Andrew's birthday and return from the garden state

November 21

Today is Andrew's birthday.  He is 36 and a great father and husband.  I recall the thrill of his birth and his well being.  I ran down the hall at Beaumont jumping up and down.  My mother fainted and my father in law had to hold her up.  I couldn't believe he was so perfect. I still think he is.  If I had any good characteristics as a father, it came out in him.

Just returned from and extended visit to my sister and brother in law's in NJ.  I got to really get acquainted with my great nephew, Kennan.  What a swell kid, with immeasurable energy.  

I am still feeling damaged from my mother's passing on October 4th.  It hasn't shown itself overtly yet, but I know its coming.  She was a huge force in my life and although her age was advancing, cannot get used to her being gone.  

As the cold Michigan weather is upon us, this is the first time I won't have to get up for work and slog through the snow and ice and endure the temperatures.  Finally....a real positive aspect to retirement is showing.  

I am working today and tomorrow.  I saw my boss yesterday and he helped me get at good discount on a laptop for my niece, really a good guy.  

I am writing this blog not so much as a road map to retirement but to discuss daily life in this state.  If it helps someone out, so be it.  Mostly, it is my outlet for writing my thoughts.  

This election and its aftermath has thrown me for a loop.  With my progressive leanings, I feel that my speaking will put me in front of the 2016 version of the McCarthy Hearings.  "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the liberal left?"  I was not that big of a Hillary fan.  The president elect and I would not see policies or American direction in the same way.  More and more, it seems that the electorate was voting against a candidate vehemently rather than for someone that they could absolute support with enthusiasm.

We will be going to the fitness center this morning to beat off 9 days of overeating and a lack of exercise.  It is 27 degrees outside and this will be a tough morning at the gym.  

all for now