Here's a REAL national emergency for you, Trump.

Headline: Shooter in deadly Illinois rampage.

Donald Trump recently side-stepped the United States Constitution by declaring a fake national emergence in order to secure the funds he needs to build his useless, promised border wall.  Rather than face the fact that this wall will do nothing to limit the transport of drugs by motor vehicles into the U.S. he insists he needs to keep his promise to his base although he lied about Mexico paying for it.  But then we shouldn't be surprised.  We all know he's a compulsive liar.

Anyway, Trump apparently thinks he needs to listen to the ignorant rabble he calls a base instead of the other 80% percent of the nation. 

If he is that concerned about national emergencies, I suggest he focus on the latest of a national tragedy-too many guns in the hands of the wrong people. And what is he and his republican cohorts doing about it?  Continuing to collect obscene sums of blood money from the NRA, that's what!

WAKE UP, AMERICA.  HE. HAS. GOT. TO. GO!!

Happy Valentine's Day

All you husbands out there. Remember to get a card, flowers, candy, whatever or you'll be in trouble!  Here are some Valentine's Day statistics for you to ponder:

1 in 2 Americans plan to celebrated Valentine's Day
Americans will spend a total of 19.7 billion.
The average American spends $166.
25-34 year olds spend the most money.
35% of Valentine's Day shopping takes place at a department store; specialty store=19%; florist=20%.

For the record, I did not spend $166 but that's OK because I'm way beyond the 25-34 year old group of big spenders.

Suggested card for older married men:

The State of the Union: What SHOULD be said vs. what WILL be said

As required by the Constitution of the United States the disgusting human being (barely) we call a president will deliver the State of the Union Address.

Herewith is my view of what should be said vs what will be said.

What he SHOULD say

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and honored guests.  It is with great pleasure that I stand before you to deliver the State of the Union Address.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have looked back over the past two years of my service to this great country and I have reflected deeply on my performance.  What I've seen is not pretty.  I have spent an inordinate amount of time issuing nonsensical tweets, preaching hatred, bigotry and intolerance.  I have royally screwed up congressionally mandated legislation by setting the environmental movement back 60 years, destroying the foundation of  public education, creating confusion and hardship with an incomprehensible trade policy, thoroughly embarrassing our great country with our allies, utterly destroying a flawed but workable affordable health care system and laying waste to an already broken immigration policy. 

I am so deeply ashamed that there is only one thing left for me to do.  I hereby resign my presidency and hand the mantle of leadership to (God help us all) Vice President Pence.  With any luck at all, he'll realize he's utterly unfit for the job and resign along with me. 

At that time we can begin the healing process.  That is all. God bless you and the United States of America.

What he WILL say (or a close rendition thereof)
Hay, hay, hay.  Has this been a ride or what? Am I not the greatest president of all time, ever, in the history of our wonderful country.  Oh, sure. There have been a few minor bumps in the road but that's to be expected given the task left to me.  In view of my very, very enormous success I would like to announce Executive Order No. 600,023 whereby I rename the United States Capitol building The Donald Trump Monument to Himself.  I will then order a pre-approved likeness of me etched into the dome of the building for future generations to admire (at this point Congressional republicans stand up enmasse and cheer wildly for 20 minutes).  I will then immediately issue another executive order requiring every single news agency in the country present to me for approval what they intend to say for that day's news.  By God I'll have no more fake news in my country.

So the good news is you have 2 more years of this unless of course our corrupt democratic House and the phony witch hunt investigation of  Mueller somehow get me impeached but I'll deal with that later.

For now MAKE AMERICA HATE AGAIN!

Are you an 'anti-vaxxer'?

Do you know what a 'vaxxer' is? If so, then you of course know what an 'anti-vaxxer' is.  I ran across this term for the first time on a Facebook post.  Someone wanted to know what steps they could take to help their children avoid catching common-place childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, etc.   They were seeking this information because they didn't believe in vaccinations, hence the term vaxxer, or in this case, antivaxxer.

The responses to this person's post ranged from raw sarcasm to severe scolding.  After all, who in their right mind wouldn't want to vaccinate their kids?  Well, as it happens there are a fair number of people who feel that way.  Some of them have religious beliefs that prohibit medical treatment like vaccinations but the overwhelming majority feel that way because of an article published  some time ago  in the British medical journal, Lancet.  The author, a prominent physician, linked vaccinations to the onset of autism.

It wasn't until some time later that the claims made in the article were completely debunked and the physician was kicked out of the British Medical Society as a quack.  Unfortunately the belief persists.  Parents are worried that their children if vaccinated will develop autism.  That belief is completely and absolutely false.

So what happens when kids don't get immunized?  They just get sick and move on, right?  Lots of people my age had childhood diseases like measles and mumps and here we are.  But there are also a lot of people walking around with complications from those diseases.  And that's the least of it.  Sick children also pose a threat to other's-especially pregnant women.  Women who are exposed to many of these diseases in the early stages of pregnancy risk developmental issues for their unborn babies.

There are other consequences too but the point is people who avoid vaccinating their kids are in my view negligent, irresponsible and, well, just plain stupid.

That was pretty much what most people told that lady who put that post on Facebook.

There's no law saying you have to vaccinate your kids but I hope you're prepared to home school them because unless they've been vaccinated they're not going to a public school.

Be a 'vaxxer'!

35 days wasted

Thirty five days later we're back to square one.  Exactly where both sides of Congress had agreed on to begin with. Then Trump reneged on his promise to sign the budget and shut down government for over a month.  Unfortunately our republican congress did not have the backbone to stand up to him-until it became obvious the democrats were not going to cave.  It was then that republican congressional leaders somehow managed to get Trump to back down-for 3 weeks. 

Many  of his base are calling him a 'caver'.  They stupidly wanted him to stick to his guns.  Well, he'll have a second chance three weeks from now when it starts all over again. 

There's much talk about Trump declaring a national emergency and pretty much stealing the $5.8 billion from somewhere else.  I hope it's challenged in court because the only national emergency is of his own making. 

On and on it goes.  A rogue, lunatic president running the country into the ground while a republican led congress stands by.   That's the national emergency!

Hello, Winter

Winter is finally here in earnest.  Snow to rain to ice and bitter cold Sunday the 20th leading to power out at 2:30 P.M. but back on at 11:30 P.M.  Fortunately we have a wood burning stove and a portable generator that powers all essential appliances i.e. furnace, pump, refrigerators and freezers and some lights.  We were even able to which recorded TV shows even though we didn't have cable or Internet service.  Cooking needs to be done on the wood stove or our gas grill.  We didn't hook up our electric range  since it draws too much power.

We ran the generator for 7 solid hours but when it isn't running,  the wood stove keeps the house comfortable.   We bought it 7 years ago and it sat unused for 5 years.  But for the past two years we have used it for 3 prolonged periods of outages.    Power outages are a pain but without the generator it would have been much worse.

Now we're considering the possibility of switching to a propane run whole-house unit that would power everything.  There is significant cost involved in doing that but it saves me going through a big hassle of having to move the car, pull out the generator, hooking it up, starting it and then going downstairs to switch from 'line' to 'generator.   Every time  we're done with it for the day or to refuel, we have to reverse the process.   Not a major deal but a bit of an inconvenience and if anything ever happens to me where I can't do it, my wife would be helpless.  Anyway it's a thought.

In the meantime it's normal New England weather. 

Happy birthday

Sure the news has been dismal, i.e. government shut down, miserable weather on our doorstep, other stuff but the good news is today is our awesome grand daughter Brooke's 15 birthday.

Where did the time go??

Anatomy of a temper tantrum

Donald Trump is a 300 lb two-year-old having a temper tantrum and holding the nation hostage.  And where the HELL is Congress in this.  Just over-ride his veto, pass a budget  and move on.  What a pathetic bunch of losers. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope it was a good one.  Happy New Year to one and all.

Be sure to check out several updates on georgeswebpage.com.

It's back to Florida soon for a couple of weeks.  My next blog will be from there.

A bit of truth from children

DECIDING WHO TO MARRY:  (written by kids)

1   . You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff.  Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.   --  Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.   God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.   --  Kristen, age 10

2   .   WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.   --  Camille, age 10

3   .   HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.   --  Derrick, age 8

4     WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.   --  Lori, age 8

5     WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other.  Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.   --  Lynnette, age 8   

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.   --  Martin, age 10

6       WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.   --  Pam, age 7  

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.   -- Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them.  It's the right thing to do.    -- Howard, age 8

7     IS   IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.   --  Anita, age 9

Finally

It's amazing to me that White House Chief of Staff John Kelley took the job to begin with never mind lasting as long as he did.  Consider: Kelley is a retired career marine corps general.  He's as "gung ho" as they get.  Then he's offered a job by a draft-dodging scum bag and instead of walking away in disgust, he takes it.  I guess it's true that high level officers become political after a while.  Oh well. Better late than never, Kelley.  You finally realized the mistake you made. 

Remember Pearl Harbor Day

Ask kids today if they know what Pearl Harbor is.  Ask them how the U.S. got into World War II.  The responses will probably sadden you.

Today is Pearl Harbor Day.  Seventy seven years ago the Japanese bombed U.S. naval forces at Pearl Harbor thus our entry into World War II.  The rest, as they say, is history.  I wonder if anyone is studying it any more.

George H.W. Bush

Rest in Peace, President Bush.  President Bush passed away last night.  Although representing the opposite side of the political spectrum of me he was a man of honor, dignity and class who courageously served his country.  He has earned mine and the entire country's respect.

He stands diametrically opposed to the individual currently holding his former post.  All's the pity!

Some observations

It's been a while since my last post.  We are at our condo in Fl now and Thanksgiving has come and gone.  The weather here has been very nice as you may expect while the weather at home has been cold.  In fact we left the morning of a very big snow storm.

We've been to the beach nearly every day and here are some observations:
1. It's amazing how much stuff people-including us-lug to the beach.  Coolers, toys, umbrellas, chairs, towels, etc.  We finally broke down and got one of those beach carts with the big wheels for pushing in the sand.  Works pretty well.

2. On that note I think it funny that people want so much to spend a day in the sun only to erect all manner of shelters to get out of the very sun they claim to worship.  Umbrellas, half tents, and canvas structures of all kinds-some of which go flying on a windy day.  Strange creatures, we humans.

3.  One final observation about bathing suits. There are all together too many people who have been fooled into thinking they actually look good in the bathing suits they choose to wear.  They need a reality check.  Their presence on the beach ranges from comical to disgusting. 

It's back home Tuesday where the weather has apparently moderated.  We'll be back down in January. 

Later.

Redesigned photogallery page

Just a reminder to check out georgeswebpage.com and click on photo gallery link.  All slide shows have been formatted so that they can be accessed by those using iOS, Android, Macs and PCs.  This was not the case previously. 

Check it out.  You'll see some neat pictures.

Can you manage a forest?

Did you hear the latest?  According to Smokey the Trump the fires California is dealing with are due to poor forest management!

Can you believe it?  What a complete fool.  He doesn't know a thing about forest management strategies.  He is a complete fraud.  But don't try to tell that to his base.  What idiots!!

The Mid-terms

Today is election day-the midterms to be exact.  Donald Trump's name does not appear on a single ballot anywhere but this election is as much about him as it is about the various candidates who are on the ballot.

The republican candidates, like it or not, represent Trump's brand of politics and leadership.  At first this may not appear to be fair but then again I don't hear any of them attempting to distance themselves from his harsh, hateful rhetoric.

For the democrats it's a chance for America to reject all those things Trump stands for: hatred, intolerance, bigotry, racism and violence. 

I voted at noon and I've never seen the polling place where I vote so packed so there's no question there's a great deal of feeling all around about the outcome. 

Political pundits are saying they think the dems will take back the house but  the GOP will keep the senate.  I'm hoping for a clean sweep.  A resounding rejection of all that has gone on for the past two years.

The truth I'm sure will lie somewhere in between.  If in fact the democrats do take Congress back I hope there's no gloating.  After all we'll still be stuck with Trump for the next two years!

Website update

Check out the photo gallery page of my website georgeswebpage.com.  You will see a new link to a slide show of a butterfly museum we recently visited.  There are other links to other interesting things as well.   Thanks for stopping by.

What is an "assault" rifle?

This question comes up every time there's a tragedy like the one that happened today at the synagogue in Pittsburgh.  The shooter in this most recent of attacks used an AR15.  The AR in this case stands for ArmaLite, the name of the company that makes the weapon. Gun rights advocates insists it is not an assault rifle. To be an actual assault rifle it has to be used on full automatic which it is not.  Full auto weapons are indeed illegal.  Therefore that is not the issue.  Gun control advocates say BULL. So it's not used on full auto.  For pete's sake look at it. Compare it to the military M14.  There's practically no distinction.  Furthermore if the AR15 is not an assault rifle, then it must be a hunting rifle but any hunter will tell you they would never use one on any kind of game.  It's purpose is to hurt or kill people whether or not it is automatic or semiautomatic. 

So the issue is hotly debated.  One thing I know.  When these types of weapons were banned under the Brady Bill, there were few if any mass shootings.  When a republican congress voted down the Brady Bill thus allowing the sale of AR15 type weapons, mass shootings increased dramatically. 

What are your thoughts on this?

Two more things

1. Some time ago I posted a rhetorical question (actually not rhetorical since I really wanted an answer to it). The question was "Hey, you republican gubernatorial candidates for CT governor, who do you plan to hurt when you slash or even eliminate the state income tax?

I didn't hear from anyone of course but since then Stefanowski has secured the nomination and I know the answer to the question: everyone-expecially state employees and retired teachers.

Since I'm a retired teacher, I take strong issue with his on-the-record position, to wit "Oh, gee, CT teachers.  Even though for years and years and years the state has cannibalized your pension found, you expect me to do the right thing and honor my obligation???  TOUGH!

So there you have it.  Just one more republican scum bag shafting who ever gets in his way.

Lamont gets my vote.

2.  Today it was revealed that bombs have been sent to the homes of former presidents and some democratic candidates.  Some people are blaming Trump.  Are they right?  Is that fair?  Yes and yes.  Trump has from day one fostered a climate of hatred and intolerance.  He is indirectly but absolutely responsible for things like this.  Impeach him-now.  Failing that VOTE!

Two Things

1. Grandson Cole is 11 years old today.  Can't believe how fast they're growing. Seems like just yesterday that oldest grand child, Brooke, was born. She's now 14.

Happy birthday, Cole.

2. It was bound to happen again.  Yesterday I took a tumble in the yard and sprained my right ankle.  It's better today but still pretty sore.  Great. At exactly the wrong time of year. So much to do outside.  Oh well.  This is about the 10th time I've sprained an ankle.  Some worse than others.  This fortunately is not the worst.  When it first happened I maxed out the pain score at 10 but within an hour and plenty of ice it went down to a 4.  Now it just hurts when I bend my foot too much. 

An open letter to Republican Senators of the United States

Dear Republican Senators,
Well, congratulations boys-and precious few ladies.  You got Trump's guy in.  In spite of very compelling testimony by Dr. Ford and some rather troubling veiled threats and angry outbursts by Mr. Kavanaugh you've chosen to confirm.  I hope you, and more importantly, the nation can live with it.

Remember, this man along with the rest of the court is going to be making some very important decisions that will affect women directly.  How do you think that's going to go?

I sincerely hope that those of you who have daughters don't ever experience that moment when she returns home some night and tearfully reports having been abused.  Are you going to tell her to suck it up and deal with it? Boys will be boys.  And if for some odd reason a case of this nature makes it to the Supreme Court, well, now you know how that's going to go, don't you.

Let's hope that never happens.

One more thing: Just a reminder-it's OK to embrace the conservative agenda but firmly reject Trumpism.  The Make America Hate Again mantra doesn't have to be yours.  Do you think you can do that?  Me neither.

Oh, well. Onward we go.  Dr. Ford's experience is not to be in vain.  I think she's poured fuel on the flames of change.  We'll know more in November, won't we?

That's it for now.

Sincerely,
etc. etc. etc.

Happy October

Happy October.  A lot can happen in October ranging from beautiful autumn weather, cool evenings, warm days, beautiful colors all the way to hurricanes and snow storms.  Enjoy!

To learn more about the month of October, click here georgeswebpage.com/almanac

"All boys that age do it at one time or another."

So says a group of middle aged republican women being interviewed somewhere in Florida.  They were talking about how awful it is that supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is being put in the hot seat for such a little, meaningless thing.  Except for the woman (or women) he molested or exposed himself to it is not so meaningless.

And let's set the record straight: Not all boys that age are going to do things like that.  I sure didn't. Neither did my friends nor did my son nor did his friends nor did my son-in-law nor did his friends and it is absolutely NOT expected that our sons will do such things. 

This attitude among so many women of all people is appalling. Look at the message it sends. Boys will be boys.  Girls?? C'mon, ladies. Suck it up. Deal with it.  That's life. 

Yet more evidence of Trump's culture of bigotry and misogyny.  "Make America Hate Again" 

Midterms are coming folks.  Get these guys out of there!

Welcome Autumn

Welcome autumn...and a whole new round of yard chores. After a long and very hot summer the weather has finally moderated to the point where yard work is possible. 

Mowing continues, pruning will begin soon and I still have a ton of wood to cut up from the May storm.  The snow blower goes in Oct. 15 to be serviced with the promise of getting it back soon thereafter.  Not that I'm expecting plowable snow by then but who knows?

Acorns have already begun to fill up the driveway from the many oak trees over and around it.  And then who can forget leaves.  Not the pretty colors we all look forward to but after that when the leaves dry up, fall from the trees and cover everything. 

I'm not as fussy about the leaves as I used to be.  I hire someone to get rid of them in the spring but I do have to blow them out of the gutter as well as keep them off the driveway. 

Well, that's the drill.  Beautiful colors, mild days, cool nights making fall a very nice season.  Then, after that, well, you know. 

Betsy vs Hope

Do you know Hope Brown?  How about Betsy Devos?  One is a public high school teacher from Kentucky.  The other-Ms Devos-is the secretary of education.

Hope Brown appears on the front of TIME magazine this week.  Under her picture it says "I have a master's degree, 16 years of experience, work two extra jobs and donate blood plasma to pay my bills."  Betsy Devos is a billionaire who has barely two years on the job.

And here we have a very clear picture of the state of culture in the United States today.  It is obvious what the Trump administration's priorities are.  Unfortunately many fine professional educators and their students are suffering for his arrogance and ignorance.

Let's change things in November.

A Word About Hurricane Florence & Individual Responsibility

Hurricane's are dangerous.  The wind of course is damaging but most of the damage and danger is from massive amounts of water.  So when the governors of coastal states warn residents to leave, why don't they?  There's always a certain percentage (up to 25%) who elect to stay. 

What's wrong with that?  Well, first they put themselves at great risk.  But in addition to that they put the first responders who are expected to rescue their sorry butts at risk as well. 

If I were the governor I'd tell those people if they elect to ignore advice and stay, fine.  But don't expect anyone to risk their necks helping them when it hits. They're on their own.

It's time we made irresponsible people step up and be accountable.  We do that raising children, right?  (Well, most people do anyway). 

Off to Florida

It's off to our condo in Naples, FL tomorrow.  One hurricane just past over the area and headed out to the gulf while others are looming in the Atlantic.  They could interfere with our return next week. 

This has been a difficult summer.  Hot, humid and stormy.  I haven't been able to get much accomplished outside.  I will have numerous chores awaiting me when it cools off: finishing cleaning up the mess from May's storm, tons of wood to split, routine pruning, back porch repair work, etc.  On and on the list goes. 

Soon the chimney will be cleaned and I still have a little work to do on the snow blower before declaring that ready for what lies ahead.  Speaking of which.  There are two almanacs out there: Old Farmer's Almanac and Farmer's Almanac.  The first calls for a relatively mild, dry winter while the second predicts the complete opposite-very cold and snowy.  Guess one I'll be rooting for!

Next up: a report on how work turned out in our condo.

Reflections on NOT going back to school

   Our grand kids are back to school.  9th, 7th, 5th & 4th grades.  They're growing so fast. It's unbelievable.  What's equally unbelievable is that this is the 14th year I am NOT returning to school in whatever capacity I may be serving-either classroom teacher, lead teacher or math/science specialist.

So,  you may logically ask what exactly have I accomplished in 14 years?   Hmmmm...I wish I could just list tick off one item after another of all the great things I've been doing but, well, I just can't.  It seems to have changed from one year to the next.  For example when I first retired I was on jury duty and actually got on a case, then there was my first born grand daughter who I watched a couple of days a week, then we were undergoing an addition on the house that took some time.  Then after that I started subbing back at school and volunteering.  Interspersed in all of this were more grand children, volunteering in assisted living facilities & the schools, yard projects and on and on it goes with each year changing slightly.

Now here I am 14 years down the road, the kids are all older and in school and need less of my time. But I still volunteer, we still live on a big piece of property, I golf with friends, and I just seem to find ways to fill up the days. 

Now my wife is nearing retirement and she's facing the same challenges.  What to do?  It's hard going from working full time to not.  I was lucky.  Things just seemed to come along naturally and I'd go with it.  My wife will have more difficulty.  Sure, she has interests but there's still a lot of time to fill.  But she'll figure it out.  Things will come along, routines will be established and the next thing you know we'll wonder how she had time to work!  That's always what happens.

Here's some free advice: don't wait until your last day of work to think about this.  Start a few months in advance.  Have a plan-maybe a loose one-but a plan nevertheless.  That should help.

Good Bye, John McCain

 Senator John McCain (R, AZ) lost his battle with cancer over this past weekend.

I agreed with very little of John McCain’s politics but I had great respect for the man’s patriotism and heroism.  I also admired his willingness to reach across the aisle for the good of the country.  If he thought something was right, he supported it regardless of party politics. He was a great American


McCain stands in stark contrast to the slug currently occupying the White House who is as we all know a coward and a traitor. I hope the nation is taking notice.  But of course his base being the ignorant fools that they are will pass it off as nothing more than Trump being Trump. Sad days. 

We need to reject "Make America Hate Again" and take our country back!