Blah, blah, blah

This year's presidential primaries have been truly amazing (not always in a positive way).  Frequently, I have found myself mentioning the word "circus" in the same sentence as "political debate." 

This is not the first time in modern history, however, that the people's choice of a Republican candidate does not match that of the Republican National Committee (RNC).  In 1964 the people chose the super-conservative, former Arizona senator Barry Goldwater.  The outcome of the fall match up against Lyndon Johnson was a blood bath that some say was the end of the conservative posture for Republicans.

This year it has been the same.  The leading (by people's choice) contender and likely candidate is a total outsider, with NO political experience.  He has a mouth without an apparent filter, and it frequently seems to have taken hold long before his brain engages 

On the positive side of the ledger (it is a short list), he has engaged the minds of folks who never before left the comfort of their favorite stool at the local watering hole and encouraged record participation in the primary process.  Additionally, the national "news" programs cannot seem to get enough of his bombastic rhetoric and are in a 24-hour frenzy over the slightest (but apparent) errors in comments that are far from "PC" (political or other correctness).

The Democrats, unfortunately, are not much better.  Hillary Clinton, the skilled politician with both domestic and international experience, cannot seem to shake the plain-spoken socialist Bernie Sanders.  Honestly, of all the candidates that started the primaries, Bernie has been my favorite.  He stays on his message, does not get embroiled in topics outside his personal expertise, and does not take the low road traveled by the Republicans. 

Some believe that Barry Goldwater was the reason the Libertarian Party was formed.  He wasn't a founding member, but his conservative agenda (less government, fewer regulations and more personal freedoms) was adopted as the movement grew. 

I look at this year's primaries and the quality of the candidates and say - maybe this is the year the Libertarians really make a mark.  But then I review the backgrounds of their candidates and have to admit that none of them would be the political leader the two major parties have hoped to provide.

It is a sad statement on this country that the current candidates are the best we have to offer.  There are close to 300 million people in this country.  Surely we could do better.

My job at Rural King frequently causes me to state, after hanging up from helping a client:  "... and they vote."  Maybe "we the people" really do deserve this.  Our educational system is in shambles, our economy is in poor shape, and the Congress spends more time fund raising that doing the job they were sent to Washington to complete. 

I have been restrained this season from commenting.  But my ire is too great to maintain my silence.  When Congress votes themselves raises and leaves seniors without one, it's past time for all of them to be tossed out and start over.

"All of the great patriots now engaged in edging and squirming their way toward the Presidency of the Republic run true to form.  this is the say, they are all extremely wary, and all more or less palpable frauds." ~  H. L Mencken

Global Warming or Spring?

Blondie for one believes it may be Spring.  The "peepers" in the pond next door have been singing their "ode to spring" song since before I opened up the house this morning.

I have my doubts, however.  The weather patterns recently have been swinging as wildly as the stock markets. 

Global warming ("GW")is a cop out in my mind.  It is a convenient message that puts the blame squarely on the shoulders of the evil empire of manufacturing. 

In the United States we have taken measures to eliminate the threat of "GW."  Slowly, but deliberately, our congressional leaders have encouraged (through poor legislation) the movement of manufacturing from this country to all others.  The net results are:  lower wages (higher minimums however), fewer "good jobs" available for high school graduates (and liberal arts graduates from colleges), and more pollution (because manufacturing is now taking place in countries without the strict controls required here). 

Several years ago the European Union (or its predecessor) required all manufacturing to meet the environmental standards of either the "country of origin" of the company or the locality - which ever were more stringent.  My belief is that this control concept has not been faithfully followed, particularly by corporations identified as "American." 

The recent summits on "GW" have resulted in some countries (Japan and others in Asia) signing up for reductions of 80% over the next several years.  Where is the US leadership in this "earth movement?"  Our current president talks a good game, but I have yet to see congress getting on board in a meaningful, cooperative manner to provide the "executive" direction and funding necessary to make this happen 

I have heard some (make that one) of the current political contenders for President state that his/her election would guarantee strict requirements for reduction of environmental impact.  Generally, the candidates are more concerned with the loss of jobs in the US and figuring out methods of "penalizing" corporations that close factories here to provide jobs overseas. 

What happened to taking the long view of problems?  What about evaluating potential impacts and solutions that will last for 10, 20, or even 50 years?  The short-sightedness of our current political leaders and the majority of voters is astounding.  No wonder we seem to be getting further behind.

"We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive." ~Albert Einstein

Leap Day

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Once again we are blessed with a "leap day," which is a phenomena created by man to accommodate the reality of the universe with our need for an orderly accounting of days, months, seasons, and years. 

According to various "news" items today, Leap Years are sometimes skipped (I didn't know that until today) - when the Leap Day is inserted in an century year that is not also divisible by 400 we skip and go on to the next opportunity (years divisible by 4).  Again, a minor bow to the universe and movement of the planet around our sun.

Clearly, this need for an "extra" day is not shared by our fellow inhabitants of Earth.  For example, Blondie could care less about what day it is, as long as the cat dish contains food and treats are periodically offered for her enjoyment. 

Ever since Newton was struck on the head by an apple, humans have attempted to develop what we refer to as a "scientific" theory to explain our observations.  Many of these theories have not with stood the test of time (such as the earth is flat, the stars travel around the earth, and politicians are the best minds of the country). 

Observation has been descried as a basic tenant of science and the scientific method.  At times a person postulates an idea and then gathers "evidence" to support that point of view.  Others, such as Darwin, make observations and then develop an idea to support what is seen (again another person who made errors in developing the theory of evolution).

In the end, it doesn't really matter what science suggests.  What is will be, and the description of such is irrelevant to nature (or cats).

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate. ~Henry J. Tillman

Windows 10

Well, it finally happened.  When I wasn't paying any attention, overnight Windows 10 came into my computer (this after about two months of attempting to download with the system shutting off at 60 - 70% complete).  The morning was slow with the computer attempting to complete the setup, downloading appropriate drivers, and what have you.

Early afternoon and I tried to use the new system.  You guessed correctly - not a good deal.  Frustration set in.  I had to take a break and walk with my neighbor - ranting and raving the entire mile and a half.

I returned and made my first mistake.  I used the built in browser (Bing with Cortana - or whatever the app believes its name is) to find a phone number for Microsoft.  Waited, pushed buttons, waited, etc.  Finally I reached a "real person."  I was not happy - she attempted to tell me that the version I had installed on the laptop was developed for Canada and I needed to purchase a new key code.  I hung up.

I called Dell, and spent about an hour and a half with Manu from India  I am now happy.  System works, and all four of my e-mail accounts are downloading into my Outlook.  The number I had called, thinking it was Microsoft, was a scam.  What an idiot I am.  I knew better, but forgot to check the web address associated with the search listings.  Don't make the same mistake I did.

The new OS will take time to learn.  It is different from 8.1, but hopefully I will be able to maximize the differences.  Right now the letter "b" doesn't want to work on my keyboard - OS or laptop?  Hard to say.

What are the quips related to teaching "old dogs" - well I for one am not about to let that get to me. 

"You learn something every day if you pay attention." ~Ray LeBlond

2016 - A Look Back and Hope Forward

 Goodbye 2015: 



A toast to Uncle Don

I must admit, I will not be missing 2015.  After Pat left us, the parade continued.  In June we had a great visit in California, and within two weeks of our departure Uncle Don breathed his last.  


Flower Tribute to the Cubs Greatest Fan



Last Fall for Black Beauty

Then it was Dan's brother, Dave, who exited this life in the Fall.  We didn't really have time to say goodbye, because his cancer was so aggressive that the days were few between time of diagnosis and when he moved on to be with his folks.

Finally, my sweet little girl, Black Beauty, was gone.  She had lost weight, but the vet attributed it to having lost several teeth.  Apparently, that was not the real problem. 



Mom Turns 93

Not to be totally bummed about 2015, there were a few positive highlights.  Mom, although she managed to break her other hip early in the year, suffered no lingering ill affects and turned 93 on October 13.  (At this point in time, I have managed to "misplace" my calendar/diary and cannot confirm any factual information - but more on that in a minute or two).

The annual "Night Before the Night Before" party came and went, with no recorded photographs (with the exception of a visit from Santa, who handed out lottery tickets).  Suddenly, 2015 departed. 

Now for 2016:  It is an election year and I doubt that I will be able to totally refrain from commenting on the insanity (see below for early comments).  Additionally, I have committed (to myself mostly) to try and "get out more often," attempt to develop some sort of part-time employment and/or volunteer position, and get running with a purpose again.

To meet these goals, I have joined "The Well-Armed Women" group and attended my first program.  After the monthly speaker, we adjourn to the range and try our hand at target practice.  At my first meeting, I was given lessons and managed a fairly good result for my attempt (I haven't shot a gun in at least 6 years since my last handgun class).  The group meets once a month for a couple hours. 

Secondly, I have started attending Zumba once or twice a week at the local fitness club.  Met a few new gals, and reconnected with at least one person I met a few years ago.  Fun times, and best of all - I am not the oldest one in the room!

Of course the "Old Folks Bible Study" meets on Thursday mornings, and another group has started up on Tuesday evening.  I have not gone yet, but maybe in a couple more weeks I will.

Jean and I have a resurgence of effort at Mom's house attempting to clean stuff out, take to Goodwill or other places, and reach decisions on the contents.  Naturally, this activity coincides with my personal effort to empty boxes stored in my basement that have made a couple moves and not been looked in for at least 10 years, so my office (which is the sorting and holding area) is now a total wreck (photos at a later date).

Finally, my running.  I started "treadmill training" at the end of December.  I mostly walk or jog and walk, but have been up to 4 miles in under an hour.  I am feeling good about the progress, but my friend, Ellen Kay, sent me the training program being used by the Terre Haute running club to prepare for Indy.  I guess I will attempt to follow that plan.  I am already committed to the Indy Mini the first weekend of May, and then another running cruise in the fall (more later). 

All that said, I suppose it is time to end this introductory post and get on with either a treadmill jog or sort more papers, photos, and what-have-you stuff.  Too early for the cocktail hour.


Blondie
 

   Before I end this, I did promise an observation (or two) on the current status of the so-called "race" for the White House.  President Obama was re-elected and is now in his last year of office.  There are a plethora of Republican candidates and three Democrats at this time.  Tomorrow is the Iowa caucuses, so perhaps the numbers will drop.

This year promises to be 100% entertainment and full of new ideas for campaigning.  Donald Trump is financing his own campaign and can't keep his mouth in check.  Hillary Clinton is attempting to ascend to the office, but is not trustworthy.  The best candidate on both sides is Bernie Sanders, a self-proclaimed Socialist/Democrat from Vermont.  If I can overlook his politics, I actually like the guy.  My personal favorite, Rand Paul, is not fairing well, and will likely not be around much longer.  There is name calling, backbiting, and legal challenges already, and the first vote has yet to be cast.  Grab the popcorn - this is going to be good.

Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities. ~Michael Josephson



Pat Pirtle (1924 - 2015)

 

I had walked life's way with an easy tread.

I had followed where comforts and pleasures led.

Until one day in a quiet place,

I met the Master face to face.

 

With station and rank and wealth for my goal,

Much thought for my body but none for my soul,

I had entered to win in life's great race,

When I met the Master face to face.

 

I had built my castles and reared them high,

With their towers I had pierced the blue of the sky.

I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,

When I met the Master face to face.

 

I met Him, I knew Him, and I blushed to see,

That His eyes full of sorrow were fixed on me.

I faltered and fell at His feet that day

While my castles all melted and vanished away,

Melted and vanished and in their place

Naught else could I see but the Master's face.

 

And I cried aloud, Oh Lord make me meek

To follow in the steps of Thy wounded feet.

My thoughts are now for the souls of men

 I have lost my life to find it again;

E'er since that day in a quiet place

I met the Master face to face.

 

 

Pat Pirtle was a lovely and gracious lady.  Her family and friends have only good memories to keep them company when their thoughts turn to her.  The last of the Ashby sisters - may she rest in peace.



 

"Missing someone gets easier every day because even though it's one day further from the last time you saw each other, it's one day closer to the next time you will." ~Author Unknown

 



Winter Surprise

I keep thinking that winter is over.  Then I look outside and am reminded that it is merely the beginning of March.  Yes, still winter.

Winter is my second favorite season (or maybe my third, depending on what time of year it is).  I really do enjoy the white covering over all the ugly remnants of the weed patch (aka garden) next to the house.  But not being able to even drive to the road is a problem.

Today I had an unexpected surprise.  I heard what I thought was the trash truck outside.  I looked and a red pickup was driving down my driveway.  Odd I thought.  Then the good Samaritan proceeded to drive back and forth across the entrance to the drive, tamping down the large pile left by the snow plow.  I could not believe it!  I was preparing myself to go (wading through the snow) to the edge of the drive an attempt to lift the heavy accumulation off so I might have a chance of driving out tomorrow or the next day.  What a gift!  I do not know who the person was, but am so thankful that they took the time to make a path.

The birds continue to empty the feeders at least once each day.  Another reason for me to attempt to get to the road - I need to restock bird seed and suet.  In addition, I have sort of "adopted" an outside kitty.  I deposit a dish of cat food every day next to the garage and by the following morning it is empty.  I set up a small shelter next to the garage as well.  I propped open the door of a cat carrier and placed a blanket inside.  I figure if it gets really cold (like it has been for the past couple of weeks) perhaps the kitty will have enough courage to enter and warm up.  I have seen the foot prints leading to the shelter, but am not convinced that he/she took advantage of it (yet). 

I really think the outside kitty is a he.  One day last week I thought I saw a fox in my drive way.  However, since then the "fox" I see is a very large tabby.  He appears to be well cared for, and is quite the mouser (I saw him spring into action on two occasions - and more power to him!  fewer mice around here is just fine with me).

But spring is certainly just around the corner.  In the short meantime my three "inside" kitties are restricted to the small space immediately next to the house.  They apparently are not very fond of the snow, and I didn't shovel enough for them to forage forth and find the dead grasses next to the sidewalk. 

Perhaps it will rain.  Perhaps that will eliminate most of the snow.  Perhaps the kitties will be able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.  Or perhaps winter will hang on and force all to stay inside. 

But it is March and this is the Midwest.  So wait a day and let us see what the weather will be. 

 "I prefer winter and Fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape — the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show." ~Andrew Wyeth