doesn't drive and really hates EV's to followers who could never afford it anyway. Unfortunately, and humorously it was the president. 

We buried our friend last week and a more emotional funeral I don't think I have ever been. Wishing peace and love "that there's just too little of". Keep protesting, listening, believing and pushing change where you can. God bless Missouri because with FEMA funding blocked, you're on your own. You sold your soul to a man who doesn't even know your name... 💚  💙💛

                                                              

MARCH MADNESS BEGINS EARLY (March 10/201)

GREEN GREEN Why is grass always "greener"(egregious) when the dems play? When Marjorie (Jewish laser crazy) Green shouts insults while wrapped in her farm raised-mink coat like a schoolgirl wearing her bunny wrap at homecoming during Biden's address, we just sigh and move on.  But when a truly courageous old dude, also named Green, complete with a resplendent cane, cites the emperor's lack of clothing, class and truth while shaking said cane, the repugs are so intimidated they toss him out and censure him. Of course, the dramatic toss-out took a while, because well the man uses a cane. Talk about your thin-skinned snowflakes.  We need more dems like Rep Al Green in my estimation. 

                                                                                                          

Meanwhile same old same old. Tariffs. marmie creates a crisis, then resolves the crisis he just caused. However, the stock market is certainly reacting in a "predictable" manner. After putting financial people in high positions, the gloves are off in that it's probably all about making as much money as they can along with an alleged appearance of stock manipulation.  Don't get me started on a bitcoin reserve. Our economy relying on something that is based on nothing and only worth what people will pay? Again, I feel so much safer. Also, when is the fishman going to start cutting the more than 4000, six-figure emps who carry the water for Congress? Yep, they got that many "helpers". As soon as they finish laying the hatchet (excuse me, chainsaw) to Disaster Relief, Medicaid and SS (while raising defense AGAIN) the proverbial shitske will really hit the maggot fan. 

PEOPLE BE STRANGE We were waiting behind a lady with a full cart at the grocery store when she frantically discovers she has lost her debit card and searches for other means of payment. I calmly watch her try a check which is denied, then a credit card that she doesn't push all the way in and says it doesn't work. Just as she gives up and starts to walk away from her cart, the man behind us comes up and pays her bill! $134 worth. Now, $50 I might have helped out, but $134 and multiple payment options are declined? I don't want to say it was not legit, but I watched her use several means and no dice. Even the OH thought it was a little squirrely and he's like the Beiber song "Love Yourself" in that "he likes everyone". But kudos to the kind man in the back. We pass no judgement and applaud the charitable act. 

Another people be strange moment was the other day when I could not utilize the discount at Bob Evans as the cashier claims, the QR Code kept getting rejected and they weren't taught how to deal with that (like call a manager?). Last visit there a discount would be applied if I spent $20. As I was less than a buck short, I grabbed a loaf of banana bread which would essentially be free to reach the magic number. Again "no can do". Apparently the "slower" of the restaurant species is always at the cash register. I have suffered BE's constant text and emails and even downloaded the app to partake in the coupons available. Then it dawned, they had never honored one!

I have a hidden talent, frankly, which comes from my penchant (love) of taking offense on minor issues like that. Yes, I take things back and get refunds, etc., etc.  At any rate, I have developed excellent complaint letter writing skills. Never post publicly, unless the offense is outrageous, I'm never going back, and lives are at stake. But I carefully and respectfully reiterate the facts and behaviors and send it to the owner or corporate. My latest missive resulted in $20 in gift cards from the local establishment and another gift card from corporate. Amazing how often that works. I got a personal call & recompense from the English Inn (a restaurant who prides itself on a fine dining experience) after I wrote to the owner describing our less than fine outing. After 3 out of 4 awful experiences at a local Mexican place at the lake, yes, we went back four times as our options are limited out there, I wrote the owner and described my issues. For once I got no response so the OH said maybe not their fault as I should have written it in Español. Authenticity has its drawbacks I suppose.

MSU (BIG10 Champs) soundly thumps little brother michigan for the second time and of course the blues try to start a fight par usual by disrespecting our senior tradition. Funny how they are always the "other team" involved but "they never start it". They are the champs of that scenario.

Busy week with doctor visits, a conference and a Celebration of Life for our dear friend. Now as JP said the other day when he was trying to get off the phone with his bestie to go bowling with us "Geez guys, I have a life".     Peace out....💚💚💚  💙💛I Stand with Ukraine