Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. It is the day that we set aside a few precious  minutes of our busy lives to  acknowledge the sacrifice made by those who served our country.  It is not , as is often the case, to be confused with Veterans Day which was established to honor all those who have served whether during war time or peace time.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season.  Most people spend more time celebrating that than they do thinking about the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Let's make an exception today.  Take a couple of minutes to quietly thank  those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could enjoy the freedoms we do.

THE STORM and a welcome surprise

On Tuesday afternoon, May 15th, the state of Connecticut was visited by 4 tornadoes and a macroburst (similar to a tornado in that the winds are extremely powerful but not the typical funnel cloud.  More like a flatout blast of air.)

The storms did horrendous damage leaving practically everyone without power for an extended period.  Even now there are several households out. 

We were extremely lucky.  Although we received extensive tree damage, our house was spared.  In addition we have a generator so we were able to preserve food, make hot water and enjoy one TV with attached DVD player.  Very unlike many people who had none of those things.

One other very pleasant aspect of this whole mess was the courtesy I observed by dozens of drivers who no longer had the guidance of traffic lights.  People stopped and allowed others to go anyway.  Sure there were a few idiots who had to block intersections or hog a gas pump but generally people really stepped up and showed consideration.

In this day of such acrimony and hostility and downright meanness coming from certain high quarters, it is very nice to see ordinary citizens acting decently toward one another.

Cause for optimism!

The Morning News

The morning news these days is always quite a treat-well, actually, it's not a treat at all. It's more like torture.

For example this morning it began with violence in the Middle East over Trump's bonehead decision to move the American embassy to Jerusalem.  Then it progressed to some equally bonehead remarks he made about one thing or another.

Next it moved on to the Royal Wedding and the circus unfolding around that.  We were with some people the other night and the lady commented that she was hosting a wedding party at her house on the big day.  She invited us to go.  Because of the time difference it's going to be some ungodly hour.  We politely declined.  The fact is I have zero interest in it.  I'm amazed at the number of people who are fascinated by it all but then again people never let me down.  After all, look who we have as president!

I've gotten to the point where I watch about 10 minutes of the Today show to get the headlines and then switch to a cable channel and watch Matlock or Columbo reruns.  Both are far more entertaining than the real world.

Return to the days of isolationism

Donald Trump just took one more step toward his attempt to return to the days when the U.S. embraced isolationism.  His withdrawal from the nuclear disarmament deal with Iran makes us pretty much alone in the world. 

Iran will now continue to negotiate with all other countries but we're out. 

Trump has shown us time and again that he is by far one of the most dangerous, unstable politicians in the world.  The U.S. is a laughing stock.  No one on earth  has an ounce of respect for us.

Things must change.  November midterms, maybe?  One can hope!

Home again

We returned from Naples, FL on Tuesday.  Now for the big yard clean up but at least I'm not plowing snow!

I must be getting older because I'm getting more and more impatient when traveling-especially air travel.  I realize that flying to Florida from CT is certainly faster than spending 4 frustrating days driving there and back but it's far from pleasant.  In fact there's no such thing as 'painless' traveling.  Traveling ranges from moderately annoying to pure torture.

It begins with getting to the airport through morning traffic.  It continues with delays as we experienced down and back.  Even boarding and disembarking is annoying.  For example the next time you fly take note of the number of people who require wheel chairs to board.  On our flight back there were 14 people who along with family members got to board first because they were wheel chair bound.  Then when you land take note of how many are still sitting to be helped off.  On our flight there were two. It must have been a miracle flight.  Suddenly they're cured. 

Once you're off the plane you now have to make your way to either baggage claim or a car rental place and then from there on to your destination.

A royal pain. 

This summer we're going to Hawaii with my daughter's family.  There will be several flights involved but of course the time we spend in Hawaii will make it worthwhile.

Yes, I'm getting old.