Jive-Ass Turkey

We encountered this fellow at the Troy Nature Center yesterday. He was strutting his stuff and proclaiming loudly with his best gobble voice for all to stay away.  There is a feeder set up for him near and he clears the foot bridge over the Rouge River and struts across, alone. 

The center exhibit building is closed due to state restrictions but the trails are open for exploration. Spring is springing and the once dormant grounds are sprouting plants. The trees are greening and frankly, things are looking up. Anyway we had a good time and got some needed exercise.

Shannon's 32nd birthday is Saturday.   As I have mentioned before she lives in a home near us and is getting along well The staff love her and treat her like their daughter.  Her housemates are an interesting bunch with very unique personalities. She has a new one that she is friends with now and both are happy with the new found pal.   We are having an outside party for her with family and friends singing on the front lawn.  Not the plan we would have had but the best we can do for now.

We seem to be at a time where people fear people. Warnings abound everywhere, only one person in the elevator, only one person in the laundry room, only one person in the mail room to name a few.   Then of course, there are signs of encouragement "We are in this together".  All in all, too many signs. Beyond that, No one comes anywhere near,  even beyond six feet.  Because we are all wearing masks, expressions are largely absent. We take visual cues from smiles or frowns or expressions in between.  Where I live,  many have stopped being friendly aside from a quick hello only to shudder at the sight or proximity of another.  

I sit outside with couple of guys at at safe distance and we joke about our circumstances, laugh at each other's history and lament the news and the lack of leadership.  We are moving forward somehow.

all for now


 

Sunday 7:40 am

We all need a little humor these days.  I have always been a fan of laughter after a few words.  This play on words fits the bill.  Met with wonderful friends with a Zoom meeting yesterday and we went on for an hour and a half.  These are pals from my college days and we are all struggling with the isolation and lack of activity.  A lot of wine is consumed and we all eat to much.  Our ability to connect thru social media is a godsend.  Its not a good as being there but we have to put up with it.

Read some study of suggestions of when restrictions can be relaxed by state.  Michigan date was May 20th.  I don't know what model they used or the accuracy thereof.  We fall in the upper half of return dates, with some extending till June.

Fiddling with my phone early this morning I came upon a message from a former workmate that does her job remotely from her residence in Florida.  I messaged her during our February trip, but with no reply.  Today's message said she was sorry for missing my communication but her husband had died Tuesday and that she was heartbroken, all in a single sentence. I passed on my condolences.  My past interactions and work with her was fun and a learning experience for both of us.

She had emigrated from Germany to become a wife of a much older man.  All quite a proper arrangement with meetings, and correspondence that preceded the union. Family members from both sides approved.  Kathi grew up in East Berlin.  When she turned 19, the Berlin wall came down.  In between work projects we had many interesting discussions of her former life in a communist society.  She really did not complain much about it really.  When we talked about unemployment here, she commented that everyone worked in East Germany.  If you did not like your job, they would find you another one.  We talked about the infamous Stasi and the Trablant, the car that fell apart about when if arrived and the difficulty even obtaining one.

She had learned English in Germany and spoke it very well. Her only problem was with American colloquialisms.  "Fly by the seat of his pants" was one of those phrases.  Also she did not know what a pocket protector was. I am thinking of her and the rest of her extended family today and send kind thoughts.

In this lock down condition, cooking and food prep has been my primary time filler.  Made egg salad yesterday and will roast cauliflower today.  Had a few failures along the way.  Most recent chicken soup was not up to par and had to be pitched.

all for now
stay safe

I still miss Chinese food 

. 

I don't know what to say

 

So I don't know why I added this picture to the posting today, only that its a sweet picture and not a relative or acquaintance.  Mothers  and nurturers should be celebrated always.

Wrote these thoughts early this morning about 5 thirty am.  I was still in disbelief and did not want to put them out there.  As the day wore on and the news cycle progressed, it seemed to be more factual. 

And Trump said:

"And then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute, one minute, and is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning, because you see it gets in the lungs, and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it'd be interesting to check that, so that you're going to have to use medical doctors with, but it sounds--, it sounds interesting to me. So we'll see, but the whole concept of the light, the way it goes, the way it kills it in one minute, that's, uh, that's pretty powerful.

Per NPR website

Yes this is out of context, and it sounds like it is fake news.  But this stream of consciousness presidency is not moving toward toward solving this calamitous issue.  We do not have a handle on this virus, no treatment plan, little knowledge of mode of transmission and at least partially a population that wants things to be back to normal so they can get haircuts and play golf.  We cannot move in this direction  until we know more about this disease and who has it and how to treat it.

I have stayed away from sharing my opinions on this topic for awhile now and checked if the statements were in fact made by the President.  I looked at  NBC and NPR which offered an exact quote.  I am stunned.  Inject a vile of Clorox or Lysol?  This puts me over the top.

all for now
stay safe

I still miss Chinese food

Earth Day and others

lovely bride pre me

I love this picture of Judy.  This was taken before we met and it captures her serenity.  The girl with the beautiful locks is the girl I married.  She remarkably still puts up with me.  This was probably taken some time around 1970, the year of the original Earth Day.

In 1970 I was a sophomore at Wayne State with an uncertain future and not knowing what I wanted to do with my life.  The campus was filled with political activism, people opposed to the war in southeast Asia and with concerns about the current political system and its leaders.  Me, I was more concerned with finding a way to have girls like me.  All this activity was a passing event in my life but I was not too sure of myself and hoping for the best,  listening to all the chaos around me.  There were loud bands playing at the center of the campus.  There was Fred the poet doing handstands at the amazement of all.  He was an old guy with a flowing white beard, reputedly he was a figure model for the art department for pay.  I made new friends that liked me for who I was at that moment, with no past social failures to deal with.  It was truly a new day.

This concept of Earth Day in 1970 was foreign to me.  I had never thought of sustainability for our planet, not in the least.  The organizers presented ideas that were so big I couldn't wrap my head around them. Took clean water and air for granted.  Did not worry about garbage and where it goes and all the plastic waste that now proliferates.  Never thought that many things do not degrade in the earth and last for hundreds of years.  Most recently was faced with the disquieting reality of plastic waste washing up on the Atlantic coast on our Florida trip.  When I viewed it, I was infuriated.  We need to do more.   

Listening to classical music while I write this today.  This music is not only lovely and melodious but it is even and countable, time signature wise, no dissonant elements anywhere.  How on earth did these composers put all these instrumental parts together?  Forging harmony and a melodic line makes for a sometimes moving experience. 

Viewed a couple of notable films on Netflix yesterday.  The Beautiful Fantastic is a lovely small film about an obsessive girl living in the English  countryside and her interactions with a grumpy widower gardener and their ensuing friendship over flowers.  This is a wonderful rainy or snowy day viewing.  Tom Wilkinson the recognizable British actor does a yeoman's job in his portrayal.   Worth a look.

The Giant Mechanical Man is a 2012 film that was largely filmed in Detroit with the Detroit Zoo as a primary setting.  Its a good, not great film starring Pam from the Office and Chris Messina from the Mindy Project.  But the real hit for me was the Zoo.  Been there many times with kids and without. We have trod the path shown in the many times.

All for now
Stay safe

After a pleasant Sunday

pompano sunrise

Usually don't write these tomes everyday.  But we had a most pleasant day yesterday with sunshine in the 50's with lots of outdoor time so I was primed to blather on.   Got to see and talk to all the kids some in close proximity and some from afar.  Parents need to check in to see if everybody is fairing well.  At this point, all is ok. 

Berkley was filled with dog walkers, baby walkers and crews of family bike riders.  I guess we are all sick of screens and are seeking the brightness of the sun.  I wanted to include a photo I took at sunrise on Pompano Beach.  Sunrise is a magical time for birth and renewal.  The event only takes seconds and is breathtaking if you really think about it.  I had a lot of moments like that on those early mornings in February. 

I reached out to our new friend Rona from Maryland this morning and touching base even for a moment is important.  We are all doing ok in the middle of this not knowing when our normal way of life will recover.  Also wrote to old friend Susan from my working days.  She and I had never met in person but had a 10 year business relationship that fostered a friendship with discussions about our trials and tribulations and families.  She is doing ok in North Carolina but paper goods are in short supply there.  Her son Matthew that I remember from the time he was ten is a young man now.  He was the subject of our discussions many times.  Again checking in is good.  People need to know you are thinking of them.

Was really moved by the 60 Minutes report last night on conditions in NY hospitals and the conditions of the health care providers and even the administrator upon loosing one of their staff to the virus.  This is really far from over and premature return to normalcy is unwise and will yield more dire consequences.  The stalwart, well trained National Guard members that move bodies with quiet dignity got to me too.

World Central Kitchen was started by Jose Andres in 2010 and feeds countless people in distress.  His organization's efforts were covered in this program as well.  What struck me more than anything else is he as a plan to feed the hungry and put restaurant workers back making meals.  Definitely a worthy organizaton.  Look them up.

Eggs for breakfast today, supposed to be good for diabetics.  I hate that I am listed as one of those most at risk for this virus.  Too many carbs are my downfall.  Never was a candy fan but knew all the donut shop locations. 

I still miss Chinese food.

all for now
stay safe

Its Sunday quiet after a noisy night

pals at dinner

So this is Judy and Janine at one of our pre social distancing dinners with college pals.  Remember dinners out with friends?  She FaceTimed last evening where we tried to solve the worlds problems and bitched about being isolated from the world.  We tried an outdoor meeting with some former neighbors yesterday afternoon in their back yard with some distance between and only interacting with conversation.  The noisy dogs were barking and running around playing.




 And now from old people world:
Last evening after TV viewing, we retired only to hear someones television blaring from below us.  It went on for about an hour.  Friend John yelled for them to turn it down but to no avail.  Really a big exciting night.  It finally shut off or a resident strangled the offender.  It matters not, quiet resumed.

When it first came out, The Sopranos was on HBO and we did not subscribe,  so I only heard about it from friends and read reviews in the paper.  Disappointing but not life changing.  My life went on and the series wrapped up.  This was the 90's I think, and low and behold, Hulu picks the series up in 2020.  Bingo, and bada bing, I'm in.  I started watching this week only seeing the first two episodes.

As strong and tortured a character as Tony is, I love Livia, his mother and Dr. Melfi the shrink.  The hyper violence seems  bit gratuitous to me, but all the characters are interesting.  Tony's collapse when the ducks from his pool fly away was beautifully done.  When we lived in NJ in the 80's my route to work took me on the opening credits on the NJ Turnpike up to exit 16W where I got off.  I started my outside selling career in Newark so the neighborhoods looked much the same.  I look forward to seeing more of the series.

Did a lot of walking yesterday about 6.4 miles.  The day was sunny with breezes blowing and Harry loved all the smells along the way.  Walking seems to be my path to sanity in all this madness we live in now.  Have grown to hate the corona/trump news and further dislike the droning on commercials about insurance companies telling me we "in it together".  The demanding TV lawyers are whining how much they want to help us too.

I miss Chinese food.

all for now
stay safe

a sad day

It is with great sadness today that I report the passing of a dear friend, Nunzio Spano. He succumbed to the coronavirus early yesterday.  He and I became pals on our trips to Cape May with a gaggle of friends and relations.  Pictured here with his lovely wife Donna on our last outing in March, he was quick with a quip or one liner. 

He and I worked for the same trucking company in different eras of its operation.  Nunzio had lots of stories about the place and he sprouted my memories as well.  Our family moved to Toms River NJ in the early eighties to be closer to her family and for the change.  I worked for Maislin Transport till mid decade with they went bankrupt.  His time there was much earlier. 

In life we meet people by chance that we make a connection with.  The reasons are unexplainable but it just happens.  My friendship with him was a profound gift.  I will miss him.

I have nothing else to say today.
Everyone please stay well
all for now

Another Tuesday in Lockdown

bird creature from walk

This guy looks quite prehistoric doesn't he? He's another guy I recently encountered on a walk.  It was a totally shitty day yesterday with gale force winds making the flag outside my window stand out straight.  Was really stuck inside as most of us are. Made another batch of granola and hard boiled eggs (not together ha).  Been reading this morning that the president has been raging at the press at most recent briefing premiering his newest video of accomplishments.  Fortunately for us, the local NBC affiliate has chosen to send these broadcasts direct to their web sites and advising viewers to access them there if they are interested.  I am not, preferring to catch the postmortem on NPR the following day.  Our leader is forecasting a re-opening of the country on May 1st.  Considering where we are, it seems ill advised in my opinion.

Making another trek to Costco this morning for the "senior hour" .  All these old folks (including myself) look like a depression era bread line, trudging along in their winter coats, hats with faces covered.  But we will be there to gather up all the paper goods needed in larger than needed packaging.   Although it is a necessary disappointment, there are no more samples from vendors.  This is one small aspect of normalization I look forward to.

It has been interesting to see the unadorned programing of late.  The SNL episode from last weekend was somewhat entertaining.  The Coldplay guy sing a Dylan chestnut was worthwhile.  Colbert's interviews have been good too, especially with Conan O'Brien.

My brother in law John FaceTimed with me yesterday.  Both of us are really enjoying the conversations.  I haven't talked to him that much ever. Finally learning about each other.  My sweet friend Janine brought laughs to our living room with her call.  All of us have been lamenting the lack of activity, the adding of weight and the consumption of wine.  Going to do the same with my friend from the 5th grade till now today.  Looking forward to it.  This and Zoom seem to be the saving grace in these times.  Rambling a bit today, have to wash my breakfast dishes.
all for now
stay safe

Quiet Easter morning

Pig from walk yesterday

On pleasant days like the one we had yesterday, I take Harry out for an extended walk exploring the neighborhood.  Bring my phone along to count the steps but more importantly to listen to music interspersed with the birds singing their songs.  Of late been listening to classical tunes in that it travels well with the environment I'm in. Chopin piano music is my current favorite.  The fellow pictured aside was encountered on this journey.  I like him because he appears shocked to see me and others passing by.  And yet he continues to stand guard.

On this quiet Easter morn, I contemplate all the people in awe of His rising and renewal. Billions of Christians around the world will pause and remember that this day is the reason they believe.

I on the other hand, have spent time in contemplation of a person I did not stand up for.  Through junior high and high school I attended my classes with Paul Lambert.  Paul was a pudgy guy with halting speech and some level of disability.  In many classes he sat behind me.  He perspired a lot and had tremors  that were reflected in his handwriting.  Because of this, he typed with great effort all of his papers.  He was teased unmercifully by guys mostly.  I did not participate but did not intercede on his behalf either.  This inaction on my part will be a regret I will live with.  I hope he is well. Been wanting to share this for a while.  Please be kind to others.

In that we are socially distanced for the foreseeable, my lovely daughter Katey has hatched a plot for the family to have a Zoom meeting today.  As long as all can connect, it should be fun. Will be making sweet potato bars for her today.  I did some of the prep work yesterday.  In my travels yesterday I came upon a ten dollar bill in a parking lot.  I stood and stared at it awhile thinking someone would claim it and not knowing what to do.  Folded it up and put it in my pocket.  In retrospect should have donated it somewhere.  Guiltily, ordered a pizza but gave the guy a good tip.
Another moral dilemma.
all for now
stay safe

It was a beautiful day

Kenny Hall and me

Yesterday was spectacular with the sun shinning and the birds singing.  With the governor's edict for social distancing, we are still allowed to walk in the park and in the neighborhoods.  Aside from buying food, that's about all we are doing.  So in our latest trek to nature, I saw this guy crouching down taking pictures of the sprouting springtime foliage at the nature center in Troy.  Mostly with still brown leaves from the winter, some greenery is peaking out.  He was shooting that new growth.  This guy turns out to be my old friend from Wayne State, Kenny Hall.  We had not laid eyes on each other since we left there in the early 70's.  We both friended each other in facebook so our mutual aging was no surprise when we recognized each other in this pleasant setting.  Judy took this shot from her iPhone.  Seeing him reminded me of the past.  Hi path and mine did not cross too often but we both had a mutual collection of friends that we both shared.  We and others sat on "the ledge" a seating spot and gathering place that was in the Art building at Wayne. Lots of conversation always ensued between classes.  All of this was a magical time in my life when I grew to be happy with myself and my worth to others.  All of us dear readers must have spots like this in our memories.

Songwriter and singer John Prine died recently from the virus.  He was one of those hidden treasures in American culture.  Probably better known for his writing than his singing, he composed one of my favorite songs, Angel from Montgomery.  Bonnie Raitt sang it on one of her early albums (remember albums?) Later, she recorded it as part of one her live sessions "Road Tested".  This is one of my all time favorite albums, with lots of collaborators on board.  If you get the chance, give it a listen.

As all of us are watching more TV these days, we are doing the same.  I am in the middle of a documentary on Miles Davis, Birth of the Cool.  I have been a fan of his music for some time.  My introduction was to the Electric Miles of later years prompted by my friend Dann Flora (lost track of).
He and I were both tired of the guitar bands of era and he showed me Bitches Brew.  It was multilayered, brash and subtle at the same time.  Anyway, did not really know of Miles music prior.  this documentary really delves into that. His earlier music portrays his vulnerability.  I really never thought of it.  One of the commentators said that be-bop was the least white music of the time.  That could be true.  Anyway, if you like this kind of music, you might find this interesting.

Unorthodox is a 4 part limited series of programs on a Hasidic girl leaving her culture and moving to Berlin.  Women are the writers, directors, set and wardrobe designers of this show.  Its not presented with a women's point of view specifically but with the sensitivity and attention to detail that most men would miss.  You cannot help but empathize with this waif like girl as she is put in an arranged marriage and all that is involved and her rebirth when she moves on.  On Netflix and worth look.

Another try at chicken soup today
all for now

Oh Well, its Tuesday

The garbage trucks are running in Berkley and picking up their loads.  Breakfast is finished and the window is opened somewhat because this place is so hot and we need the air. Its been a rainy morning and the birds are chirping in the trees. No traffic yet aside from the machinery whirring below.

 On our last visit to NJ we went to great nephew Kennan's basketball game. There were patient coaches and the parents had not yet grown into the unreasonable folks they might become the longer their kids stay in organized sports.  Anyway, he is cute little guy with a never ending smile that is infelicitous (oops a bad word here).

Planning a few more fact times today to stay connected.  However, its not like being there.  We finished a good period series on PBS last night called Beecham House.  The is a British/Indian piece taking place in the 1800's.  Its worth a look. 

Fighting with myself to not go to the grocery store today.  Our governor wisely tells me it can wait.  Its one of the few normal things one can go out and do.  I am a food guy.  I love to scan the shelves and coolers for new things I can make and for new ideas for meals.  Really don't mind the crowds and occasionally have a socially distanced conversation with another shopper.  In the main, men are more talkative, probably a gross generalization. 

We logged mileage at the Madison Heights Nature Center yesterday with the dogs.  I am always bringing up the rear of the parade, never being able to keep up with my wife or anyone else for that matter.   Its difficult to persuade Harry to have manners not antagonizing the other passing pooches.
Gave Katey some soup that needed seasoning.  Made a couple of flops lately, this flat soup and a mixture of roasted olives, nuts and a bulb of garlic.  Thought it could be a spread, run thru the processor, boy was I wrong. Have and actual recipe for granola which is today's project. 

I find that a projects are needed to get through this isolation.  Whether its completing a book or learning something new on the iPad, it is a plan.  But in truth, I miss human contact and long for its return.

all for now
stay safe

How do I feel today?

So when Judy and I went to FL in February, we did the touristy thing of attending an alligator show.  She insisted on being the baby alligator holder.  With little reluctance, I complied.  I did touch the little fellow but he jumped, much to my dismay.  The feel of his skin was unlike anything I was familiar with.  There are parallels to this Tiger King series petting and nuzzling baby tigers.  Cute and cuddly at first, once they grow to about 12 weeks, they are too big to handle.  I suspect in a short while, this little creature will prove more menacing.  Most likely, most of us would stay away.

 How do I feel today?  Breathing ok? No cough? Fever, chills? No nothing aside from the usual morning aches and pains are present.  Had my oatmeal breakfast and now started writing.  I spoke with and old friend from my selling days who was a Ford employee and someone I missed talking to. He had suffered thru a dreadful auto accident, still in need of repair but soldiering on with his wife and daughters by his side.  He is one of those guys that started out as a customer and became more of a friend.  I wish him well and add him to the list of people I contact as we travel thru this isolation period.

At a distance of over 10 feet had coffee and conversation outside on our back patio area with my friend John talking about how we felt and what the path forward might be.  He is much more spiritual than I.  I am more grounded in the practical.  Still, however, it makes sense to stay in touch with your self and your surroundings.  We both bid hello to passersby receiving some responses.  The morning was pleasantly warm and the sun beamed thru the clouds.  Spring is peaking out thru the early sprouting plants.  Lawns are greening up.  There are buds of leaves on the trees.  I felt a small sense of renewal.

Made some butternut squash soup yesterday with a simple recipe.  Hope it is good.

all for now
stay safe

Finding things to enjoy

Mr. Paxton my little buddy

We had a wonderful day yesterday walking in the neighborhood and at the Nature Center in Madison Heights.  The sun was beaming without a cloud in the sky.  I also had a memorable trips to Costco and to Trader Joe's.  I went a the allocated senior hour at Costco.  The line extended to the end of the building through the parking lot. It was a bit daunting as I gazed over the gray haired crowd with everyone at least six feet apart.  We need a variety of food items to sustain us.  And by the way, they had toilet paper and lots of it.  We were already stocked up.  Once thru the line, they were only letting in a few people at time.  Got inside and found that the shelves were brimming with stock and things were clean and tidy.  The staff there was helpful and despite all the folks in line, it was not really crowded.  Many of us, including myself, were fully masked.  Got what I needed and was on my way.
Staring at all the people in their various face coverings it comes to mind that you cannot see expressions on these faces.  The eyes don't tell the whole story, no smiles or scowls.  Some of the seniors could barely make the walk to the end of the line.  I wrote to my wife that it was an apocalyptic scene, with instructions to stay inside glaring from an overhead bill board.  This is our world for a while.

My sweet Elijah,

The Governor of Michigan wisely closed the schools for the remainder of the year.  It will be a challenge to devise a plan to keep kids educated in the coming months.  But most important is to keep them safe.

We live in close proximity to the high school and to an elementary school.  I am used to seeing kids and young people heading to their classrooms and now the places are empty with a few kids riding their bikes around the parking lots.

At Oxford Towers, there are signs commanding us to only have one person in the elevator, wear a face covering.  All the common areas are taped off with caution tape.  We must stay in our apartments.  Judy and I are well enough to go for walks with the dog or to Nature Centers   Many of these residents cannot.  Not a lot of good answers out there.

Going to Kroger for one last trip for awhile, trying to stock up on enough food to last.  About the pictures, thought that little kids might make you smile.

all for now