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

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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
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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