Observations

In two short months, America has gone from the beacon of hope and light to being a pariah.  Our closest neighbors despise us and the new prime minister of Canada has said the friendly relations we enjoyed are over.  Masked guards draped in black have abducted legal visitors to our nation and sent them far from their homes for speaking in opposition to their policies.   Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare are under attack by a guy that has been elected to no office, national, state, county or city.  And he is the wealthiest person on the planet.  

Every morning when I wake up to view my news feeds from the night before, I shudder to think of what might be revealed in his whims from the night before.  

Different subject......My son Andrew after studying numerous YouTube videos, decided to change the brakes on his car himself, in the garage, on jack stands.  In my wildest dreams, I would never attempt such a feat.  I went out there to offer my moral support (because that is all I have).  There are parts, bolts and tools strewn around on the floor.  Looking at all these parts, he could have been building a rocket ship because none of it made any sense to me.  Now this guy is a Registered Nurse for many years.  He knows lots about bodies, how to treat them and how to fix them.  We weren't an automotive family.  I am shocked how much I admire him for taking on this task.  One wheel with its brakes was done last night with one more to go.

Jonathan, my other son is accomplished at all things HVAC.  He's been at if for a number of years.  He has always been a low keyed, quiet guy good with his hands but playing his cards pretty close. Always up for trying something new, some months ago he tried his hand at standup comedy which is the antitheses of his subtle personality.  There's a place in Grand Rapids that acts as a testing ground for untried comics.  He recently had his second stint.  Undeterred, he is attending a workshop that teaches technique, timing and the craft in general. Still shocked, I am blown away with this new endeavor.

Paxton, his eldest son was in another youth play (performance yesterday).  He shined as always.  Theater is one of the places he belongs.  With no fear, or shyness and with a full voice, he delivers his lines flawlessly.  He is a remarkable kid.

thats it.

a touch of gratitude

I was looking at a small video made in  2024  when I was in the hospital recovering from a heart procedure.  We lived in senior housing and had made many friends there.  Judy had me create the film to answer the barrage of questions from friendly residents there.  With a raspy voice I described how I was doing and expressed my deepest gratitude to folks that had cared for me.  

We met up with friends yesterday at Mother Handsome in Oak Park yesterday.  One of my old pals brought her grand baby named Eleanor and husband to the outing.  At 18 months,  she was a real cutie running around in this place that had play area for kids of which there were  many.  The area was closed off to prevent escapees.  It was very fun to see these folks from my past but even more fun watching and listening to the clatter of the kids in the environment.  Our grand kids are now teens living here and school age youngsters living in Middleville.  So, no more toddlers; girls moving around carefully looking for grandmas approval and boys slamming around racing across the room.  

Amidst the disorder and chaos bringing more surprises each day, little gifts like these children give a lightness to the day.  Am grateful for them.

Going to dinner tonight with my wonderful sister Joan and husband John.  I don't see enough of her basically due to distance and different lives.  Trying to remedy that.  

I am not that guy in the video any longer, hopefully having gained some perspective on life's important moments.

flowers for upcoming spring.

thats it 

Teeth?

 Dentures sounds
  like grandma with teeth in the cup. There, I have scared you off.  This is a pretty revolting image when you reach this age.  Calling it a partial is much more palatable.  Never had really good teeth.  Mom too us to the dentist when she could and we just got thru.  This is. a pretty shitty opening for this writing today.  Always wanted to have a Pat Sajak gleaming smile.  I think he has lights lodged behind his molars.

Harry is peering at me from across the room looking for me to do something.  It is a quiet Tuesday morning.  Judy is getting the kids to schools having developed the most efficient path to get them there on time.

this is Frank the Tank, Katey's new dog and my new friend.  

Reluctantly, we are going to Planet Fitness after a long lapse of time having used up all the available excuses.  

Finished off the second season of Severance on AppleTV yesterday.  This is a downright weird show that sucks you in even thought  understanding the premise and the characters is very challenging.  If you are up to the task (yes task) watch it.  It is addicting if not entertaining.  

Hoping soon for warmer temps and some sunshine to brighten the day.

thats is

Difficulty

It's difficult to write about current events without giving way to extreme anger and frustration. Watching a late starting 60 Minutes yesterday,  there were reports  focused on things and concepts being removed by the current administration.  One of the oldest and most treasured features of our nation is the National Parks System.  These magnificent natural resource are available for enjoyment for all our citizens and visitors most days of the year.  These parks include the Grand Canyon and Glacier National Parks.  A trip to the Grand Canyon is on many American's wish list.

These are public servants that see their jobs as vocations putting their hearts into their efforts to maintain their parks.   Pay rate has little to their career choices.  Under the current national leadership, the numbers of parks rangers have been cut.  These patriots have been put out on the street and the park system is being abandoned to serve the interest of billionaires.

Like many of us, I watch the above named program and have for years when it is not preempted by a sporting event. Along with the feature about deleted public employees, there was a story about a concert that was cancelled because it promoted diversity and inclusion.  The students got some help from retired members of armed services bands to fill out their numbers and played a piece by John Phillip Sousa.  What really got to me was the statement, "This is what America looks like."  What a remarkably true statement.  It gives me a small modicum of hope in these troubled times. One can only hope for the best for these young musicians.

thats it.

On the Path to 80

I come from the generation that coined the phrase "Don't trust anyone over 30".  Now, I am more than twice that number.  Think about that for a moment.  I come from the Beatles and cruising Woodward, from really cheap hamburgers from McDonald's and pop (soda) in bottles.  We came in when the streetlights came on and only home for lunch with a boloney sandwich on wonder bread and back out the door. Please note that I am not extolling "the good old days" only looking back at time spent. 

I had a most pleasant birthday yesterday having a lunch out with Judy and a pizza dinner with all the family.  The pizza from Green Lantern was 

good but not magical like I had hoped.  The cheeseburger for lunch was inspirational in that it is something I rarely eat.  The cupcakes procured from Meijer's were pretty good for store bought.  Everyone ate them including the tile guys working on our shower.  My lovely daughter in law Stephanie bought me a Detroit Tigers tee shirt and my Marie made me a card that I will cherish.  Received birthday wishes from many of my friends and family.  Kids all called or messaged.

Now it is time to get back to normal life and tasks and responsibilities.  which I really welcome.  

Finishing up some tea after the first cup of coffee.  Ate waaaaaaay too much yesterday. Gonna back off today.

Temps are warmer and I don't want to. bitch about president and his minions today, maybe tomorrow.

thats it

The passage of time

 So I am moving quickly to what I consider the gateway to old age, 75 years.  Wondering what the remainder of my life will be like and remembering the people that formed me and have been a constant thru my days.  First my parents, that truly loved me, forgave all my mistakes and missteps and applauded my achievements.  My Judy that has put up with me for nearly 50 years, still loves me despite all my faults and all my kids and grand kids that allow me a view to the future. I have great hopes for all of them but mostly for their happiness.  

I have friends that have stuck with me for decades and I have watched all of us mature and gain some insight that was lacking in the beginning.  My dear sister and I have taken slightly different paths but I consider us closer now than ever.  She has a terrific husband that loves her and his grandsons to the moon and back.  

Many of us have weathered health scares in recent times and are in a constant state of repair like vehicles that need new or refurbished parts.  And yet, we keep rolling.  With all that being said, tomorrow will be a new day.  Meals will be prepared and eaten, Kids will be fed and the  wash will get done.  It's a quiet, bright morning and I am glad to be here.

thats it

Trader Joes.

I am a big Trader Joes fan.  Even though it is not as convenient as it was when I lived in Berkley, I still frequent the market in Royal Oak.  The friendly employees that cannot do enough for you and the common sense approach to pricing are meaningful to me. They genuinely seem happy that you are there.    There are bigger stores with more variety,  but none with these same qualities.  Many of us are fond of Everything Bagels with all of the messy yet flavor able stuff on the top.  These guys have a sprinkling additive with those ingredients in their spice aisle.  If you get the chance to purchase some, do so.  It may change your taste life.  It's only about 2 bucks a container..

I was watching an awards show of some kind on my YouTube channel this morning.  Robert DeNiro was at the podium.  He opened with the comment "Fuck Trump".  It made my day.  I know he has a lot of money and kids and ex wives.  But it was his honest and unvarnished feelings.  It mirrors my feelings.

thats it.