Lost and found

 We got our toenails done today

    I know!! TMI!!

    When we got home Jackie said, "Where's my watch?"

    That is always a good question.  It was on her wrist on the way to Sycamore, but not on her wrist in the house.

    We called the nail place and they said they would look for it but nobody had found one.

    I looked in the car, in her sweatshirt, in the wheelchair, in the car a second time, and in her sweatshirt again.

    No watch.

    So I  checked the car one more time then headed back to Sycamore to check the parking lot.  On the way, I texted Julia and Emily because I wondered if there was a search feature for an Apple Watch.

    There is.  On Jackie's phone.

    I did not have Jackie's phone.

    At some point Julia texted me and said the watch was in Rochelle, but later on was at Walmart.

    By this time I was about half way to Sycamore.  

    Julia texted again and said to look in the car.

    I had done that 3 times.

    I was approaching a stop sign a little too fast and hit the brakes.  

    I looked down, and there was the watch. 

    I had a nice drive, anyway.

    I was going to make some Italian sausage  tonight, celebrating the Olympics.  

    I took a package out of the freezer and it was stamped "best by August 2024." 

    Jackie said she was not sure about that.  I know Julia would have dumped it.

    Well, I dumped it.  

    There was another package.  Took the out and it was stamped, "best by August 2024."

    So I dumped. that.

    The third package had no date.  

    Because I didn't buy it, I opted to dump that too.

    So we had scrambled eggs and bacon,  New bacon.  Just bought.

    But I do have hankering for some Italian sausage.

Peace and Love

IRS

We worked on our  taxes today

    If Jackie would only listen to me, we would have a $376,994 refund, but Noooooooo!

    We  have to have receipts.

    Do you mean to tell me that the billionaires who hardly pay any taxes sit around and work through their receipts?

    NO!  They just pick numbers out of the air.

    I believe we should file based on intent.

    Like, I would donate $15 million to Brookfield Zoo for a new elephant enclosure. And I would give a couple of million to VCCT, and the museum.

    But nooooooo!  We didn't give the much, so we can't claim it.

    I read where DOGE (remember them? ) cut thousands of employees in IRS, so the chances of anyone being audited are pretty slim.

    We are not rich enough to avoid taxes.  

    Or death.

    Speaking of which, people are pushing to have a human composting bill passed in Illinois.

    I would do that.

    It's environmentally friendly and cost efficient.

    Plus the human compost  could be used in parks, forests, or the family back yard, like around a tree or bush.

    Sounds crazy, I know.

    But when someone dies,  the body has to go somewhere.

    As I understand human composting, the deceased is placed in a sealed chamber with hay, straw, wood chips and other plant material.  After a while, all the remains is .... well, compost.

    I am going on record that is how I  want to be treated after death.

    And my composted remains should go into a forest, I don't think Julia and Emily would be comfortable mulching their dad.

    But at least they would have that option.

    We know only 2 things are certain in life:  Death and taxes.

    And without receipts, you can't avoid either.

Peace and Love

Olympic fever

 I have spurts of watching the Olympics

    I sometimes have watched the afternoon show, but mostly night shows.

    The night shows are taped and edited, so the less exciting parts are left out.

    For example, in the Japan/US women's curling match, coverage sometimes would start with 4 or 5 stones already thrown and in the house.  The action would them pick up from that point.

    It really is amazing the strategy that is employed.  It is sort of like billiards, in that hey have to figure caroms out and what angles. to take.

    And the moguls.  Holy cow, that has to be murder on your knees and back.   

    I also caught some of the women's skeleton.

    I can't image going downhill, face forward, on my stomach, and an icy track.  One of the women hit 79 mph!  I get nervous driving that speed, and I can control the car!  Usually.

    I also did some of my olympic events today.

    Towel washing and folding.  I scored a 5.6 out of 10 because I have lost a face cloth.  Our face cloths match the. towels, and I have 1 towel without a face cloth.

    Light, delicates washing.  I got a 10 on that.  Perfect score!

    TD clothes:  I was disqualified from this event due to the overabundance of socks that did not dry completely.

    Supper:  This scored a 6 out of 10.  Left overs but with green beans.  I received a 1 point  penalty for not ordering out on a Saturday night.

    Thoughtful dad and husband:  Perfect 10!  Jackie, Julia and Emily all appreciated their flowers and I appreciated the coffee I got picking up the flowers.  Winners all around.

    But not all is good.  The skater from Virginia, Quad Boy, who was the favorite to win gold in men's figurer skating fell twice and finished 8th.

    I think what I love most about the Olympics is the emotions that athletes display....from extreme joy to unbelievable despair.  

    The ones showing joy are great to watch, but the ones showing sorrow almost break my heart.

    In every game, every contest, someone has to lose.

    Knowing that does not make it easier.

    Now, I have one more event.  Cupcake eating.  I think I will get a 10 on. this.

Peace and Love

Valentine's Day

 Happy Valentines Day to all of you

    I ordered some flowers for Jackie, and when I went to pick them up I was shocked, shocked, I tell you, by the number of guys in Cypress House!

    Seems we all had the same idea.  

    I did order mine ahead, as it seemed most of the gents had done.

    Of course I called one of the CH girls by the wrong name.  I thought she was one person, but he wasn't. I called her "Mary" and remarked she was wearing her hair differently.  "That's because she is not Mary, she is Jane," came the voice of wisdom from next to me.

    Live and learn.

    I was watching the men's half pipe tonight.

    That is when guys strap a thin piece of wood onto their feet and hurtle down a U shaped tunnel.

    The walls are 21 feet high!  These guys, and the women did too, sailed way above the walls!  It looked like they were flying.

    I wondered.....what makes a person do that?  How do you train for that? How many broken bones and concussions does a half piper suffer enroute to the Olympics?

    And is there a riddle in there? Huw much pipe does a half piper pipe when a half piper pipes the half?

    And so many of them were young.  16, 19, just kids. 

    Kids doing amazing things.

    Speaking of which, hundreds of high school students walked out of classes Thursday in opposition to what ICE is doing.

    And it wasn't just one high school. 

    It was heartening to see young people getting involved to that extent.  Now, hopefully they register to vote and then vote.

    I feel better about the future tonight.

    What I don't feel better about are. my eyebrows.  They keep hitting my glasses and it is irritating.  So I trimmed them.

    Maybe a little too much.  I only have 1 now, but the other will grow out eventually.

Peace and Love

watch this

I  figured out which Olympic events I could compete in

    I ended a sentence with a preposition, right?  Better than a proposition.

    I ordered a coffee at Cypress House today.

    I went with the First Date drink option.  Dark chocolate caramel mocha, so you know.

    I said, "I'd like a First Date, please."

    The answer was:  "Do you have an age preference?"

    I replied, "No, and I am not in the Files."

    I thought it was funny.

    Good drink, I recommend it.

    On to the Olympics.

    They have a Half Pipe competition.  I would be able to do the Half Pie, provided it was cherry or apple.   I could  do a 180 with my fork and a double 360 overboard header with my spoon and ice cream

    The Salmon.  I would do it over charcoal with a dash of rosemary.

    Giant Salmon.  Ditto the above, only twice the size.Maybe with some fries and bread.

    Boob sledding.  No explantation needed.

    Ice prancing.  When the garbage has to go out and I have to retrieve the empty can while navigating an ice driveway.

    The Skelton.  This involves washing endless hours of Red Skelton sketches on tv.

    Curding.  Seeing how fast I can wolf down an order of cheese curds from Culver's.  There would be 3 rounds, with Tums rest periods in between runs.

    Downhill.  Comparing my body now to what it was 10, 15 and 20 years ago.

    Hokey.  Coming up with as many false Olympic Games you can in a 10 minute period.  Winner gets to advice to the half pie competition.

    So you see, I could specialize in several of my Olympic categories.

    I might even get a trophy o two.  Or three.  Or 10.

    After all they are my games.  If people don't like it, they don't have to compete.

    Thank you for your attention.

Peace and Love

Boredom

Whatever happened to cool nicknames?

    Like The Sultan of Swat, Mr. October, Three Finger, The Babe, the Galloping Ghost, or the Kansas Comet?

    I remember a basketball player nicknamed The Iceman.  

    But I don't seem to hear many nicknames in the current sports world.

    Danimal was on the Super Bowl winning Bears.  So was the Fridge, and Sweetness.  But that was 40 years ago!

    Players these days don't seem to have the ear catching nicknames. 

    I know the current Bears QB has been called the Iceman for what happened this season, but it takes more than one season to get a good nickname.

    Bob Butterbean Love...I mean that was a great nickname.  So was Hammerin Hank.

    Kenny Stabler was called The Snake.  Bobby Hull ws the Golden Jet.  

    Yes, I am dating myself.  Those both are from the 6os, but they were great nicknames.

    I have been thinking about that tonight.  Yes, I do have better things to do.

    But baseball spring training is starting and maybe there will be a guy nicknamed The Big Hurt playing somewhere, and although it has been used, it would be a welcome diversion from Bob, or Jim, or Jose.  

    I propose nicknames be given based on performance.  I guy who strikes out a lot could b King K.  A base stealer could be called The Thief.  

    I don't ask for a lot, just  good health, safe travels, and interesting nicknames.

    Oh, a couple of million dollars would be nice too.

Peace and Love

    

beep, beep

 Sometimes strange things happen to me

    The other day I went to Target while I was in DeKalb picking up yet another toilet seat.

    I pulled into a parking space next to a black pick up truck.  I put the car in park, I thought, then took my foot off the brake to turn off the van.

    But the car shot forward quickly!  (Redundant, eh?  Shot forward indicates speed.  Sorry)

    I slammed on the brake, but the car did not stop...mainly because it was not moving!

    The pick up truck left!  My car wasn't moving at all!  I was safely in park.

    It was weird.

    Then today I stopped at the bank. Got out of the van and noticed I was about 4 feet into the driving lane because I did not pull into the space far enough.  And to top it off, I was in 2 spaces.

    So  I reparked.  

    How can I not be able to park in pull in spaces?  Wha happens if I ever have to parallel park?

    Dog fence people came again today.  Nice guy, checked all the wires, everything was good, but there was a loose wire in the transmitter box, or whatever it is.  He replaced it, tightened it, and pronounced the system good.

    4 hours later, when I went into the garage, I was greeted by the very loud and obnoxious beeping again.

    It eventually stopped, but it has me concerned.

    I spent some time working on a crossword puzzle today.  Actually, I have been looking at it off and on for 3 days.  One clue had puzzled me:  like some nights.

    It started with an I ..... endless with able.  I puzzled and puzzled until my puzzler was sore.

    Today I looked at the clue again and it was:  like some rights......not nights.

    And the answer was inalienable.

    Puzzle solved.

    Now if I could only solve the puzzle of  how to sleep at night.

Peace and Love

Questions

 Do you ever ask questions that make no sense?

    I ran into someone at the Paul McCarney concert last fall.

    I looked at her and said, "What are you doing here?"

    That was not a smart question.

    I would have answered by saying, "I dropped my phone and I was hoping to find it here."  Or, "I don't know, a strange force brought me here."  

    People are always very helpful when I am looking for something.

    "Where was the last place you put it?"  If I knew that, I probably would not be looking for it.

    I am always tempted to truthfully answer the, "How are you?" I often get.

    I usually say fine.

    I should say, "I have trouble sleeping, every muscle in my body seems to hurt, I can't see as well as I'd like, my hearing is not so good, I am losing my hair,  gaining too much weight, and I can't pass a bathroom plus  I have boils the  size of baseballs on my butt.    How are you?"

    But I don't.  I say fine.  Or Ok..  People really don't want that much information.

    When I am in a store and a clerk asks, "Can I help you?" I always want to ask if they are a certified psychiatrist.    If they aren't, then they really can't help me.

    Sometimes I think I am beyond help.

    

Peace and Love

it's all over

I like offense in a football game

    This game was like watching paint dry.

    Great if you are a defense fan, but I like the long bombs, exciting runs, big plays.

    And I really did not have a favorite, although I thought Seattle would win.  And they did.

    I did have some favorite commercials.  The Ultra one where the last guy down buys beer and he goes into training and beats all the others next time they go skiing; and the NFL ones were good for the messages  they had.  And the one with all the stars, like Jennifer Anniston, George from Seinfeld, and a host of others.

    One commercial was a bit unsettling to me.  The Ring doorbell commercial where if you have a lost dog you can activate all the Ring doorbell cameras s in your area and they will help find you dog.  It just sort of creeped me out.

    Of course Budweiser with the horse and eagle was pretty good.  Bud commercials always seem to be well done.

    A lot of AI and betting commercials too.

    You can tell I am getting old when I think the half time show is too sexy.  And I had trouble understanding the words.  That's a joke...I know they were in Spanish.

    But what got me was not recognizing Lady Gaga and not realizing she was singing in English!

    Next year I am hoping the Bears are playing in the Super Bowl.

    But it will be a challenge dethroning Seattle.

    One great. thing was my mind was off politics for 4 hours or so.  Maybe tonight I will sleep better.

Peace and Love

holy crap

 I can't afford days like this

    I am almost 78.  Days are becoming more precious.  

    So what happened?

    I slept until after 10.

    Then I ate, read the paper, and went to watch the Olympics for a bit and I think I may have dozed off again.

    Of course in all that time I took care of Jackie and did a load of laundry, unloaded the dishwasher, made lunch, and folded my clothes that spent the night in the drier.

    The decorations that I was supposed to box up and take downstairs are still on the dining room table.  Bird feeders are still empty.

    I should be using my days, not wasting them.

    I own a couple of shares of Starbucks stock.  I have a proxy vote on the board of directors and other issues to be decided.

    I was browsing through the wealth of information and came across a section on executive compensation, mainly the pay ratio of the company CEO to average employee wage.  It is 1,794 to 1.  I interpret that to mean when an employee earns $1, the CEO pockets $1794.

    No wonder the coffee prices are. so high.

    I watched an American figure skater perform.  Ilia Malnin is amazing.  He is expected to win gold, but came up a little short in the short program.  I thought he was amazing, but I am not a judge.

    And on FB somewhere there is a reel of a skeleton ride down the Olympic course.  It is truly a thrill to watch.  In case you do't know, skeleton riders go down head first. balanced on  a small sheet of plastic or fiberglass and at a terrifying speed.  

    Growing up in Chicago, I remember going down to the hill at  Montrose Harbor, racing head  first on my Flexible Flyer.  It was nowhere near what Olympians do, but it was fun.

    The weirdest controversy is in ski jumping though.  Seems some jumpers have more fabric in the crotch area of their uniform than is allowed.  Crotch gate! Why does it matter?  It allows them to fly farther.   I think. they have to measure each jumpers crotch area to make sure the uniforms conform to regulations.

    Just hope the guys who measure have warm hands.

    Sally, that's not a handle!

Peace and Love

busy, busy, busy

 Today was quite the day

    When I went to bed last night, we had scheduled for the morning:  help, water softener salt delivery, garage door trim repair, museum meeting.

    So I got up early and took my shower before Jackie took hers.

    My meeting was at 10, and I was told I did not need to go, but I figured I am the museum board president and maybe I should go with the director for support.

    Meantime, Big Jake let me know he was sick and the garage door fix was off for today.

    No problem....garage isn't going anywhere unless I back out the golf cart, then all bets are off.

    I went to the meeting, could not get in, started home, ran into a person who had a key, joined the meeting not yet in progress and at the end of 20 minutes started for home agin..  I was basically moral support.  

    Our morning help was still. there, so she left.

    The water softener guy came.  He puts the 40 pound bags on his shoulder and just strolls downstairs.  And yes, he takes 2 at a tme.

    It took him about 15 minutes to take the 10 bags down.  It would have taken me 15 days.

    And yes, the salt is more expensive.  And yes, I did tip him.  But it was worth every penny.

    I watched some of the Olympic opening, but went to the store before the. cauldrons were lit.  That was one of the things I wanted to see.  Maybe tonight on the rerun or on You Tube. 

    We all know most competitors  won't medal at the games.  But to see the faces, young, fresh,  excited, expectant; and knowing how hard they have worked to get to the Olympics just gives me shivers. 

    Tonight we went to Julia's to eat pizza and move Christmas boxes down to her basement.  She is still careful to not lift heavy objects, so Emily, Sheri, and I offered to carry the boxes down.  Jackie and dog Beth went just to visit.

    But by the time I got there, Sheri had moved all but one of the totes downstairs!  All I had to do was help cart the tree bag down.

    The pizza was good, but the visiting was much better.

    No nap today, no coffee, not a lot of tea but I did have a Dr. Pepper, so sleep tonight will be a bit on the iffy side.

    I just hope it comes.

Peace and Love 

Eh day

 The past  2 days my get up and go has gone

    I have not been very active for a long time, but the last 2 days have been my worst.

    Yesterday I did not shower until 2.  At on point I said I wasn't going to shower, but I eventually changed my mind.

    I feel fine.  I am tired, and just disinterested.

    I need sun.  And warmth.

    Our Invisible Fence unit was beeping away this afternoon.  I called and they are sending someone out Tuesday to check it out.

    They have a service plan.  One year for $300.  The service call last time was $230.  Today I signed up for the service plan then made the service appointment, so it is covered under the plan.  We have never had a problem in all the years but twice in a month is a concern.

    I don't know if the frost is heaving, the ground squirrels have chewed through the cables, or what.

    I put Beth on a leash at night because I don't rust her.  If a deer or something comes in the yard and she takes off, well, let's just say this 77 year old body would have a hell of a time catching her.

    During the day I can see what is around, so I just stay out with her.  But nights are different.

    Today I went to the chiropractor, stopped at the foundation office for a visit, got a coffee at Cypress House and went home and worked on a crossword puzzle. 

    I also finished reading my Great American Novel for the fifth time.  I swear, every time I read it I find more mistakes.  

    My next challenge is getting it published.  All help and advice is appreciated.

    Next week at this time pitchers and catchers will be at work in Arizona.  That will be a welcome relief  from the daily news.

Peace and Love

fake news

Statistics don't lie, right?

    The other day I noted I was just a couple hundred short of 500,000 page visits..

    Since 2 days ago, the blog has over 900 views.....which is really not  accurate.  I don't think that many people looked at this blog.  

    Stats say I have 500,677 page views.  

    I know statistics don't lie, but sometimes they are  wrong and I think this is one of those cases.

    933 views in one day?

    Not unless it's the Epstein files or a porn sight.

    The Olympics kick off tomorrow night with curling!  I know, the opening ceremony isn't until Saturday, but curling will start early.

    I love curling.  It is the one Olympic sport I think I could have done,.

    Yes, I would have to be stronger because the stone is around 44 pounds, give or take an ounce or 2. And you have to throw it a long way,.  Actually, I should say slide it.

    What surprises me is there are curling clubs in Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.  

    I love watching some of the Olympic events, plus the opening and closing ceremonies.  To be honest, the closing always makes me feel sad because that means 4 more years have to pass before the next Olympics.  That is a long time.

    Another surprise.....there is a Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove IL where a local man learned how to ski jump.  I think his name is Kevin Bickner and he is on the Olympic ski jumping team. Remember Eddie the  Flying Eagle?  I think you have to be slightly insane to do what they do.

    Lyndsey Vonn will be competing, despite blowing out a knee last week.  She is 41!  I hope she medals.

    Another American skier is named Breezy, and you just have to root for her based on the name.

    The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat.....all coming to life in Italy over the next 2 weeks.

Peace and Love

Soon!

I will hit a milestone this week 

    As I sat down tonight this blog had 499,803 views!!!!

    Those are page views.

    Sure, some are people  landed on the page accidentally, but they count.

    I say that because people from Singapore seem to visit the site often, followed by UK and then US.

    I think the stats may not be quite accurate.

    But hey!!! I am not proud, I will accept them as valid and not demand a recount.

    Funny, I mentioned the ABC islands in a post and 2 friends are there now and another friend has that as a destination for a future  cruise.

    Am I the only one in the world who has never heard of them until now?

    Sure, I heard of Aruba, and Curacao, but not Bonaire.  Did not know they were the ABC Islands.

    I also watched The Way the other night.

    That has popped up in my life a few times recently.  A FB post from France noted that in Paris there are shells in the sidewalks pointing the way. Then I heard 2 of my relatives are planning on walking part of the pilgrimage this fall.  And I think someone in Rochelle just walked some of it, but I can't remember who.  If you know, please let me know so I can put them in contact with my family members that are going.

    I believe people should travel more.

    I know it costs mucho dinero, but the experiences you take away from a trip will last a life time.

    I was lucky.  When Julia moved to Switzerland  it opened a whole new world of culture, food, sights, history, and friends.  A n because she was living there, Jackie and I did not have the expense of lodging because we stayed with her.

    Honestly, I don't know if we  would have traveled overseas if she wasn't there.

    Sadly, I would not have known the wonderful world that is  out there. 

    Happily, I found it.

Peace and Love

6 more weeks?

The ground hog did or did not see its shadow today 

    That means we could have 6 more weeks of winter, or we could not.

    The whole concept took me down a rabbit hole!

    According to one article I read, ground hogs are also called wood chucks.

    So...

        How much ground could a ground hog  hog  if a ground hog could hog ground.

    Kind of loses its beat, right?

    Plus it is a tongue twister.

    Anyway, Ground Hog Day is also Candlemas. I had no idea what that meant, so I had to Google that.

    Seems it is an ancient religious holiday that falls about in the middle of the period between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.  (  In religious circles, Candlemas is the day Jesus was presented at the temple in Jerusalem.  It's also the day you should take down the rest of your Christmas decorations if you have not yet done so.)  I counted the days, and it is about in the middle, about 6 weeks from each. About...not exact.

    Speaking of not exact, about 4 months ago I ordered a toilet seat.  I like to have one in reserve, because we hare hard on toilet seats.  Please don't ask why.

     Well, time came to put it on and I discovered we have a round seat. I bought an elongated seat. 

    Today I ordered 2 round seats.  I wonder if I can take back the elongated one since I have no receipt.  I will ask the  nice people at Lowe's if they will give a store credit or something.

    And there is a possibility I ordered 4 seats by mistake.  

    My problem is the bolts holding the seat to the toilet get wonky and the seat gets loose.  The replacement bolts don't fit the holes in the toilet seat, so there.

    Jackie has a doctor appointment in DeKalb/Sycamore tomorrow and we have several stops to make.  I like to bundle our shopping trips as much as possible.  I can pick up the new seat, or seats, then.

    My basement is looking  a little better.  I have a huge pile of "stuff I don't want but won't throw away because someone might want it or need it."

    Hopefully this year I will have the garage sale to end all garage sales.

    And win $1 billion in the lottery.  And go to a World Series game at Wrigley. And be at the Super Bowl when the Bears pummel New England,  Again.

    As far as I am concerned, all those things are possible if I have a garage sale.

    Because miracles do happen.

    Pitchers and catchers report next week!

Peace and Love

noted

 I wen through a lot of notes  today

    I have a tendency to make notes on the nearest sheet of paper.  Or any piece of paper.

    Sometimes it is a napkin, sometimes a scrap, but usually on my scratch paper pile.  I don't toss out misprinted or unwanted stuff.  Instead, I cut the sheets in half and use them as note paper.

    I admit, I have quite a stack of notepaper.

    I found one note that was "Jeremy Lin, retired from pro ball in 2012, playing in Japan."

    I did not Google that info to see if my note was accurate, but I remember the basketball player well.  What I don't remember is why I wrote that down.

    I also have a phone number:  497 123.

    I know!  That's not even a complete number!  On the note I wrote "phone. 497 123." No other reference.

    On the other side of that scrap is "Bonaire".

    I wrote that down after reading an article about the Dutch government being ordered to protect Bonaire from the ravages of climate change.

    Turns out, Bonaire is under the Dutch government and is part of the ABC islands...Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

    From the pictures it looks beautiful.

    And now I can toss that note.

    Also tossed:  a recipe for roast beef, how to make great bacon, and an address for Calhan Colorado.  No, I don't know why.  

    And it might not even by Calhan......I can't read the writing!

    At least the desk is a little neater.

    We still have not had a measurable snow since Thanksgiving.

    Our temperature tonight is 21 degrees, and a wind chill of 8.  Cold, but at least on the positive side of zero.

    Bob and Anita live in North Port FL and it is 34 there tonight.  That may not be the low this week.

    I saw pictures from a former student living in Georgia and her kids were sledding down a hill.

    And I'm thinking, maybe it is time to explore Bonaire.  Warm, dry, beaches, sand, water...everything you need to escape the winter doldrums.

    Alas, it's only in my thoughts.

    White Sox pitchers and catchers report Feb. 10 and the Cubs pitches and catchers report Feb. 11.

    That also helps warm me.

    I just get tired of cold, gray days.

    I need sun!

Peace and Love

    

swisher roo

 I don't follow high school sports

    We used to go to games when former students were playing, but that ship has long sailed.

    Friday night had 2 exciting finishes to local basketball games.

    Rochelle hit a game winning shot from half court as the clock expired.  And DeKalb did the same in their game!  Both bombs got net all the way.  The home fans went wild and the opponents were dejected and in disbelief.

    Ah, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

    Or as I say after walking bit, the agony of de feet.

    Jackie and I got haircuts today.  I no longer look like a bum.  At least my hair does not look like a bum's. It is neat and trimmed.

    Jackie's hair also looks cute, but she did not start out looking like a bum.

    Stopped at the museum for some hot chocolate as a fund raiser.  We did a Facebook live shot once they figured out how to do that.  I need to learn more about stuff I under use.

    For example,  my digital camera takes videos.  I have had it several years and never done. that.

    I can take videos with the phone, but I just feel like I am not using the full potential of either device.

    And I need to learn how to edit videos.  I know, it is easy.  Easy for you maybe, but way hard for me.

    I need someone extremely patient to show me how to do it.

    I also went to Julia's to help her by moving some boxes.  She is still being careful following her surgery, and I am thankful for that.

    I also took a FB quiz on the Beatles.  I answered 40 questions and had 93% right.  2 pf the questions I missed dealt with individual albums after the Beatles broke up.  I am weak on what individuals did.

    I read the Tampa Bay Area may get snow!  Holy crap, Mother Nature sure is messed up.  And the Csrolinas could be whomped by a storm.  Hopefully everyone is safe down there.

    Mean while, no snow here and the temps made it into the mid 20s

    I miss the snow but not the bitter cold.

    And I really don't miss the snow that much either.

Peace and Love

I drive the back roads home from Julia's.  Just some pictures from my drive today.

Moonrise over the cemetery

not me

I had a letter returned to me. today 

    Yes, I admit my tendency to reverse numbers can be a problem.

    And sometimes my handwriting is not the best.

    But, and I emphasize this, the return was not my fault!

    I wrote Nexstar Corporation.  They have many TV stations across the country.  For example, they have 2 stations in Rockford and 1 in Chicago.....WGN.

    I wrote asking that they allow WGN to be added to the Comcast line up.

    My letter to the corporate office in New York City came back today, marked unable to deliver as addressed.

    So I went back to  the corporate website and checked.  

    I have the address listed on the website.

    Either the postal service is wrong or a giant communications corporation has the wrong mailing address.  I could not find an e-mail except to the public relations department.  Maybe I will e mail them Monday.

    I play Wordle  most every day.  This week I had 2 days when I could not get the word.  2.  And I think it took all my tries on one or two of the other days.

    And on FB there was a quiz on 60s pop music.  I quit after about 15 questions and I only missed 2.  Both of them related to the Beatles!  How did I do that??  I love the Beatles!!  I listen to their music a lot.

    But I missed 2 questions.

    I am blaming it on the cold.

    And that is relative.   Talked to Bob and Anita down in Florida an and they were cold.  Temperatures were in the 50s.  They were expecting 27 degree windchills over the weekend.

    Iguanas will be falling out of trees like crazy, so watch where you sit you Florida people.

    Right now it is 10 on Rochelle, with a windchill of 0.

    After the past week, that is damn balmy.

Peace and Love

well, w'll, well

I should listen to Jackie more 

    She is always telling me to tie my shoes.  Mainly because my shoes are untied a lot.

    Tonight I went to move her into her chair.

    The move went fine until I plopped her down in the chair and then tripped on my untied shoelace, bouncing off the arm of the chair and hitting the floor with a loud thud.

    After checking my shoulder, arm, knee, hand and brain to make sure all were working, I rested a minute then got up.  By the way, getting up was a lot harder than going down.

    I  am not sure about the brain working.   But that is not due to the fall, just me.

    My one wrist hurts a little, but I have complete movement in all my appendages.  

    I did double knot my shoes, but after the fact.

    It could have been worse.  I could have fallen down the stairs or on the driveway.  In one case I would starve to death in the other I would be a frozen nugget.

    Since you have made it this far, I will update you on numbers.

    Going into tonight,  this blog has had 497,123 views, according to the stat site.

    I am astounded.  

    My goal with this little nightly message was originally to finish something I started.  Now,109 years later, it has become a part of my daily routine.

    And the purpose has changed.  I want to bring a little laughter into the world.  Yes, usually at my expense, but a laugh is a laugh.

    Thank you again for reading this, commenting, liking, or shaking your head at my muse.

    I am truly blessed by you allowing me into your lives.

Peace and Love

routines

 I have a semi regular routine

    I get up and get Jackie ready for the day.  When help is here, I have a little extra spare time.

    Usually I read the Tribune on line, play Wordle, check e-mail, and then get lost in the Facebook rabbit hole.

    Today, in the middle of reading the Trib, my eyes got real heavy, so I sat in my chair.

    The next thing I knew is I was being awakened because our morning help was going.

    I do not know how long I slept, but it was more than an hour.

    I went to bed at 11:15 last night, one of the earliest times I have hit ht hay.  

    I slept well....but the nap felt great.

    I am really tired tonight, so I hope I can get to bed earlier than 11:15.   Actually, I hope I make it that long!

    We had a little drama in the back yard this morning.

    A small hawk went after a little bird.  The bird went into the lilac bush, going in as far as it could.   The hawk, I assume it was a kestrel, perched on the bush but could not get at the little bird.  The hunter sat there for a few minutes, waiting, then flew off empty beaked.

    I wish it had gotten one of the thousands of ground squirrels that seem to be living in the yard.

    Birds are pretty smart to figure out that feeder is there, and that a feeder attracts prey.  

    "It's a dog eat dog world, and I'm wearing Milk Bone underwear"...........at least I think  that was one of the Normisms  I remember from Cheeers.  Might not be remembered correctly.

    Peace and Love

Oh my

 Well, I did it again

    I am such a ditz. 

Was going  to Julia's and she said as long as I was coming, could I pick up some things at the store.

    I said sure.

    Her list was rice, bananas, Colby jack cheese, Swiss cheese.  Fairly simple.

    She said she usually gets cheese in the deli area.

    I wander over there and don't see the cheese, so I ask the girl  if they have Munster cheese, she says yes, I ask for half a pound.  

    I think nothing of it.

    I pick out some bananas, get some stuff for us, and head toward her house.

    I leave her groceries and go home.  Once I get home she texts me about the bananas and if I left her the munster instead of the Colby.

    I knew she wanted Colby.  I have it written in a text, which I read 3 times to be sure I was getting everything. I have no idea why I asked for munster. 

    My mind just baffles me.

    Plus, I have the bananas.

    Maybe it is the cold. It is currently 6 with a -3 feels like temperature.  

    I am blaming it on the cold.

    We got Beth trimmed up yesterday.  She looks much better.

    I would  take a picture, but she never sits still enough for me to do that.  As soon as I bend down, she comes over to me.  I guess she is camera shy.

    Stay warm.  Spring training is not far off.

Peace and Love

on our front door side panels

cooling tower steam from the Byron nuke plant

Sometimes the wind makes. trees grow on a slant 

They were up by the road, but I stopped and they ran

SOS

 I am a great white shark

    Right now I am in a feeding frenzy!

    The mini bundt cakes from Walmart taste a lot like Suzy Qs.  

    How do I know?  Because I am eating a mini bundt cake and it reminds me of a Suzie Q!  Get with it, people.

    I am also having a glass of ...... milk!  Not wine, not decaf tea, not herbal tea but regular milk!

    I once asked why the quart size milk has a longer life date than the half gallon size,  I have not received an answer yet, mainly because I have not written the company.  It's on my list.

    Also on my list is calling my congressman to voice my anger over ICE and the continued withholding of the Epstein files.

    How my mind works:  Wasn't  Epstein a character on Welcome Back Kotter?  I remember Horshak, Vinnie, and I seem to recall an Epstein.  I don't think they are the same. I could Google it , but I. really don't care that much.

    At least 2 people reading this are now  rolling their eyes  and asking, "what the hell is wrong with him?"

    I wish I knew.

    Got a nice card from Linda today.

    It says It was morning and LO now it is evening and nothing memorable is accomplished.

    Does that sum up my days or what?

    By the way, Linda, you have beautiful handwriting!!!!

    My guests are all gone, safe in Ohio, where they had a lot of snow.  Nephew Jason is going on to his home in PA, where they had even more snow.

    Meanwhile here it is -11 windchill with a +9 temp.  The wind is really starting to howl again.

    Thank you for spending time reading this. 

    The days are dark  That is a metaphor.  Hopefully the sun will soon shine brightly once again.

Peace and Love 

damn

 Feeling a mixed bag tonight

    Some good vibes.

    Family is here, spending the. night before heading to Ohio.

    Nice to see everyone, although it may be a few weeks before we see them again.

    Emily came for dinner.  I made steak bits, broasted potatoes and broccoli.  I thought it was pretty darn tasty

    I also watched way too much football.

    The Denver game was a tough one.  Their QB is out, I think their second stringer is out, and the guy they brought in has something like 7 years experience but has on.ly thrown 4 passes in the NFL.  Denver lost, but it was a good game.  I love football in the snow.

    I also watched LA and Seattle.  I wanted LA to win because they barely beat the Bears last week.  But alas, Seattle was goo good.

    Spent time looking at old pictures, trying to figure out who people were.  My brother Carl had long blond curly  hair until he was about 4 or 5.  He looked like a cute little girl.

    I don't want to be political.

    But what happened in Minneapolis was tragic and wrong.  

    Now there are 2 shootings in Minnesota, shootings that ICE claims were  self defense.  But Some of the evidence suggests it was not.

    If you have not called your congressman about ICE....please do.  

    We don't do this in America.  It's wrong.

Peace and Love

never will I

 I have an unbucket list

    I have a bucket list.  I think everyone does, either written down or in their mind.

    But I also have an unbucket list.

    Things I would never do.

    Sky dive ...... makes no sense to jump out of an airplane strapped to somebody's belly, then falling 6 miles to Earth, hoping to make a smooth landing.  

    Walk across a rope bridge.....  George Carlin said he didn't have a fear of heights, he had a fear of widths.  I agree.  I could maybe handle walking across a wide concrete bridge, but that is also doubtful.  But a rope bridge over a canyon, or river?  Never.

    Enter a cage fighting tournament.  Hell, I am 77.  One look at me by the opponent and I would probably drop dead.  Even if it was limited to seniors, I would be in. trouble.

    Appear in a tv ad for bathroom tissue....no matter how much I was paid.  Well, almost no matter.  Money speaks and I might possibly consider embarrassing myself for the right amount.

    Take a cruise.  Boats are too big, too many people, too often passengers get some sort of sickness.  I know!  People love cruises!  I have even read about retirees like me who now live on cruise ships!  Maybe a canal cruise, on a really small boat. Maybe.

    Stand on the extended platforms in the Sears Tower.  Just looking at people doing that makes me dizzy. And I know it is the Willis Tower, I just don't accept that. Standing on a glass platform, looking down at the street 600 stories below, wondering if the glass will hold me, thinking it was time for an earthquake while I was standing there.....no way.

    Try skateboarding.  With my balance issues, and my natural clumsiness, I would break at least 4 bones just  trying to get on one.

    Swim with. the dolphins.  First off, I can't swim.  But how would I know they are really dolphins and not sharks in disguise?

    Surf in Lake Michigan.  Again, I can't swim.  Last week when the winds were strong and the waves were high, people were surfing in Lake Michigan!  Yes, it was cold!  But they were riding the waves. 

    Want to be 100.  85, sure.  Maybe even 90.  But 100?  Too many changes in the world for me, too many candles on my cake.  Blowing them out would be strenuous. 

    There you have it.  My unbucket list.

    I am sure there are things I could add, but enough is enough.

Peace and Love

really??

 People don't always understand stuff

    I admit I don't understand a lot of stuff.  Like how my I-pone knows how many steps I took today.  Or how I can place an online order and get a confirmation number within minutes.

    But I think I understand climate in a pretty basic way.

    The oceans  are warming.  Ice packs are melting.  The Earth is getting warmer.  But that does not mean we are going to be warmer.  It means ocean currents may change, causing weather patterns to change.  

    The Gulf of Mexico has had warm temperatures in. recent ears, which means more powerful storms in the Gulf.

    Warmer oceans will cause weather changes.

    When scientists labeled it Global Warming back in the 80s, I think people assumed winter would disappear.

    Climate Change is a much better description.

    In some places summers will be hotter, in other places summers may be cooler.

    That is my basic understanding of climate.

    So when it is -9 outside, like it is now, please don't ask what happened to global warming.  

    Speaking of weather, we had Kevin, Jen and Sam over tonight.  They brought food and dessert to celebrate Jen's birthday. Kevin's mom Sandy was here, so were Julia and Emily.  It was a nice gathering.

    And great food!  Thank you for feeding the Dickows!!

    At one point we wondered what the temperature was.  People started pulling out their phones. I think we got 5 different temperatures and wind chill indexes!  Some of the wind chills were 10 degrees apart, while the actual temperatures seemed to range from -9 to -12.

    But one thing we agreed on...... it was damn cold!

    WGN weather said the storm system developing in the south west may drop 12-18 inches of snow in Oklahoma!!!  No driving a surrey with the fringe on top for the next few days.  (OK, you may be too young for that reference..... or it may just be too far out.  I don't know.)

    And it snowed in Florida this week...iguanas fell out of the trees cause it was so cold.

    The storm system moving out of the southwest could be a real problem for a lot of people.

    I just have to remember....pitchers and catchers report in 3 weeks or so.

Peace and Love

    

olio

 Just a lot of odds and ends tonight

    I bought some Tide detergent recently.  I don't really need it, but I had a $3 off coupon that expires Jan. 26.  Hence the purchase.

    We have been using Tide for years.  Always get the 84 oz size.  So that's what I bought.  But when I got home, it was only 80 oz.!  So the product is smaller, and the price is higher.  I bet they are hoping people don't pay attention.

    I love the ag secretary who said most retirees have several homes.  He's right.  My other home is a van parked down by the river.

    I get sucked into a rabbit hole on FB when I click on Reels.  

    I love the 2 Brits doing how to kill an hour.  But I am also fascinated by reels of old abandoned homes.  Wish they would tell where they are and why they are abandoned.

    Another one iI like is when they fix up an old home.  Time lapse video shows the restoration process and I am fascinated.

    And fixing up old abandoned houses is the cat's meow!

    But the one reel that really grabs me is done by several people.  They show how to cut molding to go around corners, match up going from one wall to another and changing sizes of base trim, and all sorts of other woodworking tips.  It looks so easy. It would. take me days to figure out how to do the cuts.

    Even seeing them do it, I would not be able to replicate their moves.

    I hate laugh tracks on tv shows.  

    I am watching Twilight Zone  on Paramount +.  I forgot how many big Hollywood names they had on the show.  In one of the early episodes a little boy, looked about 5, seemed very familiar.  It was Ron Howard!  

    I also forgot how quirky the show was.  And ironic. I am enjoying it.

    Stay warm.  If you have water lines on outside walls, leave cabinets open and let the water drip a little so you won't have frozen pipes.

    And watch out for exploding trees.

Peace and Love

    

    

    

Wired

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

    Our Invisible Fence thingy bob (that is the technical name for it) was beeping like crazy Monday.  A beeping indicates a line break.

    No one has been digging for months.  I unplugged the unit.  And I  put in a service call for a repair.

    Tuesday I plugged it in and it was beeping.  I unplugged the unit.

     This morning I plugged it back in and ...... no beeping.  Not a peep.  Or is it beep?  Whatever.

    When the service tech came I told him what happened.  He said that frequently happens when a line has been cut and the repair dd not hold.

    So he ran his diagnostic tool all over the yard and found a badly repaired break in the area where the cable guys ran 3 sets of cable last spring because we were having internet problems.   And it turned out, it was not the cable after all.

     Go figure.

    The break has been repaired and our system is up and running.

    I was also running today as I ran the dishwasher, which meant all the dishes were clean.  Jackie suggested changing our winter dishes for our summer dishes, which kept me busy for quite a while.

    I also managed to get to a church meeting via zoom and Walmart for some groceries.  Met a friend while waiting at the deli counter.  At first I did not recognize Bobbi because she was in profile.  When she turned I knew it was her.

    Ran into another person who asked when our next Exit 99 show was going to be.  Sarah said she and her friends had a great time at the last show and that we were veery funny.  She did not say I was the funniest one, but that was implied.

    Listened to WGN weather on the computer and they said it could be -30 to -40 wind chills Friday morning with a high temp during day at -9.  To think, 1 year ago Emily and I were in Key West.  Eating key lime pie.  Sweating.  What a great memory for a cold day.

    I wonder if there will be in school or remote learning Friday. 

    Another reminder o why I enjoy retirement.  For he most part.

Peace and Love

Brrrrrrr ace yourselves!

 It is going to get cold

    Jackie just heard on the news that the wind chill Friday morning could be in the -30 range.  -30!  Damn. That is cold!!

    It will be a good day to stay inside and just keep warm.

    Of course, that is what I do everyday.  But at least Friday I will have a reason.  Maybe I'll even read a little.  Have a hot chocolate.  Watch a movie.

    Who am I kidding?  Laundry, dishes, and solitaire....that will be my day.

    On Jan 1, 1920, the Palmer Raids took place in Chicago.

    Politicians were upset at the protestors who were against our involvement in The Great War so they rounded up known protestors,  immigrants, union people and even some people eating in a vegetarian restaurant, evidently those types of people are communists.

    Neil Steinberg writes about it in Every G - - damn Day.  He chronicles  a news story or true event  for each day of the year.  365 stories.  Some are early, some are relatively new.  So he scoured the newspapers for Jan. 1 and found that.  They are all in the Chicago area.  Important point, I guess.

    What was funny, or ironic perhaps, was when he wrote, it was "a low point in the history of American freedom of expression."

    Wonder how he would describe today's actions.

    We have special pillow shams for the Cubs and Bears, as well as  plain shams.

    When the Cubs were playing, I put away the plain ones.  When the Bears started, I put away. the Cubs ones.

    I hope to find the Cubs ones before the season starts, but so far they are lost. So are the plain ones.

    Maybe I put them with the Christmas presents we can't find.

    Friday might be a good day to look.

Peace and Love

the end is near

 We are almost done with football

    It has been a long, exciting football season.

    I watched Indiana beat Miami for the college championship.  That makes, let me count, 1 college game I watched from beginning to end.

    I caught endings of games, starts of games, but to be honest, I am not a big college or high school football fan.

    And college these days?

    When players are looking for the dough, it seems to take some of the fun out of the game for me.

    In tonight's game they seemed to talk a lot about players who came from other schools.  One quarterback was in his sixth season.

    Name, Image, Likeness money seems to be attracting these guys.

    In a way, I don' blame them.  Universities make a lot of money off of big time football programs.  If a student athlete can profit from it, so be it.  Most of these kids will not make it in the pros.  Some will be injured and unable to play at the level they were playing.  So,  take the money.  Invest it.  Live wisely.

    I am working on my second million.  The first was too hard, so I started working on the second instead.  I know, old joke.

    Our nephew stayed over last night and he left through the garage this morning. I was with him  and we both heard this high pitched beeping noise.  

    Turns out the invisible fence unit is not functioning.   I have a service appointment set of Wednesday afternoon.  I don't know if Beth will leave the yard when it is this cold, but I will be keeping a close on eye on her.

    According to the trouble shooting guide, the beeping indicates a broken wire.  But there has been no digging in the yard.  Maybe a frost heave?  Or a ground squirrel chewing through the wire? 

    I have a feeling I may need a million to find out.

Peace and Love

dang it

 It was an interesting and exciting season

    I did not expect the Bears to make it to the playoffs, but once they got there I did not think they would lose.  Every game seemed to have some magic in the fourth quarter.

    And they almost won tonight.

    But almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

    This was a big family weekend!

    We Faced Timed with meh nephew and his wife  in Switzerland for a while this morning.  We con't talk as often as we should, and Face Time really makes it easy to communicate.  But the time zones make it hard for me to remember to call.  I don't want to call at 4 p.m. because that is 10 in Switzerland.  And I forget to call earlier.

    I visited my sister-in-law Friday in Byron,  today my other sister -in-law,  our niece,  her daughter, Julia, Emily, Jackie and I all enjoyed some family time and food at our house.

    My niece brought a pasta dish we all shared and it was nice visiting with everyone.  Then nephew Jason stopped over tonight to watch the Bears, visit, and spend the night.  He has been visiting his mom in Byron and taking care of arrangements for a move, possibly by the end of this week.  Tomorrow he heads back east.

    I hope to get Jackie up to Byron to visit sometime this week, otherwise she might not have a chance to say goodbye.

    This business of aging is not all it is cracked up to be.

    Sure we get discounts at stores, but when the body starts to decline, all sorts of issues arrive.    

    But enough of that.

    I do want Cubs fans to know that pitchers and catchers report Wednesday, Feb. 11. just a little over 3 weeks from now.

    That always makes the winter seem short.

Peace and Love

a diller, a dollar

 Today was kind of a miserable day

    Cold.  Snowy.  Not much done.

    One year ago this date Emily and I got off an airplane in Key West and started sweating and eating Key Lime pie.  That was a great time.

    Our cuckoo clock stopped working last week.  Today I took it down and remounted it on the wall.

    I think the nail just worked loose, causing the clock to tilt.  I put a drywall anchor in, inserted a screw, and put the clock back .

    That was 6 hours ago and it seems to be working fine..

    Go figure.

    I also learned a new word:  Bastide.  Now there are words that sound like it, but are not.  Bastide describes a new fortified town in the hill countries of France and some other European countries.  By "new" they mean formed in the 12th or 13th century, you know, when I was a kid.

    I was reading a FB page about  a beautiful French village, and the Bastide word was used to describe the town.    It is one of those places I would love to visit.

    Maybe after we take over Greenland I will have to.

    Jackie was watching a home show where people who come into money buy their dream home.

    I was not watching, but with a couple of minutes left I stopped to see what they bought.

    I think their budget for the Costa Rican property was $5 million.

    They did not find anything they liked, so they built a house at a cost of about $5.5 million.  It has an open layout and it looked like marble floors throughout.  It was 9,000 square feet, with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.

    It was huge.  There was an infinity pool and when you sat in it you watch the ocean.

    Then they said the words that frosted my cake.

    "This will be a great place for us to go when we want to get away."

    It's not even their primary residence!!!

    A $5.5 million get away with 7 bedrooms?

    My choice would be a 2 bedroom house on a lake.  2 bedrooms so I don't get a lot of company when I want to get away.

    And I think Jackie said they made their money the old fashioned way...... they inherited $4 million of it.

    Oh, if we all had rich relatives leaving us dough...that would be nice.

    Not looking so good for the 49ers........at the half they are down a lot.  I was hoping Brock Purdy would win.  I was also hoping Josh Allen and Buffalo would win.  No go there either.

    I won't put the jinx on the Bears.

Peace and Love

Now you know

 The world is filled with oddities

    There is a fat man's soccer league in Texas.

    Seriously.  It's for fat guys.

    In order to join you must be over 18 and have a body mass index of 21.5.  And pay$99 a month.

    The teams have punny names, like Fat Man City,  Mission Slimpossible, Butterball World...to name a few.

    I thought it sounded pretty weird, but some of the men have had amazing results.  One guy said he lost 70 pounds over the couple of years he has been playing.  Others reported 30 and 40 pound loses.

    And you don't have to leave the league if you lose a lot of weight.

    They don't play on a regulation size pitch, and the ball can be played if it hits the wall around the playing field.

    A benefit beyond weight loss is the friendships that have been formed.

    It just seemed a weird, but  effective, program.

    We have people come in the morning too help.  Usually they get Jackie dressed.  Sometimes I opt out the clothes, other times they choose the outfit.

    Jackie got dressed and was sitting at the breakfast nook table.  I went in and showered and got dressed.

    I walked out and heard, "Oh my gosh, you guys are wins!"

    Sure enough.  I put on a dark green top, the same shade and design she had.

    I got dressed today and put on another green top, just a shade lighter.  

    I went to visit my sister in law and my nephew is there wearing a shirt the same color as mine!

    I went home and told Jackie that I got my new shirt in the mail and I can add a lighter color to my shirt choice.

    I opened the package and ..... it's olive green!

    I now have 5 long sleeve shirts  one shade of green or another.

    Kermit was wrong!  It is easy being green!

    Note to self:   No more green shirts!!

Peace and Love

another car?

 The topic of buying a second car has come up

    I don't like driving the mini van.  We need that so I can have the front seat that swivels out.  That seat does not fit in most cars.

    The girls suggested I get another car to drive around town.

    Something small and fun, like a Fiat, or Smart car, or an electric vehicle.

    I see many problems with that.

    First, I would have to pay insurance on the vehicle.  Plus pay for the vehicle. And maintenance.  And all the other stuff that comes with owning a car.

    Second:  Where would I put it?

    I can barely get the van in our 3 car garage as it is!

    Yes, things could be stacked and arranged differently to create more space.  Just not enough  to store a second car.

    So I will continue driving the van until we can find a suitable alternative.

    Getting Jackie into and out of the van is so much easier with the chair that comes out, turns, a d goes down.  It is a back saver for me.

    On to another topic.

    I have been working on a book since ....gosh, I don't know how long.

    Anyway, it is done.  I have read it, reread it, edited it, added to it, deleted stuff from it and I thought I was finished.

    Then I sat down to read it.  Again.  Fourth time.

    Jimminy Cricket, there are a lot of mistakes!  Not major ones, but fog instead of frog, or pence instead of fence.

    Spell checker doesn't pick those up because they are words spelled correctly.

    Thus...one more time through it.  One more time correcting it.  One more time thinking I am finished.

    Then what?

    Time will tell.

Peace and Love

home again, home again

I took Julia home tonight 

    She has been with us since last Thursday, when she had a hernia repaired.

    At first she was going home by herself, but Jackie insisted she stay with us for at least one night.   That was a good move by wifey.

    Getting up from a chair or sitting position was hard for Julia.  Too much strain on her incision.

    So she slept in our recliner a lot and I tried to take care of her needs.

    Of course Beth loved it!  Her Julia was back!

    When Julia would walk around the house, Beth would follow her, just a few steps behind.  It was kind of funny to watch the two of them parade around.

    Anyway, just the 2 of us now.  Well, 3 counting Beth.

    I am slowly finishing up Christmas stuff.  I have gathered a lot of it in spots, now I have to clean up the spots.  Luckily none of the stuff is exposed to the elements.

    I learned something yesterday.

    The county sheriff has put up FLOCK cameras at various intersections around town.

    First off, I had no idea what a FLOCK camera was.  (You could say I was thinking what the FLOCK?) Basically, it reads license plate numbers.

    I am not sure how to take that.

    It does not seem the readers are for traffic enforcement, as such.  

    I don't believe they will tag you for speeding, or running a light, but I am not sure.

    What they seem to do is allow police to track a license plate number.

    Say someone commits a crime in Florida.  They then flee to Illinois.  A FLOCK camera near the crime scene reads  numbers and enters them into a computer.  A FLOCK camera in Rockford reads the plate number, matches it to one in Florida,  and bingo, bad guy captured.

    That is the benefit.

    But.....they could be used to track your movements too.  Even if you did not commit a crime, your plate can be read and authorities can track you.

    It's kind of Big Brothers to me.

    Yes, I do know the same thing can be accomplished on your cell hone.  But that seems Boig Brpotherish too.

    It concerns me.

    Say I go to the No Kings Rally this month.  My plate could be tracked, and I could be targeted for my political views.

    So. tell me, am I being paranoid to the extreme?

    Or is there a Big Brother?

    Let me know.

Peace and Love

Sorry

 I apologize for yesterday's misleading wording

    I believe that is called "click bait" or something like that.

    I like WW II history.  I was watching a video on something when about 2 minutes in a young woman appears on the screen and starts talking about having great sex with her 52 year old husband!  It was x-rated!! And yes, I did hit the skip ad option and went back to WW II.  but holy cow, that surprised me!

    I found out where my flashing goes....above the patio doors up about 15 feet.  I have called someone and they may come this week, weather permitting.

    I went to mail something at the post office.  There is construction going on in the alley where the letter box is.  I had to get out of my car to put the letter in the box.

    One of the guys working there said, "Hey, it's my job!  I have to be doing this.  I'm sorry."

    I just laughed and said it was no big deal and he was lucky it was Jan. 13 and 40 degrees.  My guess is some people have complained and he was being proactive.

    Ran into someone at the store and I remembered his name.

    But I am not sure he remembered mine.  He called me Buddy three times.  

    I guess I am not the only one with name recognition issues.

    And I called my congressional rep's office with a litany of complaints.  I was not done when the staffer abruptly  said, "I will pass your concerns on to the congressman," and he hung up.

    I don't want to be political here, so I won't mention anything else except I wrote a letter to the editor too.

    No matter where you live, you have to call them and tell them how to improve life in the gold old US of A.  And write letters to the editor.  And VOTE!!

    Peace and Love

Crash

 I admit, I cut the corner too close

    I was not paying attention.

    There was a crash.  People yelling.

    A man  called out, 'You didn't do this, did you?"

    A woman answered, "It's not my fault this time."

    I fessed up:  "I cut the corner too short.  It's my fault"

    We stood among a debris field of breadsticks, now scattered over 2 aisles in the grocery store.

    The display boxes stuck out just a couple of inches past the end row, and I hit the first one.

    Which hit the second one.

    Which hit the third one.

    Packages of breadsticks everywhere.  It was a horror show.

    I started to pick them up and the man helped, telling me his wife had done t his before.

    We laughed about it.  We just piled the packages in the display rack willy nilly.  If they had been organized by flavor, they weren't now.

    No blood, no foul.  I am just glad they weren't pickles in glass jars.

    But my guess is some of the breadsticks may be in pieces....buyer beware, eh?

    And of course, I was looking for one particular item.  $82 later, I packed the car and went home.  When I walked in the door Julia said, "Did you find the paper hand towels you wanted?"

    Hell no!  I forgot to look! But I bought $82 worth of other stuff!

    That is the problem when I don't make a list.

    A couple of nights ago I posted a picture of a Bears electronic sign on a house near us.  I noticed today the sign is gone.

    I hope they  took it down and that some idiot did not steal it or damage it.  

    Speaking of damage, Julia pointed out a piece of aluminum sheathing that has the same color as our house........except it was in the bushes.

    So tomorrow I will walk around trying to figure out where it came from and if I can put it back in the right spot.

    Until tomorrow....

Peace and Love