a variety of topics

So I visited Oxford Towers yesterday afternoon.  Conversation was pleasant mostly about who was doing what.  One friend, a practicing Catholic and I had a discussion about the local parishes.  It seems that there is a shortage of priests to man all the masses offered.  Most of the clergy are quickly moving toward their nineties and their activities are diminished.  The lovely church across the street no longer has a regular pastor.   

On my trip to Trader Joes yesterday, I spotted a Rolls Royce in the parking lot and was surprised by the enormity of the vehicle being very tall and wide with huge wheels.  I have never stood next to one of these, only seeing them in photos.  This one was from Cleveland.

Met with old buddies from Oxford Towers for breakfast today.  We discussed numerous topics and the waitstaff was a nice at the could be.  They always fawn over these 80=. year olds and bring them all kinds of extra stuff.  For me an always a pleasant, filling event.  They all left for Walmart and I was off to Costco for laundry detergent.

next day

I am about to complete watching the remaining episodes of A Handmaid's Tale.  I began watching this series when Mike Pence was the Vice President under the first Trump administration.. Pence, in this incarnation, put forth the values of Gilead in my view.  I was introduced to the show by my friend from Staples, Chloe.  So struck by the oppression of these women, I told her that all the 23 year old girls sitting on barstools needed to see this show because it could well become their reality.  Because of the brutality toward women portrayed, Judy wanted no part of this program and I would watch it when she was away from home in my solitude. Because of the breaks in production due to covid or a writers strike, I would scroll thru and rewatch the whole thing again.  I have been struck over and over again by the bravery of these female characters in the face of monstrous oppressors. Yeah I am a guy and should have no interest in a program like this.  But the bravery continues to get me.  I look forward to the summation of the series that has been with me for about 8 years with lots of breaks.  Saw interviews on YouTube with some of the actors and was surprised that many of them were British.

The house is pretty quiet at this point after a stormy night.

thats it.

 

Father Bob

So, when did Father Bob realize the job he now had and all the weight it carried.  Who could he ask for advice? Aside from begging for divine guidance, He has no where else to go.  He has the top job, shepherding the 1.4 billion catholics and their church toward their ultimate salvation.  It is indeed a big endeavor.  I most humbly wish him well.  I still consider myself a catholic even though I no longer practice.  Francis considered himself a servant to God and to all people.  We will see where this guy falls.  Being the first American in the position hailing from Chicago, he has a sandwich and a hot dog named after him.  The Sox have a big fan. We will see.

It is Mother's Day today and I wish only happiness to all the moms out there.  Mine has left this earthly plain and I miss her every day. I miss my mother in law Marie as well.  She made me crazy but I loved her.  Dorothy was my guidepost and one of the few people that ever got me.  Judy is a wonderful mom to her kids and grandkids.  The older ones we live with (grandkids) look to her for guidance and kindness which always comes streaming through.  

Around here the moms have a beautiful sunny day to look forward to.  I should be a good day.

thats it

A few things.

Marie is coming back from her 8th grade trip to Washington with her classmates today.  The arrival will be late today so sometime tomorrow we will hear some details. Back in ancient times, we did not have an 8th grade trip to anywhere.  Harry is staring at me from across the room.  I think he knows a bath is in his near future. He doesn't hate his bath and seems pretty accepting of his fate.  Judy is cleaning out the coffee maker and putting in a new filter.  I am contemplating what I am doing for the rest of the day. Took a couple of shots of the pretty red maple we have in our yard yesterday on yesterday's bright and beautiful sunshine.  

The grand kids are with their mom now for a week.  I really do like having them around despite Eli's loud conversations with his pals on the phone after we retire for the evening.  

The world is watching to chimneys in Rome for the naming of Francis's replacement.  Our media doesn't study the leaders of other faiths with nearly this intensity.  In fact, I could not name an any of them, very curious.  

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a Friendship

I ponder the state of the world we live in at this point.  How do I overcome the bitterness  that envelopes me?  Had a lengthy conversation yesterday with a dear friend.  In our talk I mentioned my positive feelings and subsequent sadness about the passing of Francis.  I told her I was contemplating a re-visit to the Catholic Church based on all these feelings.  She harkened back to the election last year and his comments about choosing the lesser of two evils in making a voting decision.  This of course corresponds to the to the long held view by the church about a women's right to choose.  

She and I are the kind of friends that can discuss the most volatile  topics and still emerge as close pals even when we disagree.  I do in fact see her point.  But I can suffer thru the cognitive dissonance (Leon Festinger )  it puts me in.  I think he had to stand on doctrine in his position.  I can forgive him that.  Despite choices made,  his goodness wins out for me.

With all the removal of services and funding proposed, I have answered some of my frustrations by writing to legislators, Slotkin, Peters, and Booker. Booker represents NJ but I have long admired him and his positive stance.  Personally  I have voiced my concerns regarding the threats to Medicaid.  My wonderful daughter would be severely harmed if this medical funding is disrupted.  Do not know if these tomes accomplish any thing but have to do something.

thats it
 

inna shop

I 

The car is in the dealership for repair of some sensor in the wheels causing caution lights to appear on the screen. Had an appointment for 900am yesterday which I appeared for early.  Met with friendly service advisor only to be told that this time was only to meet her and fill out paper work.  It's the next day and they still have the car.  It's a problem that the dealers technicians must fix.  Need the car for a doctor appointment today.  BP is up because I have been worried about this all night.  At some point, it will be resolved.

I watch with rapt attention morning news feeds to see what Trump will take away today.  The latest seems to be no disaster relief for Arkansas; they overwhelmingly  contributed to his reelection last year.  And now, he has new merchandise declaring defiance of the Constitution's 22nd amendment by running for at third term which is clearly prohibited.  You can purchase a Trump 2028 hat for a mere 50 bucks, what a bargain.  

In my recent walks in the warmer weather,  took some shots of the local flora and fauna. Spring has finally arrived.  

Reconnected with an old friend from high school and beyond recently haven't seen him in 57 years.  All of our lives have had happiness and travails.  Looking to see him for a lunch soon. 

thats it

 

Sad Passing

 

Trying to think of something profound to say about the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Pontiff. But I am at a loss.  I believe he was a very  good human being and an approachable leader; above all else, a humble man.  I must admit that I  got a little chocked up when discussing with Judy this morning. He was the reason I considered rejoining the church after many years of being away.  I am saddened by his passing. He will probably be replaced by some conservative theologian that is lost in doctrine but removed from his flock.  

Had a nice Easter with most. of. my crew, lots of good food and laughs.  Shannon was a full participant even helping me shake up the eggplant initially covered with flour with the egg wash and bread crumbs to follow.  Andrew's lasagna with homemade pasta was spectacular and I still have some leftovers to enjoy. Note the meager candy basket.  DOGE has downsized the look.

Missed seeing Jon and family this year but got a phone call late in the day.

It's a normal Monday for us and the kids are back at school and track.  Making the usual dinners  and a trip To Trader Joes.

thats it

Grand Dog Frank

My entire day is mapped out by daily measurements of my relative health.  Measure blood glucose, blood pressure and hear rate.  I don't measure how I feel emotionally or  physically at any given moment.  Initial mood is colored by these measurements.  I question what I did wrong on the previous day. What did I do that was correct?  Is there a pattern? All gets recorded in a book.  I have volumes these records going back years. Nagging anxiety is my constant companion.   

This is my new grand dog Frank.  We visited him yesterday.  After a berserk greeting, he finally calms down.  I have to greet him seated, lest I be knocked to the ground.  He loves you to the point of injury.  I have never been kissed so much in my life.  in my lighter condition, he really overpowers my and initially, I have to protect myself like a boxer in the ring. 

Dropped a small glass dish on the floor followed by my favorite glass yesterday afternoon.  This tile floor is not forgiving and the glass shards went everywhere.  The cleanup took about 30 minutes and I hope the tiniest pieces were retrieved.  

Growing my beard back, mostly to hide my sagging face.  It's also my f*ck you face to these criminals running rough shod over our Republic.  These tariff wielding,  red tied criminals,  have made us the pariahs of the world.  The head man is telling the SCOTUS to f*ck off regarding prisoner sent to EL Salvador in error.  For me, this action has no precedent.

that it