Conversations

Conversations with Omar are never on light and insignificant topics.  We start out with a good morning and he addresses me as Mr. Jerry.  I try to tell him that it's just Jerry and he replied that the title was out of respect.  I am ok with it in that it makes him comfortable in our interactions.  Other than him, I cannot remember ever having a serious conversation on serious topics with an African American man.  This guy is accomplished on a number of levels. He's a dad, s husband, a father, an HR professional and a minister.  He is about Andrew's age at 40 this year and his family is expecting a newcomer in April of next year.  

We covered the history of race in America with all of its inequalities and horrors.  We spoke of marriages and relationships and all the pitfalls within those frameworks.  He really schooled me that the so called Critical Race Theory that is bandied about is actually the truth about our history.  We spoke of young men he mentors that need guidance to make correct and moral life decisions.  I told him of my mugging and car jacking and how I was ultimately healed by the words of a young black buyer at Ford that had befriended me telling me to not hang on to my anger because it would eat me up.  His name is Mark Campbell and I wish I could tell him how much his advice meant to me.

We spoke about Jesus in the historical sense.  Scriptures say that in appearance he was a wooly haired man with brown skin. How different is that then the depictions from renaissance artists showing the man with flowing wavy hair and pale complexion.  Did Europeans that did these artworks need to have a guy that looked like them? 

Moving forward can be difficult.  We must find a way to move ahead if not for ourselves but for our children and grandchildren.

Couldn't sleep last night thinking about this and things to do today.  I think that eyeball to eyeball conversations even on difficult subjects are needed to really connect to our friends and colleagues and family members. Those connections create commonalities and we actually learn about each other. 

I know, way too heavy, but its that kind of day

all for now

stay safe
 

Latkes and Breakfast

 

Going for a breakfast today with my friend from the barbershop, Omar.  Am really looking forward to hearing his perspective.  It will be a good day to say little, shut up and listen. I have lots of questions and really appreciate his honesty.  He and I met at Eli's bowling party.  We had an honest discussion about vaccines.  He had taken his first one but explained to me that given the massive history, his brethren did not trust the government for all their lying over the past hundreds of years.

Katey is home sick and cannot get out for supplies.  She hinted that she wanted bagels so of course dad complied.  I went to the local Einstein Bagels on Woodward and made my order.  Looking at the screen below the register at the cost 5.47, the young lady said you're all set and handed me the bag without payment.  I said wait a minute.  She sent me on my way with my bagels,  what a lovely kindness.

Watched Te Ata a touching PG rated film that would be a good educational film for middle schoolers, yesterday.  Time framed in the early 20th century, the main character is a Chickasaw girl who becomes renowned for her Native American stories told.  She spoke extensively in Oklahoma and was befriended by Eleanor Roosevelt who would become the First Lady. She also told her stories at the White House to the President and others and slept in the Lincoln Bedroom.  Again, something in our history that we never heard of.  

Went to Zeoli in Clawson for an early dinner.  Their pizza is becoming my favorite with a wonderful sauce that tastes like simmered real tomatoes not overwhelmed with spices. The staff there is always so attentive, its always a favorite.

One of my favorite holiday experiences in my past was the Hanukkah party at Carol and Larry's held over thirty years ago.  The big event was making latkes and everyone there participated.  There were shredders, mixers and formers. Carol stood over the hot oil for frying.  It was truly a happy day for all.  Being inspired by that memory, I am making latkes this year.  I will borrow Andrew's cast iron skillet for the work and his box shredder.  I watched a YouTube video from at deli in Rego Park Queens to show me the process.  If all turns out well, will show a photo.

all for now

stay safe

Get Back

 We watched most of the first section of the Peter Jackson documentary on the famed band from my youth.  I had been hyped to the max from the descriptions from Stephen Colbert; as he had viewed footage with the maker at his home in New Zealand.  

Like many of my age group, we knew all the songs and the lyrics (still do) and grew our hair longer against the wishes of our parents and our teachers. I fought with my dad over getting Beatle Boots somehow finally winning the battle.  My friend Jerry and I spent hours in his basement listening to the albums from Please Please Me forward.  This group was the beginning of music for me.  When they performed on Ed Sullivan in 1964, our world stopped just to see them.  I was 14 at the time.  Their arrival may have been the small cultural happiness our country needed in the wake of John Kennedy's assassination. 

This documentary provides a look at the band as they were on the road to dissolving. Paul was to me very bossy and clearly running the show.  Yoko was present for the whole process stuck to John like glue.  Her presence had to be disruptive to their creative process.  John's creative focus was missing for me because he was so enamored of her. George was struggling to get noticed and Ringo just drummed on without speaking. Maybe these guys should have hung it up earlier to pursue individual projects.  I was disappointed that it seemed like they were doing a job without much joy to get to the finish line to do this last show.  There was a fair amount of quibbling with helpers as to where it would take place. I will watch to the end because it is the Beatles.

Also saw the film Tik Tik Boom on Netflix.  It is the true story of Jonathan Larson the musical playwright that wrote Rent which won Tonys and played on Broadway for many years.  It was a lovely musical with great singing from the whole cast.  I'm a sucker for musicals and singers that can throw their heads back and belt out a lyric. If you find these offerings entertaining, see this one. 

Snowed last night in Berkley and Harry was not happy to be trudging thru it.  But, tis the season.  

all for now

stay safe

Soup

It's Saturday morning. Breakfast is done and Shannon is watching you know what.  I made turkey noodle soup with the leftover bird Andrew provided yesterday.  Soup like this are really easy to construct. Needing only the protein, a couple of carrots, three stalks of celery, an onion and chopped garlic. Throw it in a pot with some salt and pepper using store bought stock, and you're in business.  Pre cook some noodles and in about an hour you have a meal for 6 people.  The heat and steam that comes off the soup is the solace needed for a cold day. I give batches to some friends and its like I gave them a car.  

So we have a new variant to cope with soon.  Coming from South Africa, it will be more difficult to cope with.  We will soon need more boosters, which I will take to stay relatively healthy.  Have gained some weight thru gluttony of the feast of a few days ago.  Was pissed at the world for I know not the reason and let my beard grow.  Not mad anymore, will get rid of it as it has reached the uncomfortable stage.

Somewhat sunny morning today in Berkley. My phone says we will have snow by the afternoon.  We are approaching December, so I guess it's time.  In other Oxford Penitentiary news, the ceiling about the second floor is falling in. They have the common seating area roped off so no senior gets clunked in the head by debris.  This has been falling down for about two months or more.  This building has been a cash cow for the owners for many years with little being spent to update and maintain the facility. This repair is probably not in the fixed budget.

The hapless Detroit Lions have lost another one.  The once positive coach Dan Campbell is looking beaten down struggling to find positive words to say after yet another defeat.  We watched the end of the game when the Bears kicked a short

field goal in last second of the game.  Yet the Ford family continues to profit from their team.  And in other football news, Michigan takes on Ohio State today.  I know I should but have no interest in the outcome.

I am really looking forward to viewing Get Back, the Peter Jackson documentary on their last days as a band.  The footage is about 50 years old but looks new from what I can see in the teasers.

Have been watching mystery series Shetland on Amazon Prime.  This is a Scottish based crime series with very intricate plot lines.  Like most of the series from across the pond there are so many twists and turns.  Just when you think you've learned the culprit, you have to cast off all your thoughts and start from scratch again. You cannot miss an episode.

all for now

stay safe

 

Antics of Simon

 

So Simon the cat climbed up the newly erected Christmas Tree at Andrews house.  He proceeded to get his paw stuck on something in the tree or on the tree.  He screamed like a baby and kept on screaming.  It was just me and the kids listening to this and looking for a solution.  He was just too hysterical.  He tried to chew on all of us all the while screaming even louder.  Finally was able to use two wooden spoons which he was biting on to get him out of the mess.  He ran off and hid under a bed.  Marie coaxed him out with treats.  We examined him and he was ok.  We all an emotional mess.  Kids were sobbing and  they too calmed down after a while.  I was a wreck for most of the day with the sound of his cat voice ringing in my ear.

I set up shop for him in Andrew's room to keep him out of harms way for the rest of the day because he would be alone.  He likes to hang out there anyway.

It's Thanksgiving today.  I hope all the families gathering can set aside their differences and remember the meaning of the day enjoying each others company.  All will eat too much and watch football on TV, bitching about the Lions, then fall asleep on the couch. These complaints are a time honored tradition around here. They go back to fathers and grand fathers.  I think I learned swearing from my father due to their constant poor performance.  After, will look for some leftovers for round two. We are having honey glazed carrots, an eggplant/olive pasta salad, the famous squash casserole,  of course the bird, followed by sweet potato pie.  Most of my part is done.  Andrew and Shannon will be here for the festivities.

Friend Jayne lost her mother two days ago.  She was a sturdy and energetic woman that was moving and hiking up till three weeks ago, who said goodbye to all that loved her and bid the world farewell. She lived here and brightened the lives of all that knew her. We are saddened for Jayne and her family for this Thanksgiving. 

No complaints today

all for now

stay safe

Trials and guns

The outcome of the Kyle Rittenhouse murder trial has left me baffled and dismayed.  Here is a 17 year old kid that marches into a Black Lives Matters march in Kenosha WI with an AR-15 style rifle.  When confronted and accosted, he proceeds to kill two men and injure another.  One guy confronted him with a skateboard and he was shot and killed.   It seems that you don't bring a knife to a gunfight.  These folks thought that this guy would cease and good sense would prevail. They were incorrect.  

In the days to come when hubby leaves for work spouse will ask, got your lunch, your keys, your coat and by the way, don't forget your firearm.  You never know who might confront you, over an open seat, a parking spot or the last donut in the break room.  This is not the answer.  Our ability to resolve conflicts between us needs to improve and deescalate not the opposite. 

Watched "King Richard" yesterday.  It depicts the father of Serena and Venus Williams and his work to make his daughters great tennis players.  If the depiction is true, never have I seen the vision and determination focused on the success of offspring.  Will Smith does an admirable and truthful job portraying this man.  

This is Marie on Safety Patrol, aka Street Boss directing pedestrians.

Since Katey was away, I had animal duty for Apollo and Meatball the fat cat. While waiting in bed, I scrolled thru show offerings on Netflix.  Came up on a semi-documentary on the Von Dutch apparel brand mainly ball caps. I was generally disgusted by the antics of the promoters of these products.  This is truly the story of making something out of nothing, putting it on celebrities to promote and voila, you have a successful business model, all the while gaining inspiration thru cannibus and charging 45-65.00 for a hat that probably costs less than a dollar to construct and ship from Asia. I ask you. How stupid are we? 

Watched for the umpteenth time, "The Godfather".  It's still really good.  "Leave the gun, take the cannolis" 

Andrew's 41st birthday was Sunday. Had him and the kids over for dinner and cake yesterday.  Hard to believe all this time has past. It was a big weekend for me with Apollo/Meatball sitting and what seemed to be endless shuttling back and forth.  

For those that have forgot, this is the day when John Kennedy was assassinated. It was a day and a week of national tragedy. 

all for now

I am all over the map.

stay safe.

Whether or Weather

In Detroit we have various meteorologists broadcasting the weather.  My particular favorite speaks on the NBC affiliate WDIV nightly, Paul Gross.  He is a slight balding man probably in his late forties that is thrilled with the details of every forecast.  He waxes on about the cold fronts and the hight pressure approaching with maps and animated visuals with dramatic arm movements simulating the traveling of the weather patterns.  Never have I seen such enthusiasm and absolute joy at the details.  I find the subject matter at hand boring but Paul's delivery is quite entertaining. I appreciate the vigor of his presentation.

Our temps will be above normal today with some sunshine in the afternoon.  It's a good day to get outside and feel the breezes and smell the leaves crunching underfoot.  Breathing in some air that is not recirculated makes me happy.  My creativity is stifled by staying indoors.  I wish I could get some of my resident pals out to experience fresh air.  

Will be back to childcare duties tomorrow.  Kind of have a system down now and Eli and Marie were terrific last cycle, both up and prepared to go to school.  I can only hope for such success to occur again. Buying the ingredients for more chicken soup today.  Thighs, stock, carrots, celery along with noodles makes a simple and satisfying meal.  

My buddy Apollo will greet me with yelps of excitement today.  He is always thrilled to see me and plops on my lap after his meal.  I have run out of things to watch at Katey's.  West World is completed and I am as baffled as ever.  Supposed to have a new season next year.  

No complaints today

all for now

stay safe

 

I think past their prime

Trying to beat this cold.  It has become frustrating.  I have grown weary of the runny nose.  Going to the movies today maybe to see Belfast the Kenneth Branagh film based on his childhood.  It's the first time at the movies in over two years. More complaints:  

Rod Stewart looked like an old man in front of pretty girls playing instruments on his Late Night performance, complete with clownish outfit that might have been fine 30 years ago.  And the song was mediocre as well.  Thank god the Medicare enrollment period ends on December 7th.  Joe Namath, Jimmy Walker and George Forman as shills for the insurance companies degrade them and insult our Intelligence.  Particularly demeaning are the new on line dealers with the cleavage showing dresses for the latest Tillman Fertitta  Golden Nugget extravaganza.  I guess that smiling girls and almost boobs are supposed to lure us into loosing our money.  He's another Texas Billionaire looking for more profits.  By recent estimates, his wealth currently at $6.2 billion.  

It's nice to see Mick and the boys around Detroit snapping photos.  As the senior citizens of rock they are less likely to cause screaming mobs and look more like long haired pensioners out for a stroll.  Of all, Keith's age is showing, he made Martha Reeves look like a prom queen.  

Danny Fenster looks tired and thin after his ordeal in Myanmar.  He is now going to fight for other trapped journalists in that country.  Saw an inspirational and completely disturbing film called Starfish from 2020 which is a true story.  Read the synopsis online before you start it.

I know a lot of bitching

all for now

stay safe

Danny released and Mothers

Danny Fenster, native to Huntington Woods and a Berkley High graduate was freed earlier today from a prison in Myanmar where he has been held for some time for speaking the truth about the country's government.  We salute him and offer congratulations to his family for the return of their cherished son.

My good friend Tom Cameron lost his mom this week.  She had been declining both mentally and physically in recent years. The wake was too far away but we attended the lovely memorial service at St. Andrews Presbyterian in Dearborn Heights.  I'm glad we went to support my friend.  It is important that to have the solace of male friends, brothers and cousins during these times. Many men including me had strong bond with their mothers  They listen aways to you.  My mom was one of the few people that really understood me with her powerful gift to empathy.

The hymns sang much like Onward Christian Soldiers and the Pastor did his best to deliver the scriptural text, but these ancient words do not ring true to me.  It seems that the only time I end up in church is for funerals, not many weddings left.  I couldn't believe I remembered the Apostles Creed word for word.  The prayer had a familiarity to it.  I don't know where I fit in with the religious milieu.  Raised Roman Catholic but left because I was put off with all the ritual and the gold chalice's.  

Finished "Maid" on Netflix.  The series of 10 episodes had some really good points with Andie MacDowell playing the screwy mother of the protagonist, a single mom trying to make things work cleaning houses.  All the characters make a pile of bad decisions that follow them around.  The main player Margaret Qually  is actually the daughter of MacDowell.  Worth a look.

Went to dentist this morning for cleaning and teeth got a clean bill of health.  

Saw a PBS program called "the Windermere Children" This is a true life story during WWII.  They provided this synopsis:

A coachload of children arrive at the Calgarth Estate by Lake Windermere. They are child survivors of the Nazi Holocaust that has devastated Europe's Jewish population. Carrying only the clothes they wear and a few meagre possessions, they bear the emotional and physical scars of all they have suffered.

I am sure some license was taken but largely factual accounting of these kids and their time in this estate in Britain where they were kept safe from harm.  They totaled 763 children.  At the end some were interviewed as senior citizens.  This was an example of kindness extended to strangers and another worth seeing.  Again, something I knew nothing about. 

Cold and breezy today in Berkley as winter approaches, not ready for it yet.

all for now

stay safe

 

Blood Donation today

Had a really good three day stint with Marie and Eli this week.  They were reasonably happy in the morning and liked the dinners I prepared.  We got to schools on time and Marie to her safety post.  This cannot continue.  I believe that rain and snow and grumpy kids will follow in our next cycle.  My homemade pizza and the simple chicken soup I constructed were a hit.  I am always thrilled when my food is enjoyed.  Whether I want to admit it or not, I am a people pleaser.  This is a photo of Simon I too yesterday, saying "get up!" or "you looking at me?"  The animals I deal with are always happy to see me, even Simon.

Going to the Troy Community Center today to donate blood.  It is one of the more positive things I do.  Yes it is uncomfortable but the help it can provide to a sick or injured person cannot be measured.  If you are not fearful of needles and can lie still for about 30 minutes, do this.  Your day will be brighter knowing you maybe saved someone.  This is my pitch for today.

Day 2

Finished up breakfast and getting ready for the day.  Had a 6 mile walking day yesterday and it felt good after an inactive few.  I need to continue this. We went to Renshaw's after my donation yesterday for a midday lunch.  All was well and our favorite waitress was tending to us. Food was good as always.  Then some half loaded guy in his sixties came up to our booth and started talking about himself and how he grew up in Clawson but did not know anyone in town, kind of out of the blue. He was friendly enough so we let him go on about his life and finally he departed out the door. We looked at each other and said "what the f*ck was that?"  I concluded that he saw my pretty smiling wife and started his story, probably too drunk to notice me.

Completed "Wild Bill", a BritBox series of 6 episodes starring Rob Lowe as a transplanted American police officer installed as Chief Constable in a small district in the UK.  Its a good series with wonderfully understated British cast and worth watching.  Lowe shows himself as a journeyman actor portrays a father of a teenage daughter realistically confused.  

Have you ever watched a presentation that left you devastated?  Where it appears all hope is lost?  "Dopesick" is such a presentation about opiod addiction and the Sackler family that ran Purdue Pharma.  The company made massive profits selling and promoting a drug that was killing people even taking it at prescribed doses.  They are bigger drug pushers than El Chapo and killing more citizens. 

This is a real story that unfolded in the early 2000's with numerous lawsuits and maneuvering. The FDA and some members of Congress have culpability.  I have not researched the story enough to see if literary license was take on some of the plot.  I do know that the no member of the Sackler family can be held accountable civilly in any future action  as shown in the most recent ruling.  This is another case where money wins over all.  

In the latest development, the company was dissolved Into bankruptcy as of September 1st 2021 and he family was ordered to pay 4.5 billion dollars to victims.  Most of the Sackler money is parked in offshore accounts which frustrated the ruling judge. President Richard Sackler admits to no wrongdoing. 

I usually don't get this real in my comments.  My stories are mostly about hiking in the park and leaves falling from the trees.  Being holed up in the apartment does not serve my creative impulses well with nothing but the walls, the tv, and planning  my next meal to occupy my thoughts.  Moving outside really helps. The morning and early afternoon were resplendent in breezes and sunshine, I need to learn not to waste them.

all for now

stay safe

 

 

Cancerless

This blog has been a personal journey for me and generally my life has been an open book.  Sometimes I share things that profoundly personal, both good and bad. That being said....

Got good news yesterday that the results of my biopsy were negative.  I have been planning the urn for my ashes and the music to be played at my service.  I guess I will have to put that off for awhile.  It's amazing the torment you put yourself thru in anticipation of bad news. Been carrying this weight around with me for awhile. Making no new resolutions with this news and I am trying to get used to feeling uplifted. My son Andrew told me to thank his mens group for their prayers and I do.  He has fully embraced his faith and I am happy for him.

Have been hearing stories from friends and relatives on others journeys thru the specter of prostate issues.  They all have my empathy. 

Feeling renewed, I made an appointment for blood donation later in the month.  This is my one positive act for humanity.  Babies will survive for my donation and another pitch, please give blood if you can.  Yes, it is a few moments of discomfort but you can save lives by your actions. Hope it get another tee shirt, love the tee shirts.

Had breakfast with friend Bob today as we planned.  You know in the old days, we discussed the concerts or the sporting events we attended.  Now we review doctors and health care systems, our current form of entertainment.

I for one am getting tired of politics, and forecasting the politics of the future.  The governors race in VA does not effect me in the Great Lakes State.  The media tells me it is a bellwether for my future.  Either we have an election a week or preparation for the next election. What does 2022 mean for 2024?  I am tired of thinking of it and the barrage of all the pundits/news readers opinions/facts that are dumped on us.  Are any of these people leading or just campaigning and making speeches?  If my job performance and accomplishments were this poor, I would have been fired long ago.

Anyway, it's a lovely but cool day

all for now

stay safe

 

Halloween 2021

 So yesterday was Halloween and our little town was buzzing with trick or treaters.  Berkley is not a fashionable splashy town like Royal Oak with numerous eateries and bars along with big festivals where they close off the streets and set up live bands.  Here the little kids go out with their parents and some hangers on and collect their bounty from the houses in the neighborhood. 

My darling Marie came over and went out with Judy and her father.  A splendid time was had by all.  Earlier during the rainy weekend the shopkeepers opened their doors for all the ghosts and goblins. Marie went as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. Her costume was stunning as was she.  Eli on the other hand was "too cool for school" and declined to participate.  Our grandsons from Grand Rapids Face Timed us with their outfits on as they went out with dad. Marie may be the most beautiful girl in the world.

One of my favorite things to do on this holiday was to take Shannon out trick or treating.  She was absolutely thrilled each time we went out.  I would roll her down the sidewalk in her wheelchair.  Sometimes families would bring the treats to her and other times I would collect.  I got some hi-viz clothing and hard hats from one of the vendors and we were the "construction crew". There was an elderly lady down the street on Orchard View that would kiss her and give her money and a large candy bar.   Good memories for me and I probably was as excited as her for the adventure. This is us in a photo from 2011.

Our municipal election is tomorrow in Berkley.  We voted by mail.  Some of the candidates and their supporters have chosen to throw dirt on their opponents with the most specific accusations.  I cannot get through the details of their comments.  This is a lovely town.  If you build 6 inches onto the city easement, I don't care.  Just don't change the character of our town.

One more thing today, there is a tasty donut shop on our side of Woodward called the Donut Cutter. There is always a line to get in and the lot is filled most mornings. Their wares are indeed terrific.  They post a sign reading "open till 2:30 or when we run out".  What if this was the Broccoli Cutter.  Would there be a full lot and concern for running out of stock?  Would anxious customers be queuing up to get their veggies?  I think not. 

all for now

stay safe