Blogging Hiatus

To paraphrase, "where have all the bloggers gone, long time ago ... ." My favorite weather person's blog has been idle for a number of days, and Pirtalations has been silent since early July. Only the Hecktionary has new entries for August. I wish there was a great explanation (maybe global weather modification), but I am thinking either mental malaise or laziness.

Normally, August heat sets in and (at least for me) one can barely make lemonade, let alone think straight. This year, however, the weather has not cooperated and instead has made like early fall (certainly my favorite time of the annual cycle). So the weather cannot be blamed.

Perhaps it is the focus on maintaining the insane schedule that is imparted by the unemployment office. Seeking and applying to at least five positions each week can become daunting - especially when there aren't leads in areas of the country that might be "passable" for living.

On the other hand, it could be the natural tendency to take a break from all the political "noise" and not respond to the "talking heads" and their slanted positions on activities that are commonly referred to as "news."

Ah, that's it. Relax with a friend, enjoy a beverage, and watch a little "Nemo." All is well. Brain is rested.

While I was "napping," did the recession end? Has health care been solved? If not, I am assuming I haven't missed anything (at least nothing of importance). Good. Now to move forward.

"Laughter is an instant vacation." - Milton Berle (1908 - 2002)

Covert Ops

Last Friday I took part in a covert operation. An acquaintance of mine had decided to leave her husband after 20 years of marriage. A group gathered at a mutual friend's house for soup and sandwiches while waiting for "the call."

Shortly after 7 PM her husband received the usual text message from his buddies to go out and drink beer. After his departure, she called "the team" and off we went. It was a very sad experience. After all those years, the six of us were able to pack and load her stuff in about 25 minutes.

We regrouped at one of the "team member's" home before driving to another town where our fleeing wife had rented an apartment. We were unpacked within 2 1/2 hours of starting. She had left the divorce papers and a "dear John" in a package for the absent hubby to find upon his routine night out with "the boys."

This situation brings up a lot of thoughts. First, the condition of divorce. These days it seems to be a remedy that is grasped all too quickly by people. After 20 years, however, the situation was clearly not good. The man apparently is an "abuser" - not in the physical sense, but in the verbal (and, therefore, supporting) area. What a tragic marriage that must have been - to live in a house with a person and not share your thoughts, not feel support, and always be criticized. How horrible.

Some people believe that once a couple marries they should never divorce. Much like my great grandparents - they never divorced, but they did "break up housekeeping." She at least was a devout Catholic. Divorce would never be tolerated.

The Old Testament clearly defines conditions under which divorce is acceptable. From Exodus through Deuteronomy the "law" is well documented. In Chapter 24 there is a discussion relating to when a man marries and finds "something indecent" about his wife he can then provide a certificate of divorce. However, the Old Testament contains a lot of rules and consequences that are not followed today.

The New Testament also discusses divorce. Mathew, Chapter 19 provides insight to the conditions discussed in Deuteronomy. Of course, Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians advocates that people should never marry.

I have no opinion of the situation that I participated in last week. The right or wrong of the marriage and subsequent divorce is not for me to judge. It is between the married couple. I merely saw a person in need and extended my hand to help.

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." - Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:14

Evil Insurance Companies

I really do not like insurance companies, and in Illinois part of my dislike is aimed at the state government and its rules. Up until an hour ago I had an umbrella policy (one million dollars) to cover over and above my car and homeowners policy limits. However, I no longer have that coverage. Why - because recently I received a bill that would essentially double the cost of that policy - even though there have been NO CLAIMS made against it.

Why you ask? Here's the deal. Late last year I was leaving a Bible study group meeting and it was dark. In the dark, the back door of my Honda met up with a fence post at the host's home. I had to file with the insurer to get the repair made on the Honda (to the tune of approximately $1,600). As I drove away from the body repair shop a rock was flipped up from the road causing me to replace the windshield. Both were covered by the automobile insurance policy.

Enter computers. The automobile coverage decided I had made two claims that resulted in me loosing my "good driver" discount (for 3 years!). In addition to that, for some yet undefined reason, the state of Illinois REQUIRED my insurer to put a 'SURCHARGE" on the auto insurance. Finally, the company has increased all its rates and there is the "normal" rate increase coupled with the other two factors. The net result, my car insurance (for two vehicles) increased $14,63/month (a 15.6% jump in six months!). Since my initial selection of this company (January 2008), my insurance has increased $29.01/month or 36.8% in less than two years (in fact, in a mere 19 months)! This is nuts!

My umbrella, which has had NO CLAIMS against it, increased approximately 84%. The umbrella increased because of the "surcharge" required by the state to be placed on the automobile insurance. As I said, I no longer have the umbrella. After all, I don't have a job - so sue me.

No wonder people are worried about health insurance. If you have a claim under the proposed health care reform, will you be able to afford the next premium payment? If this insanity with car insurance is an indication, fewer people will have coverage, not more.

"National Health Insurance:

The compassion of the IRS

The efficiency of the Postal Service

All at Pentagon prices!!!!"

New Vocabulary Terms

I heard on the radio the other day that English (that is American English) now has over 1 million words. Our language is now the most extensive in the world. It is no wonder we have difficulty understanding one another.

The other day an acquaintance sent me the link to a video. After watching (I will admit in amazement) the video I was sent on a quest to learn the definition of the phrase that was often repeated in the video: "Long-legged Mack Daddy." I will refrain from repeating the information found in the on-line "Urban Dictionary," but you can look it up for yourself.

For those of you whom may have missed the on-line video, you can search the Internet for James Manning, who expresses his thoughts about our President (the "long-legged ...") and the potential impact some of the current programs coming out of Washington could have. Personally, I laughed during the video. However, given time to reflect on what was said, I am concerned.

It is no wonder that some of the recent town hall meetings have gone they way they have. People are very frustrated these days. Increases in government spending during this difficult economic time has people frightened about repayment of the mounting debt. I am concerned that our federal government (read that as Congress) is like a group of fraternity brothers at an all night kegger. They apparently don't know when to quit.

The Midwest is well know for conservative politics (while our Illinois politicians apparently were imported to the state, based on their demonstrated voting records). I believe that most people here are more than willing to help others and give a hand up to those in need. But at some time the person being helped needs to take personal responsibility and no longer require the outside assistance. The people around here see no end in the government assistance. That is the message that needs to be conveyed to Washington.

I will not take space today to discuss the current Health Care Reform fiasco. I will point out that the President cannot be held responsible for the current four (if you count the House bill) versions of the tentative legislation. He should, however, insist that Congress consider a short version with goals for specific government agencies and let the agencies develop the details for implementation of the legislated plan. Congress, however, has forgotten that their mission is not to develop the details, but rather to give advice and guidance.

Enough said (for now) on that topic. The American voters will speak again during the mid-term elections. I intend once again to vote in the minority, vote against all incumbents, and consider the alternatives to those who have held political power in the country for way too long.

(PS - I see once again that the "blogger" will not properly format and leave appropriate spacing between paragraphs. I will tell you that the spacing is correct on this side of the published document.)

"Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them." - Paul Valery (1871 - 1945)

What a fabulous morning! I stepped outside (temperature in the upper mid-60s) and saw the fog gently caressing the earth. Wow!

Then I wandered down the drive and looked to the north. There, crowded in the ditch is the Queen Anne's lace in full bloom. At closer inspection (of the ditch - in front of my house), you see that the Queen Anne's Lace is not alone. It is sprinkled with little blue flowers (are these called "corn flowers?").

My walking partners (one a neighbor down the road and the other long "homesteading" on the next road to the East, are both Master Gardner's. Their knowledge and training show in their gardens and yards.

As you can see - the result of their efforts is outstanding. However, I prefer the randomness of the natural habitat (such as seen in the ditches).

We walk every morning (except on Friday when they go grocery shopping and any other day that one of them has an activity that will take her away from our little corner of the world). As we amble along the road we talk. Sometimes we observe the various birds (one of them can identify most by their songs), sometimes we discuss the vegetation, but always we discuss politics.

To some of my followers it will come as a surprise, but I am frequently out of the loop when they talk about various government personalities. I am usually "up" on current events, but my ability to focus on political arguments is waning. The politicians are winning - I am beginning to no longer hear them. This is very sad. I need to have more coffee in the mornings.

"Nature is trying very hard to make us succeed, but nature does not depend on us. We are not the only experiment." - R. Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983)

Birthdays and Such

What a quick trip! Had a great time at Nicole's birthday get-together. Craziness - kids, food, and a great covered deck. Perfect weather (not like this pending weekend).

Made progress on Monday - Mom's taxes are now underway for 2008! Yes, she is getting to be as bad as I have been - postponing filing. Let's hope there is no penalty and that money is owed to her.

Jobs are getting scarce again. Found one at 8 pm last night and submitted resume. Got a call this morning and anticipate additional discussion this afternoon. Found one this morning and made a submittal. Second one I found (in "A Squared" no less) "bounced back" when I sent an e-mail of inquiry.

Busy doing the "little things" around the house so I can get on my way. HAIR CUT TOMORROW! I can't wait. It is sooooo long and getting too hot for me.

More input later, just wanted to post the birthday photos today before heading north.

"Happiness is having one large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another town." - George Burns (1896 - 1996)