Christmas and December 2017

Well, I left Facebook because I was tired of all the diatribes from both sides of the political spectrum.  I cannot stand that all the progressive bitching which I really agree with, that will have not consequence in the current mix of things.  I admire Bernie but he is simply too old to do anything but rabble rouse.  I really did not want to read all the happy holiday posts complete with a gaggle of photos of dogs, cats and kids.  I am tired of the holiday sales and all the consuming greed for more stuff that will not make anyone happy aside from small children until they get bored with their presents. 

Oh yes, its snowing again in Detroit and the temperatures are falling into the teens and below.  We have Katey to help with the snow removal which makes a great difference and is much appreciated.  Judy is not feeling well, hip issues.  I have picked up a few pounds because of my recent eating habits.  Hopefully if I get back on the straight and narrow, will be able to shed the weight.  We are planning a dinner with friends in February from our days at Wing Lake.  All were teachers for Shannon during her many years there.  We have been close for a long time.

Because this house is so small, we have no room for a regular Christmas tree.  Last year we purchased an iron one (very durable) for the dining table.  It is festooned with a few decorations, mostly ornaments picturing the grand kids and others.  Frankly, its just enough.  I cannot enthused.  I have been like this for years.  

We had a nice casual dinner and party with the all the kids and grand kids last night with lots of game playing and sandwiches to eat.  There was good humor all around.  With all the festivities completed, we have been having a quiet day eating leftovers and watching movies.  We rented "Uncle Buck" mid day.  And it was good as I remember.  Very said we lost John Candy so early.  He was a comedic treasure.  

all for now

November 2017

Went to Costco last Sunday.  The clouds looked menacing, but I was properly garbed and not worried.  Upon entry with the rest of throng of shoppers, distinctly noticed that there were few Smith or Jones shoppers.  These would be someone like me.  Many were in large families and all speaking a variety of languages that I could not discern.  This appears to be the new definition of America. Everyone was getting thru the mess with kindness and politeness.  All were running thru the rain with bags or boxes on their heads.  This is it.  It is not going to be the way it was.  We all need to get along, respect each others cultures and maybe learn something new.  These people will have sons and daughters that will put their lives on the line as soldiers or sailors or police or firefighters.  And despite the way they might worship, in many ways they are that same as me.  My grand daughter may marry someone from a different culture, grandson too.

The picture above is of my boys and I and a couple guys yesterday at the Motor City Brew Tours bus tour to three breweries in Pontiac and Auburn Hills.  We had a great time sampling local brews and eating pizza,  really enjoying each others company,  for the first time in a long time, a guys outing. Steve Johnson, the owner of the operation does a great job making everyone feel welcome, safe and relaxed.  The brewers are a comfortable bunch and happy to talk to any that will listen about beer and the process .

A good friend from my past lost her mother this week.  She lived a good long life and always had a happy home,  I was always welcome there.  Thinking today of my mothers passing a year ago, we kept some of her things at our house, a favorite sweater hanging next to my mother in law's favorite sweater in our office.  I kept some of mom's kitchen utensils,  A knife or cake spatula and the small pot she used to make oatmeal ( I use for the same purpose).  As I was making this morning's breakfast, in that pot, was reminded of her.

All for now

October

 Big birthdays this month...Elijah becomes 8 and in second grade and Paxton turns one.  Eli on October 1st and Paxton on October 2nd.  There was a major blowout on Oct 1st for Paxton and Oct 7th for Eli.  Sadly this is also the anniversary of Dorothy (my mom's) passing on October 4th.  She waited for the new baby to arrive last year and I believe saw his picture the day he arrived.  I still feel a little lost without her, but marching down the road like she would expect me to.

We had Marie over for a sleepover this past Friday she had a good time and we watched a Disney classic "Enchanted", with lots of singing and dancing.  Amy Adams was perfectly charming in the starring roll.  I think I enjoyed it as much as she.  We were off to Staples the next morning for markers and then to the Halloween store down the way to try out all the scary monster figures activated by the floor buttons.  I think I was more startled then her.

Cooked hot dogs on the grill at Andrew & Carla's for his party.  Man those kids can eat!  His soccer pals all came and had a great time running around and playing games.  The were all sugared up for the game later in the afternoon.

The world is still a mess on many fronts.  All of know about the current tragedies and hopefully the Congress will to more than send thoughts and prayers,  which has become a more useless endeavor with each passing horror that arises.  Frankly the phrase has become tiresome to hear repeatedly over and over.

I hope the players know whether to stand up or sit down or kneel down for the anthem.  This has become another vehicle for the press and media to latch on to.  Please, enough already, just play the game and collect your check, go back to your mansions and count your money.  And by the way, the teacher in the next town is paying to outfit her classroom because funding is reduced and the kids need supplies to learn.

More Writing....

During the time mom was ill after Labor Day in 2016 we all were awaiting the arrival of the newest addition to our family.  It seems that she waited to leave until Paxton Peter Kocsis' arrival on October 2nd of this year to blissful parents, Kelly and Jon.  She left us two days later and despite her diminished condition, she understood that her newest great grandson had arrived and was good and thriving.  I didn't mention this important event because I guess I was preoccupied on mom's departure.  Paxton's middle name should be Sunshine.  He wakes up happy and is easily amused. The smile rarely leaves his face.  Like Eli and Marie, he is a joy to be around.  We got to see him later in the day yesterday.  Katey was banging pot lids like cymbals and the belly laughs were enormous, real body shakers.  Paxton was everywhere exploring, in cupboards, the walk in shower and opening drawers.   He and Harry became best buddies with numerous toe licks and giggles.  Harry has turned out to be a pretty good dog especially with children.

On another topic, WDET was playing songs from the summer of 67 today.  I was 17 that year still in high school.  Detroit had a destructive uprising and many lives and much property was lost.  But still the music played on.  There was no FM radio back then.  We listened to CKLW from Windsor, ON. and WKNR (Keener) radio.  They played lots of songs from the era but the one that stuck out with me was "Heros and Villans" from the Beach Boys.  The intricate harmonies and layering of sounds still sounds beautiful to me.  Maybe Pentatonix might be able to match their singing eloquence. I have to say, I was moved listening to this composition.

all for now. (really)

Labor Day 2017 and other views

A particularly unflattering view of the writer taken after receiving a crown from my granddaughter yesterday.  The labor day celebration of 2016 was the last time my mother Dorothy was having a great day and time with her family.  She fell ill shortly thereafter and was deceased about a month later. This day was not an easy one for me.  All the folks that came yesterday were with us last year with one missing person.  She was missed.  For the first time, I made the potato salad just like hers.  She must be watching me.

Marie lost her two front teeth over the last week.  She looked better when they were both gone.  Still my beautiful girl really is stretching out, still with wild hair. She and Eli are both playing soccer this year, lots of games to attend.

I have had some peculiar feelings of late.  Because I have been retired for over a year, I am starting to feel like this has always been my life, without a full time career.  Now working a part time job has become my new normal.  Its kind of a new measurement of life.  Men are right or wrongly defined by what they do for a living.  That part of my life is now completed.  I am back to being a dad, grandpa, husband with little employment.

Walking the dog a lot now.  Really not noticed, having a one way conversation with Harry.  Aside from a few barks and growls he doesn't say much.  We review that neighborhood and see who is building what along with the disaray of some homes and their surroundings.  Why won't some people trim the edges of their lawn?  My age and grumpiness is showing.

With respect to our government, chaos seems to be the new normal. We have a president that has a rally at the site of a natural disaster and remarks on the crowd size.  I really am sick of looking at his face on the tube.

My wife went away last month for a week to visit her sister and family.  My big accomplishment was to keep all the flowers and plants alive for the duration.  Watering became my biggest concern.  If I was ever living alone, we would have plastic covered full size images of flora and fauna that looked good and needed no upkeep.

We actually have a day off today. My wife has beseeched me to call people, to reach out for coversation.  Will call a couple of old friends today.  Consider doing the same

all for now.

Seeing another old friend

While working at Staples I had another encounter with a friend from long ago.  Striding up and down the aisles, there was a man with a walker and lots of paraphernalia hanging from his neck lumbering along.  During the day we get lots of customers in varying states of age and disability.  He was discussing a product with a coworker and mentioned he had spent time teaching and in Germany.  To my great surprise, it was Monty Weathers, someone from my high school days.  I had read of his medical issues on a facebook post some time ago.  So his condition did not surprise me.  We had a good chat amidst finding the stuff he needed.  A good man and a good teacher of German at the high school disabled by some manner of dystrophy.   To be truthful, seeing him in such a state was disquieting to me.  But still and despite of his condition, he soldiered on.  I wish him well and improvement.

This provides another note on aging.  As I travel down this road, people will be sick.  Its a fact of life.
Some will be thru no fault of their own.  This guy's issues are from genetics.  He did nothing wrong in his lifestyle.

This leads me to the most important thought to all of us, STOP KIDDING YOURSELF AND GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS!  Your health is your responsibility.  See a doctor, if you are a type 2 Diabetic, check your glucose daily and make adjustments to your diet as needed.  These numbers will tell you if you fucked up and had an ice cream sundae the night before.  There are some things we can control.  

Well now, Harry the dog is sleeping on the couch after a long walk finally calmed down.  I am ready to get cleaned up for the day and maybe walk downtown for some dinner later.

all for now
 

Fourth of July, 2017

It is with some trepidation that I write about this holiday and what it means to myself and others.  With all the turmoil that swirls around us, it is difficult to find a reason to celebrate.  For me personally, my life isn't too bad nor is if for my family.  Some are suffering waiting to be removed from their homes because of their status.  I cannot imagine the stress they must feel.  It would be my hope that veterans of all our services could be treated better and receive the care that they need.  I did not serve.  Sometimes when I think of my kids service in the US Navy,  I regret not choosing to serve my country.  My one experience aboard a ship I was moved when the crew members got awards and pins and their accomplishments were recognized.  My kid was recognized as the "go to guy" on damage control issues by the captain.

But as Americans we seem to be so divided without any room to talk or negotiate.  Neither side listens to the other.  I am not fond of the current president.  However, he will be with us for a good while.  I hope he becomes less impulsive and actually learns to listen and learn from those around him and those that came before him.  

I am happy to be an American but am embarrassed by his antics. I have never thought or said that about any president, even the ones i did not vote for. In some ways he seems to lack basic self control. There is a ill at ease feeling I wake up with every day.  

One a more personal note, we have been invited to cookout with my son.  I am lost for something to do.  I took the dog for 2 long walks (he is now nearly out of the puppy stage).  But I'm not cooking and sweating at the grill.  My role has been transferred.  He is good at it and the food he and his wife prepare is always tasty.  It must be time to let some things go.  

Broke a tooth yesterday.  It looks dreadful and will, I fear, be expensive to fix.  My vanity prevails and I will see the dentist tomorrow.

all for now

Four lovely ladies

This is in the woods near Black Star Farms near Suttons Bay MI where we visited earlier this week.  Truly a wonderful trip and a nice respite from the daily activities. 

Today, however, I am writing about four new friends I made recently, Aldora, Margaret, Joanne and Marian.  We did yard work for these ladies over the course of the last month.  Aldora is a sturdy Texas woman with a tight reign on her emotions and an effective plan to accomplish every task. Margaret is a superbly gracious lady that is 93 and fully functional with great stories of her family and their Irish roots.  She has tea at 3:30 pm every day.  Both of these ladies have made us feel welcome and enjoyed our company.  Joanne is more like the ladies in our neighborhood growing up cooking for a party really warmed up more to my wife than me, but sweet none the less.  Marian is in a sad dilemma that will only worsen.  Her husband is declining after a stroke and she is his sole caregiver.  She is overwhelmed, but we helped a little.

It hit me today why I felt so connected to these women.  Dorothy would have liked them.  She would have enjoyed the conversations and the laughs and having tea and desserts. I hope she is looking down with approval on this activity.  When I was a youngster there was an older lady that lived next door.  She would make me lunch of sandwiches and poached eggs and made me feel special.  This is also part of the connection.

all for now

A New Street!!!!

Among all the other things going on these days is a newly paved Millard Ave.,  as of about 15 minutes ago.  We have been without a street for about two weeks getting new curbs, driveway approach and new asphalt pavement.  At 2pm today, we can drive on it without problem.  I cannot tell you how much better this will be.  As a retired guy with time to listen, I got the complete explanation from the foreman on the job as to the process and and the operation of the equipment, one of the benefits of time on your hands.

The grandchildren had a late start this morning at their elementary school.  Many parents bring the kids early on these days if the weather is not inclement to let them run around the playground.  They rage around chasing each other with abandon,  with not a care in the world.  We could all learn from them.  We all have too many details in our lives to sweat out, with little time off, even in retirement.

Trump meets the Pope.  Can you suppose two more diametrically opposed and different people to put in the same room?  Of course the president said he had a "fantastic" meeting with the Pontiff.  This is the adjective he uses for his budget, a health care program, and meetings with his colleagues.  It seems to be his favorite descriptive word.  I hope some of the Pope's goodness rubbed off with the handshake.

My wife and her good friend Jayne are discussing dog training techniques in the back yard.  Jayne has a new standard Poodle puppy.  The two dogs have been romping in the backyard expending energy,  much like the elementary school kids.  They both collapsed in exhaustion.  Her pooch is 3 times the size of Harry who is unrelenting despite their differences.  It seems the current thoughts on dog training include a large segment of socialization between pets, and it seems to work.

Its back to Staples for me this afternoon, after an early morning shift yesterday.  Wednesdays are different in that most of the stuff is put away and I am given assorted assignments by my young boss. 
She is good natured and an extremely hard worker and always teaches me something new,  makes decisions easily and really needs to be somewhere where she can shine.  Hopefully she will enjoy much success in life.

I have become way too addicted to my smart phone.  It has become my information source, my entertainment and my social interaction.  And in fact, it is a lonely medium that keeps you distant from personal contact.  My habits with this device need to change.  I will bet that many others feel the same way.

This was supposed to be a really crummy weather day.  So far the predictors are incorrect.  Its pretty nice outside.

all for now

Spring??? way too cold

Perhaps this is the new normal,  cold in the morning and modestly warm in the afternoon.  I am looking forward to wearing shorts, but to no avail.  Harry the wonderdog has doubled in size and is regularly harassing the 35 pound cat.  We have given up on breaking up the fights.  One of these animals will emerge as the victor.  He has all the usual puppy bad habits of chewing shoelaces and any garment that happens to be hanging from a chair.  He had his masculinity neutralized last week and is almost recovered from the surgery. 

Sadly my son's father in law passed away a couple of days ago after enduring heart disease and diabetes.  He was a good man loved by his family and friends and will be missed by many.  His daughter is devastated struggling to deal with this new reality in her life.

I am working on being a meat free eater with some success but still having urges to fulfill my taste buds with foods I am familiar with.  Still as I drive around town seeing all the convenient, fast food joints that I can't stop in for a quick indulgence and it is frustrating.  But the truth of the matter is that the thrill is gone consuming these so called foods.  At the end of the experience, it wasn't as good as you thought it would be.  Then you are saddled with the responsibility and needed time to prepare food.  I know this is better.  However, I will admit to bouts of laziness and a desperate cry for convenience.  This is nothing really earth shattering, and I have nothing to bitch about in that we have plenty to eat and others do not.

I find it fulfilling to work at my part time job in that I can really solve problems for some people.  Most of them are senior (much more than me) citizens looking for a solution that is baffling in their lives.  I assisted a 91 year old lady yesterday find the correct box to ship clothes to Africa for her charity.  She had lost her fine motor skills and was struggling getting out the change to make the purchase.  One of the items was heavy and the box was cumbersome so I put it in her car, making her day a little easier.  She was probably too old to drive.  My spirits were uplifted, the gift for the day.

Watching and reading the news is becoming more less and less palatable,  I can't count how many times the president's name is mentioned or the total lack of governance he is putting forth.  Things are becoming more and more fearsome.  And as stated before, I am so completely different than this guy and his supporters.  I feel like we are watching a dictator in another country operate on his people.  And yet, it is here.

all for now 

Going back to the office

Feeling uninspired today, I am going back to the office I left exactly one year ago today.  Hoping to find most of the people still there and hoping they will remember me.  This is a picture of Harry from last evening on my lap.  We are getting along fine.  His pooping schedule continues to be a daily mystery.  Every time it is figured out, he changes it, very frustrating some times.

Had the discussion yesterday about male isolation in older years.  It is truly damaging to the the aging male population.  We do not reach out to form and continue relationships.  Interactions are missing an you spend too much time being alone and feeling alone.  It seems that women in the same age bracket are happy to be grandmas and mothers and completely use their time for this purpose.  Men, not so much.  Your life and purpose of life has changed drastically.  In traditional models, men spend at least 50 years being the primary income earners for their family and when that stops, you can fall off a cliff.  Wives move into the grandma role and you don't know what role to move into.  Many men simply isolate them selves and almost never look to interact with men in their similar circumstances.  

This seems to me to be the problem.  Life has changed.  It is not going to be the way it was.  Really it is damaging to sit around trying to figure what you are going to do next.  Call an old friend for coffee or lunch.  I did a few of these and it was good to reconnect on a one to one basis.  Social media is not the answer. It is a noncommittal way to say things to people with no visual feedback, really not enough.

all for now

Feeling safe

No pictures today.  I had a thought today while my new friend Harry fell asleep in my arms.  It seems that one of the most important things we can offer to our friends and family (and pets) is the feeling of safety when you are around us or in our care.  People and especially children need to know they are in safe haven. Schools should provide this.  Mom and Dad and grandparents should provide this.  Without it, there is no relaxation, no easing into the day or expecting to be fed or nurtured.  The chance to be accepted as you are with all your shortcomings is an essential part of life.  We don't care what you look like, how your hair is or how you smell. If you get something wrong or make a mistake no matter how huge, you are still okay with us.  I have made plenty of missteps in my life.  My mother especially helped me roll thru it and come out better on the other side.

We went back to the gym today with the new owner.  She is so excited about the improvements being made and a nervous wreck at the same time.  She is a co owner with her husband and he is out of town on business with her bearing all the load of these changes.  We wish her well and appreciate all the hard work she is putting in making the place attractive, functional and welcoming.

Dinner last night with good friends Anne and George.  She is an eternally upbeat person who is thrilled to be a grandma and thrilled to have George as her husband.  He is a very regular guy who doesn't see himself as special, but his wife does.  We had lots of laughs and shared some shared experiences with grand kids.  I guess these discussions are one of the up sides of retirement.  Conversation is key to growth and connections with people are extremely important.  I am going to try to do more of this.  
all for now...

Birthday....celebrate??

That's me, an old truck that cleans up well and still has some fire in the tank.  I just don't move as fast. This is the first birthday I will spend without my mother.  She always made a point of telling me the circumstances of my birth and the weather of that day in 1950.  Its the only thing that makes me sad.  You know, I come from the generation that said "Never trust anyone over thirty". Now I am more than twice that age.  I cannot imagine being on the short side of 70.  

on another topic, the wheelchair is fixed thanks to the diligence of my wife and some help from Channel 7 News.  One carefully worded and placed email to them got the vendor moving and the parts were located and installed the same day.  I you are having an issue with a company and can document the events that led up to the problem, they can and will help. Keep this in mind.  

We are on week 2 with Harry.  Things are going pretty well aside from a few accidents and the colder temps for walks.  We are surrounded by dogs in the neighborhood and he is spooked by their barking.  He will have to get used to it. 

My wife is making cupcakes today for the party.  The kids like these better.  I am past the point of big desire on a particular cake.  Shannon is watching Handy Manny on Hulu and listening to her tunes on the player.  All is cold and calm today.  The sun is brilliant.  Our neighbors lost power because of the windstorms earlier in the week.  Fortunately the power is now up and running and they can sleep in their own beds again.  

I went for a dentist visit this week, for a non event filling.  He is a great guy and dental technician.  During the process, I had no "white knuckle" moments.  At the end I complimented him and his work stating that he always made me feel safe. I got a warm smile in return and he was touched. (did something right).

 Drivers license renewal also this week.  Was nervous about the eye test.  I have good days and not so good days.  But it went well and I am good for another 4 years.  There was an elderly gentleman that was abruptly told he was not eligible for a license due to his physical condition.  He was devastated and I could feel his remorse.  We need alternatives in transportation for those somewhat diminished.

This is Harry and me in quiet repose.  He has become my buddy and we are learning about each other.  He is a reluctant walker especially in the cold.  I collapse after in front of the news most days and awaken in round two of Jeopardy.  Well that's all for now and I am preparing for day of relaxing, pizza and kids and grand kids.  Should be a good day.
 

 

Harry

We added a new family member last Sunday, Feb 26th, he is a rescue dog from a local non profit Good Karma Puppy Rescue, White Lake MI.  Harry is a mix of rat terrier and something else weighing in about 4 pounds at this point but will not be more than 20 lbs full grown.  This is a shot of Judy and Harry on adoption day.  The name comes from multiple sources.  Her dad was named Harry, I am Jerry Harry and my grandfather was named Harry, so appropriately named Harry.  We are in the throws of puppy training, including middle of the night potty time in now the cold weather.  He is fun and rambunctious put a couch potato at night.  

On another front we are trying to get this wheelchair repaired.  Dealing with all the parties involved has proven quite cumbersome in that you don't get straight answers.  I feel like I'm being played like a violin.  The battle continues.

One notable thing.  Occasionally products advertised on TV actually work.  We bought a couple of the new copper pans for cooking.  THEY REALLY WORK! Nothing sticks to these pans.  If I had the money, would buy one for all my cooking friends.  I made a grilled cheese sandwich with muenster cheese between a blueberry English muffin today.  It was spectacular.  The cheese that went over the roll melted and could be incorporated in the sandwich.
all for now 

Detroit Zoo on this beautiful day

We visited the zoo today.  These are the kangaroos in the Australian outback area of the park, where the critters are moving about freely. Most of the animals we saw today were lounging in the sun, enjoying the sunshine. We had a relaxing time watching all the moms and their toddlers running loose having fun.  The kids are back in school so only little people were around.  I am back to working one day per week and it gives me more time for these adventures.  Shannon's wheelchair needs new wheels for it to be safe. We are going through that lengthy process to get this done.

Also as another bit of info to share, especially for us folks with aging parents.  Make sure the original Will is available to you when it is needed for final arrangements.  In order to file for taxes of the deceased, a document called "letter of authority" is needed to complete the filing.  The original Will is necessary to get this letter.

We are considering adding another family member, a small breed puppy.  We want a dog that will grow with the grand kids.  We are only fact finding at this point.  Went to a couple of animal shelters, heartbreaking to see them all without families. A developing story.....

all for now

Have a cold....but functional

Add caption

For the first time in a while, I have a cold.  Still able to enjoy this lovely intemperate weather with the grand kids and Shannon home for a visit.  Her wheelchair is not working, both wheels need to be replaced.  Went though all kinds of verbal gyrations with various agencies and parties trying to get this repair funded.  It will be but we don't know how long it will take.  The care of the disabled (our most vulnerable citizens), is almost an afterthought of our political decision makers. We could truly make America great again if we took better care of this population.

I have become a shadow of my former self, now developing a old man body with skinny legs and a falling face as illustrated above.  I am not complaining only making an observation on life.  We will see what happens as the years roll on, becoming closer to being invisible.

My wife and I have a new addiction.  It is a TV program from Ireland called Red Rock, a police drama/soap opera available on Amazon Prime.  I can see how all the mothers got hooked on these programs while they were ironing their husbands shirts and handkerchiefs.  I remember my mom doing this.  You get to to like the characters if they well written and multi dimensional.  We get our fix every evening.  And it is just that. I need to see it and how the characters are doing. 

Further because I have been up on the couch with the cold, I have discovered a set of programs available on line from ABC network that are 5-6 minute segments of comedy. Most are rated TV-MA because of the language and subject matter.   Its easy to watch a whole series in one sitting.  You can find them on your smart phone on their app. 

We have another beautiful day to enjoy.  We are getting these gifts and need to take advantage of them.  Worked outside yesterday de-thatching the front lawn for the upcoming spring.  Yesterday temperature records were broken.  I have no complaints. Grand kids were over riding their bikes and playing ball, truly a grand day.  Planning on cleaning out the car today. Won't be as warm but still a swell day.

The circus in Washington continues.  Many of us watch in dismay.  Some from his party are already predicting an early departure for this man.  McCain is calling him out for his war on the press.  Yesterday's topper is a campaign rally payed for by us for the 2020 presidential election.  This was the guy who said he would only work for US during his years as president.  This boondoggle took place a scant 28 days into his presidency.  Our brilliant representatives in Lansing are proposing to cancel the income tax for our state.  And the question must be raised, how will you pay for the operation of the state??
all for now.....

Oil change today and other thrills

I got my oil changed today at the Ford dealer and waited around for an hour for it to be completed watching inane daytime television with the blonde stick woman Kelly Ripa.  Not really entertained. My seatmate was a large and friendly African American man who was calling his associates looking for a ride to somewhere.  He was successful.  I was doubly disappointed that they did not have the free donuts I was looking forward to.  When completed, went over to the new Kroger Marketplace to buy some gas and get my discount (a senior mind focus) on gas from buying groceries at the store.  For some reason, the Royal Oak Fire Dept was present (there was no fire).  It seems that an elderly man with diabetes had let his glucose drop to dangerous levels and required intervention.  A kind and smart employee had noticed him and called.  All was getting under control when I left.

Trying to get back into cooking.  Made roasted fingerling potatoes today that turned out good. Made sweet potato muffins that were basically ok but not the best I've made.  My dear and competent spouse is assembling documents for our tax journey for this year.  Kind of a different year in that I worked full time until April and went on SS afterward. We will see about the outcome.

Mr. Trump is moving forward or backward leaving complete chaos in his wake.  His staff is marching in lockstep to his drum but he keeps changing the tune to dodge criticism from a variety of parties. The latest policy is to raise taxes on imported goods.  That means that Walmart, the Gap, Kmart, and Best Buy will be sustaining large cost increase on nearly all the products they sell. Consumer prices will go up drastically.  These places will no longer be a good place to shop.  His image still dominates all the media we see be it video or print or radio.  I am sick to death of looking at him and listening to his ravings.  I plan to re read 1984 by George Orwell at my earliest convenience.  We seem to be entering into a time of "doublespeak", with "alternative facts".

Elijah and his classmates had a wonderful 1st grade vocal concert earlier in the week.  It was an all Disney show complete with hand and arm movements throughout the songs.  This kid travels to beat of his own drum.  Because his sister received flowers after her dancing performance, he insisted that he wanted his own flowers.  Judy and I located some green daisies that looked like weed to me but they were satisfactory.  They were the first thing he was looking for when he left the stage. 
all for now...

Cape May 2017

This is the view from our upstairs hall way and sitting area looking into the ocean from the Peter Shields Inn in Cape May NJ.  We had a most pleasant time visiting with friends and relatives and consuming way too much food and drink.

We went hunting for sea shells for the kids which was probably the highlight of my trip.  We went out on the morning of the last day of our visit before breakfast and stood in the quiet watching the waves rolling in and viewing the early morning sun.  It was cool but comfortable.  Thinking I would like to spend more time doing just this, simple quiet contemplation. Our hosts were ill with colds and we miraculously did not get sick.  The restaurant in this bed and breakfast serves fancy, expensive meals.  I always order my chicken extra dry and they never fail to comply.  Could have used the portion as a doorstop.  Soup was good as was the creme brulee for dessert.  It was good to get home with no snow for February.  We cared for our grand children and Shannon all week and they were welcome visitors. I am very comfortable with all these youngsters.  They seem to understand me and me them.  They love to scream "POPPY!!" to wake me up when I fall asleep in front of the TV.  Everyone laughs and I am befuddled.

all for now

no opinions

 

off to Cape May

We are off to Cape May for another family adventure on the brisk winter sea shore.  All my stuff is packed and my spouse is getting her stuff together.  It will be a short trip with some visiting before we we reach our destination.  This is always a fun trip.  My daughter and her boyfriend are coming with us for the visit.  She is very animated and talkative and always gets on with her aunts and uncles wonderfully.  It is a littler warmer out there than here (13 degrees at 6am).  So we will collect washed up shells for the kids, (always a requirement).

I spent some time with my grand kids yesterday writing stories on the computer.  I told my grandaughter the wonderful thing about stories is that you can write down whatever you think.  She looked at me perplexed but smiled in her sheepish way and got it.  So the proceed to tell me things that she liked and thought about.  My grandson told me about all his favorite things in his story.  It went on and on. A little tougher for him to get started, but when he got rolling, there was no stopping him.  I want them to realize they have important things to say and stories can help, also that imagination is an incredible thing and that we should use.

I sometimes struggle with what my role should be for them.  I struggle to be a good listener and not be to bossy or intimidating.  I think the key is to slow down, look at them and really listen. These kids absolutely brighten my day.  When I cook and they enjoy it, I am thrilled.  When I we cut up a cardboard box and make something, I am elated. 

Despite the cold temperatures we have a clear sky developing and I am looking forward to this new adventure.

No opinions today
all for now

Feeling apocalyptic

With the new president's appointments to cabinet positions and to the Supreme Court.  Feelings of hopelessness are creeping.  All the rights that minorities and women have fought for could be erased with a single stroke of a pen.  Further the abomination of excluding damaged souls because they are not of the religion you like is tantamount to the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during WWII.  I fear we are traveling down the same path.  The democratic opposition is powerless to stand up to this tyrant and his cohorts.  The two party system is not working when one of the parties controls everything, which is the case now.

However retirement is going okay working to keep the money straight and spending much time with the grandchildren. They are a constant source of joy in my life.  I worry about their future in the America we are developing.  My kids, my spouse and me will be fine.  All the changes will affect these little people.  I know, too much politics.  Reading the paper and watching the news on TV or on the internet is like a car crash you cannot take you eyes off of.  I need to remove myself from media in general.  I do not know what a regular citizen can do.

We are taking Shannon out to dinner tonight, having not seen her since the Florida adventure.  We will be happy to see her.  She has very simple, straightforward needs.  Give food she likes a walk outdoors in her wheelchair, some conversation, music and a movie and she is happy.  We are so pleased with the home she is in.  They treat her like a daughter, with care and kindness.

Made eggplant casserole for dinner tonight (dessert with Shannon). I need to get back into cooking, have got pretty lazy not planning enough.

Going to Cape May NJ for a family get together over the weekend.  I will be good to see our friends and sister and brother in law.  One of my favorite guys named Nunnzio  and his wife Donna will be there now that he's feeling better.  Back in the eighties, for me and much earlier for him we worked for the same trucking company.  He has lots of stories to tell and is always entertaining.

Mighty cold this morning, about 19 degrees.  That's Michigan in February
all for now

back to winter no fun

Me and Bob a week ago in Punta Gorda.  Now shoveling for the last two days and returned fully to winter in Michigan.  Having worked last night and and the current temperatures,  I forgot I went on vacation in the first place.  My friends are in their second day of driving back to our wonderful weather.  Hope they are prepared.

Went to the gym this morning to try and reverse the weight gain from my overeating and move my muscles a little not as bad as the first day.  Feeling more retired and comfortable with the downsized life style now.  There are not as many things to do and accomplish.  Will be glad when winter is completed.  
all for now 

Back from Paradise

We returned from Florida last night to small snowfall but drive-able road conditions.  Had a great time in Punta Gorda FL for the week with good and generous friends.  We stayed in a gated senior community for the week.  To say the surroundings were pristine would an understatement.  The palm trees were swinging in the breezes and the golf carts were rolling by.  There was a lovely pool and hot tub mere steps from our dwelling.  I did learn a new word, "lanai", which is a covered porch or pool area.  In pedestrian Michigan we would call it screened in porch, [much less sexy].  I thought it was a skin condition or a tropical drink.   Our rented dwelling was a third floor condo with this lanai porch at either end of the floor.  There was a pleasant breeze blowing through the place all the time.  Temps were in the mid 70's to 80 all week with mostly sunny conditions.  

Eating out for all the dinners, except one, I added about 5 lbs to my middle,  even with walking a good distance with the dog.  I ate with complete abandon at every meal like my father in law used to say "like he was going to the electric chair".
Now bearing in mind that this is a setting for people over 55 years old,  it is all and only people of this age and older in the environment.  Everyone is smiling and cheery, but there are no young faces to see and it is too quiet for me.  This indeed is a lovely place for a vacation, but living in this type of place is not for me at least at this point in my life.

We dined in a number of nice places, all casual and not to steep in price.  One stands out in particular.  It is called "The Blue Dog".  This is a seafood place with all local fish and it looks like members of Jimmy Buffet's band would eat there.  It was loud and lively.  The staff couldn't have been more welcoming.  And typically, I ate my brains out on every thing and always left with smile.  Also had ice cream (a no no for me) at a local stand "the working cow" that was a hit. 

However, we did have one somewhat disquieting incident.  My friend and I took our morning walk, maybe two + miles with the dog Buddy, a friendly spaniel kind of dog with an easy disposition.  Anyway we are ending our walk and my friend always is prepared with bags for the doggy droppings which he collects promptly.  We found a dumpster in a different condo complex, which was used as a depository before.  We placed the bag in the receptacle, when we were assailed by an elderly resident of the complex,  accosting us that this dumpster was for residents only and that they paid for it. She stated this twice walking her snippy little white dog angrily tugging on the leash.  My friend just said yes, when she pointed out the error in his ways.  I am sure this will be a hot topic for discussion for next board meeting and and least a days worth of pronouncements to her friends and colleagues.
all for now    

vacationing in Florida

Good friends of ours have invited us to stay with them at their spot on the west coast of Florida.  It is beautiful and we are escaping the Michigan winter at least for a time.  Went for a little shopping and are now planning dinner.  This environment is almost too pristine for me.  There not a leave to be found on the ground and the branches that blow down immediately are picked up by a wandering band of workers. Very few cars are about aside from the frequent passage of golf carts.  We saw a local alligator and her babies in a nearby waterway keeping our distance.  This creature makes be nervous.

Also saw manatee's poking their snouts out of the water in the harbor area.  They are great huge sea creatures that harmlessly frequent the warmer waters in this vicinity.  There are palm trees of every variety where we are as of today all blowing in the breeze.  The weather back home is not as bad as many Januaries, here it is at least 30 degrees warmer.
all for now

stunned at the outcome

Like many others, I am stunned by the election of our new president.  Today there are scheduled protest marches staged largely by disaffected women in America.  I hope it goes well and no one gets stupid and causes problems.  By and large these are women of substance, many bringing their children, I believe all will go okay,

As I look at the newspaper this morning I notice all the old white men and women applauding the inauguration of this man.  I look a the photos and see old guys that look like me.  I entirely disagree with them on matters of politics and our now former president.  Cannot figure out why I am so different.  Raised in a lower middle class environment, never went hungry, always had clothes on my back and a nice roof over my head.  And yet I detest most of the words out of this mans mouth.  They love him.

Soon we will be bound for warmer climates.  Looking forward to the break.
all for now

New grandson and inauguration day

Yesterday we spent our time caring for out new grandson Paxton.  He is truly a wonder and brightens my day.  We are looking forward to soon traveling to warmer climates in Florida, escaping the Michigan winters for a moment.  And.....today we will have a new president.  I and surely others are amazed that this guy was elected to the highest office in the land.  By his own professions, he will undo all the executive orders from the previous administration and remove all he sees as unfit.

I fear for our country and its future, my grandchildren and my children.  The fox is now in or rather owns the hen house.  We will see what happens.

Retirement has been droning on, something in my day to day events needs to be more inspiring.  I have always liked to put my thoughts to paper and plan to do more of that.  Aging in itself has made changes in my mind and body that I am becoming more comfortable with.  I'm not nearly as strong physically as in my youth.  My vision is faltering, glasses are now nearly always required.  My drivers license renewal is coming up and I hope I can pass my eye test.  I am presenting with the old age problem that recent memories don't last but I have vivid reminders of when I was a youngster.
My mother in law stayed with us for long periods in her waning years and she did that talking of things that occurred 80 years ago and now this is happening to me.

And frankly I bore myself with thinking about my health and how I am feeling from day to day.  In someways, I miss my youth with its spontaneity and "everthing's going to be all right attitude".
Oh well, enough complaints, on with the day.
all for now 

rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic

As we approach the upcoming inauguration of the new president,  the country has never been in a greater turmoil about our future.  I know this blog is supposed to be about retirement and its foibles but I find it necessary to speak about this topic.  The repeal of the ACA will happen swiftly I believe and many people with be without insurance coverage.  This cannot be good for America.  I fear the emergency rooms will be over crowded with people unable to pay and the rest of us will foot the bill.
Further it troubles me further that this man will be the representative for our country on the world stage. All of his statements seem to be off the cuff and based on his opinions without reference to the facts at hand. He seems to be sleeping with the Russian oligarch and it appears that the election was engineered to be in his favor by outside source, and treason could be afoot. There is scheduled to be a large gathering of women and some men to stand in protest of this new leader on the day following the inauguration.  In my lifetime, no such event has occurred.  Probably the biggest thing about this whole scenario is that friends I thought I knew who are supporters of this man and his precepts, I now wonder about their moral judgement.  Never have I thought negatively about someone I know because of their political leanings.  With this guy, it is difficult to excuse.

On to retirement.  We are going to be watching our newest grandson more and I have reduced my hours to a single day a week.  Weather is typically dreary in the Detroit area.  I will be glad when spring arrives.  Now I am pretty well adjusted to this life, being barely employed, engaged in other pursuits.  I miss my mom in fleeting moments and recall her time with me and my family fondly.
all for now