2021 Here we come!

Stole this image from my friend  high school Jane Johnson.  It seems fitting.  Been writing since early this morning to my cousin in Australia about our differing life experiences and our similar view of the world.  Also my friend Susan who was a telephone pal from when I worked.  Along with speaking about orders and production, she told me of her life in North Carolina and her son that was 10 at the time, now will be 21 in February.  Also old friend Jo about our similar early rising and wanting to sleep in more, an impossibility for both of us. I like most of us is ready to start anew with the coming year.  Resolutions, a few;  first stay upright feet planted firmly on the terra ferma.  I am going to PT to try to earn this with their help.  Second, work on my sugars to stay healthy.  Thirdly, more interaction with people, not judging the old people around here and reaching out to my friends, family and associates even when it is not convenient.  Frankly, stuck in here with colder temperatures, I feel like that guy in the pictures, beat up.  

I have been truly enjoying my interactions with my far away family.  Did not know they existed till a few days ago. Trials and tribulations for us all abound and different lives.  My cousin in Hungary is a retired cardiac nurse.  My young cousin in Australia was an educator.  She was amazed at the lives of my children.  I am trying to get a feel for her life and she mine thru these talks.  Frankly, its till astounding to me that we can talk in real time even though we are thousands of miles apart in different time zones.  

Next year I am going to embark on a new blog.  I am truly beyond retirement.  It is over. Need to have a fresh take on these musings.  

too much blah blah blah today

Happy New Year

stay safe 
 

Farewell 2020, don't let the door hit you in the ass

 

Many of the people I encounter completely live in their past.  Much of the conversation revolves around pleasant or funny experiences in their history.  Goals have long expired and their memories envelop them. This is not to deride or ridicule only as an observation of my surroundings.   My question is can we make memories now, from this point forward?  One thought is that we need to be around and interact with people that are different in age from us.  It doesn't have to be youngsters maybe someone that is 20 years different.  If they are willing to allow it, one can learn from them and maybe they will listen to you.

We need to have personal goals regardless of where we are in life.  I publish this wordy journal noting observations and feelings of the nuances of life.  Because of Covid-19 we are restricted in our movements and social engagements.  This Is having a positive effect in our state with new cases reducing.  Many are still bitching about the governor.  I for one believe she is acting correctly in the circumstances.  With all that being said, and me falling on my face tripping over concrete, I have started a working out with a YouTube instructor on walking in the home much to the humor of my family.  Friend Janine suggested it.  I DO IT ALONE WITHOUT OBSERVERS,  IN THAT MY COORDINATION IS LACKING AND FAR LESS THAN ATTRACTIVE.  But it does get me moving for about 30 minutes.  Face is almost healed and I am 90 percent back to normal.

I put together a FB post recently about my favorite book someone would have read to me as a kid.  Mine was Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.  One of my friends told me that Captain Kangaroo (look him up) read to us viewers.  That is probably where I heard it.  Many of my friends replied with theirs.  Still trying to figure out what to do with this info.  Many of the titles are still available on Amazon.  Settings may be outdated but still good stories.  The pictured one is from my daughter in law Kelly, her favorite.

Having spent time conversing with some of my relatives from Hungary, I need to develop some manner of family tree showing my side that immigrated to this country starting around 1910.  I hope to integrate it with the one cousin Maria provided to me.  This experience has been quite fascinating over the past few days.  

45 will be leaving, we are still battling this disease, Alex Trebeck's last posthumous shows will be airing and I am going to get 600 bucks. How will you spend yours?  on a purchase? paying bills? or buying food?  I wish everyone a happy and safe 2021.  

all for now

stay safe

Joe Carter

This is a photo of my newest found cousin, Bela Salamon.  His is 45 years old and a married economist with 3 lovely daughters.  He resided in Clinton MA with his family for two years some time ago and moved back to Debrecen, Hungary which is in the northern plains of the country.  He and I wrote back and forth in Messenger for about 2 hours in the early morning yesterday.  Their time is 6 hours ahead of us.  We exchanged information about our respective sides of the families and with me receiving most of the revelations.  I always thought that my surname, Kocsis meant coachman (the guy behind the horse).  Was completely wrong.  The exact translation would be Carter in English or a person that transports goods by cart or wagon, an occupational name.  Grandpa's name would have been Joe Carter  (Jozsef Kocsis). His mother Maria became FB friends with Judy and my sister Joan  and his younger sister Maria joined up with Katey as they are in the same generation.  All are quite excited about the new found relations.  I sent more info to him this morning hoping it will be of interest. 

Included in which was a section on the weddings we attended as kids.  The entertainment was always Ziggy Bela and his Gypsy Orchestra.  I loved it even as a kid.  there There was an instrument called a cimbalom, a stringed instrument played with mallets.  This is an old photo of the group in performance in the 50's.  Inserted mostly for Bela in case he sees this.  

Shannon is with us for the holiday still watching the movies that make her happy from Disney.  I try to offer new choices but they always fall on deaf ears.  We had our kids over yesterday for a casual meal and a viewing of "Uncle Buck", a family favorite.  All went well and I managed to stay upright.

45 has pardoned most of his criminal pals and has refused to sign the bill for Covid relief helping millions of Americans that could be out on the street by the end of the year.  I hope all of his ardent supporters are watching closely as he becomes more unhinged with each passing day, enjoying a round of golf in the sunshine while the ICU's are running out of beds.  I am weary of his antics.

stay safe

all for now

 

Pickup your feet Dad

When I started this blog it became important to me to share with the readers aspects of my life that might not be pleasant.  l shuffle my feet as I stride along and occasionally hit the pavement.  This was the case on December 22nd out walking Harry.  As I laid on the ground next to him, he was looking at me as to say WTF are you doing here Dad.  I caught a piece of uneven sidewalk with my shuffling gait and blam that was it.  This looks much worse than it is. On this occasion,  Judy was busy making candy for the holiday when I whisked past without a word running into the bathroom to clean up myself as much as possible before I presented myself. She again acted as Nurse Judy and applied ice to my face.   Friends have said "you should have seen the other guy" for a proper retort.  

This lovely young woman is Maria Peller (Kocsis) of Victoria, Australia.  Out of the blue, she contacted my via Facebook to announce that she believed she was my cousin.  Her Great Grandfather Janos and my Grandfather Joseph were brothers. My relation sailed from the port of Antwerp to Ellis Island on June 10, 1912 to begin his new life with Lydia, grandmother.  

Her mother Maria is my cousin, slightly older than me is still in Hungary.  She relocated to Australia with new husband Zoltan and teaches Hungarian to adults in her adopted country. There are many  2nd generation Hungarians in Australia that long to learn the language of their parents.  We do have some language barriers in that she is not real proficient in English.  We started messaging and sending family pictures like crazy people from about 6am till 730am with no breaks.  When I told her I needed to make my breakfast, she told me she had to go to bed because it was nearly midnight, 7:30 am here.  She told me that her mother Maria couldn't sleep learning about her family in the US.  Maria (in Hungary) and I exchanged Christmas greetings.  Finding these family members that I never knew existed has been my gift this year.

I remember when we were kids my father and his siblings would pull out the Hungarian to discuss the black sheep of the family and they did not want the kids to hear.  There are curses in the language that my father took to his grave never wanting to reveal them to me.  

45 has been rewarding all his pals and confidants with pardons before he exits the premises, no surprise here.  He has basically slammed the door shut on the Coronavirus stimulus package with his demand for more money so he could exit looking like Robin Hood. He know the Senate will not go for it.  600 bucks would have been nice.  But I think the prospect is in the wind now.

all for now

Merry Christmas

stay safe

 

Holiday Harry (a reluctant pose)

Check out the expression on his face.  Not thrilled even reticent at best.  Although I'm not much of a Ho Ho holiday guy, this photo of Harry says it all.  We are stuck in this lockdown situation and still supposed to be warm and happy.  I am doing my best, but this is about all I can muster today.  Just look at the f*cking hat on his head.  That says it all. 

We are all well and thankful to be so.  Friends are going thru some big challanges with health and injury maladies.  
I send them all the empathy I can muster and wish for their bad times to be over . 

Our littlest guys are moving with their parents to Grand Rapids to start a new adventure today.  We will miss them terribly but have learned that we can take a bus to get there for a reasonable cost.  Planning to make the trip in January for birthdays.  Masked up and fully sanitized, we should be ok.

Shannon had a visit from Santa at New Gateways this week.  As expected, she was thrilled.  Lynn and her staff to a terrific job with the participants.  Shannon loves it.

She is coming to stay with us Christmas Eve for the holidays. 

 

We will see our other Navy son Alvin for dinner this week with his new bride to be for dinner.  He as meant so much to us since serving with Katey.  We are thrilled he has found happiness with his Katy.  

Andrew crossed the road of 40 this year here with his happy (Marie) and reluctant (Eli) kids.  

I donated blood thru the Red Cross yesterday.  Am trying to get back into the habit of being a decent person and helping others. I learned that my O positive blood is identified as CMV negative.  This is a virus that most people get and recover from without incident.  Apparently, I have never had this virus.  This means that my donation can be used to save babies lives, up to 3 per donation. I have to admit that I got emotional learning this, still feeling it now even writing it down.  Always wanted to do something positive.  This may be it.  In 54 days I will hold out my arm again.  If you are not terrified of needles and can spare about an hour, consider the positive step of blood donation.  The Red Cross team does  an exemplary job of sanitizing the environment and making sure you are well before you leave.  That's my pitch for today.

On the downside of this experience, too much vigorous activity yesterday caused the vein to reopen and let loose.  A disquieting event to say the least. But Nurse Judy wrapped it up with a new compression bandage and all is well today.  

Marshall Law!! WTF!! 45 is still ranting and has about 30 days to eviction.  I become increasingly weary of his antics and the news media's coverage.  On our way to Highland to visit our kids, we encountered a police barrier in Troy that moved us thru the neighborhood only to discover they were protecting a MAGA rally of SUV's and pickup trucks with people waving 45 flags and chanting that they will not be silenced.  These vocal proponents do scare me with their loaded firearms and lunatic attitudes.

Oh well vaccine hopefully by March for us.

stay safe

all for now

Little People today

Worked with friend Rick Bradford last evening to get his new blog up on Facebook.  Without the expertise and logical mind of my lovely wife, Judy, he and I would still be on the phone hashing it out.  No new pictures of kids or surroundings, hence a photo of the old guy with the 2020 beard, probably won't be a lifetime affectation, a cross between and English author and middle aged Rabbi.  

We have the little people coming for an over night with their parents moving before Christmas.  Mom needs some organizing time and we love having them around.  The apartment needs to be somewhat kid proofed for the toddler with things put on upper shelves.  It's cold and windy here today so probably not too much park time. This will be and active couple of days.  Pray for me.

I have been a diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic for 20 years.  Numbers have not been as good as before and I chose to go back to square one with a series of classes taught at Beaumont Hosp.  The cost is covered by insurance and should help me get back on track.  Gentlemen out there, if you are pissing with great urgency and hourly and are thirsty all the time, get yourself checked.  With a few modest life changes and a willingness to check you blood regularly, you can be a success.  This condition has strong genetic markers and it runs rampant thru my father's side of the family.  I am not a failure because this condition developed.  Get your head out of your ass and deal with it. That's all the preaching.

45 appears to be exiting the office for the new  occupants.  I wonder if we have been paying for all his court actions.  I know he paid for the recount in Wisconsin but that's it.  His picture is showing up less on my news feed to my liking.  I figure he will be pardoning all his buddies and loyalists that have been charged or are currently doing time.  

Happy Mayor Pete got the nod for Transportation Secy,  not so sure about Jennifer Granholm for Energy.  Familiar with Susan Rice but not with the others.  Thrilled that the vaccine is being distributed.  In our age group we should be in round 3, some time in early spring.

all for now 

stay safe
 

The Supremes

 

Have you ever watched a program that is unsettling but sucks you in? We viewed "Your Honor", a Showtime presentation last evening.  All that is available is the first episode at this point.  Brian Cranston is the lead actor.  And now we have got a 6 month add on to our Hulu so we can see it.  This episode is free on Hulu.  Don't watch it!  Like the approaching train wreck you cannot look away from. 

Son Jonathan and his wife Kelly with their two adorable sons are moving to Grand Rapids for his new job and will be there before Christmas.  It saddens me to see them going so far away, but the job is better and now is the time to make these changes with the kids being small.   Due to my wife's investigation, we've learned that we can make it to their new home via bus for about 20 bucks a pop.  And there  is reasonably priced lodging within walking distance from their townhouse.  This would make the trips much easier, no driving and 4 hours of reading to get there.  We could have some adventures there too.  When the weather breaks and we are vaccined up, the Meijer Gardens should be in full bloom.

The Supreme Court has resoundingly rejected the Texas lawsuit that would invalidate  all the votes of our state and others.  They did it in a single page and unanimously, even those appointed by 45 and his cronies.  Rudy gets cured with the treatment none of us could hope to access and he vows to continue the fight.  I cannot stress enough the weariness I feel as we bear witness to this farcical display of desperation. All the states of the union have certified their elections and the results therein will be announced by the Electoral College on Monday.  That should be it.

The anniversary of my marriage to Judith Ann Reno is tomorrow.  Its been 45 years and I Iove her more than I did when I met her in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in 1975 and still cannot understand why she continues to renew my contract and put up with me.  No big celebration for us this year.  Covid-19 has put the cabash on that,  maybe some wine and cheese with a movie in our living room.

Supposed to be an all day rainy day today.  Should be a good day for cooking.  Making roasted cauliflower soup.

all for now

stay safe

This Day in History

In my life history, this date will always be remembered as Pearl Harbor day.  Most of us know what this means.  Our parents explained it to us and our history teachers offered more detail.  In my news feed on Apple News,  there is no mention of the significance of December 7, 1941.  The Americans that were adults on that day are mostly gone and my generation's information is second hand.  My departed mother Dorothy told me that she was selling popcorn at Yates Cider Mill when the news was announced.  I have often tried to paint the picture of her as a young girl in that setting and the transformative effect of that event.

We now seem to measure the history of our lives in terms of Post 9/11.  Ongoing wars and conflicts are still raging in Afghanistan and the region.  Presidents come and go and yet the fighting goes on.  Soldiers that perish no longer make the news.  At this point, what is the goal?

While at Andrew's, we were watching The Price is Right with host Drew Carey.  His latest look makes him appear as the Hipster Santa with the white beard, jeans and a sport coat too small.  It's his business, but I long for Bob Barker, quaffed, smartly suited and his long pencil microphone. "Carol Merrill, tell them what they've won."

Lovely grand daughter Marie celebrated her tenth birthday this week.  This girl is truly a wonder and will go far; so fascinated with so many interests.  I did a FaceBook post on her and have never had so many likes or comments.  Hoping for a great year for her.

I have shelved the idea of writing a fictional piece for now.  Maybe its the lockdown but my imagination has stalled beyond thoughts on characters.  I am better an observer and commentator, admittedly fond of reviewing media. 

I'm old so I watch 60 Minutes with relish on Sunday nights, always dismayed by the delays caused by football or another sport.  One of the stories last night was an extended interview with actor Viola Davis. She and the other dramatic female giants, like Meryl Streep, Olivia Coleman and Helen Mirren never fail to deliver a rapturous performance. All of these ladies can rip your guts out and grind them in the pavement.  Viola however delivers the pain of her characters so completely the viewer cannot help but getting caught in the snare.   She is appearing in the upcoming Netflix "Ma Rainy's Black Bottom" premiering December 18th.  It is also the last film of Chadwick Boseman before his untimely death.  

 And Rudy has the virus.  Form your own opinions

all for now

Stay safe

Masked up and Locked Down

I tend to travel to the grocery store multiple times in a week.  Like to peruse for bargains and new stuff to try out and for the outing that these visits afford. I will cruise Trader Joes for the latest spice blends or salad kits.  Costco has the best deals if you can store the quantities of non perishables, but also has decent fruits for the breakfast cereal.  Now with the restrictions on populations per square foot in these establishments, we are out standing in the cold waiting to go in. 

The  CDC has pronounced that those over 65 should basically stay home unless its necessary to leave. I should probably limit  my shopping to a single day for a week, getting enough stuff to last.  I am sitting here thinking of plan of attack to accomplish this.  We are also restaurant-less, not being able to eat inside, and the outside venues are not heated well enough for the burgeoning Michigan winter.

Still will be walking Harry as long as I don't fall on my ass on the ice, playing the music in my pocket, him in the coat that he hates.  I have been climbing stairs in the building to work on my cardio health.  Four floors are all I can muster, hoping to improve on that. Janine told us of a person that conducts YouTube video workouts. They work for her. However if I have to dance in place, I will laugh myself out of rhythm and probably fall on my face.  Actually that's a pretty good video in itself.

Boredom is really setting in.  Have completed all the shows.  Both The Fall and Hillbilly Elegy were somewhat disappointing.  The first show had an implausible ending with the villain killing himself by hanging after beating up the protagonist and his doctor then offing an innocent schizophrenic. There were 3 seasons of this program and the first two were stellar.  Only that last was wanting.  Ron Howard's tale of an Appalachian family has so many ugly family moments, it is difficult to watch at times.  The ending is redeeming and it is one man's story of resolution.  The Mandalorian on Disney is disjointed in it's newest season.  Don't know where the story is moving to.

Thinking of writing some sort of story.  Don't really know the how-to's.  Have a reasonable idea on the female character and can paint a picture of her traits. The male character, no so much. Still trying to come up with a storyline. With this current environment, have lots of time to figure it out.

all for now

stay safe

Goodbye Cloth Sneakers and hello boots

Well, the snow has finally arrived.  Regrettably I have to cast off my cloth sneakers to leather shoes to prevent wet feet.  Harry is not too thrilled with the cooler temps either as he gingerly steps out to take a piss.  He has a winter coat that is green and makes him look like a turtle which he detests as well.  The ladies of our building that adore him make sure he is appropriately attired while they are filling him in with treats. 

Uncle Frank is a touching little film about a Literature professor and his partner traveling to the South to attend his father's funeral.  Paul Bettany (DaVinci Code and A Beautiful Mind) delivers at stunning performance as well as the supporting cast that includes one of my favorites, Margo Martindale.  This is a Gay story so if that is off putting to you, don't bother. Moreover, it is story about the clash of cultures, of at least considering acceptance and ultimately resolution.  On Amazon Prime.

There is another Steve McQueen.  He is a knighted British filmmaker.  He has created a series of small films depicting Black life in the UK called Small Axe.  The first one is Mangrove about the clash between the Metropolitan Police and the West Indian community in 1970.  Something we know nothing about.  Well done and worth your time. Also on Amazon Prime.

I know a lot of TV reports, there is not much else to do.

Stephen Colbert interviewed Barack Obama at length about many topics light and not so light, his new book and lots of pleasant bantering back and forth.  If you can stream these segments, do so as a healing balm to all the chaos we have been enduring for the past 4 years.  Rudy G will be in Lansing today to try and discredit the certified election results.  I grow weary of his face, his antics and has absurd pronouncements.  Need him to just go away.  His guy lost, plain and simple.

Saw wonderful grandsons Paxton and Everett recently and had a wonderful time trying to keep up with them.  They both really seem to like me and bring me great joy with their exuberance.  I can get down on the floor ok but getting up in a timely manner is a challenge.  

 

We will be seeing Elijah and Marie later today having not seen them in more than a week.  Our time is quieter but equally as interesting with these bigger guys.  They have tales to tell and accomplishments to share.  Will entice them into good moods with treats.

Fed dinner to our friend Dick yesterday, some homemade pizza that he raved over.  Admittedly, is was quite good.  Holiday times are tough for him being without Shirley, his beloved.  They must have been quite the couple. We try to help out where we can.

Going to try another round at Innovation Hills this afternoon.  Supposed to be in the low 40's so with a hat and gloves we should be fine.

As an aside, we are getting the vaccine as soon as it is made available.  

all for now

stay safe

Heros and the Boys

 

I thought today it prudent to share thoughts about heroes and the heroic along with fun times with grandsons.  The picture on the bottom  is of John Lee Cronin and his dad Mark.  I read about him today in my Apple  News Feed and how he was stripped of his  

Boy Scout badges because the organization had provided him assistance due to his Downs Syndrome condition.  He later became a success at the Special Olympics.  He and his dad decided to start a business.  After a couple of faltering attempts, they settled on socks.  He always loved wild socks and they called it  John's Crazy Socks,  available at  www.johnscrazysocks.com. Not cheap but quite entertaining.  

Also, I am completely inspired by the work of Chef Jose Andres and his team at World Central Kitchen.  They have assembled a team of cooks, food preparers and logistics experts to feed people after disasters of all kinds.  I saw him on Stephen Colbert and he is truly a happy warrior.  Feeding people and providing clean water is their only mission.  I cannot tell how pumped I am after listening to this man.  Feed People! what a concept.

 Had a wonderful visit with my grandsons Paxton and Everett yesterday.  They are getting bigger and I am getting slower.

I am weary of all the press coverage 45 is getting on his ill fated attempts to overturn a legal and lawful election.  They give mention of the new cabinet appointees and of Biden's  hairline fracture in his foot.  He is quietly working to move the country forward.  He's not flashy nor demonstrative.  45's twitter account needs to be cancelled due to the repeated lies and accusations.  On my news feed, every other story and image is of him.  His time is over. Time to move on and rid ourselves of this stain.  (sorry too direct). 

All for now

Stay safe

Shingles

As modern old person (oxymoron), I chose to take all the medicinal measures to operate above room temperature. The latest one of these is the two step Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles.   Judy and I had the second dose two days ago.  Felt dreadful yesterday with flu like symptoms.  But knowing that this was the cause, and that  it would be over soon, I endured better.  Low and behold, today I am vastly improved. Hooray!

Today is son Andrew's 40th birthday.  I am so proud of the man he has become.  He's a much better father than I was and his kids always know they are loved and cared for.  I don't miss him being a little kid so much a I am thrilled with his growth as a human being.  This has not been an easy year for him, upending a household, moves, learning to be a single dad while sharing custody with his ex.  This is a guy with big laughs, big tirades and big opinions.  Both he and Katey his sister are loud with lots of strong feelings.  To be truthful, when you put them with their Jersey Mother and all the volume, I tend to stand aside.  

We are in lockdown mode at the Senior Compound.  No visitors aside from essential caregivers.  Its going to be a quiet weekend looking for more interesting programing to watch. Have to throw this in, at the end of each Jeopardy,  they post a small tribute to Alex.  I know he was sick, I cannot believe he is gone.

Did a tour around Innovation Hills yesterday to enjoy the last warmish day.  Went with friends and had good masked conversations.  Since we know what each other look like, its less bad even though smiles are not evident.  

all for  now

stay safe

 

Struggling to put a positive spin

This is a good characterization of this year's Thanksgiving, a wooden lawn turkey.  Somewhat stiff and with a little humor.  We called off our celebration due the virus and at the insistence of the powers that be at our Senior Living Compound.  We are in full lockdown mode with only visitors of the medical or caregiving variety allowed in.  No more congregating or conversation in the common areas.  In the evening, guards are standing sentry.  All of our guys are fine at this point and we are too.  Going to enjoy this last balmy day at Innovation Hills in the afternoon.  Most of our meals will be home cooked at least for awhile,  that I don't mind in that I'm the cook.

45 will not concede the election even with the mounting failure of numerous law suits.  Melting Rudy looked unbalanced and sounded ridiculous at his press conference yesterday.  In my lifetime of voting in national elections (started in 1972 with George McGovern), I have not witnessed such a spectacle.  Biden/Harris won by a decisive margin.  That used to be enough.  If the secret meeting at the White House convinces the Repub board of canvassers to rescind their decision to certify the votes,  there will be a civil insurrection in Detroit, and rightly so. It will negate the work of the vote counters (screamed at thru the windows) and the voters of the city. 

Well that's all my bitching for this morning

Going for coffee with my cronies at 8:15

all for now

stay safe

 

 

T-E-E-T-H

 My continuing saga continues.  Now in my first week of repair and installation.  First comes a root canal (which was not as bad as I expected).  Was directed to a specialist that only does this procedure.  While not a walk in the park, it was far superior to my first experience with this process.  Now, onto a new crown, oh boy.  But I am appreciative of my regular dentist that always makes me aware of what's going on, explains options and most importantly allows me to feel safe in an uncomfortable situation. 

Thru my wife's travels with Delta, she was availed with the opportunity of some free magazines and provided them to me.  I chose two food periodicals, bon Appetit and Eating Well.  As a cook I found some interesting recipes and luscious pictures in both of these.  Travel and Leisure provided me a glimpse of places I will never go to, but still alluring.  Gentlemans Quarterly was a complete waste of time and I am glad no money was spent.  Filled with overpriced and odd looking garments hanging on sunken cheeked male models.  This has nothing to do with shopping at Target or Walmart or even Kohls. 

I did a post on FaceBook about Bruce Springsteen being on the cover of the AARP magazine.  At 71 he is still making meaningful music.  His program and recording "Letter to You" was an outstanding addition to AppleTV+.  This article and interview was intuitive and enjoyable, it's probably available online.

Son Andrew will be 40 this Saturday.  He's a great father raising his kids sharing responsibilities with his ex.  I am extremely proud of him and have been to since he first emerged 40 years ago.  After loosing a child two years prior, when he arrived, I ran down the hall screaming He's Perfect!! to my mother and Judy's parents.  My mother Dorothy collapsed and Harry picked her up.  It was a thrilling day.  Many memories are difficult to recreate, not this one.

No politics today.  Gretchen  has starting today  closed many operations  in our state down for 3 weeks under the auspices of the department of health.  I admire her fortitude. Our covid-19 cases are rampant and we need to do this to slow the spread.  Indoor dining is put on hold.  Business are damaged.  Its a vicious trade off, but a step that's needed.  We are probably headed for another lockdown like we had in the spring.  Our family has cancelled Thanksgiving dinner.  It sad but we do not want to get our grand kids sick.  

As the winter months are approaching, I need to find something to look foward to.  Going to Innovation Hills this Friday for a walk because this may be our last day of relative warmth.  Probably will take more steps for Zoom calls with friends and family to stay connected

Not too entertaining today, sorry.

all for now

stay safe

  

A Surprise call

This is Marie and Elijah at Inglenook Farms this week.  Despite the cold, they were having a great time climbing and racing around.  They met new friends that were also playing and had some post-school fun.  Both of them like the spinning devises, tire swing and some other contraption.  And, they like climbing and looking out over the scene.  Me, I was trying to stay warm just standing around.  Kids on lockdown still need to run around.

 Received a wonderful surprise FaceTime call from and old friend Rick two nights ago.  He lives in San Francisco and has for many years.  Lying in bed at about 9pm here comes the call. Its 6pm where he is. He and I worked at Central Transport in the mid 70's in the rate department.  Rick was the first man that told me he was gay. I was not shocked by the news but most admiring of his honesty.  He even attended the first Gay Pride March held.  He told our boss, a straight laced Italian that he had to attend and Sam agreed.  I was dealing with a tragic upheaval in my life when we met and he was the only man including my father that could truly understand and empathize with my pain. 

Judy and I took him on a double date with the man that would become his life partner for over 30 years Dennis.  We went to see A Chorus Line (much of a cliché?).  Sadly he passed away ripped apart from ALS.  Rick has since gotten married to a wonderful man.  They lead a small life filled with happiness.  

I have a nephew that recently married the love of his life.  Matthew has been joyfully out for many years, an educator and loved by his students.  Matt and many other stand on the shoulders of men like Rick who paved the way for their freedom to be self defined and truly proud of themselves.  I do not know the fear and loathing endured by gay men now in their 60's and beyond.  This blog is always an effort to be personal and truthful to the readers.  This relationship is really important to me.  So I feel compelled to tell the story. 

Now,  a confession.  I have an obsession with reusable containers purchased from the market that you can put food and other stuff in.  I can never have enough of them, always having a stash hidden away.  They are needed for food gifts and storage of small articles.  I scour the dollar store for more whenever I visit.

We share laundry duties.  Monday I was in our shared laundry room for the drying cycle when I discovered a black kitty sitting on the windowsill looking out and crying.  Upon approaching, learned that he/she was friendly and pettable.  The dryer started and he took off only to stop in the middle of the hallway.  Picked him up and took him to the office.  Learning he was owned by a blind lady on our floor, he was returned and all ended well.

The growth of this covid-19 virus will probably shut down our state again.  It is a wise and needed choice that will displease many.  More homemade haircuts and home cooked meals, zoom calls and a cancelled Thanksgiving celebration.  This our world for now.  We will have to find happiness in our little family/friend circles and move forward.

If your streaming service provides You Tube, look for Humans of New York, a photo/video series telling many small vignettes about the inhabitants of the city.   This is also available on Facebook Watch.  Really fascinating to me,  have a look if you want to see something completely different. 

all for now

stay safe

When things work

I do not know why I chose this cartoon.  It just struck me with its matter of factness.  In our apartment there is a door on the bathroom (obviously).  Since we have taken up residence, it has creaked and groaned opening and closing, annoying at best during those times when silence is paramount.  We had no WD40 for the hinges so my brilliant and resourceful wife applied petroleum jelly.  Now, completely quiet actually for some time.  The point is that it worked and continues to do so.

This  brings me to a segment we saw on 60 Minutes this past Sunday. General Gustave Pema leads the effort to distribute the covid-19 vaccine once it is approved and in good supply.  He and his team are conducting this task like it is a campaign of war.  He is a no nonsense former supply officer that spent his career sourcing goods for the Army.  He laid out his plans to use Federal Express to be the logistic arm and stated with certainty when the shipments would arrive at hospitals and when the vaccines would be delivered into arms.  When asked questions, he answered them directly, no verbal dancing, confidence inspiring.  If you can access this conversation of you tube, do it  for a calming effect.

Alex Trebeck has left us.  I am heartbroken along with many others.  He was our constant evening companion after dinner.  His show was on every night at our home especially when Marie (mother in law) was with us.  She and Shannon would watch religiously without fail.  Even after she was gone and Shannon is living elsewhere, we watch and try to pick out a few questions for the answers. Most of the time wrong or clueless, we keep trying.  I was amazed at Ken Jennings and James Holzhaur and their breadth of knowledge along with the host.  Really cannot see how the program can continue without his guiding hand.  

Will have coffee with my cronies this morning at 8:15 commiserating over the days events and the perils of aging.  Laughter will ensue and we will insult each other as guys do.  It should be fun.

all for now

stay safe

 

New Dawn

So we have a new President-Elect and new Vice President-Elect.  As many of us were glued to our devices to track the results as they rolled in everyone hopeful that their candidates would vanquish their opponents.  I admit I was in that number stealing away whenever possible to see the totals, peering at  my phone the moment my feet hit the floor in the early morning.  Biden/Harris prevailed as you know.  I was pleased with the result.  I want to thank my kids and all the other kids  for taking the time to vote.  This was a critical election for the future of our nation and could not be ignored.  

The  President-Elect delivered the best speech of his career last night when the country needed to hear hopeful words that would encourage people of opposing opinions to really listen to each other and find common ground.  I am most inspired by his first accolade going to Jill his wife and to his family.  And he mentioned TEACHERS! I know a number of great educators and former educators that finally got the notice they were due.  Terry, Mary Jane, Jeremy, Chalene, Lois and many others, I hope you were listening.

I was struck by the celebration of the people of all backgrounds that took place in Wilmington and many large cities.  It was reminiscent of parties in the streets after WWII.  There were happy people in Europe and Canada as well looking to welcome us back to the world family.

It is truly a momentous day for women as well.  Kamala is a strong and brilliant person with Jamaican and Indian parentage.  She is genuinely thrilled with her new job and what she can do for this country. 

It was truly touching to see these huge families on the stage together with Joe holding his grandson and Kamala with grand nieces hopping around.  Not show was the fact that this will become a dog White House again with two German shepherds taking up residence. 

Lots of challenges and work ahead but I feel lifted up.

Movies to consider:

Fisherman's Friends, set in Cornwall (remember Poldark) in recent times covering the efforts of a group of acapella men singers of sea shanties and their real discovery by a record promoter.  I know this sounds hokey but is heartwarming and a feel good film.  Now on Netflix

The Kindness of Strangers tells the story of a single mom with two boys in desperate straights in current New York City.  The viewer can feel the fear of this woman and all that she does to navigate thru this mess.  The ending is quite uplifting so don't despair. Now on Amazon Prime.

Everybody probably knows about the current favorite streamer, The Queens Gambit.  A short series of seven episodes.  The main character is a female chess savant and the story revolves around the game and her journey.  It does ultimately grab you and you have to force yourself to not complete the series in one sitting. Now on Netflix.

I know this is too long but basically holed up in the apartment with the rampant covid-19 about.  Trying to enjoy the lovely weather walking Harry.

All for now

stay safe 

 

 

The big day arrives

 

So I sit here contemplating the outcome of this contest.  I feel strangely calm after being overwrought with anxiety over this election.  I hope this will be the last day we have to endure the political ads.  We can return to lawyer ads for Sam Bernstein and the others.  The real results will not be known until at least Friday in Michigan with all the ballots already filed.  Planning to not watch TV today other than the kid shows our grand kids will insist upon.  Its probably better for my psyche. 

 Rather than dealing with the election returns we had the leetle grandsons and went to the playground at the end of our street for a much needed balm with all the stress. 

I belong to a Berkley MI facebook group that deals with local matters.  Was shocked yesterday by a posting from a man complaining that he was not allowed to bring his firearm into the polling station at Berkley High School citing all his constitutional rights to bear arms.  First off no one can bring a weapon onto school property other than law enforcement officer, regardless of the occasion. 

This is not Kabul, its Berkley.  Clearly the point of going fully strapped to vote is to frighten and intimidate the voters.  F*ck this guy.

Now it is the day after.  Ballots are still being counted across the country.  Electoral votes are balancing toward the Democratic challenger but the Senate it appears will stay Republican.  Below is sleepy poppy and Everett enjoying Fireman Sam on the TV.

Now it is two days after election day.  We are waiting on the final results which looks like Biden/Harris will prevail and Michigan's incumbents will also win in the House and Senate. Soon we will have challenges from Republicans on recounts and others .  This contest is far from over. I grow weary of the constant retelling of the tale and its projections from the talking heads on the news.  But, I am really glad that the political ads have exited that airways. Anyway  it looks like we will have a fine stretch of weather in the next few days.  Which will be welcomed.  A trip to Costco is on tap for today and  perhaps a visit to Innovation Hills.

all for now

stay safe

Winston

 No big stories today.  But we met this fine fellow moving across the floor at Premier Pets.  It seems that he resides there during the colder months.  He is 13 years old and will live to be over 100. Currently he is about 24 x 32 and weighs in about 45 lbs.   His summer residence is a  fenced backyard of one of the employees.  He's quite approachable and likes having his shell scratched.  Gets treats from the cashiers and has a home stocked with food in the back of the store. 

His name is Winston.  Really pretty cool.

We took one of the residents of our building there for supplies today and she was quite surprised.

Ongoing events and opinions

Judy's plants on the balcony are flourishing despite the cooler temperatures.  I was told that they were outdoor plants and should be expected to do so.  Anyway its nice to peer out the glass and see the greenery.  

We watched our little guys Paxton and Everett Tuesday.  It was a complete rainout of a day so we needed to come up with activities in a little apartment.  Paxton was contented to plunk away on my laptop and teach himself to print out his work. He called them his files.  Kid this age have and amazing capacity to learn new skills.  They have nothing in the way of their spongy brains.  I introduced him to PBS kids games on my phone that are letters, numbers and shapes.  He figured it out after a few tries.  And I am no longer needed.

The other guy was stacking up magna tiles and watching PBS kids shows but after awhile boredom set in and he needed something to do.  I strapped him in his stroller an we walked the halls at Oxford Towers and visited my friend Dick and his dog Mimi.  All parties were fascinated with other and we moved on.  One thing that has become evident with age for me is that I don't move as fast anymore, especially from a seated position on the floor.  After some creaks and groans, I'm up but probably too late.   No disasters occurred however and all was well.  Andrew and his two showed up and we ate pizza and french fries (again at hit meal lacking nutrition).  Remember the grandparent code from a few blogs ago. 

Lunch with friend Bob yesterday at Renshaw's catching up and trying to figure out what to do next with the pandemic growing.  We ate outside under some heat lamps so the 50 degrees which was quite comfortable.  He lost his hearing aids with taking his mask off and on.  This is something to consider if you need such devices.  But it was a great time and  we will stay in touch. 

Democrats got the biggest gift from son-in-law Kushner's comments about Black Americans need to want to be successful.   This almost cancels out Biden's oil gaffe from the debate.  This guy is truly a privileged  bone-head.  

Saw an amazing documentary in "Letter to You" from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.  Truly a wonderful story of the bands cohesion and brotherly love over the course of 50 years.  At 71 he delivers lyrics that are poignant and telling of his age.  His voice has softened a bit.  I got a kick out of him performing with grandpa glasses peering at his music sheets.  Anyway, if you have Apple + TV, give it a look.  

well all for now

stay safe

Keith Jarrett, still standing but changed

This is one of the most seminal pianists of our time.  His Koln Concert is magnificent and the most sold solo piano albums of all time.  I  owned it and played it till it wore out and later bought the CD to replace the vinyl.  Whenever I needed solace or inspiration I listened to it.  Becoming absorbed in the melodies, your mind went to a deeper place. 

 The New York Times recently reported that he suffered two strokes in 2018 and can no longer play with his left hand do to the ensuing paralysis.  I had numerous recordings of his and and his collaborators both from this country and from Europe. He played on the Live Evil recording led by Miles Davis, the last time he played the electric  instrument.  One of the keys stopped functioning and he turned it into its own song.  On the acoustic piano, he is the king of spontaneous improvisation entering the stage alone, not having any idea what he was going to play.  He sat at his instrument and the music poured out like water from a faucet or moving on a river.  Still standing at 75 but changed, I am saddened.

My wife pointed out that my dishwashing prowess is slipping in that I left a big glob of Chinese food on a serving spoon used last evening.  After a mock scolding, I could only laugh at myself.  Looking at ones flaws with some humor is one of the up sides of aging.  

After a warm day yesterday with some evening storms, the temps are now in the thirties and the wind is howling.  It will be a quick outing with Harry this morning.

all for now

stay safe

 

Clarity

 Watched the streamed version of Stephen Colbert last night and was amazed by Dolly Parton and her insights.  She sang a simple song acapella from her past and the host broke into tears.  Sometimes music can do this to you in a moment of clarity and beauty however fleeting.  He wasn't embarrassed and she took it in stride.   She is one of America's treasures.

The constant barrage of political ads regardless of perspective are wearing me out as they come at you like machine gun fire and make you long for toothpaste adds.  The fill up the airways for the old people shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.  Many of us have already cast our ballots and the blathering makes no difference to me and I suppose others.  This debate tonight will be more chaos I fear.  45 will berate the female moderator and speak after his time.  Because there will be live mics in the area, we will still hear his pronouncements. I suspect that he will raise his volume  to crowd out his opponent.  I have enough to be mad about and will probably refrain from viewing rather choosing the online post mortem the following day.

There is about a 100% chance of rain today and I am trying to figure out what we can to to stay connected to others as the weather worsens and we are forced inside.  There  are eateries that are planning to more or less weatherproof their outside eating annexes.  

Been visiting multiple grocery stores these days to give myself an outing.  Really could do a better job planning to cut down on my trips.  I must admit I like looking at food and the different offerings these emporiums have.  We wait outside at Trader Joes  due to social distancing policies with everyone looking at their phones.  I'm about to leave shortly to take advantage of the old bastards hours between 8-9 am.  

No pictures today

all for now

stay safe