Election Day

 

I remember when I was a kid under 10 and attending Greenfield Union School on 7 mile in Detroit.  There was an election.  The school was closed to students for the day. As a youngster I did not really comprehend what was going on.  Out of the blue, they placed standup signs announcing Precinct 25 or whatever.  What is a precinct?  We lived in the neighborhood and we walked the 3 blocks to school.  I was out and about and saw unfamiliar old people coming to the school.  Did not know what they were doing. Did not know what an election was.  All the schools were closed because for that day they became precincts, a place where citizens cast their ballots.  

Now there are multiple ways to cast your ballots and it is more important than ever to make your opinions known to the people that lead our country.  Are they doing a good job or should they be replaced?

I just received information about the death of a former co worker at the Glove Company.  Stoney was a big, lanky guy that ran the receiving department.  He was a dad and a baseball player, coach and umpire, quite a bit younger than me.   Not too chatty but always pleasant.  He was a steady keel in our company.  I am sure he will be missed by many.

On this day, I pray for our republic and its decisions.

Stuck in a chair in the dark

So we had a brief power outage last night. As it is my practice, I come out in the middle of the night and fall asleep on the recliner, fully reclined.  All was peaceful until I heard beep, beep, beep (from the chair lift).  It is completely dark.  I am stuck flat on my back with a chair that is frozen.  Now, I have to rise up and cannot as hard as I try.  There are numerous attempts to no avail. The bathroom is calling as well as my old man bladder. Would have been a good SNL skit.  I am too embarrassed to call for my wife.  Managed to extricate myself after many attempts.  In less than an hour, the power came on and all was right with the world.  

Visited a friend in the hospital Friday night to try to lighten his spirits.  He is going through a bad time;

Daylight savings ends today.  We will have one less hour of sun during the day.  I don't really like it but it's the way it goes.

Our elections are forthcoming on Tuesday.  We voted by mail sometime ago.  Completely sick of the political adds no matter what they are promoting or defaming.  On my online feeds I am seeing lots of Talarico from Texas.  He really has nothing to do with our state.  He has good positive ideas.  I like that.  I hope he wins.

Halloween is over.  Berkley had all their kids and parents parading down Twelve Mile road collecting candy from the merchants.  It was a joy to see.  This holiday should be for children to enjoy.  That's what I remember as a kid.  

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.