Wood Boogers

Got basically nothing done a couple of weekends ago, but ...  had a lot of fun with my son texting back and forth and talking on the phone. It was an off and on communication fest. Topic?  Cryptids. He taught me a lot, and I plan to do more research on my own.  My favorite name of a cryptid category so far is the Wood Boogers. Thus the title of this week's blog. 

The whole Wood Booger thing is Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia's take on Big Foot or Yeti or whatever you want to call this particular creature. The term Wood Boogers was coined by European settlers in that area in the 18th century who found them to be much like Boogeymen. As far as my section of the US goes... mythologically ... the Pennsylvania Appalachian area is full of different sorts of mythical and perhaps not so mythical cryptids -- creatures like Big Foot, Moth Man, etc. Actually there are legends, mythology and folk lore of indigenous peoples across the entire planet  ... have been for a very long time as far as I can tell. 

Anyway - this whole "conversation" started with a post online by a former colleague of mine who posted a trail cam photo taken by a cam owned by a former student of mine.  I uploaded this creepy and mysterious photo to Chat GPT for identification and it was no help because AI saw a bushy tail that I could find no where in the photo -- so  -- I shifted to research through a TikTok link that my son sent me on cryptids.  I/we now like to think the trail cam caught a shape shifter and it is all very creepy. I find it interesting in all of this that I had never heard the word cryptid before.  I sort of like it. I definitely like learning new things.

Thus began my research on cryptids -- flying, reptilian ... even those cute cryptids like the Jackalope of the Great American West. This creature is a bunny with antlers -- a mix of a rabbit and an antelope or deer perhaps.  For those of you who live in this corner of Northwest Pennsylvania, you may remember the "stuffed" jackalope that sat behind the bar at the Deer Head Inn in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania years ago. Of course I also ran across many stories of the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and the Pennsylvania Squonk of Lumberjack lore.  There is a lot of information out there. I still need to check out the myths and folklore of the Carpathian Mountain region -- apparently there is a lot there of interest as well -- of the super creepy variety.

All I need now it to have an encounter with one -- just one.  I have seen one UFO -- years ago nearby on the road between Canadohta Lake and Union City -- probably in the late 1960's. It was impressive. I am ready for the next step.  A  small Wood Booger a safe distance away would be ideal. I'll readily pass on the shape shifter variety and all the other scary ones.  

Tools by Season

Not in a philosophic mood today and sort of ready to get away from all the serious concerns of the world at the moment ... at least for a little while. For some unknown reason I am thinking about the basic and real tools of life... not mental tools... just physical/hands on/put your back into it working tools. Perhaps it is keeping busy as an escape. 

Now there are inside and outside tools to be sure, but with the change of seasons upon us, I am simply concentrating on the outside implements. I have come to the conclusion that there are basically ten or so important tools that make my life easier.  They are seasonal.

As Spring comes in, first in importance is my Grandpa's Weeder which allows me to dig weeds without bending over.  Second is a knife for serious digging in the soil that I, for some unknown reason, have dubbed the snake whacker. I have seen only one snake in the past twenty-five years and I didn't whack it.  I screamed.  Nevertheless... it is the snake whacker.  Oh ... I cannot forget to mention my trusty battery powered chain saw for small downed pasture limbs. Can't live without that.

Summer tools are those of Spring with the possible addition of a weed burning tool, heavy duty weed whacker (the kind with plastic string) and lawn mower, of course.

Primary for Fall is a competent leaf rake, but also essential is a sturdy battery operated trimmer for cutting back the most stubborn plants at the end of the season -- hopefully well before the snows hit. I do not recommend cutting back in the snow. Plants tend to get slimy and gross ... or worse.

Then in Winter the shovel(s) appear or perhaps a leaf blower that can double as a snow removal device. Oh -- snow plows as well -- how could I have almost left that one out. I don't have a plow, but know someone who does. My plow guy even salts my driveway when necessary.  Huge ...  as there is a slight downhill slope that makes a walk to the mailbox terrifying on an icy day. I am at that stage in life when I no longer joke about breaking a hip. Have been in that stage for a while now. Can you relate?

So...  Those are the tools by season in Northwest Pennsylvania ... or at least the basic ones. Soon it will be time to dust off my shovels.  I have two. I live in a notorious snow belt after all. Winter sometimes comes early and... we have more than one kind of snow here.  If you live in snow country or are a down hill skier, you know what I mean.  If you don't... well... you are missing out on something that can be wonderful and difficult at the same time. You have to experience a true winter in snow country to fully get the meaning of that and to know that shovels come in wimpy and heavy duty.

Shine or Hobble

It's getting to be that time of year in Northwest Pennsylvania when flowers and other assorted plants are sending out droopy and tired    messages that they have had enough of the hot sun and occasional pounding rain, or lack thereof, and that they just want to be "put to bed" for the winter.  That "put to bed" phrase I borrow from my wonderful Mom. Fun, isn't it, how some phrases run through families? I can almost hear her saying that.   

I still remember one of my personal "phrase faves" from my when my son was little -- "No, I amn't gonna do that."  Anyway -- I was saying that one to myself when wondering if I should get up and out of bed this morning when I first woke up at 3 AM. "No, I amn't gonna do that."  And that was before I even tried to move.

Wonder where I am going with this?  I am hoping the first two paragraphs bring me to my point which tries to connect preparing for winter and getting up the next morning ... and does so without making me seem crabby.  The meme below sort of speaks for itself and ... if you are one of us who cuts back a bit too long on a nice day as summer comes to an end, and then "feels it" the next morning... you "get it". The meme below speaks for you too.  

I would like to meet the person who thought of this.  My kind of people.

                        Rise and shine! 

               Or rise and hobble with dignity -- 

                either way, coffee's waiting.  

                                                            (The Dadbod Veteran)  

The Saga of Peeps

Without a pet for many years, I recently had the pleasure of the company of a kitten for a few days.  We think she is a girl and that she is about 12 weeks old. We call her Peeps.  I turned 76 the day before she came to stay.  You can see, in that age difference, that the kitten had a distinct advantage, but we made out just fine.  I have lived with kittens and cats before.  I had forgotten what it was like. I do love cats and dogs. My scabs are healing nicely.

Below are excerpts from a bit of writing about living with a kitten after several years of being pet free. I figured Peeps' people would ask about how I made out with her...  so...

Day 1: Kitty exploration in general.  Seems to be just fine.  Ate well.

Day 2: Peeps is settling in nicely and, as I thought, is definitely not the demon cat I was warned about. She is a teeny, precious purring machine and other than liking to sleep on my face or neck last night off and on – no problem whatsoever.   A short time later....

Peeps just cleaned off my desk a bit as I type and is now playing with something over by the fire place that sounds like a piece of plastic – not sure what it is, but is think it is part of my paper cutter … oh wait a minute – she is now sitting on my shoulder after a flying leap from across the room.  It is clear to me at this moment that she did not have  her nails trimmed before her people left. I am sure the bleeding will stop shortly.  Just kidding…  I don’t think she even broke the skin.  Will double check that later – just in case.  

Update -- From the sounds of it now – Peeps appears to be trying to dismantle the doors on the fireplace – good thing she can’t open the doors and mess around inside that.  Curiosity killed the cat after all.  We can't have any kitty injuries. Not on my watch! Six more sleeps.

Day 3: Peeps and I are getting along just fine.  Counting today her fam will be picking her up after five more sleeps.  They warned me that she can be sort of a demon kitty once in a while, but I find her to be more of an attack cat or Ninja as she lurks under my bed only to dart out and attack my feet as I pass by.  This new development is a bit unsettling.... Five more sleeps.

Day 4:  Peeps and I need to be a bit more active today.  Am hoping to tire her out a bit before heading to bed this evening.  She walks on me off and on all night and purrs very loudly – sort of like a jet engine coming in for a landing on my house.  I think she misses sharing a comfy dog bed with her huge German Shepherd buddy and crawling all over her.  No wonder the Shepherd sometimes puts Peep’s entire head into her big dog mouth.  I totally get it. 

Hoping for a good night's sleep, I tried to keep Peeps awake yesterday afternoon, but there is no reasoning with her.  When she falls asleep she is like a sack of warm breathing fur covered Jello. If you even try to stand her up, she just purrs and settles into whatever is underneath her.  She is a teeny cuddling creature… so cute… just a bit too much energy for me sometimes.  Right now – she is the picture of innocence all settled in the reclining chair across the room.  I am wearing a thick hooded sweatshirt this morning so that when she decides to leap onto my shoulders, her claws will have a thick layer of fabric that will offer my skin a chance.  I am not stupid. I have lived with cats before. 

Just got an idea – perhaps Peeps might like to explore the basement today instead of napping.  I could sweep around the edges while she explores everything.  I think this plan has possibilities.  We will see.  Four more sleeps.    

Day 5:  Peeps slept through the night last night with no walking on my face or trying to sleep on my neck.  I fed her three times yesterday instead of the two times that were suggested + she had exploration time in the basement – plan to do the same today while I am cleaning down there… and she has already gobbled down breakfast... the first of three meals. Am hoping this sleeping through the night will continue.  I get up early enough as it is. (Note -- a second time of basement exploring didn't work. Peeps definitely has a mind of her own and her own agenda.)  Three more sleeps.

Day 6: All’s well here.  Peeps has settled in nicely, but in a fit of zoomies and her decision to repeatedly attack my feet by biting them, she earned a time out in my bedroom for about a half an hour yesterday afternoon. I have decided that I need to wear thick socks at all times.  Her little teeth are very sharp. Needles. She looks so bright eyed and innocent, but when she gets going, she is a challenge.  Don’t think she speaks English yet, but basically she is doing well here without her fam. 

My Granddaughter texted yesterday in response to a couple of pics I texted her. (The only time Peeps holds still is when she is sleeping.  Photos are rare.) She asked that I tell Peeps that she misses her.  I did. Peeps just looked at me with a blank, but sweet kitty expression and softly bit my thumb.  We are working on communication skills.  I definitely like having her around, but… two more sleeps. 

Day 7: Peeps, who is the size of a large sandwich roll, knocked the heavy lamp off the table next to my reclining chair yesterday while I was talking on the phone.  That seemed to end the zoomies for that episode. The lamp is totally fine.  I may have to knock it off myself today to calm her down when she is zooming. She goes from cuddly little fur ball to monster kitten flying around like a attack bat. She loves having the chairs back from their reupholstering, btw.  (They were just returned today.)  She can fly from the book room doorway, a few feet away, to land on an end chair, jump from there to the table and after a quick slide across that - skimming the centerpiece as she goes by – land on the chair at the other end of the table.  It is impressive.  I think I should remove the centerpiece at some point to give her a clear slide.  She tends to like to do that in a leap, fly, jump, slide, repeat mode.  She amuses herself.  It’s all rather astounding.  If I could get her interested in sliding everywhere, I could borrow her once in a while and never have to dust again. The problem is, as I mentioned before, she doesn't speak English yet. Or it may be that cats just do their own thing or that she is ignoring me.  I should know that really. Okay am off to see what cord Peeps is chewing on now. Those sharp little teeth!  One more sleep.  

Day 8: Peeps is doing her leap and slide thing across the dining room table at the moment… she sounds like a herd of baby elephants who can run very, very fast.  Ah Peeps!  It’s going to seem so very quiet and calm once you go home this morning to your family of people and your dogs too. Am thinking that especially the Shepherd puppy, who is the size of a small camel at this point, has probably missed the little Peeps.  They are an odd pair of buddies.  Wonder what it is like if they both get the zoomies at the same time??? I am almost afraid to ask if that has ever happened? The older, more mature and sensible dog, seems to ignore them both.  Smart one.

Peeps can come again to hang out another time. I will rest up and try to be ready. Hopefully she will understand English by that time. Do cats outgrow Zoomies?  I am trying to remember.

Piece of Cake

 Remember as an innocent child when you just knew that adults knew everything and had all the answers to all the questions?  Ah youth! Those were the days.  Now in the last half of my 70's, it seems to me that aging and the "adulting" that comes along with that are definitely not all they are cracked up to be.  Actually I think I have known that for a long time -- maybe since the late teenage years.  I find, and have found, however,  that it is sort of amusing to watch myself work through the process.

I have been the chief cook and bottle washer of my home for many years.  Hope to be able to continue in that role for a long time to come.  It takes effort  -- seems more now than when I had the energy and stamina of youth and...  two wonderful kids still at home to help out. We were a good team. Sometimes I now have to hire out the occasional exterior chore that I do not want to do (or cannot do), but the interior is still basically my domain except for the big heavy chores and repairs that are beyond my skill set which is basically almost everything except using a semi colon properly which rarely comes in handy.  Case in point is installing a new capacitor in an AC unit a few days ago.  That requires expertise way beyond me. Fortunately for me -- I know people who know how to do that. Then again there is the situation of ... I know someone who knows someone.  That is how I found the guy to wash the exterior of my house, clean out all the gutters and the scrub the outside of all my windows.  Perfect. That was a good day. The smell of cleanliness came through the walls. Amazing... and I didn't even break a sweat. I love a project like that. You may have noticed that neither of those jobs requires punctuation.

So anyway  ...  another perk available in our times to those of us who don't know how to do stuff ... YouTube videos.  They often prove to be a huge help if I remember to search for them.  Thankful for people who take the time to make and post videos. I think, actually, that I may have written about this before. Anyway ... videos are not as fun or as interesting as real people are, but they can be helpful and sometimes amusing as well.  A couple of weeks ago I was able to learn how to remove toggle bolts (those thingamajigs with the sort of inside out or backward wings on them).  I wanted to take two of them out and not ruin dry wall in the process.  I was impressed with myself in trying -- even though I was a total failure when attempting the first method I discovered on YouTube which entailed using an old wine opener.  (Oh how I would have loved to tell people that I successfully used an old fashioned wine opener to remove toggle bolts from dry wall.)  I also used "the" YouTube to help me with instructions for preparation and use of spackling and then sanded, and touched up the spots with 25 year old paint.  The bolts were removed, the dry wall survived beautifully, and a new framed counted cross-stitch project was hung.  Ta Da!  You can teach an old dog new tricks.  I am living proof.  Turns out the whole process was a "piece of cake".  

Piece of cake. Strange expression ... right?  Thankful that American English is my native language. It is so weird. Bet you all know what I mean in that. I would have a hard time learning all its idiosyncrasies if it were my second language. Seems like I was "on a roll" today -... language wise ...  Piece of Cake. Adulting. Cracked up to be.  Chief cook and bottle washer.  Break a sweat. Thingamajig. Old dog/new tricks.  Communication is sometimes very interesting.   Happy Thursday!

New Jeans

I ordered three pair of American Eagle jeans last week and they arrived in no time. Must mention -- the three different styles I ordered sold out almost immediately after I placed my order.  Did I need new jeans? No, I did not.  Do I love them?  Yes.  Reasonably priced?  I would say so in comparison to many I have seen ... plus ...  they were "on sale". Do I feel good about my purchase? I do ... on a couple of different levels. New jeans are fun for one thing, but there is more....

Had I ever heard of Sydney Sweeney before an American Eagle jeans commercial involving a simple play on words? No, I had not. Apparently this ad sparked a flame that fueled a hubbub that turned back on those protesting in a rather impressive way - - some say the protest became a total fiasco for them.  Impressive backfire.   I admit that I enjoyed the entire process.  I am thinking American Eagle, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, liked it as well.

You wage your protest, I will wage mine.  Apparently I am not alone in being sick and tired of the assault on common sense and of what appears to be a total loss of a sense of humor or of an appreciation of word play.

Good for American Eagle. Good for Sydney Sweeney. You stand your ground quietly and with dignity against an assault of raging attention seekers.  Sadly, in their own way -- fixated within their limited vocabulary-- they are also missing out on comfy jeans.

Watch the power of the silent majority. The pendulum swings both ways. It's time is now. 

Some think that perhaps its time is past due.

Take a HIke

 I have written about fun and funny t-shirts before -- but I have to mention the one I heard about recently that promoted walking and enjoying the "wilds".  A good friend of mine was wearing this "Take a Hike" t-shirt when someone in proximity was offended and felt it necessary to have a confrontation with her about it.  People seem to be more like that these days... more in your face. I think it's stress related and that it comes from not getting your own way when you think you are entitled to it.  That's a whole other concern... one I don't feel like writing about because I am sick of that a type of condescending behavior and ... I don't want to give them any attention.  They have had enough as far as I am concerned. Perhaps it is time for them to sit down and reevaluate a bit.  I say they should do their pouting, whining, and criticizing alone... perhaps in front of a mirror so they can come to appreciate what they look and sound like.) Once fashionable ... cultural condescending, confrontational outrage is on the way out. I am so tired of this nitwittery and meanness. Please....  You live your life; I will live mine.

Anyway, switch gears -- the central idea of the whole first paragraph brings me to my new doormats. (Yes, you read that correctly -- new doormats.) Recently I purchased not one, but two door mats... one for the front porch door and one for the kitchen porch door.  They are cheery WELCOME mats each with a tree of life featured prominently.  I love them.  They are warmly welcoming. There was a large selection of reasonably priced sturdy mats at this place, and ...  I have to admit, I was amused by and tempted by another door mat that read:  "Go Away!"  I passed it over and "went nice" because I would never want to hurt anyone's feelings, and I don't think everyone would find it as funny as I do.   

My sense of humor is not appreciated by all.  I know this and do try to manage it properly.  My family and close friends understand and, thankfully, we can laugh together.  It's bonding to share or to at least appreciate a sense of humor that is, to some, a bit twisted.  This bonding is also a blessing.  I am thankful... especially in this time of cultural unrest when others seem to be so willing to tell others how to live their lives and to attempt to limit others' word choice and freedom of speech. They seem to have lost a sense of humor. Perhaps they should take a hike, enjoy nature, and get some fresh air. Perhaps they could use a more welcoming door mat.

Wheels and AI

"Round and round it goes, and where it stops nobody knows"  -- an interesting phrase sometimes used to describe the uncertainties of life or the seemingly cyclical nature of things.  It is also used within the context of gambling -- more specifically in roulette. Spin that wheel... 

Was working on an acrostic puzzle the other day when I encountered the clue: "The 'wheel of death' may be part of this act (2 wds., hyph.)"  The title of the puzzle is "Lions and Tigers and Bears. Oh my!" So, for some reason, I immediately thought about a circus  when, perhaps, I should have been thinking of the Wizard of OZ.  Anyway ... this led me to remembering knife-throwing. It fit the puzzle.  Now the thing is, I cannot for the life of me wonder why I never thought about how stupid this particular entertainment is.  Really.  Think about it!  Now I am wondering if this is still done in circuses or magic shows anymore.  Does a circus still exist anywhere in the world?  Hmmm.... Be right back....  Just looked it up.  It does -- but with an emphasis shift away from animals to a focus more on humans doing things like acrobatics and aerial acts.  Interesting.  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey still exist.  Nice. Wonder where is the world they are right now?

Back to the knife-throwing wheel of death.  As I remember it, some woman who was unfortunate enough to have landed this job, was tied (splayed actually) to a wheel (wrists and ankles).  Then ... potential victim securely attached, the wheel was then set in a spinning motion, while a man, most likely blindfolded, threw knives at her.  Yikes.  Anyway -- it got me to thinking about the stupid and dangerous things that people do, so I asked AI to give me a list. AI found no results.  Yes, you read that correctly.  No results in a search for stupid and dangerous things that people do. I mean I can think of a dozen things off the top of my head. All this being said...

I don't think I am ready to trust my safety and health to AI yet.  Perhaps AI is still too young to have good judgement.  Or ... perhaps I didn't ask it correctly.  Either way ... I sometimes think I have dealt with enough huge changes in my 3/4 of a century.  I am tired of all the adjusting.  Changes, like AI -- "round and round it goes, and where it stops nobody knows."  It's exhausting to think about and ... perhaps more than a bit of a gamble. Not sure I want to play this game. Too late now. I told the AI on my phone to go away and not come back.  It appeared one day --  uninvited. It's still there.  It doesn't seem to follow instructions well. 

Think I will go water my flowers.

Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies are way more than just sugary goodness.  There is a lot to know about them.  Come to find out, much to my surprise, they are not even Chinese in origin...  but rather are thought to have come to the west coast of the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century - from Japan.  Surprise, Surprise. Learn something new every day -- whether you want to or not.  

I have always liked fortune cookies -- a nice little surprise to open at the end of a delicious Chinese take-out meal.  Sometimes they are philosophical in nature, or contain a fortune of some sort.  In other cases they have a list of lucky numbers for those who play a lottery or something witty and/or funny. Nice variety.

One of my favorite "fortunes" was mentioned in one of my all time favorite movies, The Big Chill.  "You will never amount to anything."  It still makes me laugh. That message seemed so unexpected somehow.  It caught me off guard.

Recently I encountered a few more "fortunes" while playing Guru Mahjong which, by the way, I had to delete from my phone because I was spending way too much time playing.  These are my faves from that source:

• You have the heart of a lion -- and the attention span of a squirrel.
• Life's a Journey.  Take a snack.

I think everyone would like to be reassured by a message like "Your spiritual path is unfolding exactly as it should." However... that is often not the case. More likely -- you would encounter an aphorism -- something like "If it seems fates are against you today, they probably are."

If I were going to write a fortune for a cookie, it might have something to do with a phrase I encountered recently that has been stuck in my brain.  It involves trying to avoid having your ass nailed to a high pole. It's such a catchy phrase really ... and such a clear image.  I sort of love it.

One last Fortune cookie fact.  Fortune cookies were made by hand until the late 1960's when a fortune cookie machine was invented by Edward Louie.  If you didn't already know that, you learned something from my blog today.  My work for today is done.  Am off to order some take-out.

Phone Gap

There is a definite difference in the way generations think of phones. I think of it as a Phone Gap. For example, some of the older generation function better with both a landline and a cellphone, but ... having both doesn't always simplify things.  A case in point is the situation that a writer friend of mine described recently in an email. It was about two recent calls from her daughter. I can picture the whole thing and admit that I find it very funny. 

She called the house phone. I was on the deck, so by the time I got my feet off the chair that I pull close and use as a stool, moved it out of my way so I wouldn't trip over it and face-plant on the deck, got my sandals on (the deck floor was hot ) and into the house, she'd left me a message........but she was calling me now on my cell, which was out on the deck. 

Tell me, that you haven't had a "been there" kind of "phone" experience. In another situation ... just this week I accidentally hit something on my cellphone that made it start to record the conversation I was having with my son, and I couldn't get it to stop even though I tried hanging up on him twice.  He later texted me instructions on how to handle the record feature on an android and, once again, patiently suggested I get an iPhone. I find that very funny too. Poor guy -- he must be just shaking his head. I am a fan of Android.

Back to the phone gap for a minute -- there is the tendency of the younger generation(s) to think of the cellphone as a permanent addition to their body... perhaps attachment is a better word.  Have you seen anyone lately without a phone in their hand?  Is it true that more and more people are tripping and bumping into things?  I gave up smoking because I didn't like that something stupid was controlling my life.  I leave my phone sitting places on purpose now for the same reason. I will see that you called. I will get back to you... probably shortly, because, I, too, am a bit too attached.

One more thing -- I think I still have a pretty good reason for keeping my landline even though I rarely answer it as it seems to have morphed into the recipient of all things SPAM. Here's the reason. The last time I checked, my county was still unable to track the location of an emergency if the call comes in to the 911 Call Center from a cellphone and the person calling is unable to speak for some reason.  A landline they can track.  That seems like a good reason to me. I probably should check again to see if that situation still exists.  I know they were working on being able to track a cellphone the last time I called. 

There are some disadvantages to living in rural NW Pennsylvania.  However, I still think the advantages outweigh them. I do have excellent cell service, so there is that.

 

Talk to Me

 There are many things in today's world that I simply do not understand.

The whole pronoun issue is just one of those things.  Seemingly this trend is going away now -- possibly because people are just sick of it ... I mean  ...  who thinks up this stuff?  Do they have a real job?  Too much time on their hands?  It ranks right up there with self-righteously complaining about everything, but doing absolutely nothing to work toward making change for the better. It's stupid.

Case in point...  I was recently invited to a "donor portal" which, I guess is the way some charities ask you for money now.  A most pleasant letter was signed in bold print ... the signature followed by (she, her, hers) -- also in bold.  Talk about shouting at me.  Here's the thing.  I don't care what pronouns of choice this person prefers, nor do I care whether (she, her, hers) is a woman, a man or any variation thereof. I cannot keep track of all of them anyway. My world is not about you and your pronoun preferences or about your gender concerns.  In my opinion this person's pronouns should be (Me, Me, Me).  (She, Her, Hers) certainly wants to be the center of attention. To think that Boomers are thought of as the Me Generation by some. Hmm....

Perhaps it is time for those so inclined to broadcast their pronouns, etc. to look at the world more outside of just themselves and their friends.  There is a whole world out there.  Am I wrong?  Talk to me.

Needless to say I will be giving my donations to agencies that are more other oriented.  

Leaving 75 In The Dust

It suddenly dawned on me the other day that I am 75 years old and soon to turn the big 76.  Yikes!  How did that happen so quickly?

This is how I look at it.  There are perks. 

For one thing, I no longer need an excuse to stay off a ladder or not to carry heavy stuff.  And... I can love my new walking stick for rough terrain or even walking around the house if I feel like it. 

Further...  I can go to bed any time I want and not have to explain myself to anyone.   I could pretend not to hear things sometimes and get away with it.  Would I really do that?  I know that some people do. 

I love that I fit in with the white-haired crowd easily and therefore readily find people who laugh at the same things I do. Kindred spirits. These people also "get" my references to things.  They know, for example who Liberace was and understand that the sometimes glamourized hippies smelled bad. They remember things like Keds and when a sheet of bubble gum came with a baseball card. The women remember what it was like, as little girls,, to tuck their dresses into snow pants before walking to school.  Oh -- so many things to think about.

Another huge bonus in my case are adult children and close to adult grandchildren. They are totally capable of living their own lives and of making their own decisions.  The pressure is off.  I am in the relax mode.  Perfect.  If either do come to me describing a complicated situation that necessitates serious decision making, I am now where I can listen with care and ask them to let me know how it all turns out. Heaven!

I also like that I don't have to drive at night if I don't feel like it. I like that decisions to not do things are now socially acceptable. It takes the pressure off. Like I said ... perks.

So ... I suppose I should mention ... there are the aches and pains of aging as well as other assorted limitations. We all have our own bag of rocks (as my mom used to say).  I guess we find our way through somehow -- one way or the other... the best way we can.  Hopefully there is not a lot of complaining going on.  Personally, I have little tolerance for excessive "woe is me"... in myself or in others.  It takes up too much time.  I try not to do the woe thing and I only listen to it for what I consider enough time to be polite.  Dwelling on woe is a Big Bummer and subversive really. It's not good for anyone.

They way I look at it ...  we all know that not everyone makes it this far.  I personally feel that I should take advantage of the gift and try not to waste it or to take it for granted.  I will soon be over half way through the septuagenarian years.  Three quarters of a century has come and gone. Oh my....  

Wish I could remember how to nap. I so want to stay awake for 4th of July fireworks.  Happy Independence Day!  We are almost there.

The Potato Cannon and Heart Smiles

Taking a break from blogs remembering Covid. We all need that. This is a happier topic....

                        The Potato Cannon and Heart Smiles

So... I spent over a week with family -- overlapping visits.  My son and his family stayed with me.  My nephew and his family stayed in a lovely Barndominium called "Into the Woods" just a bit down the road from my home.  Outstanding accommodations all the way around. Check it out if you are headed the way of Corry, PA.  My daughter and her family live nearby -- just across the pasture plus a bit actually. Icing on the cake. Perfect.... 13 people in all.

I simply don't know where to start.  What fun -- nice and fun people ... so much laughter.  Dinners out. Dinners in. Make your own breakfasts and lunches.  Many helpful hands.  A trip to Niagara Falls for the Virginia Branch of the family.  My grandson from Terre Haute, IN and his girlfriend, born and raised in the flatlands of Indiana, went exploring - in search of curvy roads and rolling hills,  and my son and his wife from Danville, Indiana were off to the Southern Tier of Chautauqua Co, NY briefly -- followed by their traditional lunch at the French Creek Tavern.  Then there was a lovely afternoon of crafting with my creative great niece. Pickle ball and fishing.  Fire pit fires into the night. Special times for me with each and every one.  Am sure I have missed some of the activities ...  We gathered in the afternoons and evenings for the most part.  Good times. Special....  I think the only thing we forgot to do was to have a recorded skipping contest set to music. We had hoped to repeat that and to establish it as a tradition of such gatherings.  

Have to mention.  Now it is during those afternoon and evenings that the Potato Cannon appeared. It was impressive. We should have given it a name.  Don't know why I didn't think of that.  My nephew built it out of PVC pipe. That construction, along with hairspray, a long lighter and three 5 lb. bags of Russet potatoes did the trick. There were other games as well -- something involving baskets and little sacks of sand and then corn hole, of course.  Another fave involved teams bouncing a ball on a circle of netting ... Spikeball.  All were played pretty much rain or shine.  And of course we had professional photos taken one evening -- in the misty rain. (Thank you, Barb Beebe of Be Inspired Photography!) Mother Nature was not very cooperative, but we didn't really care and the photos turned out great.

A few final words on the impressive potato cannon.  Huge Hit! (Instructions may be found on YouTube, I think.) Talk about the perfect way to put a smile on one's face.... All it takes is shooting potatoes over the tree tops in my back pasture.  The thing is there was never one scrap of potato left on the patio in the mornings and not one potato to be found anywhere in the pasture.  I envision forest wildlife in a line at the edge of the woods eagerly waiting --- hoping the crazy humans are going to shoot more yummy food into the air for them. We were a bit of a loud bunch with the laughter and the cannon booms.  So fun.  As far as I know the neighbors are still speaking to me -- at least the ones that usually do.  

Alas -- all is quiet now.  Everyone arrived back home safely. Thankful in that. Long trips for sure back to Richmond, VA and West of Indianapolis, IN.  So... today I ordered prints and made a photo book. Empty nest syndrome all over again, but good memories for sure. They make my heart smile. My family is a gift... the best kind. I am so thankful for them. 

Life Goes On

                                   

                  June 16, 2020 - June 23, 2020

Police across the country are in the news.  Times are dangerous for those who support law and order.  The world continues to be upside down. The world watches as American cities are being destroyed. We have been subjected to enough destruction, violence and vandalism to last a lifetime.

Every day I am thankful that I do not live in a city where many are pretty much confined to an airless apartment.  I am able to get outside, pull a few weeds, breath fresh air and take a walk in my pasture.  Huge. Sometimes the small things are the big things. Nice to be able to avoid protests and riots.  I am so sick of angry, shouting faces.  It's so ugly on so many levels.

People shopping for clothes are now allowed to try them on... in some stores. Progress....

Some businesses are reopening within certain constraints like limiting the number of customers at one time. 

Erie County in Pennsylvania is entering the Green Phase within a week. Governor Wolf has set Pennsylvanians free!  We will now be able to get a hair cut legally and some restaurants will be allowed to reopen.  One step at a time.  

Some parents across the land have established "Under the Radar" sports for their children.  It seems a very healthy thing to do  -- in my opinion.  I think of it as the "Healthy Activity Underground ".  

The blame game continues in nearby New York State regarding covid patients being retuned to nursing home facilities.  Cuomo may have a big problem.

Trump rallies. No wonder Biden is trying to avoid debating with him. The right seems to be looking forward.  The left seems to be angry anti-everything. Huge contrast. I continue to wonder if politicians on both sides of the fence listen to themselves.  

Once again -- thankful I live in an area of Farmers' Markets and road side vegetable stands.  

Some schools with late June endings are holding Baccalaureate and Graduation Ceremonies in parking lots.

Life goes on...

Unhinged

                                

                                      June 8, 2020 - June 15, 2020

What in the world are people thinking?  The "Defund the Police" movement is totally off the wall stupid.  These are the same people who think that recent  demonstrations that tuned into injuries, killings, businesses burned and shameless lootings were not violent and were totally acceptable.  Beyond nuts. There is speculation and some evidence that someone, perhaps George Soros, is funding protestors.  Imagine that.

Biden is still in his bunker.  When will he talk to the American people? How can one run for President from a basement? The polls say he has a huge lead, yet we know nothing about him really.  There is reference to his handlers.  What? Who is in charge of that campaign? A President needs handlers? That's scary.

Am going to meet a sister/cousin to eat lunch on the porch of a nearby restaurant.  Excitement is high. It's been months since I have been out to eat anywhere.  What a treat! I don't think I will ever take such an opportunity for granted again -- ever. It is a touch of normal.

The "elite" continue the process of becoming totally unhinged.  It's unsettling.  Down has become up and vice versa. It seems that formerly intelligent people are caving into the "leftist lunies".  People of courage  who are not afraid to stand their ground seem few and far between. Bullies abound and they are mean.

Democrat Congressmen knelt on Capitol Hill with Kente scarves draped around their necks. I am sure they were trying to make a point of some sort, but it went over my head.  Wonder how the Ashanti Tribe felt about them wearing their cherished ceremonial cloth in some sort of demonstration? Today's Democrats do love to show off.

The country continues to be divided.  It doesn't help that the Dems have sorted people into little boxes and then lumped individuals they know nothing about into a box that they, the dems, deem to be correct.  It takes more and more courage these days to express even a mildly conservative view on anything.  

Some people seem to be almost overcome with a hatred for Donald Trump.  I don't understand the viciousness. Vitriol with a upper case V -- nasty and abusive. 

Protestors have been allowed to take over a section of Seattle, Washington.  What? I won't be moving the the great American Northwest any time soon.  American history is being torn down one statue after another.  Names of forts, military bases, and schools are being changed.  All this to appease a whiney bunch of libs throwing toddler-like temper tantrums. There must be more to this.  Something underground and cancerous.  Antifa is a new word in my vocabulary.  As if things were not bad enough.

People are able to get haircuts again and the world looks better groomed. Somehow that seems to matter.  Another step forward.  Then again -- man buns abound.

Special times continue with the Grandkids who are a most important part of my life.  Their world has shrunken and changed so drastically, but they are remarkable and resilient.  We will all be okay and hopefully come out at the end of the tunnel stronger and better people. They are the future. 

Enough Already

                                              

                              June 1, 2020 - June 7, 2020

Hopefully my county will move into the Green soon so that haircuts will become legal again.  So tired of masks and social distancing.

Am still considering a fencing project.  May call the fence guy to get my pasture on his To Do list.  There is usually a waiting period.  Don't know how busy he is these days. Perhaps he can use the work and the wait time won't be too long.

Riots continue across the country. I don't think rioters are adhering to the covid rules.  Not much makes sense anymore.  I am, of course, particularly concerned about my nephew and my cousin -- both police officers in areas where riots are happening. Hollywood elites are setting up 'Go Fund Me" accounts for rioters and looters.  I don't understand their thinking.

People in all walks of life are trying to do their best in most difficult situations.  Civil unrest makes no one's life easier. The atmosphere of unease touches everything... everyone. The Media manipulates coverage of everything to support leftist views and criticizes any thought with which the left disagrees. True journalism appears to be rapidly dying. I will not be cancelled.

Days continue to run together and day confusion is alive and well. Every day has become a "Blursday". Rioting, violence, destruction, and looting are now commonplace - in blue cities primarily.  Interesting. Protestors, local and imported, appear to be mostly representative of what some call the great American Unwashed.  

Ah --  as it turns out, the fence guy has all his equipment on the edge of town and will be here in a couple of days.  He will jump me ahead of about ten other jobs so that he won't have to move equipment more than once. Good timing. I am pleased.

Some dentist offices have reopened for emergencies. Some are charging a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Covid 19 fee of $15. 

Small businesses continue to close - victims of this forced shutdown as large chain stores are permitted to remain open. Logic?

Defund the police is the latest madness. Some of these leftist dems might feel differently if they had a prowler on their property or 1000 violent vandals headed up their driveway with bricks and built up self-righteous anger.

Tele-doctoring is a real, almost commonplace thing now. The word Zoom has taken on new meaning.

Decided to go ahead with a fence so my neighbor would not shoot my grandchildren's dog. The fence was installed in one day.  Dog and neighbor are now both safe.  Ta Da. Easy fix.  My neighbor, however, now does not speak to or make eye contact with me. Do I care?  No. Both sides of the issue are safe.  That's all that matters.

Now as we struggle to return to normal --  there is the killer bee threat.  Bring 'em on.. Seriously... enough already.

Insanity ramps up....

 

                        May 23, 2020 - May 31, 2020

The currently popular phrase alone together may go down in history as the "greatest" oxymoron ever, perhaps second only to living death. Call it plague humor.  Must also note that "day confusion" is a very real thing. I find myself checking to see what day it is -- sometimes more than once a day. I know for a fact that I enjoyed three Saturdays last week alone. I also know that I am not alone in this. 

The hygiene tip of the day continues to be keep your hands clean and away from your face.  People are also sterilizing their eyeglasses in phone sterilizers.  The world is weird/weirder. 

The schools have been closed for almost three months now. Memorial Day plans are cancelled across the country. It is times like this that I wish I had a flag pole. I would hoist a flag and pretend that all is well.

Some people have not seen their adult children or grandchildren now for over two months. The reverse is also true. Some seem to be curling up in a corner. Others are binge watching reruns on tv. No new shows or movies are being made. We all struggle to get through the days in our own way. Personally I have to believe that people need fresh air and other human beings more than lockdowns and isolation. Is that not common sense?

Some stores have reopened now, but no one is allowed to try on or return clothes.  It's not possible to donate anything either.  Crazy times.

I hired a mobile mechanic to work on my old lawnmower.  Who knew you could even do that? People are resilient and amazing - especially in hard times.

George Floyd is killed in Minneapolis. The country is stunned. Rioters react by destroying their own city. Obviously stupidity is rampant. The mainstream media describes the riots as "mostly peaceful" as Minneapolis burns behind them  --  on camera. Yes... stupidity is rampant.  The mainstream media thinks they can tell us what to think. They are wrong.  Insanity ramps up.

Summer recreation programs for children are cancelled across the country. The damage to our young continues in so many ways.

Received another email from Nancy Pelosi begging for money. I wouldn't give her a cent even if she shared her ice cream.  She is concerned that Texas is threatening her chances of expanding the Democratic majority. My question is "Why am I receiving emails from any Democrat?"  It's okay though -- let's me know where "they" are coming from and where they hope to go.  Bring the email on. I will not be intimidated no matter how mean they get. I refuse to be cancelled. 

Times are nuts.  One of my neighbors told me yesterday that he will shoot my dog the next time he sees it.  I do not have a dog.  My grandchildren do and she is here occasionally and is entirely contained on my property by invisible fencing. If this neighbor stayed off my property, there would not be an issue.  Obviously.  I can't help but think that that he underestimates my quiet wrath at the mere thought of him killing my grandchildren's dog. Like my Dad and Robert Frost said ... "Good fences make good neighbors."  A fence that one can see and difficult or impossible to climb would keep him safe ... which is, of course, the most important thing. I would never want anyone injured even if they were encroaching on my property.   Putting up an impressive fence gives me something to ponder at the moment. I know the perfect fence guy too. People need work. This may happen soon. Calm the storm. It's a simple remedy to a complicated situation and people and beloved animals would remain safe.

With barber shops and hair salons still locked down... there are more and more people with gray and white hair.  There are also more bedraggled looking heads of hair.  Reminds me of my college days in the late 60s and early 70s. I find it somehow amusing. I look for things to make me smile these days.  I think anyone hanging on to a ray of light does.

Times are crazy on so many levels.  We plod on.  What other choice do we have?  Just need to keep track of what is going on. We must be aware and document so as to remember. I also think we need to keep an eye on who is making money in or enhancing their power by this pandemic.  There is evil in the world and it is not a covid virus. It's worse than that. Insidious. Beware of those who accuse you of doing everything that they are actually doing. Keep your eyes open and your brain alert. 

Hidden Wounds

                           

                           May 16, 2020 through May 22, 2020

So... my daughter's 40th surprise birthday party came off without a hitch.  Her kids and a couple of neighborhood kids did all the decorating. They were an impressive team.  They texted me "Go!" when their Dad managed to get my daughter out of the house for a few minutes, and all four kids were outside in the pouring rain when I got there about two minutes later with the necessary supplies that we had bought together the previous week during a rare masked outing. They unloaded the Jeep in about 3 seconds flat.  By the time I got my vehicle parked behind a neighbor's enormous rhododendron bush and got back to the house, they were blowing up balloons, arranging plates, eating utensils, napkins, etc.,  and had everything ready in an half an hour. I did basically nothing but watch in awe, and the guests began to arrive within 15 minutes.  The surprise was a success! A good time was had by all. Restorative. We do cherish those few moments of normalcy in these nutty times. I think everyone there craved a bit of a reentry into family life.  It was lovely. By the end of the afternoon, men were gathered on the back deck solving the problems of the world, women were gathered around the table laughing and talking, kids were jumping on a trampoline in the rain.  Smiles everywhere.  I felt young again. It was a gift of a day not only to my wonderful daughter, but to everyone there... a touch of what life used to be before what I have come to think of as the damncovid.

In the meantime...

Politicians across the country are breaking every rule they impose on the common person, because they think they are "special".  I think I may understand now why people hate politicians sometimes.

There is a high school in New Hampshire that is using a local ski resort for their graduation.  The grads will ride in the chair lift. Ingenuity at its best.

Drive-by bridal and baby showers are now a real thing.

Friends are gathering in parking lots, driveways, on patios and open spaces.  Socially distanced  --  Face to Face chats are a necessity for sanity.

Daily emails with favorite people are becoming mandatory. The virus has everyone on edge a bit and emotions tend to be close to the surface. I find myself even writing thank you notes to the mailman and garbage pickup guys.  They write back.  Sign of the times.  

The Covid fearful wear masks when driving alone in their cars.  Only they understand why they do this.

Some businesses are now being allowed to call workers back in to work. How have people been surviving?

The world continues to take deep breaths and shutter a bit as they exhale.

A PA Health Official moved her mother out of a nursing home just before ordering the nursing home to allow recovering COVID patients to be returned.  Yes -- government officials deserve their unpopularity at times.

There is not a Lysol or Clorox wipe to be found anywhere. 

First doctors said that we had to lock down until a vaccine is developed. Now the same doctors are saying that locking down too long may cause irreparable damage.  Suicides in some states outnumber covid related deaths.

Hidden wounds of living during a pandemic begin to fester.

This Is Our Covid Life

                                               

                                 May 9, 2020 to May 15,2020 

Woke up to a dusting of snow.  May 9th. Snow.  You read that right.  Crazy year for sure. Schools continue to disappoint -- it's always a focus on why we can't do this because.... I wish the world would start to shift to  -- Here's the plan. Let's try this.

Spent Mother's Day cooking an enormous batch of fried rice with family... always a fun time.

On the political front...  In spite of what Adam Schiff continues to say -- there is no evidence that Trump colluded with Russia on anything.  "The truth will out." Also on the political front... Pelosi suggests voting for her latest bill and reading it later.  Does she listen to herself?

In personal news, my local grandson is now taller than I am having grown about 8 inches in the past year.  Now that is a growth spurt.

In an effort to survive, a small restaurant in town opened for sit down inside business rather than take out only and of course a person who some might describe as a control seeking, virtue signaling asshat reported them and they were threatened with fines and headed toward shutdown shortly thereafter. So much for live and let live.  Alas -- some are strangers to tolerance of others with whom they disagree. Some things never change. It's sad.

There are serious issues with mail-in voting.  I personally received two ballots in the mail after calling the Election Office to have my name removed from the mail-in list. I shredded them with great dramatic flair. It's not a very tight system.  Dangerous for election integrity.

People are finding it difficult to leave Michigan with a Cruella de Ville type character in charge there. People are beginning to reference Michigan as a police state. One can get arrested there for taking a ride to get out of the house for a few minutes.

Went to the store with my local grandkids to get paper plates, party hats, etc. for a small family surprise party for their mom's birthday that was a month ago.  Who's counting? Belated Birthdays are fun too. Days run together. My grandson mentioned that they had not been to a store in two months.  We were masked -- to avoid confrontation with and to be respectful of the covid fearful.  Once again -- thankful I don't live in Michigan.

There is now color coding of geographic areas.  Yellow is relatively a good color to be as we struggle to hope that the world will get back to normal sooner rather than later. This is our Covid life.  Not a fan.

Morale Busters

 

                        May 1, 2020 through May 8, 2020

The challenges continue. May 1st I managed to take my local grandkids out for a Jeep ride around the area.  They have been stuck in a too small world for too long. We just drove any where they wanted to go and then returned home to bake cookies. The world is still out there .. waiting patiently for sanity to return.

The world also seems to be waking up a bit and stretching carefully.  Yet working from home continues and schools are still locked down.  Proms, Graduations, Spring Sports, Awards assemblies do not exist across the country. Not sure what all is happening in the rest of the world. You just get a glimpse here and there. The quiet is sometimes deafening. 

The "all women should be believed mentality" still prevails.  Obviously those who think that have never worked with cliques of teenage girls or served on a committee with women who have an agenda. Poor Judge Kavanaugh.

• Drive thru covid testing is a real thing.
• Arrows on the floors of stores -- one way traffic -- social distancing
• murder hornets moving east from the west coast (Why does everything weird seem to start in California?)
• Governor Cuomo of NY sends Covid patients back to nursing homes with disastrous and tragic results among vulnerable people.

Those in power and so-called experts are fumbling their way through. Actually we are all.  No one seems to have any idea of what to do. As I struggle through so much that I don't understand, I try to keep my focus on the things that I am able to do something about.  It's not much, but my house is cleaner and more organized than ever before. So ... there is that ... for what that is worth. Am thinking I should invest in hand moisturizing lotion.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

 

                            April 26, 2020 to April 30, 2020

I cannot find a mask anywhere, so am wearing a cowboy bandana when I am forced to go out into the world.  It makes me feel claustrophobic and anxious so much so that I find it hard to breathe. I think I am holding my breath for some dumb reason. Plus wearing a face covering fogs my glasses. How do the women of some cultures do this for their entire lives? I am not adjusting well to this pandemic or to government and culturally enforced rules. 

Meanwhile in the outside world:

• There are signs that the stay-at-home orders will be lifted.
• It has come to light that Anthony Fauci has donated almost 4 million dollars to the Wuhan Laboratory where it appears that the "incident" took place.  
• It also appears that American tax dollars went to fund that lab under the Obama administration.  
• Still no cases of the "rona" locally or anywhere nearby, but Covid Fear is becoming a real illness. Then, in contrast, ... there are those who are beginning to hug loved ones again.  They seem to cry less and smile more than the Covid Fearful.  It seems that Covid Fearful people, more often than not, are mean to and intolerant of those who are less afraid. The world is sad.  Fear doesn't help.
• Birthday drive-bys make me cry.  The mere thought of them is enough to reduce me to tears.  Then again -- whoever thought of them is a genius and kind soul really.
• I feel like I am a captive. I don't respond well to being told what to do or how to live my life.  Good thing I don't live in Michigan where things are really beyond restrictive.
• The world seems to have forgotten about natural immunity and that most masks really don't prevent anything. Duh.
• Like a good friend says: "Some days are so hard that I feel like I am standing in a puddle."  I know she is not alone in this.

So... the pandemic continues.  The difficulties of living during a pandemic continue as well. And today -- I am still trying to figure out what lessons I have learned from all of this.  

Continue to Name Each Thing

                    

                                     April 12, 2020 - April 25, 2020

                              Week 5 and Week 6

• Easter comes and goes. It's not the same.
• At least this enemy has a name or ... we think it does.
• The world continues to hold its breath.
• Tears are close to the surface.  It is the tender moments and acts of kindness that burst through the protective dam.
• Day confusion is a real thing.
• PA liquor stores have been declared essential businesses and are reopened upon reconsideration of the governor.
• Stores begin to limit the number of customers at any one time.
• Being a bit of a recluse by nature is working for me.
• ? Will life ever get back to normal?
• More and more masks are becoming mandatory and people hoard them like disinfectant wipes.
• Everyone seems to be in need of a haircut. 
• Nancy Pelosi shows off her subzero freezer stocked with expensive ice cream ($15/pint) while food boxes are being handed out across the county. She also invites the world to come to China Town in San Francisco. Tone deaf takes on new meaning.
• Covid Checks (Economic Income Payment) are on the way if not already cashed or deposited in fear of potential job loss.
• Local schools are letting students inside to clean out their lockers.
• New and complicated procedures are now in place for emergency visits to a Veterinarian. People consult doctors over the phone or online.
• The PA governor has extended the shelter-at-home mandate.
• April has seemed like a very long month.
• Kim Jong-Un survives heart surgery.
• As a world we are becoming more aware of each other.
• Wedding plans continue to be reevaluated and postponed.
• People continue to crave fresh air and sunshine.
• Children continue to be deprived of an education.
• Socially distancing hiking is a real thing.
• Is it Corona Virus or Covid?

My new mantra is ... "I will try again today."

Who knew?

Am taking a break from remembering the Covid days -- wish we could have taken a break from them while they were actually happening.  Anyway -- today I write about the astounding and unexpected possibilities of Artificial Intelligence.  AI.  I have discovered that Artificial Intelligence has a sense of humor.  Who knew?  The possibilities are endless.

A bit of background.  I am blessed with funny children -- their spouses and children included.  The adults of this bunch, including me, have a group texting chat that is used on a daily basis for important communications including daily greetings, stupid, funny memes,  assorted humorous videos, and "questionable" jokes, etc.  All my children are good at exploring the possibilities of this group chat.  Personally I absolutely love it and am thankful to be included.

This past Sunday was a new experience.  AI came into play.  My brilliant daughter discovered through a random post on TikTok that it was possible to have ChatGPT provide photographs of what your dogs would look like if they were humans. Yes -- you read that correctly. Needless to say -- let the fun begin. She also tried Twitter's Grok but not with the same success.  (I think that perhaps Elon is busy with other, more important things at the moment.)  Moving on ....

Much laughter and funny commentary ensued. Texts were flying back and forth. I could feel the laughter of everyone. Just imagine what a German Shepherd, a Norwegian Elkhound/Shepherd mix and two Bassett Hounds would look like if they were people.  What a fun way to start the day.  I just feel sort of bad for the people in the AI photographs.  I wonder if they are real or if they were created by Artificial Intelligence? They did look like the family dogs. 

What a day we live in!  I also wonder who thinks of these things.  I would very much like to have lunch with them and just listen... and laugh....

It's a gift to have a break from the serious "stuff".

I wish you some laughter every single day.

I wish I had a magic wand.

                                             

                            April 5, 2020 - April 11, 2020

                                              Week 4

• More of the same...  Seclude. Wash. Sanitize. Social Distance.
• Recluse has become a verb.
• Medical care is struggling to become remote. Many are not a fan of patient portals.
• Church services are being held in parking lots.
• Jigsaw puzzles are enjoying a renewed popularity.
• The "grief bat" is continuing to slam people all over the globe. 
• The word Zoom has taken on new meaning.
• Thankful here that two of my grandchildren are only a pasture away.
• The spirit of the American people is shining forth all over the place. Small kindnesses become huge. 
• Clorox wipes shortage continues.
• The stock market is volatile. Some investors are nervous.
• Many jobs are furloughed -- struggles of uncertainty continue.
• Libraries are closed.
• Summer plans are cancelled. 
• Two week quarantines are put in place in Indiana and some other states.  If one leaves his/her home state they must quarantine for two weeks once they get home.
• Many small businesses are forced to close while large chain stores are permitted to stay open. ???
• Senator Kennedy of Louisiana says:  "... if President Xi Jinping was held upside down and shaken, the WHO (World Health Organization) would fall out of his pocket."
• I haven't seen a single plane flying overhead in days.
• It is so quiet. Not much car or truck traffic either. The world seems to have gone into silent mode and slow motion.
• Deep fear of any germs and of Covid is a real thing to many. We are perhaps losing perspective. Who really knows what is going on?
• The world continues to try to do its best.

My grandson mentioned that "every day has the feeling of a cloud or something heavy hanging over everything." I totally get where he is coming from.  

Wish I had a magic wand.

Change Runs Rampant

 This blog entry should have been posted last week. Sorry it is one week out of order.  I will do better from now on. Promise. 😊 

There are times when something happens -- perhaps in one moment -- and nothing is as it was before.  Every single thing is changed. You find yourself in a profoundly different world.

            March 21, 2020 through March 28, 2020

• Rampant confusion about the "lock down" for those 70+
• States in conflict with Federal mandates
• Rumors abound about tax preparation and filing Income Tax forms with the IRS. How?
• Children, especially, struggle with social distancing.
• There is speculation that the National Guard may be called in to set up testing sites.
• Corona virus news changes from moment to moment.
• Early shopping hours set for Seniors.
• Convention Centers are converted to hospitals.
• People are missing hugs.
• Some restaurants offer take-out in an attempt to survive.
• "Stay-in-place" is one new mantra. It will evolve shortly into "Sheltering-in-Place". (Notice the semantics in that.)
• Stimulus checks seem to be a real thing in the offing.
• Grandparents wave and smile from behind glass and cry later.
• Fauci enters the picture speaking of "social responsibility".
• Pelosi introduces legislation on gender and racial diversity on corporate boards.
• Biden appear to be confused at times.
• Skype - Zoom - FaceTime gain popularity.
• Insurance providers refuse to cover Corona virus and vaccine issues.
• Staying in contact with friends and loved ones here mostly by phone, text, Messenger, FaceTime and snail mail.
• Some large corporations lay off 70% of their work force.
• The border between the United States and Canada is now closed.
• Stay-at- Home orders issued as of the 25th.  Ghost towns begin.
• People at home are sorting cupboards and cleaning closets. No one will take donations though because of covid fear.
• I begin to write Thank You notes to garbage pick-up and delivery guys. I placed a basket of "treats" on the porch for delivery people.
• Day confusion becomes a real thing.
• Pasture walking with family (socially distanced) has become my favorite pastime and my family takes me out of that strict quarantine. I feel like I can smile and breathe again. I know now that I will survive. That is no small thing.
• Pelosi et al try to add $35 million dollars for the Kennedy Center and gender equity issues to the Corona relief bill.
• Drove by an empty lot to see my Grandkids with other neighborhood children sitting at least 6 feet apart -- enjoying time together. I wave and they wave back. Neighbors have complained about children being out in the fresh air riding bikes. Insanity spreads.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia closes all public schools for the rest of the academic year.
• It is revealed that about 50% of local students and 23 teachers have no access to Internet from their homes -- makes online learning/teaching impossible here. 
• School packets become available locally. It's not enough.
• AOC wants illegal aliens to receive relief checks.
• Dogs across the world are beginning to beg to stay home. Some hide their leashes.
• Compulsive cleaning and cleanliness continues.
• "Don't Touch Your Face!"
• Joe Biden commented that "...some people are getting this virus who had never had it before."  Duh...  Why aren't more people concerned about him?

Change runs rampant and ... I am so not good with change.  Struggling here.