A Trial?

So why are the august Senators proceeding with this trial of 45 knowing it will not yield a conviction of him?  We already had one of these that did not accomplish anything.  They need 17 republican votes and maybe will have 5.  So now we are again wasting the tax payers money (yours and mine) for another chance for all of the Senators to make speeches to seduce their constituents into thinking they really understand and blah blah blah.  We are in the middle of a national emergency with the pandemic and need more and better vaccines and a logistic system to get them to needy populations as well as a crippled economy that needs help.  I am tired of politicians diverting their attention to unwinnable matters and not focusing on our real problems.  And yes it's easy to make speeches.  We are all glad you are splendid orators. But enough. Deal with vaccine production and distribution first. Further if $1400 is too much in a stimulus package, then compromise on a different amount, maybe $800.  Biden will sign off just to get some money to folks in need.  

The winter doldrums have set in.  Grey weather and dirty snow is our world.  In the old folks home, about 6 cars move per day. The rest stay snow covered and stationary.  There are vehicles in the front of the building that have not moved in 6 months.  The vending machines are cleaned out and pizza delivery truck arrive on an hourly basis.  

I cannot take long walks with Harry for fear of landing on my ass again on the slippery sidewalk.  But enough bitching.  

An intriguing series has returned to Amazon Prime.  "River" is a British crime series of only 7 episodes starring Stellan Skarsgard and the wonderful Nicola Walker.  It has an interesting premise and the main and supporting characters are endearing.  See it if you have the chance.

"Radium Girls" is a based on reality story of factory girls in Orange NJ that worked for American Radium Co.  painting radium coating on watch dials and clocks and the tragedy of their subsequent lives wrought with illness brought on by the substance.  U.S. Radium of West Orange NJ was the company the story was based on.  It is a touching story of female heroes that few knew about.  

Otherwise, it has been a quiet week for me.  My physical therapist tells me I am making progress with my balance and the final session will be on Saturday.  Got a substantial haircut yesterday and my wife revealed to me that my thinning hair at the crown is more prominent; telling me I will need to apply sunscreen or a hat if the sun and warmth returns.  Oh boy, more happy news!  Now at the short side of 71, I should be glad I'm not combing my hair with a washcloth.

all for now

stay safe
 

113 Degrees in Melbourne

 Had a good conversation with my cousin in Melbourne today talking about the vaccine, food and the weather.  It will be 113F there today while we are snowy and 26F here.  Kind of like this picture of me as a brand for the blog. I managed to dump the last blog into the Hungarian translator and send it to her on messenger.  I worked good. So pleased that this is a good process.

It is just me?  But 2021 seems like we are living in the time of George and Jane Jetson only as regards the year.  2020 did not.  

Andrew came over today and made us pancakes, bacon and eggs  Katey showed up too along with Shannon.  My god, bacon can be sooo good.  The cakes were from scratch using buttermilk.  A sinful meal, but almost thrilling to eat.  I know bacon is against the law, but hey, we are in a lockdown.

I am a Trader Joe's devotee.  I stand out in line in the cold and really dig their fresh food, salad kits and oatmeal (which does not fall apart and become mush when cooked).  The ribbed chips are to die for and easily addicting.  Crunchy peanut butter is .50 more than Kroger.  But if my time is worth anything, waiting in that long checkout blows and I will spend a couple of bucks more to not stand in it.   

In my life as a salesman there were many products that I promoted that were only ok.  But some were superb. At this emporium they, like many others, have reusable handled bags.  These bags are .99 each, plastic coated with sturdy handles and colorful.  You could carry bricks with them. I told the cashier "I could sell these" , a statement not lightly announced.  They can be set on the wet pavement or in the snow and goods inside will remain dry. It is a little thing but I really admire things that work.

We watched a new show on Hulu today actually just now called "In and of Itself". It is some manner of allegory about life and personal identity that is completely riveting and beyond description.  There are many participants include Bill Gates and Tim Gunn among other notables. See this when you have a quiet time without interruption and your concentration is keen.  See this for something completely new unlike anything.  

all for now

stay safe

Hear Me Out

 I watched most of the Inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris yesterday.  Was quite moved by his humanity and vast empathy that has been missing in recent years.  Poet Amanda Gorman took me places emotionally I never imagined a poet could do.  For once, my feeble mind grasped the concepts brought forth by her words.  Amidst all the black, pastel and muted tones, out she marches in a bright yellow coat and delivers the stirring words she wrote.  Truly the right words at the right time.  Further, I am not a religious person any longer. But the benediction delivered by Rev. Beaman at this event moved me to tears, bringing to the surface feelings long lost.

Within the address were words that really rang true to me.  Biden said that there would be many that would disagree with him on policies and the way forward.  That's ok, but hear me out. If you still disagree that's ok too.  This is democracy.  Three monosyllabic words could not be more profound.  Thank you for that Mr. President.

Since the election season began, I grappled with the candidates and their plusses and minuses.  While I admired Bernie's ideals, few of them seemed attainable.  I like Corey Booker and continue to do so. Sadly, his funds came up short.  The senator from Minnesota was a viable choice but because of her gender, would not succeed in this round.  Of course, Kamala was also a profoundly good candidate.  Then there was Joe. With a level attitude and a plethora of history in government, he got the nod.  It was the correct choice.  He will work with his former colleagues in the Senate seeking solutions to the massive problems we face. Mitch even smiled and joked with the President when handing out the traditional gifts.  

For the past four years, I have awakened with an overwhelming feeling of dread on the direction our country was headed.  It was like watching a train wreck that just kept repeating over and over.  First thing, I scanned the news feeds for the latest misdeeds saying to myself what the f*ck are we going to do now.  I worry mostly for my grandkids and their future.  But this morning, I am exhausted from being uplifted. Spoke yesterday afternoon with friend Janine and we could not get the words our fast enough as to our new found positive outlook with Judy chiming in with her thoughts as well.  Even though the weather is shitty, looking forward to the day and striding to physical therapy. 

all for now

stay safe

Relations and Ravioli

Have been communicating with my foreign relations since about Christmas.  It is truly a revelation to find people you are connected to in other parts of the world.  Through messenger I write to my younger cousin in Australia almost every day.  She tells me of her life and I reply with my stories.  We have learned together of our collective past and try to understand each other's cultures.  Her name is Maria but the loving term for her is Marika.  

This morning at 4:48 am (I am already up) I got a message from her mom from Hungary.  They are 6 hours ahead of us. She is of my generation about two years older.  She speaks little English and I speak no Hungarian.  I located a translator site through Google and it translates as I compose my letter.  I shouldn't be but I am amazed that this works so well. On my computer, messenger has a feature that translates to English.  This really opens up doors to communication and makes me very happy.  

As you saw from the pictures Judy posted Sunday, Marie and I had another cooking extravaganza making ravioli.  We had wonderful, messy time preparing.  Allow me to say that this is a laborious preparation, making the pasta dough, rolling out and pressing into the forms.  We did everything by hand (a pasta machine would have been nice).  This girl is dogged in her pursuit of cooking perfection.  Her Dad made Italian sausage and it completed the meal.  Shannon loved it and ate hers and half of mine.  If you look at the picture carefully, the kitchen disaster is obvious.  Nanny did the masterful cleanup.

Saturday night spent the night at Katey's with Apollo.  When these occasions arise, I treat myself to some carry out food.  The last time it was disappointing Bucemi's pizza.  This time I spent $12.58 on Burger King.  I will give the Whopper a 7 and the chicken sandwich a 4.  The only exceptional item were the fries, much superior to McDonalds.  Now when I was a teenager, this would have been a 5 dollar meal.  The foods you remember with great relish from your youth now are not so good.  I think palates change and memories don't hold up. 

I am burnt out on political commentary.  

All for now

Stay safe

Impeachment 2.0

Pictured here are my boys and grandpa whitey from last Sunday's visit.  We had a splendid time and the ever finicky Everett loved Nanny's carrot cake.  Christmas gifts were brought and the biggest hits were the harmonicas.  Their new townhouse is good sized and all in all things are shaping up.  Jon's happy at his new job and the money is better.  Everett's second birthday is tomorrow.  He is my napping partner and for some reason takes a shine to me. 

Going to round two of my physical therapy this morning.  He is a good guy and has reasonable expectations from me.  The facility is close enough to walk to which is a plus.  He asked me to stand on one foot, and it was not pretty.  Also any time I am called upon to coordinate arm/hand movements with leg movements, I am an abject failure.  Maybe that will improve.

The U.S. House of Representatives rapidly passed a resolution to impeach 45 for a second time.  Lots of oration at the session.  My wife is not fond of speeches.  I admit I am, whether I agree or not.  Some are delivered with force and passion and others are merely a reading of the facts with little flourish.  Many are actors on a stage delivering a dramatic performance. 45 has less than a week till he departs.  His minions are jumping like rats deserting a sinking ship. He still wields the full power of the presidency for the next 6 days and he is pissed.  I happened upon a posting on FaceBook from Faves USA asking "Do you think Donald Trump did a Good Job as President?" I scrolled thru the comments and found that overwelming positive responses were from women about this guy.  I was surprised. Well we will see how the next days play out.  Hopefully sites will be better fortified than on the sixth.

all for now

stay safe

 

Jonathan Edward Kocsis

Happy Birthday my wonderful son Jon.  He is 38 today and words cannot express how proud of him I am.  He is always steady and a loving father and husband. Now they are starting out a new life in Grand Rapids MI.  We visited yesterday for the first time, thankfully not too long of a drive.  Many things to do there including the Frederick Meijer Gardens.  He is shown here with his son Everett.  

Jon served our country for 9 years in the US Navy as a damage control man on his ship, the USS Ashland.  He was in fact a fireman on the ship.  Reenlisted as recruiter in his second enlistment.  We love him and his whole family.  Really had a great time there for our visit yesterday.  Hope your day is wonderful even though you are working.

It is difficult to move into the current world we live in seeing images of the chaos splashed around the world's news outlets.  Realistically, nothing will happen to 45 until he departs.  Pence won't invoke the 25th amendment and impeachment will only go so far in that the senate is on holiday break till Jan 19th with the swearing in for the new president taking place the following day.  I am personally feeling down hearted that our country has come to this.  Honestly, I was never too much of a flag waver.  Was proud of my kids and my wife serving in the military.  Have increased respect for their staunchness in the face of adversity.  But in the face of an attempted coup of our government, I feel deflated.  

Clearly half or nearly half of our country fully supports this guy and many feel the election held this past November was fraudulent.  I am far from morally superior but cannot imagine their mind set.  To me, we have two major issues in this country that divide us, the religion of Trumpism and systemic racism. Both seem to be belief systems.  It is very difficult to deter a believer.

Please stay safe

all for now

The last show

Sometimes when a person is gone, it takes a little time to become accustomed to their parting.  Alex's last broadcast was last night.  It was followed by a short tribute film of his history on Jeopardy.  I know lots have been written about him since his passing.  But seeing him leave the stage one final time was sobering if not crushing.  My kids, my mother in law, Shannon especially never missed this show. It was a 7:30 staple for us.  I think we only viewed Pat and Vanna to get ready for the show we really wanted. I tried to get the questions correct and occasionally was successful, but most times not.  I loved the teacher's tournaments with clips of the cheering students and the kid tournaments always amazed at how much knowledge those young minds possessed.  With all the press around him, nothing negative only that he was a nice guy and very regular and a steady hand at his job.  Ken will be a suitable host but his clipped speech will not earn him a permanent spot.

Watched "Mr. Mayor"  via streaming service last night.  This show has possibilities. Danson is intuitive in his part especially with dealing with his daughter.  Might be worth a look.

Have been conversing via messenger with my cousin in Australia.  Trying to explain the recent events in Washington.  She thought 45 won the majority of the vote in 2016 and that there was no racism in America.  She basically said that 45 has damaged the view of us around the world. I did not try to explain the Electoral College to her and told her to goggle it.  We have a lot of rebuilding to do to repair the damage that was created in the last 4 years.

all for now

stay safe
 

Aftermath and a good show

Somewhat altered this is my 4am picture from yesterday.  Feeling a little be better today in that order has been restored in our nation's capital. My face looks slightly happier today.  

We are scheduled to receive the Covid-19 vaccine next week at the apartment complex.  There are many residents older than us here and I hope they avail themselves of this treatment.  Even after the shot, we will continue to mask up for the safety of others.

I am convinced that nothing will happen to 45 until after he leaves office.  There is simply not enough time to accomplish any action.  Nancy and Chuck have advocated for implementation of the 25th amendment for his removal.  That's not going to happen because Pence will not proceed.  Isn't it funny how none of us even ever knew what that amendment was but now thanks to various talking heads on news programing are fully up to speed.  Quickie impeachment with a conviction won't happen either.  Twelve days is not enough time to get this done.  

Authorities are moving forward to collect the perps in this riot using all the photos splashed around social media.  Most of those characters have been dismissed from their employment, rightly so.  I particularly like the guy displaying his work ID, a real rocket scientist. Learned today sadly, that a police officer has died from injuries sustained while trying to protect people in the Capital building.  

Staff rats are deserting the sinking ship, disgusted at what they have been associated with. And I might add that the DeVos compound near Grand Rapids MI is ready to receive their favorite daughter Betsy.  Educators everywhere should be lifting a glass of champagne to this event.  Any member of his staff will have his stain tarnishing their resumes in the future. 

Moving forward, we are watching a series that was on FX sometime ago called Justified.  Really good characters and a wonderful setting in Harlan County KY.  The writers have really spent time developing and fleshing out these folks so they become believable with all their flaws.  Some violent conflict, but appropriate.  If you are a Hulu subscriber, all 7 seasons are there for as part of your subscription.

Wish we had some sunshine.  Would lift many spirits.  However not a usual January with sub freezing temperatures and feet of snow so we should probably be thankful.

all for now

stay safe 

 
 

I woke at 4 this morning

 I am at a loss to describe the feelings I have after yesterday's coup attempt at our nation's capital.   I am still rattled and dismayed at these events.  Viewing these disruptive assholes marching thru the halls of congress, stealing souvenirs and rummaging thru the documents on desks of congress members sickens me.  This was like a government overthrow in Costa Rica or Honduras.  The security forces deployed were not prepared for these events.  

Further, the man at the center of this continued to pour gas on the fire by still insisting that he was reelected and that the election of his opponent was a fraud.  Then the great leader said people should be peaceful and go home, and of course we love you. 

This has become the religion of Trumpism.  Their flags from the campaign become their banners to the trumps reich.  These minions hang on his every word and see him as the savior of the Republic.  But believers are difficult to convince otherwise.  The nature of belief, really fervent belief is written in stone.  In some ways, I just don't get it.  Here is a guy that demeans women and this disabled.  He has routed government funds thru his businesses to line his own pockets and has screwed people he hired because they can't afford to fight his lawyers.  And Rudy, WTF happened to him? From America's mayor after 9/11 to 45's head conspiracy theorist. 

And then in the middle of the night Pence got his balls back (from Mother) reconvened the Senate and confirmed Joe and Kamala as our pres and vice for the next four years. There have been calls to use the 25th Amendment to remove 45.  Really? with less than 2 weeks to go? Enough of the taxpayer's money has been wasted already.  Let him pardon his buddies and do nothing else, maybe play some golf.

Herein lies the problem for our nation.  There are those that live with the truth and those who live in some deluded sense of purpose.  The 1950's are over people. Black Americans can vote and hold elective office. A man can marry another man. And a woman can choose her path on pregnancy.  We have the socialist program of social security that is the sole income for many senior citizens and national park system, and are protected by the social program of police and fire departments. College is too costly for most people to attend and the price of insulin should be reduced to protect peoples lives. This our country as of January 8, 2021. 

I've spoken my piece.

Stay safe

all for now

My Wonderful Cook

 

Marie, with a little bit of help from me,  made this lovely chicken and dumplings dish for dinner last night. I only cut the chicken because of my my nerves with knives and children.  She received this gift from Radish that has an the recipe with ingredient list and an apron.  This was her first dinner attempt.  The dumplings were perfect and the thickened broth was favored with thyme.  Her father consumed his first helping wanting more.  Needless to say, he too the leftovers home.  

Great fun for me offering guidance to this 10 year old chef.  She really listened and learned.  Her dexterity is growing and she is learning about food measurements.  There will be another masterpiece next month.

I have these wonderful friends that are up early like me,  My dear friend from high school, Jane Johnson is one of those.  She and I share similar political views and are watching the current environment with great intent.  Jane is now a chicken farmer in TN.  Its a tough life for a Democratic activist residing in flaming red state.  We both agreed that if the US Senate has Democratic control, opportunities for progress cannot be squandered.  A common purpose must be agreed on to move forward.

I am starting PT next week to try to improve my balance and shuffling gait.  It is difficult to embrace the shortcomings I am facing.  My kids are always telling me "pick up your feet dad" and "be careful dad".  My new girlfriend is Leslie Sansone, a lovely late fifties YouTube maven that presents walking exercises you can do in your living room.  Yes, I'm not happy that I cannot run in 10K races like in my twenties. The knees won't take it. So this will have to do.

Lets hope we have a Republic by the end of the day and that no lives are lost in DC with the protests.

all for now

stay safe

Egg salad disaster

 Trying out some new fonts for this blogging effort.  The last one was a little too tight and made difficult to read. 

So I made this egg salad yesterday, usually a hit but this time I had the salt container opening set to pour rather than sprinkle and bam, the Great Salt Lake.  Checked with google and learned that lemon or other acidic liquid might dampen the saltiness.  Wrong!! no help.  No good. no help. A big disappointment.  I suppose there are larger tragedies in the world. I put a picture of it in this writing but it was too unpleasant so I removed.

Had a long messaging session with my cousin in Australia today.  We discussed the grudge bearers in the culture we share.  Slights are never forgiven or forgotten no matter friend or family.  This is a dreadful way to conduct ones life, building a set of enemies.  Then we discussed mean drunks, an uncomfortable topic.  These guys need to show everyone whose the boss when they get a snoot full.  There are too many Hungarians that behave in this manner.  I finally understand why my father had few kind words for his father.  

She said she missed the snow.  Its summer time in Melbourne now.  No white Christmas.  Even when it gets cooler in July, no snow.  

Well the Georgia runoff election is today.  45 was down there rallying for his minions still claiming victory in the election he lost.  He demanded the Georgia secretary of state find him 11,780 votes, telling him to recalculate the tally.  The votes in this state have been counted 3 times since November 3rd with the result always being the same, Biden carried Georgia.  And tomorrow is the counting of the Electoral College votes.  Should be a ceremonial non event.  Will be a lot of chest pounding and flag wrapping by politicians that want to be America's saviors. They love to make speeches and pound fists on the podium. Further, 45 will have the gas can feeding the flames of his minions..  I fear for violence and death of our citizens whether I agree with them or not.  Why does nearly half of America cheer this guy on? 

all for now

stay safe

A New Beginning for Me - but now lots of bitching

I am done defining my self as retired.  Now past all that.  We sit with Covid-19 looming over our heads, dealing with appropriate limited social constructs.  Trying to think of something to write about beyond my last set of entries.

  45 will soon be departing leaving in his wake the near demise of our democracy and republic.  He has been the most disruptive and destructive head of the executive branch of government in my lifetime.  Now his minions are continuing an effort to overturn our last legal presidential election.  Think of that for a moment.  One candidate gets more votes than the other.  He/she is the one that is elected and assumes the office on Inauguration Day.  That's it.  End of story.  Now they want a commission to study the legal voting process of the states where he lost, not the states he carried.  We sit here January 3rd.  New president is constitutionally Installed on January 20th.  At least 10 days for this commission to do it's job.  There are those in the Senate that are planning and advocating violent confrontations on January 6th which is normally a ceremonial event to declare the Presidency.  There will be lots of speeches and fist bounding.  This is what these guys do.  In the meanwhile, citizens are dying in California at a rate of 1 every ten minutes.  The vaccines are being distributed at a rate of 1/4 their promised delivery.  The Southern states that basically cast off the CDC guidelines for protections, are running out of beds.  My patience with the so-called politicians that represent us is expired.

But enough ranting.  

all for now

Promise, next entry will be more uplifting.