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

My life in 1968

Me in 1968.
Just saw a remarkable film on Netflix called The Trial of the Chicago 7.  While the trial took place in 1969, the events it was concerned with occurred in 1968.  That was a tumultuous year for me and the world.  Civil Rights hero and icon Martin Luther King was assassinated by Janes Earl Ray at a Memphis hotel in April.  While civil unrest and much mourning was happening, a young Bobby Kennedy spoke to a crowd in an explosive black neighborhood to calm and hope to reassure the residents.  Later in May (the day after my senior prom)  He was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.  He was a candidate for the presidency.   And then, as if a needed balm, the Detroit Tigers win the World Series, defeating Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals. 

While a freshman at Macomb Community College,  we were assigned to read a novel by Norman Mailer called Miami and the Siege of Chicago that described the events of the Democratic and Republican conventions of the prior year.  It was an interesting read.  

All of these prefacing comments lead me up to opinions on this film.  The names of the defendants are in my memory but the actual trial was not.  Aaron Sorkin did a masterful job with the writing and and the notable cast blended together in a sometimes combative setting.  I did not know the abuse Bobby Seale endured, nor the nastiness of Judge Hoffman.  You really need to see this film to enlighten or re-enlighten yourself. 

More reviews...

Millie Bobby Brown is brilliant in the new adventure about Sherlock Holmes younger sister Enola in Enola Holmes.  This is a great and hopeful story for anyone from about 11 to 80.  Henry Cavill plays Sherlock.  Available on Netfix.

And lastly...

Tehran on Apple+ TV is a tense spy thriller with few heroes and many less than savory characters.  Dubbed in English, film shot in Hebrew for an Israeli audience.  If you can get past the dubbing, its worth the watch.

We had the little grandsons over for the day yesterday.  Fun times taking them to the park adjacent to the elementary school down the street.  Watched lots of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.  Finally found out something that Everett ate and actually enjoyed, Chicken McNuggets and fries.  He consumed every last one of those.  As grandparents, we are less responsible for nutritional content and more responsible for enjoyment.  Dad Jon came over to pick them up and he devoured the meal I prepared.  I could be an Italian mother because few things make me happier than feeding people. 

all for now

stay safe

Its a drippy day

Sometimes change for the sake of change is good.  This is another attempt at a beard for me.  Have never been really satisfied with my appearance.  Either too fat or now too grey (white).  Dying is not really an option. Sorry its only a photo of me today, having no new kid pictures.  Struggling to embrace the age I'm at from time to time.  Not old enough for a walker but not running marathons.  If you are inclined, and you see this on Face Book, comment with a current picture of yourself. I would love to see you.

Big night for dueling town meetings tonight.  45 will claim that he is the most popular if his viewership is greater.  I only hope that the questioners pose pointed inquiries at him.  If the questions are not to his liking, he will probably say "that's a stupid question" and move on.  Biden will come off as human, flawed by his own admission but human.  We will see.

Had a nice luncheon at Renshaw yesterday but the cooling weather creeped in.  We ate outside on their enclosed patio but I didn't wear enough clothes.  Its October 15th and I guess we should expect the weather to take a downturn.  Speaking of restaurants, thirtysomthings really bug me when they say "I'll do the ham and cheese sandwich with fries".  It seems that I'd like or I'll have or maybe the more polite please may I have is a better response.  It seems to me that "do" is a verb at in to do something like take a walk. I know its petty but its a gloomy morning and I really have too much time on my hands. 

We completed PBS series Flesh and Blood recently and I recommend it as a British murder mystery.  All the characters have their flaws and make numerous bad choices.  Only 4 episodes so quick to complete.  We've started a German language (subtitled) series called Line of Separation.  It takes place in a post war German village at the beginning of the Cold War and the dividing of the country.  Another area and period I know nothing about.  If you can deal with the subtitles, it has a good plot line.

Well, all for now

stay safe

 

Gretchen and kids

kids at playground

girls at kensington 

Splendid day at Kensington yesterday afternoon.  With me tagging behind Judy, Katey and Marie.  We had more birds feeding than ever before with Judy leading the effort.  They just came one after one eating bird seed from her outstretched hand.  It was Katey's first experience at this and she was astounded remarking about the feeling of their little feet gripping her fingers.  She actually found a couple of chipmunks that devoured everything she had.  And they followed her.  Before it gets too cold, try this, it is a serene experience with the feasting of the little critters. 

I was shocked to hear about the woodsy assholes that were plotting to kidnap our governor because they couldn't get haircuts or go to the gym in the earlier part of the year.  I hope they get sent away to a maximum security federal institution.  I completely agree with the Gretchen's actions and proclamations.  She has been guided by the science and is only trying to minimize the effects of this virus.  Sadly, as of this day, we are back on the upswing of cases.   

And 45 is back on the maskless campaign trail after a self proclamation of wellness from Covid-19.  He and his minions have left staffers ill in his wake after the introduction of his Handmaid Supreme court nominee at a super spreader event (a new 2020 phrase).  McConnell and his pals will confirm her.  Its all but a done deal.  

Its a Shannon weekend with Marie spending the night with bagels on Sunday morning.  Andrew and Eli showed up and Katey too.  My other gang was off to the cider mill enjoying their time.  We all ate far too many then bounded off to the playground on a gorgeous fall day.  Kids having a blast on the spinning devices and matching Katey swinging on the swings.  Shannon loves all the conversation and just being outside with the sun beaming down. Simple time with smiling kids, tough to beat.  Planning on more simple events like these in the future with paper plates and tasty offerings. 

We streamed Stephen Colbert's Friday show with the cast of the West Wing via zoom and I remembered how much I loved that show, the characters and the rapid fire dialogue between cast members chasing each other down the hallways in the White House.  Also included was Adam Sorkin adding his prospective.  I always have been amazed at the level and the sheer volume of all the dialogue on the show.  Jed Bartlet is the president we always wanted.  All the cast members paid loving tribute to John Spencer (Leo Garity).There is a staged presentation of one of the episodes on HBO Max later this month.   We will be weaseling into someone's living room to view. 

SNL this week featured Jack White as the musical guest. This guy is a monster on his instrument and it sounds like three players all at once.  I know I am old and should be only enjoying CSNY and Yusef/Cat Stevens.  But this guy and his intricate playing made me remember what rock music was and the delight I felt experiencing it.  We have these moments however fleeting when we hear something and proclaim THAT'S IT Oh my god and you're flying with the notes.

all for now

stay safe 

Looking for positives

Now struggling to figure what to write today.  Had wonderful party weekend with birthdays for two grandsons, one turning 4 and the other 11.  Both events were outdoors at at soccer game and at home with a movie projected on the side of the house. This is Paxton in his spaceman's outfit from Aunt Katey, looking pleased with himself and Eli with his pals after the game which they won 3-2. 

Struggling with the uncertainty that is before us.  The president is making it clear that he will not accept the results of the upcoming election if he is not the winner.  The Russians are committed to tampering with the process.  After an embarrassing performance on the debate stage, the great leader fell prey to the Covid-19 virus  and is now in Walter Reed Hospital.  Then our far sighted POTUS chose to put his security detail at risk driving him around so he could wave at adoring fans.  I should not be surprised at this point at the lengths he will go to promote himself.

Berkley is amidst street replacements and repairs causing us to dodge cones at every turn.  I know this is necessary but my ability to slalom through these obstacles is not as adept as it once was.  

Received our ballots on Sept 29th and put them in the city clerks slot on Sept 30th.  We are done, nothing else to consider.  All the tv ads are now fodder to fill up the time.  No one's mind is changed by this barrage of exaggeration.  I think that decisions have been made.   
 

We are heading off to Innovation Hills today around noon with a friend to be followed by lunch.  The weather should be cool but improved with a sunny week in the forecast.  Weather seems to be the barometer of our moods these days.  Before it did not matter much.  You went to work and did your job regardless really not taking the time to notice.  Now sunny seems to be everything.  

I know, not a brilliant post today.

all for now

stay safe