Traveling thru the day

I saw an article about vehicles of Chinese origin recently.  It was only a matter of time before the animosity and vitriol between us and the nations north and south of us would create new partnerships.  If enough tariffs are applied these sovereign nations will take their business elsewhere.  Suprise! We aren't the only game it town and are becoming, dare I say it. becoming un important? These guys have options. We are no longer in the top spot. They have pushed us off the world stage and down under it.  This is the reality that has been created in the last two years.

Different subject: getting accustomed to being auto-less although it stings from time to time.  It's another "new reality", like my little finger on the left hand no longer works and my correctable gate.  

They are doing the roof next door.  That's a miserable but needed job that someone has to do.  Lots of lifting, hot as hell and sore knees really strenuous work to accomplish.. It's a big roof and, a two day job to strip it re -top the surface with shingles. These workers toil away with no-one noticing like a lot of people in America.  From the guys that cut your grass to the caregivers that watch you kids to the cooks and waitstaff in the diner,  these are the real citizens putting in the work and I have new respect for these folks

On my evening walk last evening, I encountered a lady cutting her grass, probably needing a break we talked, passed the time discussing the merits of electric mowers, exchanged pleasantries and I was on my way.  Frankly, it was enough to lift my spirits. 

 

 

critters

So we live in Southfield, a bedroom community in Oakland County.  It must have been a forested area in its history.  We have numerous critters that come visiting and dining on our plants.  Today was a new one, however.  To meet city codes, we have an egress window in our bedroom.  Judy opened the curtain and we happened on this little fellow.  He fell through the little opening on the top and was peering in trapped in the enclosure. 

My animal lover wife got him out of the enclosure and on his way.  We had this doe in the front yard yesterday and have a bird building her nest on our porch light.  

So now with two dogs a cat and a hamster,  we have these critters joining the brood.  

Have to include the rat remains Katey discovered on her lawn cutting expedition.

Did have a most pleasant Father's day w kids and a trip to the local brewery with Andrew and watching 2 episodes of "I Will Find You" with Katey and Judy and a Michigan notebook to write in.  May try my luck with poetry. 

 

Joan's Birthday

Going to breakfast with my buddies from Oxford Towers this morning. Mike is picking me up.  It comes to mind that the rain was furious last evening as every thing is soaked.  The grass is slippery with moisture and somewhat glistening.  

Contemplating another beard.  Need a new blade for my Harrys shaver.  It took about 2 years to consume the pack from Costco which are now used up.  These cartridges last profoundly with repeated use.  It is quite remarkable.  

 

And it's the next day.  June 19th is my sister's Joan Marie's birthday.  We have always gotten along even though we have very different personalities.  I love her very much and we are all we have with both parents passing on.  I think we have grown closer as we age.  She is two years younger than me.  I don't see her as much as I would like.  Anyway, Happy Birthday Joni!

This is also Juneteenth, the celebration of the ending of slavery inTexas after more than two years  since the Emancipation Proclamation. Troops went to Galveston TX to make the pronouncement.   For me this word is the not correct. Maybe Liberation is a better word. That this institution even existed in the land of the free is beyond shameful.  It is also shameful that this was not taught in schools when I was a student.  I had to be a middle aged man to learn of this event.

Judy is going for coffee with her pal Jayne this morning.  Maybe I will clean up our space.

tough guys

 

So the president has had his birthday cage match on the lawn of the White House.  Blood and mayhem ruled the day. One of the asshole fighters said Michelle Obama is a man.  You know, karma is a bitch. Something is going to reach over and bite him in the ass.   Orangeman is telling us that the war he started in Iran will soon be coming to an end. No details have been revealed. And it  is only costing us 300 billion to pay back this country for the damage and destruction we created, not counting the lives lost.  He and his red tied buddies are prospering while regular citizens struggle to find the money to put food on the table.  

Lots of rain in the last few days.  I got caught in it last night on my walk.  Wasn't supposed to start till 11 o'clock.  I guess the algorithm had a hiccup.  I didn't melt.  

It's about 630am and I am the only one up, aside from the roaming cat.

Been watching Bookish, a British crime drama on PBS.  It's an excellent period piece although I struggle with the language.  I favor that everyone is dressed to the nines in all the roles.  The main protagonist has a "lavender" marriage to his best friend. Anyway, give it a look.

Going to the Sec of State this morning to turn in the plate from our ex-vehicle.  We may be owed some refund on this.

Weren't we cute.

thats it

A Series of Unfortunate Events

 

First off, the car died.  It was the transmission and the cost of replacement was greater than the value of the vehicle.  It was donated to a veterans organization even in its non operating condition.  We are traveling on the kindness of my daughter and her car for the foreseeable future.  There are, I suppose, worse things,  No one died or was injured.  We will carry on.

What a surprise, I fell on my face again, banged up as usual.  Missed a step carrying a bag of groceries.  My balance is a work in progress as well as my judgement.  For me, rushing is a bad idea. Now less angry than yesterday,  Second day after one of these events is worse than the day of,  more aches and pains.  

On a lighter note, Andrew made a delicious pasta dinner last evening.  Probably too late to eat but I enjoyed immensely.  I throw things together to cook.  He meticulously plans and times out his preparations.  There are no mistakes.  Only I appreciate what he goes thru with all the preparations.  

In Southfield, we have a sizable deer population.  They wander thru the yards looking for foliage to munch on, (usually my hostas).  This morning taking out Harry for his morning duties, I encountered an elegant doe standing pensively in the yard next door. I looked at her, she looked at me and for about 10 minutes we occupied nearly the same space.  Harry noticed her and returned to his activities.  The little deaf dog in the neighbors yard emerged and nothing,  Only when Harry barked,  did she hop the fence.

It dawns on me that no one really gives a shit what a 76 year old looks like from day to day.  Whether the socks go with the shorts or the shirt has a couple of blotches on it.  I have to teach myself to be comfortable with this fact of life. 

Elon Musk is now a trillionaire. I am not moved or impressed.  Still trying to put food on the table on a day to day basis.  

There are apps that can convert photo to a drawing.  This is from a photo taken in the fall converted to a line drawing.  My appearance has been vastly improved,  wrinkles erased, with better hair.  Judy looks lovely as she should. 

an orator

I could listen to this guy recite the phone book or anything else for that matter.  Michael Sheen is a renowned Welsh actor. I heard him read "Don't go Quietly into that Good Night", a poem by Dylan Thomas yesterday and was moved by his passion.

And I want his hair.

Singing the auto breakdown blues again.  At nearly 100K miles, the transmission has developed grievous problems.  Now under the care of Royal Oak Ford.  We will see the outcome.  For the most part the vehicle has served us well.  

Have developed an affinity for the new Aldi store that is near our Planet Fitness.  I has most of the stuff we need and the prices are good.  It's well laid out for a quick trip.  

So the president goes to the Knicks game amidst colossal boos and jeers and they lose, breaking their winning streak of 14 games.  

 

Test

I had to have a scheduled medical test yesterday.  It required existing on a clear liquid diet for about 2 days followed by a 30 minute procedure in an outpatient clinic.  You probably guessed the test.  All is well and because of my age, this is the last time I will subject myself to this.  I am glad it's over.

Feeling back to normal with pretty good energy.  Going to breakfast with my buddy  Mike this morning.  Should be good conversation.

A number of years ago, there was an unlikely fighter, boxer, toughman that emerged from the fray of pugilists called Butterbean, real name Eric Esch.  This guy is as round as he is tall with a shaved head and always substantially shorter than his opponents. In the ring, this guy was relentless, punching with fury and taking all the hits and abuse.  Many times he was victorious.

Fast forward a few years, he is very busted up and confined to a wheelchair.  He can barely walk with crutches and bent over.  His weight has ballooned.  His dilemma was revealed to DDP Yoga leader Diamond Dallas Page (former pro wrestler).

Not to drag out a long story, Eric has made a remarkable change thru this program
and is fit and healthy.  There is a YouTube video out there showing the whole journey.

Quite inspiring.

My buddy Frank from our last weekend.