I was away

Just had a full weekend with a play in Grand Rapids with Paxton and about 4 days with Frank at Kate's while she was vacationing.  My grandson was in a production of Peter Pan portraying Smee, Captain Hook's loyal henchman.  That play has historical significance for me.  In the fifties we watched the show on the black and white television starring Mary Martin playing the title character and Sir Cyril Richard as Captain Hook.  They flew her around in a harness and cables from the stage ceiling.  I was completely taken with Peter and the whole thing.  I admit to getting a little emotional when they sang about Neverland.  It reminded me I was a kid long ago.  

For some reason I thought I too could fly like Peter. Decided it would be a good idea to attempt it off my mother's concrete porch which was 6 steps high with a sidewalk below.  The outcome

was not good.  But the injuries were not permanent,  just a few bruises.

Katey lives on the east side in the town of Roseville.  To get there I have to take a trip into my past.  I drive by my high school with is much expanded from what I recall. Drive by Universal Mall where I had some of my first jobs.  I drive by Warren Woods Middle school which was a high school in my day and remember the girl I dated that went there.  She was pretty and sweet.  But during a disagreement, I said something she never forgave me for and broke up with me.  There was no possibility of redemption.  I was out.  Be careful of what you say.  

I drive by Macomb Community College where I began my post high school education also expanded from what I remember.  Things change over the course of 60 odd years.  

My time with Frank was good and once his excitement mellowed, he just sat with me.  I cut the grass and did the laundry.  I binge watched Breaking Bad, still as dark and dramatic as I remember.  One can just get sucked into staying with it.  Walt Jr and Skyler are as big a part of the story a Heisenberg and Jesse.  It is like watching novel play out visually, with very few light moments..

Now getting back to normal routines, sleeping in my own bed and looking at two small dogs.

Going with Shannon for an initial visit for s new wheelchair fitting this morning. 

 

Comings and Goings

I was reading the new Dan Brown novel, Secret of Secrets.  There were too many subplots and characters.  Maybe I am not smart enough to comprehend this book.  After a couple of days of frustration, I put it aside to be returned to the library.  Feeling stupid and defeated.  Really there is no point in that.  Moved on the other book checked out at the same time, a yarn from John Grisham that travels along a path that I can follow and comprehend.  

We were watching the acclaimed series Widows Bay and finally completed it.  The culminating episode 9 was on and I slept thru most of it so I can't say if it made sense or not.  As is her practice, Judy won't recount the details to me due to my napping thru the critical parts.  Will it be worth the effort to rewatch the episode?  

Watched another brief series called Below It takes place in Newfoundland.  It's a mystery involving a sea creature and glacial ice harvesting.  The vocal accents are amazing.  One of the characters was a heartthrob from Stranger Things.  On Netflix and worth a look.

My friend and Shannons friend Dick Dickman is fading and can no longer navigate his phone.  I'm afraid dementia has stolen him from us.  This is a lovely guy that cares about our family and his own. I remember fondly scolding him for off color comments made in mixed company telling him "Dick, you can't say that!". We all lived together at Oxford Towers.  He and Joyce had a friendly combative relationship.  Once in a big group, he goaded her and she whacked him raising the ire of the manager, who promptly threatened to have them both thrown out of the place.  He and Shannon spoke on Sundays when she visited with Judy and I providing the translation.  While he was able, Dick was part of our Thursday breakfast group. He loved being there and socializing and harassing the waitstaff. 

We've lost a few from our original discussion group, feisty Bea, Joyce who was the queen; always opinionated and Calvin who was always a steady and calming influence on us all.  As always, time marches on.

Gonna be watching Frank this weekend at Katey's house.  Once he has calmed down, he is easy, and loving.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can spend some time outside.  He loves barking at the passersby from behind the fence. I will binge on a couple of streamed series.   

It's cold and clear this morning.  The dogs are waiting expectantly for their morning walks.  

Had a couple of days off from writing.  Still having cold mornings and beautiful afternoons. 

 

Driving

 

It used to be when you were rated for auto insurance,  your driving record, violations and accidents were taken into effect.   Now they specifically monitor your driving habits.  Did you  accelerate too quickly or do you brake too sharply?  Do you change lanes without signaling?  There is nothing about pedestrian injuries or fender benders.  Then you are advised that due to your bad driving habits, your rate will increase.  All of these judgements are arbitrary based on some industry algorithm that the driver has no access to.  

I feel badly about the passing of RJ Mitte.  His life was not easy.  Overcoming CP to become a successful actor is a major victory.  At some points, it had to be hard to continue.  He is missed by his former cast members and I'm sure his family.

It could happen that the mid term elections that will occur on November 3rd will result in Democrats winning the majority in both houses of congress.  Let's say that happens.  And now, let's reflect on recent history when the dems won the majorities.  There is a big bunch of hoopla when the election is completed coupled with big promises of improvements to the country etc.  January 2027 rolls around.  New members are sworn in.  The losers pack up their desks and jump on planes.  During the Obama time, opportunities were squandered. That being a fact of life, and we have to agree on a path forward that will benefit the country.  With all the factions within the party pushing at each other, can common ground be found?  Some will say impeachment is the best beginning.  It's an easy answer.  Remember, time is limited to create meaningful change.  Let's not waste it.  The process to impeach  will eat up at least a year.  Also, remember agreements across all factions must be decided on.  In the past, much squabbling has occurred and little was accomplished before the time was expired.  

This administraion has dismantled so much that has damaged the country, actually too much to list.  As long as he is in office, executive orders will block any improvements.  There is a lot at stake.

A lion was sleeping at the zoo enjoying the sunny day. 

small topics

I have become hopelessly committed to the characters on this show "Shrinking" on AppleTV.  They are complex with lots of shortcomings and yet admirable features.  Jimmy was launching a relationship with an age appropriate woman that had depth and humor and seemed well suited to his quirky demeanor.  I wanted him to heal from the death of his wife and find some modicum of happiness.  Then, without ceremony, he dumps her.  His father is a shit show off that decides to go deep see fishing instead of attending the daughter's HS graduation that he made the trip for,  The Harrison Ford character is struggling to walk away from his therapy practice while battling Parkinson's becoming more human and compassionate with each episode.  Michael J. Fox becomes his foil in the disease battle, both proclaiming "Fuck Parkinson's" as a cry of freedom.  Even have empathy for the minority players and their struggles.  I need to get a life.

I had one of those eureka! moments yesterday.  I really enjoy hard boiled eggs.  They can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.  They last and don't really make a mess.  One of my dilemmas has been peeling the shells without destroying the egg because the shell won't remove.  I have read all the tips on methodology still have massacred hard boiled eggs.  Finally have some success, as follows

Bring the water to boil.  Place 6-8 eggs in the boiling water for 13 minutes.  In the interim, place 6-8 ice cubes in a container.  After the cooking period, place the eggs on the ice cubes and fill with water for a few minutes.  The cold water causes the membrane beneath the shell to shrink.  After it cools and you are ready to consume, the shells come off quite handily.  The ice bath is the key to success.  So pleased when something works.

Had to include a pic of my buddy Frank.  He gets me.

 

A Reference to Harry J. Robare

 My maternal grandfather Harry Robare died in a rather  unique location in 1949 while my mother Dorothy was pregnant with me.  As it was a rather notable event, the Detroit Free Press on their Oct 3rd 1949 edition posted the following article:                           Stroke is Fatal to Baseball Fan

Harry J. Robare, 52, of 441 W. Hollywood, collapsed at Briggs Stadium Sunday before the start of the Detroit Tigers-Cleveland Indians game. He was taken to the stadium's first-aid room, then rushed to Receiving Hospital. He was dead on admittance. His wife, Mary, 46, told police he had been suffering from a kidney ailment.

I have searched for years for a reference to this event and found it yesterday on Ancestry.com

My middle name is Harry in deference to him.  From tellings from my mother's cousins, he was a good man that helped a lot of people.  

Ted Lasso and others

 Been watching the latest season of Ted Lasso.  This time he and Coach Beard are motivating a team of women.  Gone are the male players we became co familiar with over the last three seasons.  Roy Kent is still around with Higgins and a smattering of Jamie Tartt.  While the characters are still brilliant, it's the transition to writing a story for and based upon women in the same framework that is remarkable.  Keely got a bigger part and there is a new emotionally damaged assistant coach.  Admittedly it was a challenge to adjust to the new personnel but it still is a great show.  If you have Apple TV, give it a look.

Judy's birthday was a couple of days ago.  We celebrated with most of the gang and had Andrews wonderful citrus olive oil cake   It was a fine day for my lovely life partner.  

Just got my A1C numbers back and they were not the best.  The impact of this has got me reeling.  I will again have to reinvent myself to maintain relative health.  

Do more cardio

 

Went to my cardiologist yesterday afternoon.  He told me I was near perfect and that all my parts were working well.  The plumbing repairs they did in February of 2024 are still holding and functioning properly.  As long as I can stay upright, should be annoying people for a few more years.  Most of my outings seem to be concerning medical reasons for either Judy or me.   I suppose it's the age.  Gonna to see my primary care on Monday so she can pass judgement.

Our younger grandsons are supposed to show up for a visit later today.  I don't get to see them very often due to the distance.  Now in second and fourth grades,  they will have adventures to tell about.

Our president is entertaining the Chinese leader who is playing him like a violin.  This guy doesn't give up much and does a lot of listening and watching with his staff close at hand monitoring and recording events.   Trump sees himself as the smartest guy in the room.  He is not.