Back to School

Reluctant children will be returning Royal Oak Middle School today.  Most of the snow was removed from the roads thru the night.  They were with us for most of the day yesterday.  To my regret, I burnt the pizza even following the package instructions, but it was still ok.  Today the snow is still hanging on the tree branches and looks kind of picturesque in the early morning darkness. 

Now they have suggested that all the formers look in their garages,  file cabinets and junk drawers of their desks for documents that shouldn't have left government facilities and return them, no harm, no foul.  Did you ever think about documents and their whereabouts before?  To be truthful, I did not.  At this point, do we care if Bill Clinton knew of the activities In Kosovo or the mechanics of the Jimmy Carter' failed attempt to free the Iran hostages?  Or all the stuff about Ollie North and Iran/Contra? In these days of viruses, vaccinations, and the high price of eggs and milk, these historical documents hardily  make a difference in our lives.  Most of us are focusing on staying healthy and alive.  As always we are worried about our families. 

Finally separated from my binge on gloomy and disquieting TV.  Watched the newest episode of The Good Doctor and the ending was uplifting because Shawn and Lea are having a baby boy and it ended with them picking out paint colors for the room.  I sighed with relief.

Dragging myself to workout this morning listening to the grinning of snow removal equipment outside.  I don't miss snow shoveling even though it was satisfying when it was manageable.  We always had small spaces between houses that did not allow for much snow to be stacked up.  But it was managed.  Tried to recall childhood snowmen.  All I remember is the carrot from Mom's kitchen for the nose.

all for now

stay safe

Looking for Tranquility

 

On a constant quest for this.  Sometimes I achieve it thru cooking, sometimes with conversations even those thru today's method of correspondence, texting or messaging.  Reaching out to learn if a friend is ok at this moment allows you to pass on this feeling.  

Todays cookie effort was spiced tofu and potatoes in the air fryer.  It came out quite tasty.  This is an amazing device.  The one we are using is a smaller one good for our family.  Mostly I have cooked cauliflower and this stuff, coming out crispy and delectable.

Had the occasion to take Shannon to our wonderful dentist for her semi annual cleaning.  Her walking and balancing skills are ok but not great.  She can ambulate with a walker with help.  I am always looking for the perfect parking spot, most times without much luck.  There is always an extreme amount of strategy involved.  The vehicle cannot be parked right next to another allowing no room for the wheelchair. We have a handicapped tag but in this case the spots were snow covered and because of poor footing could not be used.

When she was done,  and with the help of Sally the multi skilled receptionist/dental assistant.  we got out the door.  Moved the vehicle to the middle of the driveway in front of the building with the flashers on got my girl into position, struggling to get her into the seat, and realizing I am blocking inbound traffic.  The guy I was blocking was real sweet heart and told me to take what time I needed to get the task completed.  I learned that it really takes two of us to make this transfer.  

This is my girl and her boyfriend Steven at New Gateways with Valentine wishes.  They have human connection even without speaking.  I hear about this guy every weekend,  again a little shot of tranquility.

Been watching too many dark dramas lately.  One is "Your Honor" with Bryan Cranston as the main character and the guy who played David Sackler (Dopesick) as the bad guy.  This one is far too disquieting to watch more than one episode at a time.  Also viewed "The Accused" an American adaptation of a British crime anthology.  Michael Chiklis plays the main character,  again, far too dark.  I need Hallmark Christmas movies or rom coms for a while, with happy if stupid endings to lighten my spirit.

They are predicting "snowmagedden" today.  Remember when you had to go to work?  There were no snow days, ice days or wind days.  Your boss expected you to be there and on time.  With that thought framework, not too worried.

I have no hidden classified documents,  only a bunch of photos and old receipts. Come on in and look at my stuff, be my guest.

All for now

stay safe

Latest Creation; Meh!

 

The dish I prepared (tomato/feta pasta was good but just ok really.  So I don't know if it is just me and feta and its texture. but wasn't desperate for more.  Missing all those sunny days on the nature trails and the quiet.  Went back and listened to some David Crosby recording with various groups and alone yesterday at the gym through Pandora.  Decided the song "Lay Me Down" from his 2004 work with Graham Nash Is the song I want them to play as the roll my remains into the barbecue. It is spiritual but not preachy and speaks to the road of life.

Had a spirited conversation with a couple of my friends on life in the factory.  Both had spent their entire careers in the auto industry in Michigan.  I spent a lot of time in these plants as a salesman of safety supplies so I knew the environment at least second hand.  Frankly I liked that part of my job learning how to make cars and truck and how to stay safe in situations that could be precarious.  

Not much planned for today.  Will bundle up and walk Harry in the coat he hates.  Need to solve my phone addiction.  I am glued to it, doom scrolling thru meaningless content.  I know it hampers my sleep.  Wake up at 3am, plop on the sofa and scrolling on my device, not a good plan. in the search for serenity, this is not the answer.  

Want to write some manner of fiction, maybe a short story or essay on characters gathered up though my life.  

that's it

all for now

stay safe

Otto and David

David Crosby passed away yesterday at 81.  In some ways, it's remarkable he lived that long with his storied history of bad habits.  He was another part of my generation of dinosaurs that has left us.  When I was seventeen and attending a high school basement party with dancing kids and smooching in the corner,  someone put "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes" on the phonograph.  Listening to it, I was amazed and transformed, never hearing anything like it before.  In an instant, I was connected to the music.  I loved the Beatles, had their albums, and could sing along with their songs.  But this was different with swirling harmonies and nuanced lyrics and distinct sections to the song.  When they first performed the tune at Woodstock in 1969, Steve said "We're scared shitless man". A more honest statement would be hard to find.  I absolutely loved the two albums he made with Graham Nash in the 80's, almost spiritual in nature.

Mick and Keith keep rockin'.  Rod has never combed his hair and Ringo is still putting together all stars.  Somethings do not change.  But the feeling of the songs from David and his band mates are only memories now.  

We saw Tom Hank's new film A Man Called Otto  and it was  quite outstanding. As always he becomes his character; this time he's a  grumpy old guy pining for the love of his life who died  reluctantly moving forward. The Spanish language tinged supporting cast was remarkable as well.  Hanks' youngest son Truman plays the younger version of him in flashback sequences.  Catch this one at the matinee, it will be the best 7 bucks you've spent in a while. 

Not too much going on today.  Would love to see some sunshine, but probably not.  Trying out a new dish tonight I have been reading about.  It is tomato and feta cheese pasta.  Finland ran out of feta recently because everybody was making this dish.

all for now

stay safe

"Almost Cut my Hair"

Empty Today

 

Rainy day without much sleep last night.  This is a big list making day.  Compelled to do so because items roll into my head and sail away just as fast.  Going on an adventure soon and now compiling list of things to pack.  The making and writing of these items calms me down.  After breakfast today, going to clean the carpets of one of the residents here.  She learned of my skills in this regard and requested my services.  Went to visit her last evening to survey the job.  Hers is a tidy little space with a loveseat and two chairs in a neutral shade, a couple of end tables and a prominent display of organized meds for easy access. I think this process should work out fine.  She is a small  woman in her 90's and a rapid fire speaker from MA.  She uses a walker for to help with balance which can be used as an occasional seat. 

We have New Yorkers here as well.  Their accented English is different than long voweled folks from farther north. The retorts and replies delivered are as sharp as they are quick. 

We were visited by a friendly Nurse Practitioner yesterday afternoon which is sponsored by our Medicare Advantage program.  They come out annual to interview us about our health, do a mini physical and give us a little gift along with a gift card for 15 bucks.  In order to test for mental decline, she asked me to remember 3 words, cup, ball and table. I said ok.  More conversation and inquiries ensued and at the end she asked, what were the words? I recalled them all feeling quite pleased with myself.  She tested Hemoglobin A1C and blood pressure and proclaimed me a healthy specimen.

Off to Costco for paper goods and other items later today, trying not to focus too much on the rainy day.  

Made a new acquaintance through writers group I joined.  She is a middle aged woman from Wales in the U.K. and a published novelist happy to give me tips for successful stories.  It makes me pleased to know other people from different cultures that like to write.

all for now

stay dry and safe

Car Wash?

 Lots of discussions on documents these days.  Where are they stored?  Who has access to them?  I propose that a digital tag be put on each of these items whether they be on paper or coffee cups.  The most sensible rule would be that none of these leaves the building or buildings where they are used for appropriate purposes or are seen by the probably authorized eyes.  If they walk out the door by design or accident,  some manner of notification would occur.

I suspect you might find classified documents in many politicians houses or presidential libraries going back to Harry Truman's library in Independence MO. This method of tagging might be worth a try.  I am sure we have the technology for it.

Back to Planet Fitness this morning, then on to clean out the interior of my vehicle which is abhorrent.  Living in apartment is not like having your own driveway to turn on the radio, get your bucket and hose and have at it on a summers day.  There are lots of reasonable places to get the exterior blasted off but the dirty mats and the dog hair filled seats are another matter.  And, by the way it's not a sunny summers day. 

Ordered free stuff from United Health Care none of which I desperately need and later kids and a dinner to plan.  Wish we could see the sunshine!

All for now

stay safe

Got a Room?

Judy captured this blazing sunrise on her early walk today.
 

Met a prospective renter in the lobby of our building yesterday.  He was an old guy looking for a place to live.  Not shabby but not rich, he was alone and on a limited income as we all are here. Spoke in the accented English of a first generation American.  Think of that for a moment, alone and looking for a place to live. At this moment, do you have a place to live? put your stuff in? have a meal in? or a place to sleep?  Most of us do.  I write today  less as an allegory on aging and one more of the future.  As our society becomes more splintered and family units are more separated, this guy standing alone is the outcome. Really do not have any answers on this one. 

But I don't think this has be the well trod road traveled.  Family, some kind of family whether connected by blood or friendship or mutual need needs to again become our foundation as we move forward on live's travels.  I encounter far too many forgotten people in this place.

It's the next day about 6:15 in the morning.  I am finishing up my oatmeal w raspberries and will be getting ready to stay with Eli and Marie for the MLK holiday.  Our country certainly has changed since his time in the 60's.  There seems to be less hope and more distance between people.  I have given up on building bridges and knocking down walls.  I will do my best to be kind to all I meet and help where I can.  I admit to longing for honest conversations about living together and true feelings between us.   I see hope for our grand children. That is where it must start. 

My wife has cousins in Northern California. They are struggling with all the storms with loss of power and washed out roads.  Michigan may be gray and cloudy and we made need treatment for Seasonal Affected Disorder but at this point are not subject to the weather calamities that are out there.  We think of these folks  often and hope for a return to their normal lives soon.  

all for now

cloudy as usual 

stay safe