Can I Get There From Here?

Ah... the good olde days. I miss them - some times more than others.  They were the days of being able to walk at night or across a parking lot without feeling like you have a target painted on your back ... or the days of leaving home without locking doors or not thinking twice before falling asleep with the windows open. Those were the days when no one canceled you for a political opinion with which they disagreed or uninvited you from a gathering because of a personal belief. A list of these easier times could go on and on. Times have changed for sure. I think it is sad ... on more than one level. 

I notice this phenomenon as well in the topics of this blog.  I miss writing about the simple things -- a mouse in the house, being a klutz, or things like a spring-cleaning faux pas, or the "fun" that Grandkids bring to one's life.  It seems that, more and more, serious topics pop up that I feel I need to write about -- things like patriotism,  supporting the American way of life,  preserving values.  Thinking and writing about such topics is tiring and not nearly as fun. Yet the feeling that something needs to be said overrides other, lighter topics. Sometimes I simply cannot keep silent and live with my conscience.   The phrase "sitting idly by" comes to mind (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

I do search for lighter, more fun topics, and then something pops up like the DSA list of must-dos.  Sometimes it is just plain hard to escape.  It's exhausting. In the past, one reader told me that she liked my blog better when it was less serious.  I responded honestly that I did too.  That she disagreed with me on every political topic I touched may have had something to do with her disappointment in my writing and may also have been a part of her complaint.  Nevertheless, I agree -- lighter, funnier topics are preferred.  

Sometimes it is just hard to get there. I love that expression that may or may not have originated in Maine -- "You can't get there from here".   I hope that someday soon I will be able to turn back to the lighter, more fun topics -- at least once in a while.  Can I get there from here?  I know that there are a lot of fun and positive things going on in the world.  Maybe I just need to shift gears somehow or look out of a different window.  Or -- perhaps I need a break.  We will see.

I don't thank you often enough for reading this blog.  Thank you ... most sincerely.

Protect The American Dream

The Democrat Socialists of America are in the news big time. They are not what they claim to be- -- not what they would want you to think.  Watch them very carefully.  What it comes down to is that they are the killers of the American Dream. You work; they take.

Don't know about you, but I, for one, am not going to sit silently by and watch the extreme left as they attempt to take over our country and gain control over hard-working people who strive every day to make a better life for those they love.  These are the people who have earned everything they have.  Now the far left wants to take what these productive Americans have earned because, for some reason, they feel they deserve to have what they have not worked for themselves.  Up close, at least to me, the "leaders" of this "movement" appear to be a bunch of leftist spoiled brat elites who are used to having things given to them - things that they obviously have not earned themselves.  They are takers in the worst sense of the word. They will make your world dangerous.

This "taking" is socialism verging perhaps on outright communism.  It is taking from those who have worked primarily to enhance the lives of a few elite. (They don't say this, of course.  They say the opposite. They will blatantly lie to your face.)  They will say they are working to help you ...  until they get into positions of power.  Then watch out.  You end up with rich leadership driving everyone else into poverty and ... taking away most of what those not in power have built in a lifetime and ...  their freedoms as well.  Look at history, please.  Socialism has never worked -- has never turned out to be what it professes to be. 

Today's Democrat Socialists do not have your best interests at heart -- only their own.  They love the power and the wealth.  Not only will they take what you have earned, but they will also take away any ways that you have to protect yourself and those you love... including your guns. At the same time that they are taxing you into oblivion and taking away the only protection you might have, they will open the prison doors and defund or seriously weaken police departments. Some of these Democratic Socialists come right out and say this is what they will do.  They even go so far as to explain their plans to dismantle the entire government. Others sort of hem and haw about it.  Also, please note that, all the while, they travel with their own private "security details" -- you know... because they are special. They are drooling, power-hungry, sneaky, lying individuals.  Need proof? Just look at what is happening in NYC, LA, and across the country, where socialists have come to power. It's not good.  It's not what they said it would be. Look behind their smiles.

Please do your research. Spread the word. It matters even if you only get one person to see what is happening. If they share with one other person and that person shares....  You understand the process.   Awareness is key.  Then get out and vote against the Democrat Socialists. Don't allow them to ruin the greatest nation in the world, for along with that go your own personal freedoms ... not to mention everything you have worked for. One vote at a time can save America.  Please let it be yours. 

Vote while you still have that option. Let the American Dream continue.  Seeing others work hard and succeed is the path to more dreams coming true. If you see that working hard pays off, you know that your hard work will also pay off. You see the possibilities of the American Dream.

Mixed Bag

In my experience, people tend not to talk about the advantages of being "older".  I love to have this conversation. It doesn't happen nearly enough, even though it sure beats talking about aches and pains; that's for sure.  There are definitely some nice things that come with being a senior citizen.  You sort of learn to take the good with the not-so-good. I like to emphasize the good stuff. At some point, I will write about that specifically.  But ... for now ....

If you are about my age, you will understand the following. By the time one becomes a septuagenarian, one has learned a bit about how fragile life is, about how fast it can change, about coincidences, and about how the small things may turn out to be the most wonderful or terrible bits of one's life. One single moment can last a lifetime. Some are beyond wonderful. Others -- cloud and hang on.

Was reading a Fredrik Backman book recently entitled My Friends.  I have read several of his books -- always find them thought-provoking. There is a lot to think about in this one. Think I may have even written about this particular book before. Anyway ... in this one, Backman writes at one point about Heaven.  One of the characters speculates that an eternity of one moment in life when a person felt really good is what your Heaven will be.  Got me to thinking -- is it possible to pick that one moment in an entire lifetime that felt the best... a moment of a feeling of joy that you would want to last an eternity?  I just don't know. I have many wonderful moments to consider.  Hope you do as well.

Sometimes, though, I wonder if the bad memories do come in stronger than the good ones.  Those are the moments when you fought back tears because you knew if you let them start, they would never stop.  (Backman wrote about that as well.) We have all been there.  Thinking back on those dark times, I think that, if possible, it is most important to remember those other moments -- the ones of unbounded joy. Hopefully the light can drive out the dark.

This contrasting mix of light and dark - of happiness and sadness - is a part of living that is hard for me to describe.  I am no Fredrik Backman. No doubt about it.  Life is not dull ... a mixed bag for certain.

Camper Robots

 

Perhaps we each have our own favorite "things" to do. I think, though, that there are many Interests that have become subcultures.  It’s like people who go to soccer games half way around the world, or devoted NASCAR fans, or people who travel long distances for antique car shows.  They probably think I am a boring person because I like to stay at home. Then again I am a Jeep Wrangler person - at least for now. Jeepers are definitely a subculture -- we even have our own wave and share ducks. Another case in point ... campers. I have a good friend who camps in a small camper almost every weekend on a nearby lake. She and her husband have “camper” friends during the summer weekends and so look forward to the comradery.  It’s their thing.  They share food and campfires, etc.  I think I would like the food and the fire-side chats ...  although ... I would have to adjust to staying up later. I would not, however, like doing all the normal chores in a smaller space.  

On a different level of camping, it looks to me like some of the World Cup Soccer people from other countries rented those huge RVs to travel across the US from place to place.  I follow one of them on FaceBook who has been here for two months – loving every minute – he and his wife even rescued a dog that was abandoned along the roadside.  They now plan/hope to move to the US of A because the UK has become so socialist and sad… not to mention specifically the lack of freedoms -- like being sent to jail for what you say online.  Anyway -- they have experienced America in what I think of as a traveling house.  Amazing.  Wonder if he knew how to drive on the right side of the road before coming here and if he knew how to back up in one of those? I don’t even like backing up my driveway from the mailbox. I simply cannot imagine driving in reverse in any type of camper – trailer kind or traveling house kind.  Yikes.  (I have always secretly admired those who manage driving semi tractor trailer trucks, large construction and farm equipment, and ... bus drivers. They are awesome.)

Anyway --  I don't want to tow or drive any kind of camper, but it is fun to think about. Maybe if I had a robot to clean the camper and do the driving and cooking.... Hmm ... camper robots... bet they could figure out how to park a camper no matter what size -- and even how to drive it in reverse if necessary.   Now that is an interesting idea.  Someone should mention that to Elon. Oh wait -- I  bet he already thought of it. Then again -- robots of any sort are sort of creepy.  Don't think I would want to share a camper with one even if I could throw a sheet over it at night or put it into a camper robot closet and keep it there except when needed.  (If there were such a thing as a camper robot closet, mine would have a strong lock on the door.  Just sayin'.)

Shadow Profiling

 

Guess what I have been learning about?  

Talking about a Yeti backpack near a phone on one day and finding ads for one on Facebook (Meta) the next?   Shadow Profiling

Discovering that your Echo Dot or Alexa recorded a private conversation that you were having with someone at your kitchen table?   Shadow Profiling

Visiting a website only to find other links to what you were looking for pop up in your texts?  Shadow Profiling

Email from Amazon "You've got deals!"  Shadow Profiling

Someone you know being denied access to Facebook perhaps because they have the same name or email address of someone else who was thrown off/blocked from that platform. Why?   Shadow Profiling

Shadow Profiling is everywhere.  It builds a file on you without you even knowing it ... even if you clear your search history. One article I read, said that large data collection agencies may know more about you than you do yourself and are projecting what you will probably purchase, where you may vacation, what you worry about or find interesting, etc. They then sell that information to companies who then target their ads toward your interests and concerns. And  -- perhaps  that is not the scariest part.

As far as I can tell Shadow Profiling began with Facebook., but now who knows how many other companies are doing it?  Apparently it has been big business for a long time.  (As usual I am behind a bit.) "Meta's advertising data infrastructure has become the most sophisticated surveillance system in human history" according to a TIAMAT article I read that was posted last March.  But -- you don't even have to be on Facebook to have your information gathered and shared.  If you are even in a photo that someone posts,  facial recognition has captured you and is inferring things about your activities and relationships from the photo. Meta is building a file and spreading/selling your information. All of this -- plus -- cameras are everywhere.

Then again, if you are actually on Meta, the thing is that this is not just information gathered from what you post, like, tag, etc., it is also information from other sources including legal, health and financial .. information that you assumed was protected when you accessed them through an app, for example.   

Further - the more one interacts with AI, the more your Shadow Profile expands.  Unless you become an "off-grid hermit" there doesn't seem to be anything you can do about it.  Most of the information is benign, but still....  It appears that the best we can do is follow and support legislation on how and when companies can gather and share our personal information.  That and carefully read Privacy Policies and not agree to anything that makes you edgy. If the site asks me if it can track, my answer is no - always.  Not even sure that makes a difference.  Scary.

Fortunately there are companies now that are at work to make your privacy a part of the "architecture of their infrastructure" -- to empower you to protect your privacy and all data.  No one makes it easy for you to figure this all out however.  Who do you trust?

In some ways this lack of privacy has become who we are.  It crept in ... slowly... while we were unaware that it was even there  -- sort of like the socialist candidates in the Democrat party are creeping into power throughout the country. Some of them pretend to be one thing and turn out to be another. It's deceptive.  Personally I am totally uncomfortable with both Shadow Profiling and Socialist Democrats.

Time to pay attention on more than one front. It's a lot.

Chat GPT on Me

 

Back to Chat GPT one final time....  I typed in:  What is the blog  "From Pencil Box to Keyboard" by Nan Mick all about?  Actually I asked that question in two different ways. One Chat GPT result  (the one I like best of the two it offered before I could take a my next breath) is ...

...the blog is best described as a celebration of curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning through writing.

Rather than focusing one one subject, the blog weaves together essays about:

• The joy of discovering new ideas, often in unexpected ways.
• Reflections on everyday experiences that reveal larger life lessons. 
• Reading, writing, and the creative process.
• Personal growth, resilience, and finding meaning in ordinary moments.
• The transition from childhood wonder -- the "pencil box" -- to sharing thoughts in today's digital world -- the "keyboard"

The writing style is reflective and conversational, inviting readers to slow down, notice the world around them, and appreciate that learning doesn't end with school.  Many posts use analogies, storytelling and gentle humor to encourage readers to see familiar experiences from a fresh perspective.

The title itself symbolizes a lifelong journey; from the simple tools of childhood learning to the modern tools of communication, while emphasizing that curiosity and imagination remain the most important tools of all.

Who knew?  And here I thought, that for the last twelve years, I had been merely writing some thoughts that I might share with other Boomers  -- sometimes serious ... sometimes making fun of myself ... and ... sometimes trying to be funny in a world that is sometimes/often very not funny. 

You Tell Me

Have been reading lately about books being published that were written in part or entirely by Artificial Intelligence.  With that in mind I decided to ask Chat GPT to write a couple of sentences about a blog I was writing.  I wanted to see how my writing compared with AI's.  

I asked Chat GPT to please write a sentence about the fun of learning something new by accident.   This was its response in a matter of a nanosecond:         

          Learning something new brings a special kind of joy, like discovering a hidden             trail that leads to a beautiful view you never knew was there.

Then I asked it to please write a two-sentence version of the same topic only using an analogy and once again -- instantaneously was a response:

           Learning something new by accident is like taking a wrong turn on a hike                    and discovering a beautiful hidden waterfall  The surprise makes the                            lesson more exciting, turning an ordinary moment into an unexpected                          adventure.

It is obvious to me that AI yearns for the outdoor experience.  I sort of feel sorry for it.  Hmmm...   Where does AI live exactly?  It's sort of like the Internet in that, isn't it?  You can't see it, hear it, smell it, taste or touch it.  It's just there somewhere with no shape or sound -- influencing almost every aspect of your life.  Sort of creepy really. I also noticed that I used the word "please" when interacting with Chat GPT. Why?  I mean what am I "talking' to? That is sort of creepy too.

Now here is the sentence that I wrote:

           For me it was like discovering a 20 dollar bill in the pocket of a pair of jeans               that I hadn't worn in six months.    

Personally I like my words better, but AI writes faster and way better than I expected and that is in some way disappointing to me.  Would love to know what you think about this whole thing. You tell me... please.  

Next week-- just one more question for AI and then I am going to stop writing about it. At least that's the plan. Am still hoping that a human being has more personality than an entity that no one I know totally understands. I prefer human potential.

At the Edge of the Cliff

 A few words about the Democratic Party of today...

It needs to get its act together.

It seems that the center core of the Democratic Party of 2026 is catering/bowing down to the far left/socialist fringe (some of whom appear to be either blatantly power hungry or totally lacking in common sense). This "group" is eating away at the traditional values of all Americans  -- like carpenter ants attacking the foundational wood of your home... or worse -- a cancer eating you from the inside out. 

Please central core Democrats, take your power back, encourage your Democratic representatives all across government (from city to state to national) to develop some sort of an agenda to improve the wonderful America that we all love and for which we are thankful. Learn the difference between a man and a woman and move on. Get to more important issues like protecting our children. Stop making complaints and criticizing your only focus. Offer a doable plan. Build up, not tear down. 

Please Independents and Republicans -- pay attention, get out and vote to save our beloved country from what some call the lunatic/socialist fringe. Keep an eye on what is happening in NYC, Maine ... Colorado and across the nation here and there.

All of us working together can unite America once again.  It is the perfect time to do it as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our beloved country. Never a better time than now. John Fetterman (Democrat) and Dave McCormick (Republican)seem to be able to work together most successfully in the interest of the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These Senators from both sides of the aisle prove that it can be done.

It is the traditional American way of life that makes us the best country in the world. We need to unite and hang on to our core values.  They are what make America Great.  Do not give in to a bunch of power hungry people who temp to lure you into their tangled web with free stuff that will never appear.  Have more sense and pride than that. Think and watch. Determine who really at the core loves the American way.

I have faith in you, but standing on the edge of a cliff is very scary. Time to reach out for a helping hand; time to work together. 

United We Stand....   Happy Birthday, America! 

Booker T. Washington, Soaring Eagles, and Ranch Dressing

 “There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up."  (Booker T. Washington)

Is this the difference between today's far left and today's center and right? Is this the difference between the coastal elite and mainstream America? Is this the difference between the Democratic Socialist Party of 2026 and the Republican Party of 2026?

It seems to me that....

• One is constantly negative; the other is trying help others climb out of the muck.  
• One is screaming, and singing off key; the other is speaking softly, and working hard to bring plans to fruition and to remain positive.  
• One is critical from a dark side; the other is encouraging and comes from light and hope.
• One is trapped in the past; the other looks forward far into the future.
• One tears down and offers few honest goals out loud - it is becoming the party of creeping/seeping socialism; the other has positive plans to move forward and upward - it is the party of above board openness.
• One is the party of slavery and underpaid illegal aliens trying to push everyone but the leaders down; the other is the party of Freedom trying to pull everyone up. Americans first.
• One craves power in the hands of the few; the other places power in the hands of the American people.
• One is the party of destroying what others have built; one the the party of law and order.
• One destroys; the other builds.
• One likes to fester in algae: one likes healthy crystal clear water.

You get to choose. Personally I  choose the light and the upward.  And ... quite frankly... I am finding the traveling European and all world travelers who are here to view the World Cup Soccer events to be beyond wonderful in their positive reactions to our great country.  How nice of them to generously share their reactions to their travels here.  They are singing our songs -- even our National Anthem, They are loving our food -- particularly Ranch dressing  -- a fact that I find funny for some unknown reason.  Further -- the availability of goods that we take for granted are an amazing surprise to them apparently as are the friendliness and welcoming smiles of an American people.  Their collective reactions to seeing the United States first hand are most positive. In addition -- they clean up after themselves as well demonstrating respect for America. They are a gift.  Welcome and Thank You visiting travelers from all over the world for sharing your experiences. Thank You for reminding us in these times that the United States of America is fundamentally Good with a capital G.

Those of us on the light side needed to hear that the voice of heartland Americans is appreciated.  It's encouraging.  It has been a difficult journey these past few years fighting against a dark side trying to push the spirit of our country down. It has been difficult to watch the destruction, the lack of pride in our country. Time now to pull up.  Time to stand strong mainstream America. The tides are turning. We are the people of soaring Eagles.  Don't let the turkeys "drag" you down.  There are hopeful signs that their time is over ... yet ... they are still struggling to push down even on their way out.  Beware of Socialistic tremors. Socialism has an abysmal track record throughout time.  Be inspired by hope and dreams.  Fight! Fight! Fight! (Donald J. Trump)

"It is a sign of the highest civilization when individuals reach that point where their strength is used in pulling every human soul up to the very highest point of its usefulness and service."  (Booker T. Washington)

Vote to support the country of soaring Eagles come November. Let your positive voice be heard.

I Dare You

I have always envied people who know they are right.  I can only imagine what it must be like to be 100% sure about anything.  It would make life simpler for sure.  It would also be comforting...somehow peaceful in chaotic times.   Easy to be envious about that.  At the same time though -- I do not doubt that having questions about "things" encourages critical thinking and a perhaps that is a good thing and also comforting in a different sort of way.  The catch?  Questioning and thinking are difficult and sometimes painful.  Is it worth it?  

Why is there such a thing as TDS?  Many theories to explore here.  Perhaps another time. Perhaps not. That question is on the shelf for now.  Except ... I dare  you (Trump haters included) to think about the following....

What if all the bad acts that Trump is accused of are myths created by the deep state? What if no one can find actual evidence to support their claims of evil Trump because there simply  is no evidence? Is he an innocent man accused by haters who are protecting and covering up their own evil ways? 

Who is working to divide our nation?  Why? They are good at it -- at creating the narrative.  Case in point -- I have asked more than one Trump hater what it is that they hate about him, and I have never once received a specific answer -- just a general "bad man" comment -- one of those "everyone knows comments" or a diversion to talk about something else.  Think about that for a moment. Who is behind this? Why is mainstream media still perpetrating unfounded accusations?  Perhaps it would be wise to follow the money ... and to question... to think.

Does anyone else notice that the Democrats in power accuse opposition others of doing exactly what they are doing or have done and that they look you directly in the eye while doing it?  Actually, we have seen this on both sides of the fence.  It's insulting.  I know that I am sick of it.  You?  Example you ask.   Watching on split screen while Alejandro Mayorkas  repeatedly affirmed that the border was completely closed while, at the same time, watching 10,000+ undocumented people crashing through the fences along the border.  Then there is the whole Biden competency issue. Who remained silent and unquestioning about those issues? Why?

What would happen if we all questioned? What would happen if our questions revealed all the rot on both sides of an issue? What if our questioning brought about change? Is this possible?  Would we unite as an American people then? What would that be like? Are we seeing more of that now? Do you dare? Or -- is it just that the haters will hate and refuse to acknowledge all the good things that President Trump has accomplished -- lots of examples of that. Sadly -- not everyone is open to seeing them. Or maybe the haters just ignore those things because those successes don't fit their narrative.

Don't Do That Again

 "I'm at that stage when my body whispers to me the next day -- 'don't do that again'."   (From Humor is Infectious)

Funny; not funny....  Also accurate.  I have been trying to spend part of each of these "nice" days outside (so rare in Northwest Pennsylvania to have a string of them).  Just once, I would love to have the entire perimeter of my home weeded at the same time.  Just once.  I sometimes believe that weeds sprout on one side as I have made my way to the other side -- within a few minutes.  I am leaving the weeding around yard trees for later.  Hopefully those weeds will magically disappear. One step at a time. Right?

The thing is my whole body does whisper to me the next morning or sometimes by the time I am crawling into bed the very same day.  Not complaining, mind you, just mentioning so that you may not feel quite so alone in this. I do know that I am not alone. I talk to people.  I listen. I watch them lean on their shopping carts in Walmart. Anyway -- I hurt from the fingers on the hand that holds the weeding tool, through my entire body down to my ankles that recently have become rather sensitive to uneven ground. Some mornings, it even hurts to type. Sometimes I swear my hair even hurts.  I am not even going to describe the first few morning steps from the bedroom to the Keurig.  It's pathetic.

I keep telling myself that this is what you get when you sit around too much during the long winters of this area.  This past one seemed especially brutal to me, and I spent way too much time indoors reading, trying to use up leftover yarns by crocheting hats and scarves for no one in particular, and ... watching the boob tube.  Serves me right. I earned this stiffness and soreness.  I should have been more diligent about chair yoga and practicing Tai Chi walking around the house. Cross country skiing is definitely a thing of the past, so that is not an option.  Shoveling is the closest I can come to that and I have taken to using my leaf blower to make that easier.  

Live and learn.... probably not.  

I do, have, however, a rather impressive amount of hats and scarves to donate next fall -- so there is that. (I think it's important to try to look on the positive side of things.)  Then again I have heard that there is such a thing as crochet arm -- very painful.  One must not overdo.

Things I Did Not Know

Perhaps the title of this week's blog should be "Interesting Things I Have Learned Recently" rather than "Things I Did Not Know"  Either way...  Hope you find them interesting as well.

• According to Erie, PA - City and County History:  "Of 300 theaters built by Warner Brothers in the 1930's, only SIX still stand. Erie's Warner Theatre is one of them."

• Interest in the phenomena of UFOs goes back a long way even to ancient Rome or perhaps further.  Maybe those odd carvings on the walls of caves are depictions of space ships and alien figures. Then much closer to us along the line of time was Project Blue Book, the name of the US Air Force office of investigation of UFOs from 1952-1969.  It was this department that handled the case of Valiant Thor a self-professed alien visitor from Venus who is said to have met with President Eisenhower as well as Fidel Castro after his landing in Virginia in 1957.  He apparently looked like a human being (Earthling) except for having six fingers on each hand. He also spoke hundreds of languages and had an IQ of 1200.  (Yikes)  Apparently, a serious VIP for several years, he left Earth to return to Venus in his space ship in 1960.   (Why am I just hearing about this now?) 

• Then there is QAnon.  QAnon seems to have disappeared ... totally silent since 2020. Hmm... Wonder where he/she/they went?

• Of local interest -- It is confirmed by a national historian that a Corry man, Charles Keating, played in integral role in the establishment of the Tomb of the Unknown Solder.  (See the historic marker at 117 N Center Street in Corry PA.)

• Two more ....  If the forest goes silent, Move. You have seven seconds to find safety.

• If the sky turns yellow.  Find shelter. Check for severe incoming storms or for incoming dust or smoke.... Get off the road as soon as possible if driving.

And finally....

• A.I. tells me that a "... 2026 study revealed that a single night's sleep can predict the onset of over 100 serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer, years before symptoms even appear."  (Hmmm.)

Ilya Kuryakin and Captain Kangaroo

Was watching Gutfeld  a while ago and one of the guests was a UFC Champion fighter whose first name was Ilya and for some reason every time his name was mentioned my brain came up with Kuryakin. I couldn't remember why I knew that name.  A bit of research and Ta DA -- Ilya Kuryakin was Napoleon Solo's partner on The Man from U.N.C.L.E.  Remember?  Ah ... David McCallum who later played Ducky on NCIS.  I miss him.  

So many old, let's call them "vintage" tv shows to consider while we are on the subject.  Some of them seem sort of hokey when you watch the reruns now, but they are still fun to watch now and then.  Gunsmoke,  Have Gun - Will Travel  .... blasts from the past. Others?

I think my faves in the oldies/vintage category are Perry Mason, and MASH.  More contemporary would be the infrequently run Sopranos and the seemingly ever present Big Bang Theory.  (I think I know the dialog for most episodes and still laugh at the story lines.)

Smart TVs and the streaming apps are changing everything though.  I am finding out that you can pretty much watch whatever you want at any time and binge watch season after season if so inclined.  I do still miss Stupid TVs though and the basic channels where I knew where and when to find my faves.  I get overwhelmed by all the new techy techy stuff.  

Then again, come to think of it, I might be able now with Smart TVs to find some of the ones I haven't seen in decades. I think I need to search for The Honeymooners.  I miss Jackie Gleason as a Brooklyn bus driver. I so remember that show, his wife Alice, and his neighbors -- Ed Norton and his wife, Trixie.  Hard for me to believe that it was only on for one year. Hard for me to believe that I remember it so well. Truth be told -- the best part of watching The Honeymooners was hearing my Dad laugh out loud. He found Ralph Kramden to be very, very funny. "To the moon, Alice."

I don't think my family had a television until the mid 1950's. It changed my life in so many ways.  I confess.  I enjoy TV. Probably watch too much of it these days. Am thinking that Yellowstone reruns and the new spinoff Dutton Ranch will be around for a while. I find them to be fundamentally American in that hard work and pulling oneself up by the boot straps still work and sometimes someone just needs to be punched in the face. Watching those should keep me out of trouble at least for a while.  We've come a long way since the first TV show that I remember.... I Love Lucy. (Must mention here that a Lucille Ball and I have in common that we were both born in Jamestown NY.  A big difference is that I don't have a statue there -- never will.)  

Oh! Almost forgot my first TV experiences with a children's shows ... the long running -- Captain Kangaroo and The Howdy Doody Show.  They were wonderful!  Ah ... memories... memories of back when the world was black and white (as my granddaughter once said after looking at old photos.)Those were some days.  You had to be there to "get it".

It will be fun, they said.

Thankful that English is my native language for many reasons, but today I am thinking once again, about how fun American English is and about why it is so hard to figure out why it is fun.  Certain expressions gain popularity for some unknown and unpredictable reason and whenever you hear them -- it brings a smile or a pause.  You notice the play on words or maybe get some sense of the "underneath" humor intended.  Can't explain why or how this even comes to be.  Consider...

On Facebook the other day, I watched Fredrik Backman, one of my favorite authors, speaking at some gathering. He was self-deprecating and funny - making everyone laugh when talking about his feelings of standing up in front of them at the suggestion of his agent and others.  He brought the house down with something like - Take this speaking engagement, they said. "It will be fun,  they said".  I thought that was very funny  -  especially in combination with his facial expressions. Why though?  Why did I (and what seemed like everyone there) find that funny? How do these expressions come into being and spread like wildfire?  

In search of an answer, I asked my new friend AI (artificial intelligence -- that  I have come to think of as AL -- short for Alfred -- my personal nickname).  Although the exact origin seems to be a bit of an internet mystery, the phrase is a current popular Internet Meme. Al tells me that, interestingly enough, the concept's origin dates back to WWII with the classic military expression of frustration and complaint -- "See the world, they said".  Later on that phrase or a variation of it appeared in TV's MASH and more currently in video games in the 90's such as Warcraft 2.   Even more recently (in the memes of  2010-2012) it became the "go-to caption for images of people enduring miserable camping trips, DIY disasters, or chaotic family events" (AI Overview). "Build a pool, they said. It will be fun, they said."  Anyone who has ever taken care of a pool gets the humor in that.  Anyway ...

Next on my list to explore is:    Be afraid. Be very afraid.  Is this a threat one should take seriously? Or ... what about the origin of "Sh** eating grin"??? Perhaps I don't really want to know about this last one....

Do such things only appear in American English? Our language is chocked full of odd expressions that make sense perhaps only to us.  Personally  -- I think we Americans are an interesting and fun people. Unfortunately our language is difficult for non Americans. Try to figure out American expressions, they said.  It will be fun, they said.

I See You

Dear fellow Boomers...

There are a lot of wonderful things about being in our generation, but there are also some difficult bits and pieces. Every generation has them. Can't help here but think of that old expression -- We each have our own bag of rocks.... We need to remember, though, that we are in this together merely by living on this planet during the same time period. Shared experiences. We have grown up together -- seen the same things, face similar challenges.  We also have each other.  Perhaps we need to remember that once in a while and offer support to one another. Perhaps we even need to talk about the sad parts sometimes so that people realize they are not alone. The world can seem cold. Everything moves so quickly.

I hope that you all have the kind of joys and good things that I have and have had in my life.  Blessings too many to count.  But... that being said ... you know what? ... you don't get to the point where many of us are without loss. Some of life's blows are bone crushing.  Heart-rending loss is one of them. This is the process of life.  It's okay that we are sad to miss those who have passed on before us. It's okay that we have experienced the pain and struggles of various challenges.  We all have faced them. Too many types to even list.  We have made it this far and... we keep putting one foot in front of the other. Note... We have new challenges ahead.  Some of them will be hard as well.  We also have new joys ahead. Remember that.  

So if you find yourself crying at Hallmark commercials; it's okay.  If tears of joy are close to the surface; it's okay.  If watching kids play ... and try... and perform bring tears to your eyes; that's okay too. It's even okay to feel sorry for yourself once in a while. The phrase sentimental old fool is based on a real phenomenon. Maybe it helps to know that others are going through the same things. Maybe it helps to know that you are not alone in a sometimes indifferent world... a world that seems to be leaving you in the dust as it surges forward. It's hard to keep up. Yet... we are in this together. Perhaps we need to reach out to one another once in a while. I am reaching out in this blog. It's a Boomer support system.  You are not invisible even though it may feel like it sometimes. 

 I see you.

Trying Counts

Change can be a good thing ... but not always. Some things do not change/adapt well. I am one of those things. I admit it freely.  I am not always good with change or adapting.  I keep working on it.  The questions I am thinking about today are what happens if something cannot adapt to change?  Does that something just disappear? Should it? What all do I need to learn to function well in today's world? How do I manage? Where can I find help with all the new ways -- not just technology -- with change in general?

Changes. When was the last time you saw a Blockbuster Video, a Nokia phone, a Radio Shack?  Do you miss a paper folded map?  Do you even know where your camera is?  Ever wonder what people did with all their old encyclopedias?  Do you have/use a landline? When did all the phone booths disappear? Do you remember life without Apps?  "Stupid" TVs?  Studebakers? Do you have enough old newspaper to start a fire in a fireplace? Bet you can think of a lot more than these. Failure to adapt in many cases appears to be dangerous to survival.  We need to keep moving forward  in a positive direction. We need to cope with change and plot our future with care. Have to emphasize that.  We need to be especially careful and keep on trying. Noone wants to be put into the recycling bin or on a dusty shelf.

Here's the thing -- please think about these things as we get closer to November elections.  We need to adapt thoughtfully and carefully to our fast changing world. We need to move forward ... to keep on moving in a positive direction.   At the same time, we need to maintain control over our own lives, not hand them over to those who wish to control us and keep us in our place. We need to continue to support a government that puts us first -  not one that seeks power to make themselves rich and powerful as so many have at our expense.  Check out the exposure of recent fraud throughout the country that is now coming to light. It's everywhere. The swamp is draining.

We need to pay attention in each step we take. Please find someone running for office who has definite goals and a plan to reach those goals.Please find candidates who know how to cope with a fast changing world and how to make it a safer place for us and future generations. Please don't vote for someone whose focus is whining, criticizing and hating.  We need strength and a knowledgeable team at every level of government.  We do not need dancing frogs.

Keep on trying.  I tell myself this every day as I struggle to keep up with technological stuff (and the world in general).  I am so not good at it, but I keep trying.  Trying counts. Always.

Shakin' My Head

 C-Span circa 3:45 AM April 26  .... I was checking the coverage of the aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on various "News" channels and had planned to stay a few minutes with C-Span.  Here's what happened...

Two moderators  -- or it may have been one moderator and the other an interviewee who was at the dinner -- were seeking reaction responses from viewers.  It was a Call-in "block" with a drop down window that covered a large portion of the TV screen.  C-Span had set up three different (800) phone numbers for incoming calls:

         one for Republicans

         one for Democrats

         and one for all Others

I asked myself why differentiate?  Are we not all Americans concerned about yet another act of violence? Can we not unite in response to this -- against this violence? Once again an obviously left leaning commentator was trying to fit everyone into separate neat little boxes. I am so tired of that.  

When asked by a caller if the C-Span moderator(s) felt that the media was in any way responsible for contributing to the atmosphere of conflict and rage leading to violence in our United States of America  -- there was an immediate and blatant refusal to answer -- instead -- the one moderator immediately turned the question back on the caller saying that obviously the caller had an opinion on the matter implying that the caller thought the media was guilty of doing just that... thus throwing up lines of division once again. It was a total unwillingness to even discuss a possibility that might lead to an improvement of a bad situation.

I turned off the TV.  I had had enough.  Sometimes it is hard not to just give-up hope that our wonderful country might find a way to unify. Hatred and intolerance are real. Once again -- wish I had a magic wand to make things better for all Americans. The key word in that sentence is all.  What's it going to take?

The Best Medicine?

Not sure if this is a world wide phenomenon, or if it is just in the United States, but there has emerged a frowny sort of subcultural that just seems to love being angry.  Ouch!  It hurts to watch.  I have watched them swear -- cringe worthy. I have watched them sing - painful. Now I am watching them yell -- surprisingly odd. Sad really.  It seems to me that this disjointed, and often unkempt group, hardly notice anything but their own reflection in a mirror and they are getting better at being angry as each day passes.  Along with that is an increase in intolerance and hatefulness on their part toward others. They seem to have become their anger. That's what happens when you practice.  The question I keep asking myself is why? Are some of them paid to act this way and to incite others to behave so badly and sadly? I don't understand. There have been lots of Presidents in the past that I found insufferable, but I didn't let that cast a ugly angry spell over my entire life.  I didn't let that dissatisfaction make me destructive or intolerant of others.  Like I said before -- sad really.  

Here's the thing.  There are single moments in life that one comes to cherish. In contrast to the above, they are moments of pure joy. There is no way to explain these moments.  They just happen.  Some of them -- few and far between -- are moments of sudden and spontaneous bursts of laughter. You never forget them.  They are healthy and restorative. Laughter from deep inside -- maybe from the soul.  You are really fortunate if you share a moment like this with a friend(s).  Then you can both/all recapture that moment in memories shared.  Gifts all.  Rare gifts. Personally -- I love to laugh.  I find it healing...a blessing. I have even been known to laugh uncontrollably at a funeral -- spontaneously. That one is hard to explain -- you sort of had to be there. It was a long time ago.  My friend sang at his own funeral. How often do you hear of that happening?  True story....    

Laughter is contagious too.  Bonus. Then again sometimes you have to let it in. Give it permission. My wish is that some of these frowny faces could have such moments. Is it possible to shift gears in some way to be able to find something positive at least once in a while?  I have thought about asking a couple of these perpetually negative people that very question, but I really don't want to get my face bitten off. Oh how I wish I could make them laugh -- or at least smile. Positive is more constructive...always.  It's healthier as well.

Some really smart person once wrote  -- "We are all responsible for the energy we bring into a room."  I wish I could remember who it was and where I read it.  It sounds like something Joseph Campbell would say.  I do know it was long before Oprah made it a topic on one of her shows.  That I do remember.  Anyway - all this being said....

I wish you laughter... the kind that makes your stomach hurt for a moment as you continue to laugh.  That kind.

It's A Lot

There is a lot going on these days.  I have been thinking about this as I watch the world from the safety and comfort of my home. I don't know about you, but am hoping that you, too, feel like the United States of America is coming back and the world is a safer and better place because of American strength and ingenuity. It's is difficult to be patient until everything settles in,  but ... perhaps we are now somehow able to dream again.

• Artemis II.  Perfection. Americans are back in space and home again safely -- looking forward to future accomplishments beyond my imagination.
• Common Sense is attempting to make a comeback. There seems to be a return to valuing law and order that is spreading across the nation -- slowly, but there.  People's  demands for justice and incarceration of those who break our laws are being heard. Weaknesses in the judicial system are being exposed and remedied.  
• Corruption is being exposed across all political fronts. Slow but sure progress -- hopefully the positive direction will continue. One step at a time.
• Woke "stuff" has been sort of forced to go underground in many ways.  We need to keep an eye on that, but at least it isn't smacking us in the face and kicking us in the teeth all the time -- trying to limit free speech of those with differing opinions. Hopefully their 15 minutes is almost up. That world is so frowny and sad.  Negative...  They seem stuck to me.  Time to change. Hopefully.
• Then there is the fact that a country determined to kill all Americans and probably a good portion of the rest of the world seems to have been set back more than they want to admit.  Thankful for that. Keeping an eye on that as well. Yet they somehow seem farther away today -- less dangerous.

As I write today, I am thinking about the safety of the future of my children, grandchildren and on.  A strong and courageous America makes me feel safer about this for sure. Peace through strength....

2026 on Earth is a lot

                                                  How are you doing?  

Overthink Overthinking

 Someone invented the word “overthinking” for a reason.  It's apt.  I find myself doing it once in a while, I get stuck in my thought process and find it hard to get out.  I read a “meme” recently about overthinking that suggests that if you find yourself in that process,  count backwards from 100 in intervals of 7 and it will get you out of that loop you find yourself in.  Apparently the brain cannot overthink and do math at the same time.  Personally I cannot do anything while "mathing" including math itself.  

This notion is interesting to think about though.  It is also interesting to try to do.  I tried. I am not good at it at all. I am practicing.  Perhaps making a chart to memorize would help.  I could take a picture of said chart and have it handy on my phone.  Okay -- now I am overthinking about overthinking and am caught in some sort of irritating loop once again. Obviously even the idea of counting backwards by sevens from 100 makes me overthink. I do not do numbers well at all – especially the odd ones.  I am a word person.  Maybe I could try doing the alphabet backwards?   Give me a minute....

No not able to do that well either.  I keep jumping ahead by three letters to remember what they are and then going backwards to continue. There must be another way.  I will think about it.