Nothing since September...I guess I haven't pissed anyone off of late. Still, it has been quite some time. Nothing to see here. I have been posting lots to Face Book about my politics, and getting some blow back from thems that drank of the Kool-Aid that is our current milieu. Still, I have some news. And as this blog started with a software malfunction, well, that situation is current again.
In spite of global warming, or maybe, just maybe climate change as a whole, this has been the worse winter in years. Lots of snow and cold and lots of melting and and 50s in-between the snow fall. Hard to predict what the day will bring. I am so glad we pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord as that was just silly nonsense promulgated by actual scientists who might know of what they speak.
One of my favorite things to do is to contemplate the end of our world, as we know it, the end times are approaching. The evangelicals have taken over and the madman is in charge. So, bend on over, kiddies, and kiss your sweet ass goodbye. Yes, let's piss off other madmen and bring about the nuclear holocaust that we have been preparing. The end is nigh. No wonder there is we are experiencing opiate overload.
So on that note I have been contemplating retirement. Well, more than contemplating. With the disheartening news afflicting MSU (so depressing) I have decided desertion is the better part of valor and will retire this year, soon. Very soon. Looking forward to doing volunteer work with the East Lansing Public Library and various Democratic political campaigns (Got to get rid of Mike Bishop). Lots of time for music with my band, the Instigators. Lots of time for playing music for the synagogue on Fridays. Lots of time to garden and putter and also read, read, read all the books I have acquired in the last few years. Now to be the summer of my content made even more glorious by my time. Huzzah and yee-ha!
All the good things about the house are still there. Touch wood, there have been no problems. The house is decluttered and organized and ready to get re-cluttered if need be. Getting new windows for the house and re-do the back deck and that should be the finishing touch. That will be done this spring, before I pull the pin.
Sophie is well, thank goodness, after having had open heart surgery back in November. It was touch and go for a while but now she is doing quite well. She and her sister Ethel have had a tough year, losing their mom last year and then Soph's heart surgery. But now Ethel has a cat and her own place, not in that order, and Sophie is recovering nicely. Things are shaking down.
I had two falls last summer and did not break anything. The first resulted in a boo boo to my middle finger, AKA social finger, of my left hand...a boutonniere deformity...PT and a splint and nine months later I am still having issues. I can play the guitar but the finger is starting to bend at the middle knuckle at an uncomfortable angle. Hence, hand doctor on Monday. The second fall was worse as I fell on my face and yet, thankfully, didn't break it. Must figure out why I keep tripping over unseen and imagined cracks in the sidewalks. Must...be...more...careful.
The band, the Instigators, came about as a neighborhood posting and finding two wonderful women to play and sing with, playing in public on open mic nights our original music and some traditional. To say I am having a blast would be an understatement. I am truly enjoying my life with this. Also playing with the synagogue players for services on Fridays and playing with another group of people on Sundays in the afternoon. Love it.
Well, with all this snow, and there is a great deal of it, I have already ordered my spring seeds and plants. The plants will come in late May from Oregon, I believe. Spring is a-coming. The annual opening day of baseball season party is scheduled for April 2nd, ere know actual opening day is the Thursday before, March 29th. Why or why is this even a thing?
That is pretty much up to date. I was there for the women's march in January, I will be there for political activities in Michigan all year, I'll be there for the seniors citizens, of which I am one, in Williamston to help them cope with technology. BTW, the Boys are very well, even the little guy, Simcha. He has become quite the bed hog of late and growls when I try to move him out of my way. Oh, well, it's a big bed.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Sunday, September 3, 2017
For Diane (AKA Moose)
It's been quite sometime since I last posted. I just thought people might be a little tired of me ranting about the dude in the White House. I know I am obsessing, even though at work I constantly listen to MSNBC and obsess about Robert Mueller and when he will charge the dude with treason. He, that is the dude, has undoubtedly conspired with the Russians to win an election as though he was coveting a new business acquisition. Bad dude he be. But I don't want to rant on about this right now. Perhaps as this new school year has started, and me a newly minted scholar taking a class in linked data (Oh, I know you are very jealous...), it might be time to reflect on this past summer (yes, before the sleeping pills kick in...who can sleep without aid in these time?)
The highlight of the summer was I didn't break anything, though not for want of trying. On May 6th I managed to fall in the street trying to avoid a car. Skinned my knee and having fallen on my hands while carrying shopping bags of now crushed pasta managed to damage the tendons in my social finger, AKA the long finger, which required a brace and physical therapy. Then in August, on a pleasant Sunday walk I managed to trip over my feet, falling on my face, and hitting the pavement like I should have broken every bone in my face. I managed not to break my nose, although I did break my glasses and have lovely shiners and a huge bruise on my nose. I figured I kicked the back of my right heel with my left foot and that's how I fell. How I managed to get up, sans blood, is still amazing to me and how I managed to finish the walk is beyond me. I have since tried to be more sentient about walking, being mindful of my steps lest I fall again, without such favorable outcomes.
My business, such as it is, is flourishing. I have a paying gig teaching senior citizens how to be more computer and technologically competent. I am having a load of fun doing this and getting paid is a great perk.
I put in a small vegetable and herb garden this summer which flourished, due, I suspect, to superior plants that I ordered from Territorial Seeds in Oregon. Tomatoes and a variety of peppers galore and basil up the wazoo. Some of the veggies went to critters who could not resist an heirloom tomato, while leaving the peppers alone. The roses are still blooming and I just put out some rust colored mums out front, along with the hydrangeas and calla lilies. A good friend, my Sophie replacement at work who I have yet to name but am thinking of calling her the Pope, gave me a hanging basket of lovely flowers and a shepherd's hook to hang them upon. Looks great and a very thoughtful birthday present.
I mentioned I am turning back into a scholar. I went to a conference and heard a talk on linked data and I was fascinated. So much so that I asked to be put on a committee at the library dealing with this, part of which is a book "club" discussing a book on linked data. I am also taking an online course in linked data, for which I get some release time at work to do. Very excited and very nervous about all of this. I haven't read my readings yet, saving it for Monday when there is very little I chose to watch on TV on Labor Day. Supposed to be warm and rainy tomorrow, which is fast approaching. I have a work laptop I carry with me now to take notes and is different from my business computer which I do PowerPoint presentations on out in Williamston at the senior center (did I mention I am actually being paid?). This new laptop is facilitating the writing of this blog entry. I wanted a work laptop as taking notes on a tablet is a hassle (I have a number of tablets and none of them seem suitable).
Been playing guitar quite a bit and have been organizing neighborhood music sessions. The first was a great session but the following Sunday a cellist showed up who was blissfully unaware of how bad he was. I am organizing another session for the 10th of September without notifying he who is apparently tone deaf. I have recently meet a few women, one a vet the other a therapist, who just want to sing and let me accompany them, which is very cool for me. Today the Old Duffer came over and we practiced for this coming Friday's Shabbat service at the synagogue. It seems of late I have been so busy that I haven't had time to slow down and take naps. Music is very consuming, as is preparing for classes for the seniors. Also providing tech support for my usual gang of friends and the technologically challenged. In addition to music and computers I went to the MSU football game this past Saturday (managing to get a sunburn on my face). And I am going to the game next Saturday only to tailgate with the president of MSU and sit in the president's box seats in the tower (ain't I special?).
So Monday I have to do my readings for the book group on linked data (which for the uninitiated and perhaps uninterested is basically how a Google search knows your location and what you are searching for). Taking steps to link our data in out online catalog to facilitate access on the web. Cutting edge work and my last stand for the library. I gave my two year notice a few weeks ago and while I am winding down my career at MSU I plan to go out with a better knowledge of linked data and how that will help the community and world at large. Besides...it's really cool stuff and you know how I love cool stuff.
So that's an update I can live with. No rants about the obvious and sleep don't fail me now.
The highlight of the summer was I didn't break anything, though not for want of trying. On May 6th I managed to fall in the street trying to avoid a car. Skinned my knee and having fallen on my hands while carrying shopping bags of now crushed pasta managed to damage the tendons in my social finger, AKA the long finger, which required a brace and physical therapy. Then in August, on a pleasant Sunday walk I managed to trip over my feet, falling on my face, and hitting the pavement like I should have broken every bone in my face. I managed not to break my nose, although I did break my glasses and have lovely shiners and a huge bruise on my nose. I figured I kicked the back of my right heel with my left foot and that's how I fell. How I managed to get up, sans blood, is still amazing to me and how I managed to finish the walk is beyond me. I have since tried to be more sentient about walking, being mindful of my steps lest I fall again, without such favorable outcomes.
My business, such as it is, is flourishing. I have a paying gig teaching senior citizens how to be more computer and technologically competent. I am having a load of fun doing this and getting paid is a great perk.
I put in a small vegetable and herb garden this summer which flourished, due, I suspect, to superior plants that I ordered from Territorial Seeds in Oregon. Tomatoes and a variety of peppers galore and basil up the wazoo. Some of the veggies went to critters who could not resist an heirloom tomato, while leaving the peppers alone. The roses are still blooming and I just put out some rust colored mums out front, along with the hydrangeas and calla lilies. A good friend, my Sophie replacement at work who I have yet to name but am thinking of calling her the Pope, gave me a hanging basket of lovely flowers and a shepherd's hook to hang them upon. Looks great and a very thoughtful birthday present.
I mentioned I am turning back into a scholar. I went to a conference and heard a talk on linked data and I was fascinated. So much so that I asked to be put on a committee at the library dealing with this, part of which is a book "club" discussing a book on linked data. I am also taking an online course in linked data, for which I get some release time at work to do. Very excited and very nervous about all of this. I haven't read my readings yet, saving it for Monday when there is very little I chose to watch on TV on Labor Day. Supposed to be warm and rainy tomorrow, which is fast approaching. I have a work laptop I carry with me now to take notes and is different from my business computer which I do PowerPoint presentations on out in Williamston at the senior center (did I mention I am actually being paid?). This new laptop is facilitating the writing of this blog entry. I wanted a work laptop as taking notes on a tablet is a hassle (I have a number of tablets and none of them seem suitable).
Been playing guitar quite a bit and have been organizing neighborhood music sessions. The first was a great session but the following Sunday a cellist showed up who was blissfully unaware of how bad he was. I am organizing another session for the 10th of September without notifying he who is apparently tone deaf. I have recently meet a few women, one a vet the other a therapist, who just want to sing and let me accompany them, which is very cool for me. Today the Old Duffer came over and we practiced for this coming Friday's Shabbat service at the synagogue. It seems of late I have been so busy that I haven't had time to slow down and take naps. Music is very consuming, as is preparing for classes for the seniors. Also providing tech support for my usual gang of friends and the technologically challenged. In addition to music and computers I went to the MSU football game this past Saturday (managing to get a sunburn on my face). And I am going to the game next Saturday only to tailgate with the president of MSU and sit in the president's box seats in the tower (ain't I special?).
So Monday I have to do my readings for the book group on linked data (which for the uninitiated and perhaps uninterested is basically how a Google search knows your location and what you are searching for). Taking steps to link our data in out online catalog to facilitate access on the web. Cutting edge work and my last stand for the library. I gave my two year notice a few weeks ago and while I am winding down my career at MSU I plan to go out with a better knowledge of linked data and how that will help the community and world at large. Besides...it's really cool stuff and you know how I love cool stuff.
So that's an update I can live with. No rants about the obvious and sleep don't fail me now.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Another one gone
Every day in my email I get an posting from a Jewish funeral home in the Detroit area of funerals that day. One caught my eye this morning, a neighbor from Fairfield Avenue in Detroit. The Rosins. Mrs. Rosin passed, the last of the original people on that block. They had a beautiful home about three houses from the corner. We were several houses to the north. Mrs. Rosin was 99. And so it goes. Shiva will be at the house on Fairfield, which means either the daughter is still in the house, Ilene that is, or she is getting ready to close the house up as I did my grandmother's in 2004. Just seeing that obit made me sad. We had a great neighborhood. beautiful homes, the University District, the University of Detroit being my alma mater was a mere mile from the house. I walked there, weather permitting. Our home at 18975 Fairfield was a Tudor style home with a great back yard and we had a swimming pool in the backyard for a number of years (above ground). We had "maid quarters" on the third floor, bedroom and full bath. We actually had a live in maid, Myrtle. My grandmother, sainted woman that she was, paid her social security so that when Myrtle could retire she had a stream of income. Dorothy, my grandmother, was like that. She did so much for her younger brothers and sisters. Friday nights, the sabbath, was a feast and festival of aunts and uncles for me. The bad mommy was in bed and the family had a great meal and I was the recipient of a great deal of attention. I loved Fridays.
So Mrs. Rosin's passing made me sad in a number of ways. Like the final chapter in a long mortality (mortality) play. I remember summer afternoons, hiking to the end the block where Mischa Mischakoff gave violin lessons in his home and the music coming from his home was intoxicating.
I almost found it odd that Mrs. Rosin still lived on the block. When the riot hit in 1967 we had major white flight the following year. My memory of the first year of high school was a racially mixed class that by the time I graduated was predominately African American. Still we stayed in that house, as Mrs. Rosin did in hers. The last of the last. I thought my dad might have been the last original soul on Fairfield but, no, Mrs. Rosin was.
I don't know where I am going with this. Somewhere down memory lane. Just seeing her address in the email made me nostalgic for the Fridays, the High Holy Days, the family always gathering at our house, until the riots, that is. Then the Aunties didn't like to stay past dark and instead of coming for dinner they dined at a quaint "tea room" Ann Sayles, on 7 Mile Road. Then to our house for a rousing game of Canasta. Soon my grandmother, unable to live in her own home with my demented mother signed the house over to her only daughter and my grandmother moved to be closer to her sisters. My mother was proud of her new house but could only entice the Aunts to come during hte day for a ladies' luncheon and more Canasta. Home before dark. Mother wanted to show off her house, the new touches she and my father added but folks didn't want to come to Detroit. When my dad passed in 2004 the remaining Aunties came and sat Shiva with me one night, delivered by their driver as neither aunt could see well enough to drive. After the funeral we went to their building and had a post game meal in the dining room. Which I ended up paying for and for which my rat bastard cousin Don told me not to tip so much but I just didn't care, and what care he as it wasn't his money and he got a decent meal out of it. So there was some of the Epstein grandstanding, as usual, to contend with.
And so down the rabbit hole of memory I go.
As an aside, the library's west wing, where my office ism is currently sans water due to a water main break yesterday. Only four toilets for each gender in the building. Lots of good fun and lots of foresight needed to plan a bathroom run. My secret: Go to the one on the forth floor. No lines.
Here is something I can write without getting my panties in a bunch over politics. I hope you have enjoyed.
So Mrs. Rosin's passing made me sad in a number of ways. Like the final chapter in a long mortality (mortality) play. I remember summer afternoons, hiking to the end the block where Mischa Mischakoff gave violin lessons in his home and the music coming from his home was intoxicating.
I almost found it odd that Mrs. Rosin still lived on the block. When the riot hit in 1967 we had major white flight the following year. My memory of the first year of high school was a racially mixed class that by the time I graduated was predominately African American. Still we stayed in that house, as Mrs. Rosin did in hers. The last of the last. I thought my dad might have been the last original soul on Fairfield but, no, Mrs. Rosin was.
I don't know where I am going with this. Somewhere down memory lane. Just seeing her address in the email made me nostalgic for the Fridays, the High Holy Days, the family always gathering at our house, until the riots, that is. Then the Aunties didn't like to stay past dark and instead of coming for dinner they dined at a quaint "tea room" Ann Sayles, on 7 Mile Road. Then to our house for a rousing game of Canasta. Soon my grandmother, unable to live in her own home with my demented mother signed the house over to her only daughter and my grandmother moved to be closer to her sisters. My mother was proud of her new house but could only entice the Aunts to come during hte day for a ladies' luncheon and more Canasta. Home before dark. Mother wanted to show off her house, the new touches she and my father added but folks didn't want to come to Detroit. When my dad passed in 2004 the remaining Aunties came and sat Shiva with me one night, delivered by their driver as neither aunt could see well enough to drive. After the funeral we went to their building and had a post game meal in the dining room. Which I ended up paying for and for which my rat bastard cousin Don told me not to tip so much but I just didn't care, and what care he as it wasn't his money and he got a decent meal out of it. So there was some of the Epstein grandstanding, as usual, to contend with.
And so down the rabbit hole of memory I go.
As an aside, the library's west wing, where my office ism is currently sans water due to a water main break yesterday. Only four toilets for each gender in the building. Lots of good fun and lots of foresight needed to plan a bathroom run. My secret: Go to the one on the forth floor. No lines.
Here is something I can write without getting my panties in a bunch over politics. I hope you have enjoyed.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
6 of June
What I have in my inbox from three and a half years ago: Aunt Martha's obit from Kaufman's. Today would have been her birthday. My birthday, this year, is Fathers' Day. The family, as it were, had lots of June and July birthdays. Mine sometimes falls on Fathers' Day. It happens. Aunt Martha's was D-Day before it was D-Day, and, as I was in the shower this morning pondering the guts and glory that was the Normandy Invasion, I thought, fondly, of gentle Aunt, really a great aunt, Martha. The last of the nine children to pass. The passing of a generation for me. I just ponder it for all I am worth. Now families are split and aside from my dad's brother and sister-in-law and their kids, I really am alone in this world. No siblings, no parents, no grands of any sort. One aunt and one uncle, some cousins.
Sometimes it gets lonely and I pick up the phone and think I could call the Aunties or dad, but, no, that's not going to happen. I still remember the old phone number, the old exchange of University (UN-26725 before it was 862-6725). I have fewer and fewer people to call and chat.
And it doesn't seem like almost four years since the Toxic Avenger split from Sophie and me, over what I still am unsure. And she truly was toxic: a racist hypocrite and wouldn't say shit if she had a mouthful. Ah, Sophie, we knew her, and knew her not. For all our foibles, dear reader, at least we, or at least I, are genuine. Honest, sincere, you name it. I am still waiting for Jack, I think it was Jack, to rear his or her ugly head and call me names again. Mayhap it was Cousin Lena, an ass who fancies herself a politician now after serving as co-chair of the president's campaign committee in Michigan. Ah, the cult of the amateur.
And speaking of which...I am truly afraid to watch the news now that we have the American Idiot in charge...afraid of his not understanding that he is supposed to be a responsible adult no longer a CEO but the biggest CEO of them all and that words matter. My heart sank listening to MSNBC last night as Michael Beschloss, the presidential historian, said he was afraid. The jerk in charge is quick to point fingers, but he is the one who hasn't filled over 79% of the appointments he has to make. It has nothing to do with the Dems being obstructionists. No, that is on him. And his "managerial" style of pitting one against another doesn't work well when trying to run a country. Yes, he is an ass. And so is Lena, the amateur. Running business is nothing like running a country. You can't tweet out of your asshole and not expect it to land you in a stinking pile of shit.
Alright, let's enjoy the beautiful day and not think about our country going down the crapper.
Sometimes it gets lonely and I pick up the phone and think I could call the Aunties or dad, but, no, that's not going to happen. I still remember the old phone number, the old exchange of University (UN-26725 before it was 862-6725). I have fewer and fewer people to call and chat.
And it doesn't seem like almost four years since the Toxic Avenger split from Sophie and me, over what I still am unsure. And she truly was toxic: a racist hypocrite and wouldn't say shit if she had a mouthful. Ah, Sophie, we knew her, and knew her not. For all our foibles, dear reader, at least we, or at least I, are genuine. Honest, sincere, you name it. I am still waiting for Jack, I think it was Jack, to rear his or her ugly head and call me names again. Mayhap it was Cousin Lena, an ass who fancies herself a politician now after serving as co-chair of the president's campaign committee in Michigan. Ah, the cult of the amateur.
And speaking of which...I am truly afraid to watch the news now that we have the American Idiot in charge...afraid of his not understanding that he is supposed to be a responsible adult no longer a CEO but the biggest CEO of them all and that words matter. My heart sank listening to MSNBC last night as Michael Beschloss, the presidential historian, said he was afraid. The jerk in charge is quick to point fingers, but he is the one who hasn't filled over 79% of the appointments he has to make. It has nothing to do with the Dems being obstructionists. No, that is on him. And his "managerial" style of pitting one against another doesn't work well when trying to run a country. Yes, he is an ass. And so is Lena, the amateur. Running business is nothing like running a country. You can't tweet out of your asshole and not expect it to land you in a stinking pile of shit.
Alright, let's enjoy the beautiful day and not think about our country going down the crapper.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
I am back
And I an still embarrassed. But life goes on, hopefully it does. The house is beautiful and I am basically happy save for our current pretender in chief. My garden is lovely, my credit score is soaring and my Luminosity scores are also on the rise. Capitol City Informatics has a permanent gig at the Williamston Area Senior Center and I must prepare a PowerPoint presentation for the 29th of the month, which is now June. If April is the cruelest month then June is busting out all over. Another thing I am embarrassed by is that the American Idiot's b-day is also flag day which makes him a schizophrenic Gemini (but I don't believe in horoscopes...that another Gemini trait).
I keep going back to he who shall not be named. He stole an election with the aid of an enemy state and no one seems truly upset with this treasonous behavior, least of all the Republicans, who place winning ahead of country. They are so drunk with power that they can't see the world is laughing at us and are a little more fearful of us now that a madman is at the helm of state. There used to be more good Republicans other than McCain and Graham. Bill Milliken of Michigan and George Romney, both good men. I can add Susan Collins of Maine to the list of good Republicans but they have and must start opposing more vociferously the madman in chief. This is just all crazy.
The deal with Kathy Griffin and the head of state should outrage you, but outrage you as much as you should have been when there were Obama effigies being hanged in the street. If you weren't outraged then, you don't get to be outraged now.
So, where does this leave me? Outraged and tired. Watch too much MSNBC yet every time I turn it one, between innings as it were, there are more and deeper scandals. And what the hell is a covfefe?
And on it goes. I keep waiting for the merry-go-round to stop but it keeps spinning out of control. Where will it end. 132 days in and I am still waiting for the other shoe to fall. And wait I will
Okay, onward. Tonight the Old Duffer is coming over, along with the very pregnant cantor, to rehearse for Friday services this week. Since I joined KI, my synagogue, I find myself playing guitar once a month at Friday services. Dinner is included. And the food is usually terrible. Tonight, however, I will make a Greek pasta salad for tomorrow night and that I know will be edible. Seems the people that cook have never heard of seasonings like, oh, I don't know, SALT and PEPPER. I will use a light hand but the salad will be good. Manicotti will be served so it will be a basta-pasta festival. My garden had produced an abundant crop of lettuce so the pregnant cantor will take some of it home to make a salad that I hope her partner will not overseason with fresh garlic and yes there is such a thing as too much garlic. Also, my herbs are herbacious. I can add Greek oregano to my salad as I have multiple kinds of oregano, basil and chives. Fresh, fresh, fresh. Lots to pick from. In spite of not a great weather in May the garden is thriving and my roses are in bloom a full two weeks ahead of schedule, like they pay attention to that sort of thing. My hand is finally doing better since I took the header on Grand River and Coolidge on May 6th. Still swollen and bent but I can play the guitar well enough for services and to teach.
The front porch has been upgraded and I sit out there while Simcha Cat complains that I told the boys that they could sit on the porch with me when we moved to Sans Souci. Simcha sits in the window overlooking the porch and yells at me. But I don't give in. I don't want them flying out the door when I leave the house in the morning just because it suits them. I thought about getting harnesses for them but again I don't want them flying out of the house without protection. And then there is Bernice, a lovely neighborhood kitty that likes to hide in my low bushes and watch the birds. She is very friendly. I see her across the street with Mrs, Shankland helping her plant flowers. A very helpful cat.
I am doing a great deal these days and still have two full years before retiring. Dan is taking me to lunch today, I hope because I am already looking forward to it, and we will get around to paying off the last of the credit cards. Then shred, shred, shred. I went to a BNI as Dan's guest and I have new contacts for my business, which is doing nicely thank you.
As for Sophie she is well. And Ethel is too, Phyllis, their mother, just returned home from a stint in rehab and is doing fine.
Alright, enough with this nonsense. Time for more outrage.
I keep going back to he who shall not be named. He stole an election with the aid of an enemy state and no one seems truly upset with this treasonous behavior, least of all the Republicans, who place winning ahead of country. They are so drunk with power that they can't see the world is laughing at us and are a little more fearful of us now that a madman is at the helm of state. There used to be more good Republicans other than McCain and Graham. Bill Milliken of Michigan and George Romney, both good men. I can add Susan Collins of Maine to the list of good Republicans but they have and must start opposing more vociferously the madman in chief. This is just all crazy.
The deal with Kathy Griffin and the head of state should outrage you, but outrage you as much as you should have been when there were Obama effigies being hanged in the street. If you weren't outraged then, you don't get to be outraged now.
So, where does this leave me? Outraged and tired. Watch too much MSNBC yet every time I turn it one, between innings as it were, there are more and deeper scandals. And what the hell is a covfefe?
And on it goes. I keep waiting for the merry-go-round to stop but it keeps spinning out of control. Where will it end. 132 days in and I am still waiting for the other shoe to fall. And wait I will
Okay, onward. Tonight the Old Duffer is coming over, along with the very pregnant cantor, to rehearse for Friday services this week. Since I joined KI, my synagogue, I find myself playing guitar once a month at Friday services. Dinner is included. And the food is usually terrible. Tonight, however, I will make a Greek pasta salad for tomorrow night and that I know will be edible. Seems the people that cook have never heard of seasonings like, oh, I don't know, SALT and PEPPER. I will use a light hand but the salad will be good. Manicotti will be served so it will be a basta-pasta festival. My garden had produced an abundant crop of lettuce so the pregnant cantor will take some of it home to make a salad that I hope her partner will not overseason with fresh garlic and yes there is such a thing as too much garlic. Also, my herbs are herbacious. I can add Greek oregano to my salad as I have multiple kinds of oregano, basil and chives. Fresh, fresh, fresh. Lots to pick from. In spite of not a great weather in May the garden is thriving and my roses are in bloom a full two weeks ahead of schedule, like they pay attention to that sort of thing. My hand is finally doing better since I took the header on Grand River and Coolidge on May 6th. Still swollen and bent but I can play the guitar well enough for services and to teach.
The front porch has been upgraded and I sit out there while Simcha Cat complains that I told the boys that they could sit on the porch with me when we moved to Sans Souci. Simcha sits in the window overlooking the porch and yells at me. But I don't give in. I don't want them flying out the door when I leave the house in the morning just because it suits them. I thought about getting harnesses for them but again I don't want them flying out of the house without protection. And then there is Bernice, a lovely neighborhood kitty that likes to hide in my low bushes and watch the birds. She is very friendly. I see her across the street with Mrs, Shankland helping her plant flowers. A very helpful cat.
I am doing a great deal these days and still have two full years before retiring. Dan is taking me to lunch today, I hope because I am already looking forward to it, and we will get around to paying off the last of the credit cards. Then shred, shred, shred. I went to a BNI as Dan's guest and I have new contacts for my business, which is doing nicely thank you.
As for Sophie she is well. And Ethel is too, Phyllis, their mother, just returned home from a stint in rehab and is doing fine.
Alright, enough with this nonsense. Time for more outrage.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
I am so embarrassed
And so I am. I am embarrassed by what this country is turning into: a stupid, hate mongering, isolationist turd ball. I am further embarrassed by the so-called president and the Republicans that are putting party ahead of country and its people. I see hate everywhere I go. I am embarrassed by the number of Jews involved in the growing Russia scandal, dare I say treason? A shanda, pure and simple.
I can't really put into words the shame I am feeling. Our lame president rode in a golf cart yards behind the walking leaders of the free world. What a massage that sends. Our poor, dilapidated old man, wife, slapping away his hand, American idiot. I am embarrassed. Every time he opens his mouth I am embarrassed. Every day brings new revelations. I thought I couldn't get more embarrassed by a president than George W. Bush. I was wrong, wrong, I tell you.
I am watching with horror that we are not making America great again, but hate again. It is like the Republicans and their ilk are trying to blot out the history that was Obama. Civil rights, reproductive rights, equal opportunities, safety from police violence, all being rolled back, blotting out the last eight years. No, it wasn't enough for him to question his birth, we now have to undo all he did. And I am embarrassed.
My congressman, Mike Bishop, stands by this ass. And dare I say he doesn't stand a ghost of a chance of re-election. What an ass. He has disabled his website so you can't send him emails anymore. Classy. Fake news? Double Speak, 1984...all being realized in a third world country that we have become. I can't stand this.
Every day I turn to MSNBC hoping that this American Idiot (thanks Green Day) will see the light and step down. It really is too much for him. Every day another scandal, deeper intrigue, more subpoenas. Every day...and I grow weary. #Resist
People who voted for this idiot, having been sold a bill of goods by him, stand by their man. He is gutting the social safety net. Dr. Carson says Poverty is a state of mind. Wonderful. A brain surgeon came up with this. I am outraged. We are becoming not the best and brightest, but the worse and dumbest. A shanda.
And everyday I am made angrier. There is hate in the street. The white middle class may feel newly invigorated and less marginalized but hens will come home to roost. And when there is no longer a middle class, much less a white middle class, will blood run in the streets?
Wake up. You've been conned by the King of Cons. His behavior towards Russia is treasonous. Can no one see this. If the Democrats had pulled half of this bullshit would they still have a place to hang their hats? The party in power has grown so intoxicated by the power that they can't stand themselves. When the Republicans, the good ones, put country ahead of party we might see some light at the end of this tunnel.
I'll tell ya...an ass of a cousin, Lena Epstein, is planning to run against Debbie Stabenow for senate. She, Lena, has no political experience, but, like her mentor, she doesn't see this as hindering her chances. I will do everything in my power to see that Lena is defeated. Her father is a bad man, grown senile from what I have heard. They have money up the butt, then denied an inheritance to another cousin and they took that money, money, money and ran. These are the people we now choose for public service? Greedy robber barons.
And so I go on everyday with a faint hope that this 132 day nightmare will end soon. And not with a bang but with a whimper.
I can't really put into words the shame I am feeling. Our lame president rode in a golf cart yards behind the walking leaders of the free world. What a massage that sends. Our poor, dilapidated old man, wife, slapping away his hand, American idiot. I am embarrassed. Every time he opens his mouth I am embarrassed. Every day brings new revelations. I thought I couldn't get more embarrassed by a president than George W. Bush. I was wrong, wrong, I tell you.
I am watching with horror that we are not making America great again, but hate again. It is like the Republicans and their ilk are trying to blot out the history that was Obama. Civil rights, reproductive rights, equal opportunities, safety from police violence, all being rolled back, blotting out the last eight years. No, it wasn't enough for him to question his birth, we now have to undo all he did. And I am embarrassed.
My congressman, Mike Bishop, stands by this ass. And dare I say he doesn't stand a ghost of a chance of re-election. What an ass. He has disabled his website so you can't send him emails anymore. Classy. Fake news? Double Speak, 1984...all being realized in a third world country that we have become. I can't stand this.
Every day I turn to MSNBC hoping that this American Idiot (thanks Green Day) will see the light and step down. It really is too much for him. Every day another scandal, deeper intrigue, more subpoenas. Every day...and I grow weary. #Resist
People who voted for this idiot, having been sold a bill of goods by him, stand by their man. He is gutting the social safety net. Dr. Carson says Poverty is a state of mind. Wonderful. A brain surgeon came up with this. I am outraged. We are becoming not the best and brightest, but the worse and dumbest. A shanda.
And everyday I am made angrier. There is hate in the street. The white middle class may feel newly invigorated and less marginalized but hens will come home to roost. And when there is no longer a middle class, much less a white middle class, will blood run in the streets?
Wake up. You've been conned by the King of Cons. His behavior towards Russia is treasonous. Can no one see this. If the Democrats had pulled half of this bullshit would they still have a place to hang their hats? The party in power has grown so intoxicated by the power that they can't stand themselves. When the Republicans, the good ones, put country ahead of party we might see some light at the end of this tunnel.
I'll tell ya...an ass of a cousin, Lena Epstein, is planning to run against Debbie Stabenow for senate. She, Lena, has no political experience, but, like her mentor, she doesn't see this as hindering her chances. I will do everything in my power to see that Lena is defeated. Her father is a bad man, grown senile from what I have heard. They have money up the butt, then denied an inheritance to another cousin and they took that money, money, money and ran. These are the people we now choose for public service? Greedy robber barons.
And so I go on everyday with a faint hope that this 132 day nightmare will end soon. And not with a bang but with a whimper.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
It's been a while, dear friends
Since last I posted. Much has transpired since of a more personal nature than waiting for the inevitable collapse of our civilization. Passover transpired, which, as matzo is want to do, ripped my guts to shreds and has necessitated a colonoscopy on the 2nd of May. So until then Prednisone is my friend and companion and I hope this does not offset the effects of the Forteo injections I have been taking since October to strengthen my weak old bones. So, of course, I immediately imagine my ankle is in the process of breaking bad.
On a more positive note Capitol City Informatics is doing splendidly. I am giving computer literacy courses out at the Williamston Area Senior Center (WASC) (and getting paid). This has necessitated hiring Sophie as my chauffeur. She is now on my payroll. Basically she gets a per diem for the ride to and from the WASC and mileage. I opened a business account with the bank but right now my cash outlay is greater than my income. But I am just getting started. Teaching computer literacy to seniors is enjoyable and a market that I think is very vibrant. I go to my office in my home (which also doubles as the cats' room and music studio...go figure that the cats would have a band) and work out PowerPoint presentations, which I have uploaded to my website. So if you want to learn computer basics or how to do research in the internet these presentations are on the website. Among other things I am learning by doing and then teaching others. I am getting input from the seniors on what they want to learn and and working out classes for them. I hope to have a drop in session where folks can bring their laptops, tablets and smartphones in and we can work with them on a one to one basis. The WASC also has five desktop computers and they are already being used regularly. I teach safe computing as well.
So, whilst all of this is ongoing spring has sprung in a spectacular fashion. The campus, which was submerged under water just three weeks ago, making a lake out of the baseball field, is now alive with flowering trees, flowering flowers and the crack of the bat hitting the ball. My front yard looks spectacular with all the daffs and miniature tulips blooming that my Aunt Marilyn had sent me since I have moved to Sans Souci in 2015. The back yard needs some work yet but the patio furniture is out, the garage is relatively clean and, touch wood, the basement hasn't seen fit to flood this year. Aside from the revenge of the Seder ulcerative colitis (UC) attack things are pretty good. I may need to change my UC meds to a biologic (Humira) which is an injection as well but as long as I am poking myself nightly for the Forteo, what's another poke? Speaking of pokes, I lost four rose bushes over the winter as I couldn't take care of the yard last autumn due to the fractures of the femurs, so, but of course, I am getting two more bushes and two climbing roses to replace them. And then there is the contract to redo the front porch. The windstorm we had in March blew my screens out and the door is no more. Brad to the rescue, sooner rather than later to effect the repairs.
So, no politics today. I am tired and depressed by the worldly goings on. But spring is springing and mayhaps the UC will resolve itself without going on a biologic. I was doing pretty good on one medication but the insurer wouldn't cover it any more so I am on something apparently not as good as the Asacol was so I suffered with the UC and all its unattractive feces, er, features. And on that note...
On a more positive note Capitol City Informatics is doing splendidly. I am giving computer literacy courses out at the Williamston Area Senior Center (WASC) (and getting paid). This has necessitated hiring Sophie as my chauffeur. She is now on my payroll. Basically she gets a per diem for the ride to and from the WASC and mileage. I opened a business account with the bank but right now my cash outlay is greater than my income. But I am just getting started. Teaching computer literacy to seniors is enjoyable and a market that I think is very vibrant. I go to my office in my home (which also doubles as the cats' room and music studio...go figure that the cats would have a band) and work out PowerPoint presentations, which I have uploaded to my website. So if you want to learn computer basics or how to do research in the internet these presentations are on the website. Among other things I am learning by doing and then teaching others. I am getting input from the seniors on what they want to learn and and working out classes for them. I hope to have a drop in session where folks can bring their laptops, tablets and smartphones in and we can work with them on a one to one basis. The WASC also has five desktop computers and they are already being used regularly. I teach safe computing as well.
So, whilst all of this is ongoing spring has sprung in a spectacular fashion. The campus, which was submerged under water just three weeks ago, making a lake out of the baseball field, is now alive with flowering trees, flowering flowers and the crack of the bat hitting the ball. My front yard looks spectacular with all the daffs and miniature tulips blooming that my Aunt Marilyn had sent me since I have moved to Sans Souci in 2015. The back yard needs some work yet but the patio furniture is out, the garage is relatively clean and, touch wood, the basement hasn't seen fit to flood this year. Aside from the revenge of the Seder ulcerative colitis (UC) attack things are pretty good. I may need to change my UC meds to a biologic (Humira) which is an injection as well but as long as I am poking myself nightly for the Forteo, what's another poke? Speaking of pokes, I lost four rose bushes over the winter as I couldn't take care of the yard last autumn due to the fractures of the femurs, so, but of course, I am getting two more bushes and two climbing roses to replace them. And then there is the contract to redo the front porch. The windstorm we had in March blew my screens out and the door is no more. Brad to the rescue, sooner rather than later to effect the repairs.
So, no politics today. I am tired and depressed by the worldly goings on. But spring is springing and mayhaps the UC will resolve itself without going on a biologic. I was doing pretty good on one medication but the insurer wouldn't cover it any more so I am on something apparently not as good as the Asacol was so I suffered with the UC and all its unattractive feces, er, features. And on that note...
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