And so on.....

Shannon loves babies, all babies.  This is her with her new nephew, Everett Edward Kocsis.  She is holed up at her residence in Troy.  Cannot bring her home or visit for the time being.  We face time with her but because Anthony gives her the phone, and doesn't really get the concept, all we see is up her nostrils just about up to her brain.  Miss her much. A happier person cannot be found on this earth.  Her wonderful teacher Ray Hooton Face Timed with her.  She was thrilled.

It is desperately quiet with a complete lack of activity around here.  Sometimes I feel like the only human here.  The only ones moving are the dog owners taking their pets out.  We are prohibited from any congregating in the common places in the building.  There are newly placed signs on the doors stating all the latest restrictions.  The office is closed until further notice.  The manager has posted her phone number with the note that she will get to calls as soon as possible.  I am concerned for those that don't have family or care givers.

On at happier note, hatched a plot to read a book to my youngest grandsons via Face Time.  So, I propped up the iPad on a stack of books got them connected, and read "Harry the Dirty Dog" , a kids book published in 1956. The illustrations and the references to a coal chute were definitely from the 50's.  Anyway the kids enjoyed it and wanted another reading, which of course I complied. It was great fun.  As my Face Time saga continues, I had a great conversation with John my brother in law. He said he felt like George Jetson.  In my wildest youthful dream, did I ever imagine having face to face chats with family and friends.  Also saw my lovely wife Judy and with Andrew, Marie and Elijah in abstentia.  My pal Janine and I solved the problems of the world in our talk.  This is really a good tool as we sit separated from our loved ones.  If you an Android, there is an application Google Duo, a free app that works the same way. You don't have to be alone.  Take the time to initiate the call. It might make you feel better.

Viewing:
Consider the following:

"Rainman Twins"
This is a documentary on Flo and Kay, two Savant identical twins in their 50's.  Likeable and social, these ladies will inspire you.  They have mental talents that will astonish you.  Available on Amazon Prime.

"Jacob"
Jacob Appel is an author, lawyer, doctor, ethicist and lecturer.  At 47 years old, many accomplishments and a really interesting point of view. Available on Amazon Prime.

"Tiger King"
This series of 7 episodes has had lots of press. Crazy egotist characters, legal entanglements,  watch is so you can discuss with your friends, maybe with Face Time. On Netflix

"Harold and Maude"
Finally, a disappointment, not in the film, but myself.  This movie was a touch stone of my youth, hopeful and full of promise, I saw it 12 times with my friends at the theater which now the Magic Bag on Woodward.  Watched it last night.  All the idealism portrayed escaped me now.  Ruth Gordon was over played.  The only character I really enjoyed was Vivian Pickles as Harold's stodgy mother.
She made me laugh.  But, I loved all the Cat Stevens songs singing them all as they were presented.  Somehow still remembered most of the words.  

 all for now

A trip to Kroger

 Me and a very young Marie washing the car on Orchard View.  Missing simple pleasures.

Where I live many grocery stores have provided an early hour for senior citizens aka the elderly,  to shop unencumbered by the pesky, pushy youthful shoppers.  I now belong to that club.  So yesterday I embarked to the Kroger Superstore in Royal Oak departing at 6:30 am for the 7 o'clock opening after cleaning off the Michigan Spring snow off my car.  All you exMichiganders remember this.  When we applaud Springs arrival on about March 21st, we know we will be slapped with snow and cold temperatures into April. It may be why you left.

Anyway, I arrive at about 6:45 with fifteen minutes till the store opens.  From where I am parked, I cannot see full view of the building.  With five minutes remaining, I leave my car only to find that the line to enter has reached from the door at the middle all the way to the outer edge of the building.  All the people have the suitable distance between them with husband/wife teams clutching each other.  Fully masked old people trembling in the cold waiting to get in.  7 o'clock arrives and they let us in.  All are clamoring for baskets wiping them down with the supplied wipes bumping into each other jostling for position.

As you might expect the first race is for the toilet paper.  The shelf has a limited amount of stock.  Shoppers are demanding we move quickly so they can secure their quantities.  All are purposefully grim faced.  Its tough to see their real expressions beneath their masks.  Its then I noticed that all that were many shoppers that were not "Seniors".  Since no one was pulling ID's at the door, what was stopping them?  They had invited those with compromised conditions to shop with the old.  Aside from the pregnant,  whose to say what was their malady.  There were no uniformed guards saying "hey whats wrong with you"? I used by white hair and wrinkled face as my identifier.

As I ambled through the rest of the store list in hand, saw lots of frantic people, some not knowing where things were.  Everyone was moving away from each other as we have been told to do.  There are very few employees to help anyone.  Shelves are stocked but still some remain bare, a little disappointing,  We are accustomed to fully stock stores with multiple choices abounding.  Its not there yet.  The lines of supply are not yet full with all the stocking up.  Maybe when we believe there will be more food and toilet paper,  the retailers will have time.

When it was time to checkout, I got into the largest line I have seen.  There was one overwhelmed cashier on duty.  She patiently soldiered on with the shoppers bitching about what they couldn't find.
The line now extended around the whole store.  PA announcements are made for all available cashiers to report to front of the store.  None show up. As I approach my spot to get checked out,  a smiling lady pulls me into a new line.  She tells me she is not a cashier but has been pressed into service.  I wish her well and depart.  We need to thank these employees for helping us thru this tough time.

Please stay safe.
all for now

Its 5:42 and I've finished my breakfast...

 I couldn't stand the image they put on facebook when you don't have a picture, so this is very young Harry. Isn't he cute?

My first cup of coffee is consumed and am contemplating the day forward.  I am well as of this moment as is my wife.  Have been fiddling with my phone for the past hour not really finding anything interesting.  I had been following this guy Frank Schaeffer, but had to hide him because of his relentless ranting.  I know things are bad and the president and his minions are way behind dealing with this virus.  However, I am sick to death of being hit repeatedly over the head with this sledge hammer of  his under achievements.

Playgrounds are now closed.  Probably a good idea by the governor.  I am really a big fan of Gretchen.  She is following the advice of the medical and scientific community and moving forward with fact based decisions.  She is trying her best to keep things calm and to keep the untruths and exaggerations at bay.  We are fortunate to have her as our state's leader.

Watching two completely unconnected series on Netflix and Prime. "Anne with an E" is a Canadian program that is a retelling of Ann of Green Gables.  It chronicles the life journey of a young orphan girl through her adoption by a maiden lady and her brother on Prince Edward Island.  The drama is somewhat tame by today's standards, but the character development throughout the cast is wonderful. Staged in the late 1800's and the programs show the customs and mores of the time (again very tame).  It features strong female characters that function and shine in this time period.  Definitely worth a look.

The second is "Hunters" available on Prime.  It features Al Pacino and a notable supporting cast that includes Carol Kane, Lena Olin and Saul Rubinek (you've seen him in the Fabulous Mrs. Maisel).  This is a troupe of Nazi hunters ala mid 70's.  Lead by Pacino as Meyer Offerman they piece together clues and root them out for elimination.  Al plays a Jewish vigilante as well as he plays an Italian mob boss,  complete with Yiddish expressions and affectations.  This is an appropriately violent show considering the subject manner but absolutely sucks you in wanting more.  The villains are especially diabolical which makes it even more tasty.

For you social disancers, consider tramping through the Troy Nature Center on Coolidge north of Square Lake Rd.  The center itself is closed but the trails are open.  Its and easy way to find fresh air in a serene environment.  There are deer wandering around at one point and they are quite accustomed to humans.  It may be a good time for pictures.  We did this yesterday and it provided a pleasant respite to all the isolation.  Next week we are going to try the River Walk along the Detroit River.  When there are few people, it is splendid.

Contemplating what to cook today, have some leetle potatoes, some tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic and a half onion, we will see what happens.

My friend John will be providing his weekly talk on Facebook Live this morning.  I cannot say that I always understand all that his says, or that I am in complete agreement,  but I completely respect his passion and point of view.

all for now
(told you there would be more writing)

And the next day

It's early, probably about 7am and I am contemplating our future in this isolated existence.  What can we do to stay connected with our friends and families?  We are just getting started in this process.  It will be fairly long term.  Writing and calling seem to be the obvious choices, maybe face timing could work for some.  We all need to know people care about us even if we are sitting alone with tub of Ben and Jerry's streaming Netflix.  I need to know you all are ok.  I have over 200 FB friends.  Please drop a comment on this posted blog with your status. 

all for now

Social Distancing, a tango of interaction

Well as we enter the time of social (or physical) distancing, today you are provided a picture prior to the new rules with no distance between me and my grandsons snoozing in my chair.  Both are splendid, talkative and busy.  It was wonderful seeing them after our return from FL.

We are now in a basically lockdown condition at Oxford Towers.  There are signs proclaiming that "all events and activities are canceled until further notice" everywhere.  The office that is frequented by the residents is now closed to visitors and only available via phone.  The normally very active common area in the lobby is deserted.  The only people I see are those bringing their dogs in and out after potty breaks.  My friend John broke into song on his second floor balcony last evening.  We came our as did the lady above him.  It was nice to see smiling faces even from afar.

Went to Kroger yesterday and it was still barren.  Very little on the shelves with workers valiantly trying to restock.  No paper anything was available.  Poultry was in short supply.  Frozen meals were sold out.  Maybe things will improve in the near future.  Since we cannot eat out, everyone is re learning to cook their meals at home, hence the shortages.  I bought the stuff for chicken soup for preparation later today. I was in CVS after my trip to Kroger for some face wiping towelettes standing in line to pay. Someone coughed in another part of the store.  Everyone stopped, looked and cowered. Toilet paper was sailing off the shelf as fast as the clerks could place it.

It comes to mind that a new standard of interaction is in place and will be for some time.  No more kissing your friend on the cheek or shaking hands or hugging.  Grandmas will still squeeze their little ones but that's about it.  Part of our culture has always been physical contact between friends.  That has changed for the foreseeable future.  For me the elbow bump just doesn't do it.

In the face of this, we should call more, email more, use social media more.  We need to battle isolation and remain connected.

all for now

Fully Corona-ized

So here we sit, in solitude, socially distanced from our brethren.  We are washing our hands and severely limiting human contact.  Our apartment complex has banned congregating in the common space in the lobby, sounds like a ban on unlawful assembly.  About the only place we are advised to go is the grocery store for provisions.  Toilet paper is at a premium.  Hand sanitizer is in negative supply.  My friend the minister is delivering his weekly message vie Facebook Live from his living room.  We can communicate via phone and social media to at least stay in touch.  My grandsons Paxton and Everett FaceTimed us yesterday,  wonderful to see their chubby happy faces full of animation.

I moved thru my 70th birthday on Thursday.  Really don't know how this feels. Lots of wonderful wishes from friends and family.  Son made terrific home made pizza that I devoured.  I am supposed to be a cook.  His talents far surpass mine.  He knows the science behind all the process.  It shows. Spent time with my wonderful Eli and Marie, both smart, caring and beautiful in their own ways.  Shannon is over this weekend watching her usual programs.  Now that we have Disney Plus, she has her pick. 

Schools are closed in our vicinity.  Working parents will be struggling for solutions for child care.  This period is going to be difficult for many.  Hopefully employers will be understanding and flexible. 

We had a lovely visit to Cape May NJ last week.  Saw family and old friends and met some new ones.  In our group we have had a pair that have become great friends in the past 6 years.  Donna and Nunzio.  We are all in the same age group, some graduating in the same year.  She is a charming chatty woman filled with emotion that you can instantly read on her face.  He and I share a history in the trucking business although in different decades.  A quick witted guy ready with a one liner at every turn.  Although he suffers through some infirmity, continues to soldier on and enjoy himself in spite of limitations.  You know how you meet someone and become pals instantly? That's Me and Nunzio.

all for now

Florida 2020

Been a long time since I made an entry in to my running saga.  While on an outing in December, with my sons and a pal, I fell and injured my right hand and was really unable to type for some time.  It was another case of "pick up your feet Dad" and I went done in the middle of a crowd on uneven sidewalk.  So as a consequence and nearly fully repaired, writing re-commences today.  Word of advice: don't shuffle.

After over 40 years, and endless complaints and ill feelings about February winter in Michigan, we left the cold and dreary and went to Pompano Beach FL for the month.  Moving from below freezing temperatures to 70 degrees and above is a shocking.  Initially and for some time after, it was fantasy land.  I really felt like I shouldn't be there and should be suffering thru the winter like everyone else.
But that wore off soon.  Long pants were gone, sunscreen was fully applied and we were outside as much as possible.

Our rental was one block from the Atlantic Ocean. I am still amazed at the size and scope of what I saw.  The magnitude of the sea is breathtaking.  Sitting beside it is very contemplative and calming, waves crashing and receding, completely outside of my experience.  One could be happy just being there doing nothing but watching and listening.  I wrote to my minister friend on about the first day about my thoughts at the sunrise over the sea.  This has occurred for thousand of years.  I felt great comfort at that point.

One of my goals was to pick up a book and read it from beginning to end.  My ability to concentrate on anything more than my IPhone was waning.  Well I read 3 in the month I was there.  Not War and Peace but stirring novels by John Grisham. I am a morning reader.  At bedtime the book falls on my head. I'm asleep.  Also in a moment of fancy,  started pencil drawing of the palm trees, of which there are many varieties in FL only 2 are native.  Their shapes are fascinating to me because of the symmetry and their foreign nature.

I did a lengthy morning walk solo each day.  Watched and listened to the very vocal birds and watched the sun come up.  Judy and I would walk on the hard sand after the water receded, gathering shells and coral pieces for the grand kids.  I spent more time barefoot there than when I was a kid.  We would revisit the beach in the after noon lowering ourselves on beach chairs, reading and napping. My attempts to rise up afterward should have been filmed.  It was so funny, I had to laugh at myself.  Great  fun watching the small kids frolicking amazed at the treasures they found.

In fact we walked a lot, to most everyplace, great exercise and an excuse to be out doors.  Had a visit from a female iguana on the storage box for beach stuff right outside of our door.  Saw alligators in the everglades.  Was amazed by brown pelicans that are native to the area.  They had the smoothest flight I've ever seen and are great divers and fishers.

Its fun to write again.
all for now