Today's observations

 

So I'm doing my walking on the treadmill this morning and finish.  Taking a break, I go to one of the comfortable chairs in the lobby and set for a minute.  Wasting time and scrolling thru the Reels on Facebook,  I encountered a short piece from Bernie Mac.  He has always cracked me up with his lack of sensitivity and very pointed humor.  He would often mark the differences between black and white people in social situations.  He was a great observer and commentator about our interactions.  Sadly, we lost him to a lung disease in 2008.  Along with Steve Harvey (with hair), Cedric the Entertainer and D.L, Hughly was part of the Kings of Comedy series of shows that are well worth looking up and viewing.  Bernie had a television show showing the foibles of family life as well that ran for 5 years in the 2000's.  I like to believe that I found him so funny because of our commonality,  We all could laugh with the audience at this humor, black folks and white folks laughing together, being touched together and finding solace together. 

Biden did badly on his first debate.  Even watching only the low lights, there is no denying this observation. The question has to be raised, What are we left with?  All the calls for him to be replaced will fall to the wayside.  He will still be the Democratic standard bearer.  The alternative to him is out of the question for me.  We cannot vote a convicted felon into the White House.  Barack said he had a bad day, we all have them.  I believe he speaks the truth and the other guy does not.  

thats it

all for now

stay safe

Another Dental Adventure

Almost done with therapy.  Six more sessions left. Am feeling reasonably ok today.  Rain and Rain for today.  Did my therapy, getting kind of bored with it.  But will continue on thru my commitment.  At this point, I don't know what good it is doing me.  The medical profession is tracking my performance for their records to see how well they are doing in meeting performance metrics with have little to do with my health and well being.

Having a second cup of coffee to perk me up in this dreary day.  Saw my dentist after a long absence.  Have little ill effects with the remaining teeth in my mouth.  Had a new chatty hygienist  that was friendly, maybe too much so.  I know all about her family, their car problems and living in Huntington Woods.  She needed the heavy equipment to complete her job but it wasn't too bad.

Eating some of Judy's yogurt which isn't bad. 

It's gonna be a low key day for me today.  I am rewatching "Fallout" on Prime.  It's too complicated a story.

I missed a good part of the plot first time around.  It's one of those post apocalyptic shows that I like so much.   If you favor roses and bubbles, this is not for you.  One of my favorite actors has a leading role.  Walton Goggins has large part to play.  He was in Justified, The Righteous Gemstones and others, always playing a bad guy.

I finished it again this afternoon and it makes sense.  Oh well,  taking Harry for a walk

all for now 

stay safe

Two Matriarchs

Joyce and Bea are the bosses of this place.  Both are routine driven and have days filled with various jobs.  Joyce is a New Yorker and Bea is from Massachusetts,  neither suffer fools kindly.  At 93 and 96 respectfully,  they get around on their own steam, look forward to sweets and good food and are happy to be alive and kicking.  They are good pals and razz each other about their foibles.  Never without an opinion,  they make the conversations lively around here.

Our construction is now commencing and our general contractor is an exacting guy.  All of his subcontractors hop to when he tells them and get back to Judy when there is a concern.  I heard about his truck/trailer where equipment is stored and transported.  Saw the inside of this yesterday and had to take a photo.  This guy could be related to Harry Reno my father in law.  Harry's garage looked like the tool display at Sears. Brian, the same thing.  

It is nearly all DeWalt power and hand tools.  I have alway been impressed with such organization not having the talent myself.  Anyway, things are going nicely.

Its going to be another hot one today but no rain in the forecast.

thats it

all for now

stay safe
 

 

I'd love to help you but I'm powerless

Had an interesting couple of days yesterday and the day before.  At approx 1030pm Thursday night the lights flickered in the storm and the power went out.  We have been in the middle of a 90+ degree heat wave which hasn't abated.  Without air conditioning there was little relief.  

In the morning many of  the residents headed down to the lobby where our gracious management team fed us with coffee and donuts then  hot dogs and chips for lunch.  We went to Andrews for a respite from the heat with Harry.  The trip was somewhat harrowing with most of the traffic signals out along the way and major trees up rooted or cracked in half thru the city of Beverly Hill and Southfield.  Andrew's neighborhood was not affected.  

We came home in the early evening to fetch pills for me and dog food for Harry.  Our ride was not nearly as problematic as the last one.  Stepping out of the car, we heard the whir of air conditioners.  The power had returned and things were cooling off.  This was a most pleasant surprise.   All was back to normal.  You never know how much you appreciate traffic lights or electricity.

Things are calm and cool for the morning with hot temps promised by mid day, but no storms.  Stay cool!

all for now

Fathers day with Grandsons

Paxton and Everett my little guys stayed with us over the weekend so their parents could visit the haunted abandoned mental hospital at Eloise.  They seemed to have a good time with us and Harry.  At 7 and 5 respectively, they are no longer babies.  Paxton is entering the 2nd grade and Everett is starting Kindergarten in the fall.  Both are pretty easy to please with toaster waffles, chocolate milk an popcorn chicken.  Everett has a different palette wanting baby carrots and bacon for lunch yesterday.  

We had occasion to visit the Michigan Central Train Station for the last day of their open house in the afternoon with Jon, Kelly and boys and her parents.  This is truly a remarkable renovation of a structure they seemed a short time ago, unsalvageable.  Took a few photos.  If you get the opportunity, go and have a look. 

Rainy morning today.  Lots of thunder thru the night.  Supposed to ease up later.

Well thats it  

stay safe

all for now

 

Graduate

It's Tuesday and back to Cardiac Rehab for me.  They put me on this machine called a NuStep thats basically an elliptical that you sit on.  I put on the YouTube tunes and watch a concert for the duration.  The entertainment helps me pass the time.  This is a closeup of some plantings around the apartment.  

 

It's 8th grade graduation for grandson Eli last night.  The lovely ceremony was held on the front lawn of the middle school, the former Dondero High School.  This crew is off to high school in the fall and a new set of challenges.  When I finished the 8th grade, there was no celebration.  We just showed up at the high school nervous and scared.  Walking past Rogers Elementary in our neighborhood,  there was a big display for the 5th graders and their graduation proclaiming them to be the class of 2031.  There are graduations for toddlers leaving the preschool and going on to kindergarten.  The world has changed.  I guess we need more reasons to celebrate.  How bout a party for paying your rent or car payment or light bill on time.  That too may be a cause for celebration.  

We finished Your Honor  yesterday.  This is the darkest series in my memory and the ending left you wanting for more.  Bryan Cranston has nixed a third season.  He is one of the finest actors of our era.  Hopefully there is more in store for him.

It is the following day and I am off to yet another therapy session.  They are doing the lot at the apartment.  The residents are all aflutter because of car moving and the inconvenience.    Going for hostas at friend Rose's today.  Should be fun.  

Katey coming to dinner

Thats it 

all for now

stay safe

a Free Concert

 

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel on all this therapy.  Discharge from all three is eminent.  I am about to be freed of all the fixing that is going on with me.  This is truly remarkable news.   This is a Lilly from our grounds at the apartment.  

We saw the remarkable free concert held a the front of the Michigan Central Train Station last night.  A wonderful show with music from all genres, rock, soul, gospel, country and included accompaniment by the DSO for Eminem and his crew.  Most rap I don't get, but is loved Big Sean and Common.  Jack Whites performance was akin to the guitar playing I remember seeing as a 20 something at concerts, loud, raucous and irreverent.  I really  loved I and it bringing  back memories of my younger days.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  There were no disruptors and all were smiling at the end. 

I worked about a mile from the station traveling west on Michigan Ave. turning on Vinewood Ave. to get to our warehouse.  I remember thinking what a shame the structure had fallen into such disrepair.  Mattie Moroun owned it then and let it rot probably to use the land ultimately.  Thanks for Bill Ford, it as been transformed into a magnificent structure.  

Making more progress on the house with lots of plantings done.

thats it 

all for now

stay safe

Music time

 I just completed watching SMILE, the complete album performed live in 2004.  It, like many fine performances by contemporary musicians is available on your smart phone via YouTube, which is a free application.  If you are a music lover like me, I would suggest you avail yourself of this service.  You might find some  chestnuts from your past or some astounding new artists.  

This performance will require you to open your mind and ears to differing musical points of view and appreciate the wonderful harmonies generated by his singers.  Also I have never seen Brian look so happy.  The masterful players played all manner of instrument and all of them were harmonic singers.  This performance needs to be viewed not as pop or rock but as a symphonic suite of stories and impressions.  

A couple of other good concerts:  Steely Dan Live at Pine Knob, Detroit August 11, 2003, it is 2 plus hours of their tunes backed by a magnificent band.  One of the most moving performances is David Crosby and Venice-Live at Santa Monica High from 2011, wonderful singers and a high school choir and band and orchestra.  Suite Judy Blue Eyes put me away.

Not too much going on today.  Had to write about Brian was so blown away by this performance.  And I am saddened that he has slipped in dementia at this point of his life.  He was joyful in this performance.

all for now

Stay safe

New House plantings

I have kept from writing on this topic for a few days in order to put it into some prospective.  The man that was the 45th president of the United States is now a convicted felon.  He is the first in our nations history to receive such dishonor by a jury of his peers.  There will be much written on this and pundits will be earning their money by expounding their opinions on what is next.  I will say no more.

These are some of the plantings at the new house.  Some of the stuff is from our balcony. I take no credit for any of this

My wife is the planter and the arranger of all the plantings.  I am merely the irrigation facilitator.  That is all I am trusted to do.  Things are coming along.  

I like to learn about American History especially things I knew nothing of.  Most of us know of the athleticism and heroics of Jesse Owens in the Berlin Olympics of 1936.

He proved the fallacy of Aryan supremacy to be absolutely false when he defeated all those blond headed and blue eyed Germans in multiple track events.  Less known is the rowing crew from our country from the State of Washington,  a group of underprivileged lads with holes in their street shoes that won the gold medal against all the well trained Europeans.  It is shown in the film "The Boys in the Boat"  directed by George Clooney.  Not and Oscar quality film but a decent look at history we knew little about.

Streamed the finale of "The Good Doctor" last evening.  We have been following from the beginning.  I was saddened to say goodbye to these characters.  

Grandkid soccer today.  Weather good.  Should be fun

thats it

all for now

stay safe