More Elevator Music

We had another elevator episode at the old folks home yesterday.  With a bunch of residents in the lobby both of the elevators quit working.  After waiting for the repair guy to arrive, it was fixed about 3 hours after the event commenced.  We were given bottled water and chips by the management to calm the quell of panic in some of the less mobile inmates.  Many of these folks cannot do the stairs up to maybe the 8th floor.  We will see if the repairs last. In late breaking news, the repairs failed about 9pm last night, no functioning elevators with residents stranded in the lobby again.  The plot thickens.

During the outage friend Joyce said she was hungry and wouldn't want to cook at the late hour (530pm) so I took her and Dick for a carryout meal at a local joint.  The server was funny and accommodating and the experience was a good one.  I got a free iced tea and a lot of smiles. 

This is my meager harvest of tomatoes compared to my sister's bowls of the little fruits.  But it is still better than the efforts from the past 2 years were the squirrels got it all.  Have a couple of large ones that are turning red.  Real tomatoes! too good to be true. 

It shouldn't upset me but as I continue to watch the Sopranos on HBO, I am. in the middle of the final season. Tony and Christopher get into a horrific auto accident because of his distracted driving and roll down a hill in the New Jersey countryside. Chrissy is badly hurt from not wearing his seatbelt.  Tony finishes him off holding his nose so he chokes to death on his own blood.  The depths of this depravity really shocked and upset me even though I read about it earlier.   It was all because the youngster had become a drunk and a drug addict and showed weakness (the ultimate sin) and could no longer be trusted. The lead character is only committed to his role as the boss of the family.  Any signs of weakness are not acceptable. 

Had a wonderful lunch and visit with friends Chris and Bob at Green Lantern in town yesterday sitting out in the hot patio.  The server was apologetic and killing herself covering all the patrons.   I had to fight with myself but did not have any of their legendary pizza and chose a matching meal with Judy, a portobello wrap,  that was delicious.  Now I have to figure out how to make this for myself.  

Local hero Annie Lazor has moved to the finals of the 200 meter breast stroke. Her grandpa and I are coffee buddies.  She is from Beverly Hills MI and attended Groves HS.  

Big and sudden rain this morning, got Harry out before it arrived

all for now

stay safe. 

(I think masks are coming back even for those who are vaccinated)

What the F do you want?

Simon glaring at me during a recent visit is quite charming actually.  He quite friendly and affectionate purring and rubbing against your leg always happy to see you.   

Had Andrew over for Shrimp Scampi yesterday afternoon and it might be the best thing I have ever made.  I am still thinking of how good it was. The lemon zest and chicken stock to deglaze the pan were the keys as well as removing the shrimp from the pan after initial cooking.  Watching all those cooking shows may have finally paid off.  Had a massive carb weekend eating pizza for dinner on Saturday and pasta on Sunday.  Readings this mornings showed it.  Back on the straight and narrow path for me after the excesses.  I wish I could be one of those guys that ignores the data.  Life would be easier for a time.

I have to prepare for my post pandemic physical.  The last one was in May of 2020 and only virtually.  Like most, I've gained weight and lost strength.  Still able to put in an occasional 8 mile walking day with my canine friends. My physician is so obese and heavy breathing, I cannot see how he will be around much longer. It's a helluva of state of affairs when you are markedly healthier than your doctor.  I fear my results will show my lack of self control and the justifiable scorn will follow from my nurse wife.  

We have a hawk in our neighborhood that I believe has taken our hummingbirds as small meals we had no sighting for a while.  Judy finally removed the feeder for this year.  Nature takes it course.

The unvaccinated masses in three southern states account for 40 percent of the newest Covid cases and over 99 percent of the deaths that occur from this illness are unvaccinated Americans.  Will these citizens wake up and see reality as it is? Their resistance to taking precautions is very frustrating in that kids and grandma and grandpa will feel the brunt of their stubbornness and maybe lose their lives.

It's going to be a sunny warm day here in Berkley.  Gonna take Harry for a walk before it gets too hot.

all for now

stay safe.

 

 

Traveling through the forest

Went to Kensington Nature Center a few days ago with Judy, Marie and her pal Gabriela.  Birds and chipmunks ate from their hands and I got some diners too.  it was 

 a sunny, cool day and all had a pleasant time with the girls chatting up a storm in the back seat.  Got a couple of good shots to them and of the forest.  My technique is improving and I am learning how to edit the photos for enhancements on my MacBook Pro.  Today the rain is coming and we were entertained by a car alarm that went its full cycle of honks. I believe it is time to cease these annoyances.  

So Jeff Bezos, the richest man in the world goes for a ride on his phallus shaped rocket with three friends.  The news media was all over it.  Here is a guy that pays no taxes on the profits from Amazon thanking the employees and the shoppers with the phrase "You paid for it".  Think about it for a moment.  NASA has been basically shut down due to a lack of funding.  If this guy and his billionaire buddies paid even a portion of their share in taxes, we might still have a functional space agency.  Yeah I'm pissed about that but more pissed that the media made it into a major news event with wall to wall coverage.  This is another fucking rich guy spending money on his hobbies.  Why is he being glorified?  Guys like him don't share. in the wealth.  Ok he gave some pocket change to Jose Andres to polish his image (100M) They only give up a paltry sum when forced to.  Rich guys keep the money. Teach that to your grandchildren. 

Judy stuck again in the elevator at the old folks home yesterday. They should be thankful it is a resourceful person like her.  If it was one of the or the more frail residents and they had a medical issue as a result of their imprisonment, the lawyers would be lining up.  

I am cooking today on this rainy morning preparing baked, spiced tofu which when cubed provides a tasty protein source as well as doing a saute on some to see if it can be browned and crispy.  Again I am trying to limit my animal protein intake this time on more moral grounds.  Watching other cultures chop up animals on Facebook Watch leaves me ill at ease.  I have to find vegetables I like.  That is a challenge.  

Parmesan encrusted tofu.  will see how it goes.

all for now

stay safe

 

Elevator Music

Walking with Harry yesterday spotted this outside of Berkley Music and the Detroit Violin Company.  I'll call it trumpet playing the impatiens blues.  Every passerby seems to love Harry.  I get stopped about 3 times during my journey for people remarking about how cute he along with all the ladies at the apartment building.  

Had big plans for a walk on Innovation Hills yesterday with friend Janine yesterday.  Took our normal route to get there and its not around the block.  The road to get there is under construction on both sides and after frustrating attempts to gain access with no success, we gave up and went to lunch at Zeoli in Clawson.  The lack of staffing became apparent, no fault of the servers.  These kids are doing their best but consistently behind.  Patience is necessary.

Now on to elevators. Yesterday afternoon Judy said goodby from our living room and took Harry out for a pee break.  She was gone for awhile.  I and watching the McCartney documentary on Hulu and am engrossed.  Thought she was chatting with a friend downstairs.  Really don't know how long she is missing.  After about 30 minutes, she and Harry amble through the door. "Didn't you think I was gone for awhile?"  "Did you hear the police?" she asked at her arrival.  I noticed nothing.  Well, she was trapped In the elevator and had to be extracted by the Berkley PD.  Aside from being overheated and pissed off. she was ok.  I was oblivious. 

This is the next day.  We took the kids to Spencer Lake in Rochester Hills yesterday. Now I am not a big water guy, probably from being pushed down in the Warren High pool when I was taking swim lessons during 6th grade band camp. Judy and the kids are having a great time doing short swims and doing somersaults in the water.  Now its time for a reluctant Poppy to creep into the water.  As the lake climbs up my legs and onto my chest, I remember that I don't like this sensation although some may call it "refreshing".  Marie of course is poking fun at my hesitance.  There are little transparent fish that she is trying to catch with her hands in vain.  But it was a good time.

Have been watching an excellent police procedural on Netflix called "Marcella". Like most dramas from the UK there are many plot twists and turns and villains you don't expect.  All the answers are not revealed till the last episode.  There are 3 seasons of this show that premiered in 2019.  Also Schmigadoon is a light hearted series on Apple TV staring Cecily Strong and Keegan Michael Key in a premise of a boyfriend girlfriend combo stuck in a land that is basically a broadway musical.  If you need to forget about your cares and woes for a bit, this is for you.  If you cannot stand every speech turning into a big number, its not.   

Finally a word, buxom,  an adjective for a woman's appearance that for me is indicative of the 1940's, perhaps a more polite time of gentility.  A lady in our building describes herself in that way in her younger days.  If mentioned to a man in his 80's, you will see a twinkle in his eyes. I like words that are historic in nature and draw out emotion from the listener.

all for now 

get a shot if you haven't for your grandchildren

stay safe

 

I Like American Cheese

This is a photo of my terrific grandson Eli in the cockpit of a small aircraft at the Toms River Airport.  A dear friend of ours is a longtime aircraft mechanic at the site and they were able to coordinate a visit there on the trip to Jersey.  This kid is really into all things airplane and had a great time learning how they worked.  Had to share, so proud of him.

On to American Cheese.  Put it in an omelet this morning and with a little Franks Hot sauce on the top and all the flavors came together.  The tanginess of the cheese and the kick of the sauce did it for me.  I'm not talking about the Kraft singles in all the plastic wrapping.  Freshly sliced at the deli counter is the way to go. I know this makes me sound like some pedestrian eater and that it is probably a processed cheese food made from surplus milk. In a melting situation, it works for me.

We met up with our traveling partners Linda and Pat to review some of the details of our upcoming FL adventure and saw some other old friends at the restaurant.  These are folks we came to know through our soccer playing daughters.  All the kids are in their 30's and out on their own.  It was fun saying hello.

Had a nice lunch with Andrew and Katey yesterday as well and was as usual overwhelmed by their loud conversations.  I tend to be quiet spoken and polite to a fault, rarely interrupting;  Because of this, most of the time I am listening and nodding.  They're my kids and they are loud.  That's it and I love them. 

Still seeking the best food plan for myself.  Carbs are my downfall not eating sweets. Sugars are not disastrous by need improving.  I need to schedule a physical with my "wham bam thank you ma'am" primary care doctor to receive my pandemic health bad news.  I have learned to look at issues squarely and take them on.  Doctors will not save you or fix you.  Personal responsibility is the key. Do not kid yourself.

Second gray day today with more rain in fhe forecast.  My little baby pepper in the garden plot has been stolen by one of the critters.  Admittedly, I am saddened and I hope he gets heartburn.  Tomatoes are ok on the vine at this point.  Hope springs eternal.

Have been sucked into a binge worthy British mini series (Netflix) from 2020 called The Stranger.  We four episodes in and still have not got a clue as to the motive or culprit of the crimes.  This one is worth watching.  Also watched Space Balls with a host of cartoon characters along side Michael Jordan and a cast of basketball greats.  Shannon loved it.  Good fare for the under ten crowd.

Praying for sunshine!

all for now

stay safe.

 

 

Awakened by a boom

Was awakened by a loud clap of thunder and bright of lightening at 5:52 this morning. Had moved to the couch at about 2am and had finally drifted to sleep and bang.  That was it for slumber.  It rained in earnest afterward and now has stopped with the birds singing in my window.  Old people talk about the weather and the effect it will have on their lives.  And now, I'm. doing it. Sometimes I bore myself.

Had a nice long chat with my Uncle last night talking about the aging process among other things.  Even at 90 he tells me that he needs to move forward with many projects including a massive garden and travels with a fifth wheel camper.  We talked about having purpose in ones life at any age.  I think men are not satisfied unless they have some sort of job.  After working for 50 or 60 years stopping feels like you've been pushed off a cliff into the abyss when you enter retirement.  He lives north of here and I will go visit him in September.

All these adds for online gambling that hit the airwaves beginning in January really bug me. Laws were passed in 2019 that allowed this action. I cannot stand the female pitch people and these ads try to persuade viewers that they can get something for nothing. Of course there are numerous disclaimers for gambling addiction hot lines that immediately follow the performance and the lies.  Legalizing online gambling has been as helpful to this state as the legalization of fireworks that anyone can buy now at a supermarket. Thank you state legislature for both of these harmful gifts. Sadly, as many of you know, there was a young hockey played killed as he exited a hot tub being hit with a projectile in the chest. Why did we need either of these things?  Do they enhance anyones life or have a permanent positive effect? Pockets are being lined and wealthy guys grow their money.

In some southern states far too many residents have refused to accept the vaccine for Covid-19.  Their arrogance infuriates me.  Whether it is because of some religious belief or government conspiracy theory or a fear of shots, they are endangering each other, their children and my grand children by their inactions.  

Sorry about the soap box

all for now

 

Another Jersey Adventure

Harry is still asleep in the air conditioning.  I am finally home after living as a lodger in Katey's apartment dog and cat sitting. My lips are burning after too much hot sauce on my eggs this morning.  Slept pretty good even without the Naproxen.  I did a lot of dog walking in her complex with the only misstep being landing in a pile of dog shit on a hot day.  Oh what wonderful neighbors.  Had a nice lunch with friend Janine on the fourth, dining on mediocre Mexican food.  So for the past 6 days I have been shuttling from Katey's apartment, to here for shower, then to Andrew's to take care of Simon.  This is truly a sweet kitty who loves the attention.  I hated to leave him. Then back to my lodging to feed dogs.   Watched too much TV almost seeing the complete Sopranos seasons. Dogs are happy to see me but not much for conversation. 

While I was driving on one of my many trips back and forth, I was really grooving to the music (Carlos Vieves) cruising eastbound on Catalpa.  Harry is sitting in next seat looking tentative.  An officer's flashing lights come on behind me.  What did I do? I know I was not speeding.  Anyway I pull over on a side street.  Out come a baby faced officer. "Do you know why I stopped you?" he inquired.  You failed to come to a complete stop at corner of Mortensen and Catalpa.  This kid looked like he was 14 and barely shaving.  I gave him his propers and surrendered my documents.  He let me off with a warning because I was a resident of Berkley.  Harry was shaking and a wreck durning the entire encounter.

So Judy arrived back home about 5:30 tonite and she Is getting re orienting to her regular life from a week away.  They had a great time with Eli making a great friend of his cousin Kennan and Marie doing craft stuff with her Aunt Debbie.  Katey went metal detection with her Uncle Brian finding a little history in a farm field.  Judy and her sibs really enjoyed catching up and spending time together visiting, eating and drinking.

 

I have discovered that I am no longer fond of the music I grew up with.  Beatles, Stones and the others are mostly old guys that are have for me lost their luster.  McCartney and Ringo seem to be in pretty good shape, but Mick and Keith, not so much.  I have been exploring vocalists from the current time and prior time that sing melodies with clever lyrics and they make me happy to hear.  And I can sing along.  Being a hopeless romantic, music by Diana Krall, John Pizzerilli, Freddy Cole and the late Chet Baker now has my interest peaked.  Again its lyrics and a smooth delivery that make my day at this point. 

I scattered photos from their trip in this offering.  Simon the kitty and was looking like "when the hell are they coming home?".  I took pictures of him most days and sent them to Judy.  

That's it for now

stay safe