There are two kinds of people

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Weather in the Tries:

Whoa, Doat! It looks like Friday was (note that, past tense) our last hot day for a while, maybe even until next summer. This week looks mostly sunny with temps from 81 to 93, with most in the 80s someplace. It’s nice to not just think about cooler weather, but for a while to enjoy it. Until it gets super cold this winter. Actually, I don’t mind the cold either, if I can dress for it, and the dog can go out in it, but that time isn’t here. Yet.

There Are Two Kinds of People

Okay, there are probably several kinds of people, but I believe most people will fit into one or the other category. 1. The LOVE talking to computers and playing games with AI. Many don’t want the personal touch of a human, they want to get in, get out, get back to what they were doing. Or, 2. They hate talking with computers, they want a person who can understand them, hold their had (virtually, if necessary) and take care of business with a smile in their voice, and a nice goodbye well-wish. I’m in the latter category. I hate having to push buttons for this, for that, for anything. When I call a business, I want to hear something like, “Please listen to the following menu as we’ve made a few changes. If you’d like to talk to a living, breathing human, press 1; if you’d like a computer who doesn’t give a frap about you or your piddling problem, press 2.

I hate it when I say I want a representative and the AI says, “Before I connect you, please tell me a little bit about what you want.” So I, being the dumb person I am, say, I need a pin number. “Oh, I can help you. Do you want to cancel your account? Press 1. Do you want to cancel someone else’s account? Press 2. Would you really like to unplug me? Press 3.”

I suppose, another way of saying there are two kinds of people is to say there are old farts and fartesses, and young farts and fartesses. Those of us who grew up when telephone operators were there to help like real people. Those who grew up taking computer classes in the second grade, want to talk to AI.

Then, if you’re a fan of AI, may I recommend a book? I read it 25 or 30 years ago, and am sure I’ve forgotten a lot of it, but I remembered enough that I went looking for it and have a new (used) copy to reread again.  Lady El a science fiction novel by Jim Starlin and Diana Graziunas. I had just about given up on the book as the beginning was pretty rough—not the writing, the story line where a little girl (black) was the smartest in her class and was on her way to college in a few years and then her stepdad pimped her out. Uh, no. I don’t need that kind of a story, but I gave it another chapter and BAM!! All that was back story that was necessary, but that wasn’t made clear. Anyhow, she escaped, made her way to NYC, worked at menial jobs, but never THAT job, and spent her spare time in the libraries reading (my kind of gal). When she got her ID card, she signed up to be an organ doner. Yeah, you guessed it, she was shoved between the subway and wall, and was crushed to death. Ewwww. BUT the military was looking for ten good brains, from heads that weren’t damaged. 

When she came to she found herself in a computer. The other nine either didn’t survive, or couldn’t handle the new them. But Lady El, she was on an adventure. She could visit any and all libraries in the world. She could read and comprehend books in mere seconds instead of hours. She could get even with her stepfather (stand up and cheer!!), she could go anywhere, and do just about anything. Yep, her death was the beginning of a new and best life ever! The best one she could have ever imagined. If you want a fun book, hit your favorite used bookstore and get Lady El, by Jim Starlin and Diana Graziunas. 

Photos of the Week:

I may have put this enthusiastic dabbler in before, but I just love him and his kicking. All the other ducks are much more couth. But this little guy is having FUN!
One of the dragonflies. Alas, they are mostly gone now.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com 

I not only finished the four Golgotha books that are out (two more are coming—eventually) I ordered his other two series! 

I did buy and read a new chapbook. It’s a small book with about 22 pages, 20 poems in Spanish and English, written by young men between 13-17 years of age who were, at the time of the writing, unaccompanied minors waiting in the Selma Carson Home in Pierce County WA to find out if they could stay or would be shipped back to their home country. Really, they were boys, but their poetry says they are old for their years. My review is at http://lenoragood.blogspot.com. The book is $12.00 including shipping & handling. Buy the book at https://www.collateraljournal.com/community. You’ll be glad you did. These young men have found the beauty in life, the book is full of hope. I hope they all got to stay. We need people like them.

Earworms:

3 hours of Spanish Guitar. Great background music while you rest, read, work.

Quotes from Andres Segovia: 

“It is not so hard to be original, what is hard, is to be original with continuity.” 

“A man without patience is a lamp without oil.”

“The guitar is the easiest instrument to play and the hardest to play well.”

And there you have…the week past, the week future, and I hope an interesting read. Be well, laugh often, and love one another.

I Don’t Read…

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Weather in the Tries:

The nights are for real getting cooler. The days are, too. At least most of them. This week will be mostly in the 90s, with three days at 101, as of 4.30 Sunday afternoon. Who knows how it will change by Monday, and No one but that wee butterfly in Seoul, South Korea knows if we’ll still get 3 hot days. 

I Don’t Read…

As most of you know, perhaps all of you know, I do not read books on math, spy stories (nonfiction or fiction), romance, or horror. Heaven’s to Murgatroyd! I found a series of books that are classified as horror, and I’m having a hard time putting them down. I have read books 1, 3, 4, and am now on 2. Five and 6 are somewhere between the author’s computer and my bookshelf. It is the Golgotha Series by R. S. Belcher, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. The horror is more along the lines of ewww and yuck than nightmare horror. Of course, there is violence, but something occurred to me the other day—I don’t mind violence in shows or books as long as it is improbable. Our Hero single handedly saves Los Angeles from the bad people, the rock falls from outer space to the desert only to not be a rock, but an egg of a violent predator who loves warm blooded beings. Only one person, also from another planet, can save us. Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman. And the violence in these books is like that. Totally improbable. Think of the old Lethal Weapon movies. Now throw in some spirits, ghosts, wayward angels, and other such stuff all in a desert town in Nevada with the name of Golgotha, where everyone is welcome. Some are welcome to live, some are welcome to die, but all are welcome.

I heartily recommend the series by R. S. Belcher, and I strongly recommend reading the first one first, Six Gun Tarot. The others you can read as you find them, but you’ll have a great grounding if you start at the first. It’s far less violent than Game of Thrones was/is. And I’m considerably chuffed that Six Gun Tarot was Mr. Belcher’s debut novel. How cool is that?

Speaking of, I understand there is a prequel out, now, to GoT, The House of the Dragon (???) I imagine it will be as violent as the original, possibly more so. George RR (RailRoad) Martin is involved in this one, too. If any of you watch it to the end, I’d appreciate your comments. I quit GoT at the end of Season 5. I was afraid they would kill off the few favorite characters I still had standing. Especially Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). I did see the episode where he offed Daddy Dearest and thought that was awesome. (I didn’t like his Daddy at all). I know that when the story lags, an author should kill his/her darlings, but damn, I’d get emotionally involved with a character in one episode, and the next s/he would be offed. And I really didn’t want anyone to kill the dragons. 

Remember when Diana Gabaldon came out with the Outlander series? My housemate at the time and I bought the first three books, heard the fourth came out and headed to our local bookstore. We went up and down every aisle but the Romance one. Finally, we asked for help. The books weren’t in historical novels. They weren’t in thriller. They weren’t anywhere to be found and yet the store advertised they had them. Yeah, you guessed it, they were in the Romance Section. 

I seldom buy fiction books. They take up too much room, they weigh too much, but there are some authors I really, really want to own their books and not rent them. Patricia Briggs, Ann Bishop, and now R. S. Belcher. I’m pretty sure they’ll play well together on my bookshelf. And notice their last names all start with B so as my mind slip/slides away maybe I can still find my old friends on shelf B.

Photos of the Week:

You looking for a good book to read at the beach on your last summer get away? I suggest this one. And I won’t even be begging you for a review, Amazon has heard all us authors whine and cry, and now you readers can just go in and give books you’ve read a Star Rating, no words involved. How about them apples? Huh? And this book is just chock-full short pieces—poems, stories, and opinions. Honest. Trust me.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com 

No knew books this week. I’m still working on #2, and I’m reading it very slowly because I don’t want to finish it and have to come home. I kinda like Golgotha. It’s a happening place, know what I mean, Jelly Bean? 😉

Earworms:

Went to YouTube to check my music videos, and there was a new one for me, Arabian Harp. What lovely music to have in the background while I work on the computer. 

Quotes from Salmon Rushdie:

“Faith without doubt is addiction.” —Salmon Rushdie

“From the beginning men used God to justify the unjustifiable.” —Salmon Rushdie

“We all owe death a life.” —Salmon Rushdie

“A photograph is a moral decision taken in one eighth of a second.” —Salmon Rushdie

We’ve had cooler weather, and Boy Howdy! is it nice for sleeping. I’m pretty sure it won’t be too long before I have to put the heavier quilt on the bed, but for now both Sammy and I are enjoying the lighter weight of the summer quilt. I believe next week end is Labor Day weekend, the “official” end of summer, at least for a lot of kidlets, and their teachers, unless they’ve all quit. When I worked at The Boeing Company, I was rather surprised at all the teachers I knew who worked there. Far less hassle, better wages, better hours, and no kids allowed. Enjoy this week, especially if it’s your last one of the summer 😉

Home Again, Home Again…

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Weather in the Tries:

MOS (More of the Same), i.e. extremely warm to hot. 😉

Home Again, Home Again…

Arrived home from the Dark Side a couple hours or so ago. And, yes, the Dark Side was dark for a couple of days. And cool, and I found myself wearing jeans instead of shorts, and a lightweight house jacket thingy I made years ago.

BUT, and this is the important part: I had a wonderful visit with friends. I left the Brave Dog home with Housemate, and am glad I did. The drives over and back were hot and stressful. Lots of traffic that actually moved quite well, until the Road Work signs appeared. Ugh!

Have four books to review and post, but probably not tonight. Have read volumes 1, 3, 4 of the Golgotha series, 5 & 6 are not yet published, and volume 2 was waiting when I got home. Volume 2 is a trade paper book, the others are mass paper, and in the beginning of V2 is a map of the town of Golgotha. As you probably know I love maps! Can you tell what I’m going to be doing in just a few minutes?

Because it is still Monday, I wanted to get something written so your Monday won’t be a total loss without a new Coffee Break Escape, I’m putting it together, and will get it sent soon. While it’s still Monday.

My friend who lives in the Dark Side, is dairy intolerant. It is also difficult for him to get around, so we want NOTHING with dairy to come into his domain. I found a recipe I thought he’d like, Apple Fritter Cake, which is to die for. It calls for melted butter, I ignored that, and the glaze is to be made with milk—I substituted Scotch Whiskey 😉 You may have to subscribe to their free newsletter—believe me, it’s worth it. This cake was a huge hit, for those fortunate enough to get any. Next time I make it, I think I will nuke the apples, sugar (surprisingly small amount), and cinnamon with a bit of cornstarch for a few minutes, then mix it in. The apples were good, but not quite as done as a bakery fritter. And, being a cake, it was baked not fried. I baked it in our new Anova Precision Oven, and it was quite interesting to see the whole degree of flex to maintain the temperature for baking. 

I think the cake would be good with peaches, blueberries, cherries—whatever your little tastebuds have a hankering for. You might want to adjust the cinnamon appropriately 😉 Very little sugar (1/4 cup), no egg (12 oz of beer).

My friend’s youngest son, Alex, was there when I arrived. He looked so much like my Favorite Son, I did a double take. There are differences, but still…. 😉 And, like Favorite Son, a delight to meet. 

Photos of the Week:

Two shots of one of Sheryl’s Hydrangea plants. Sheryl is/was a Landscape Architect, and her yard is fantabulous. More shots next time. 

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com 

Books 3, 4 of the Golgotha series and two books of poetry, Discovery by Don Krieger and I Am the Rage, by Martina McGowan. Two powerful books of poetry. Anyhow, I’ll try to get all the reviews up in the next couple of days.

Earworms:

I wasn’t going to have any earworms this week, but I remembered an old song I learned in Girl Scouts, Make New Friends, and thought I’d share it. It one of those simple songs that goes into a ‘round’ easily and I think it’s a song we big people ought to learn and sing more often than we do. Check it out. This version is a bit longer than I remember, but I surely do like it. 

Quotes from Blues muscians:

“The blues tells a story. Every line of the blues has a meaning.” —John Lee Hooker, blues singer, songwriter, guitarist (1917-2001)

“There’s no way in the world I can feel the same blues the way I used to. When I play in Chicago, I’m playing up-to-date, not the blues I was born with. People should hear the pure blues – the blues we used to have when we had no money.” — Muddy Waters (1913–1983) 

“The blues is celebration, because when you take sorrow and turn it into music, you transform it.” —Odetta Holmes, Folk, blues, spirituals guitarist, lyricist (1930-2008)

Sammy was delighted I came home. I sat on the sofa for a good half hour, and he snuggled in my lap. I came into the office to write this, and he was over talking to Housemate. Aah, the fickleness of animals. My folks and I used to have a cat who would ignore is for days when we’d go someplace and leave him. If we were gone a couple days, it wasn’t much, but if we were gone a month, he’d ignore us for at least a whole week. The neighbors thought it funny. He’d still go to them for food. Tis good to be home. I missed Sammy and I missed you all, too.

How My Brain (or at least what’s left of it) Works

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Weather in the Tries:

It gonna be hot, today and tomorrow 96, 99. Then up to triple digits until next Monday. Where I will be is gonna be in the 80s. Nights down as low as 55, mostly in 60s. You just have NO IDEA how happy I am knowing that Climate Change is a hoax. That keeps me mighty cool. 

How My Brain (or at least what’s left of it) Works:

Okay, I really don’t know how it works, I’m just grateful it still does. Well, it sorta works. I forget words now and then, but since I bought a Bling-y phone cover, I haven’t lost my phone.

I also bought a new headset with mic a while back. It’s really kinda neat. For sure it’s more comfortable than the one I’d been using. It also cost more. Noticeably more. And it comes in colors (mine is lilac and cost a dollar less than Housemate’s default black one). It’s a gamer’s headset. The only game I play on my computer is solitaire. The sound effects are of cards being shuffled, dealt, etc. Certainly nothing requiring such a headset. It is fun hearing commercials in stereo though as the music comes in one ear and goes out the other. It’s also wireless. When I’m in a zoom gathering, I can get up to get more coffee and not miss anything (unless I nuke it, then the headset goes off until the nuker goes off). And it has an on/off button. 

There are four notes that go up for on and down for off. And that’s what made me remember my Auntie Marie’s old Chinese Myna Bird, Mac. Everyone in the family would talk to Mac, and we would give him the same four notes, A, B, C, D going from low to high, and he would repeat it. Until my cousin’s husband gave him the same notes. Mac would look at Husband and say the same notes backwards, D, C, B, A. We never did figure that one out. Until that old bird died, he never slipped up and repeated it “correctly” nor did anyone else get the same reverse treatment.

I tried one time and gave him D, C, B, A. He looked at me, then admonished me that it was A, B, C, D. You have not lived until you’ve been admonished by a Chinese Myna Bird.

For his sleep at night, Auntie Marie would put a paper lunch sack in his cage and Mac would go into the bag, tuck his head under a wing, and sleep. All night. Unless he woke. Auntie Marie woke one night and heard Cousin sewing out in the other room where Mac lived, but she was doing it in the dark. Auntie Marie got up to tell Cousin to turn on the light, she needed more than the sewing machine light. She went out into the room, and no one was at the machine. Mac had awakened, and was apparently bored, so thought he’d “sew” himself a new outfit. 

‘They” say smell is one of the best triggers to bring up memories, but in this case, it’s four notes on my gamer’s headset. 

Restaurant Hack:

One of my favorite sandwiches that I only eat in restaurants, never make my own, is a good Reuben, on grilled rye bread. Alas, we seem only able to convince local restaurants to use the marbled rye bread instead of a good black rye. If they can make a good Reuben with the marbled stuff, you know it’s good. But then, Cook ruins it by placing the hot sandwich on the plate so the bottom slice of bread steams and gets soggy. I always ask for fries as my side, and I ask the waitperson to please ask Cook to put the sandwich on top of the fries. Of course, then I have to explain the why of it—when the sandwich goes on the fries, it has air under it as well as heat, and doesn’t get soggy. So, there you go. If you order a grilled sandwich in a restaurant, ask for it to be placed on top of your fries. If you can afford the restaurant and really wanted a side salad, order it, you can afford it. You don’t have to eat the fries. The fries are there for your sandwich. Try it, you’ll like it. Unless, of course, you like soggy bread on your grilled sandwiches.

The reason I only eat Reubens in restaurants and not at home is they are treats. If I make them at home, they are no longer a treat. I also don’t cook lobster at home for the same reason. Going to a restaurant is a treat and I never order anything I can make at home. I also find myself not ordering salads all that much anymore either. That’s because Housemate makes killer salads, why would I pay for lesser eats?

Photos of the Week:

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com 

I finished Six Gun Tarot by R. S. Belcher. Oh, saddle up, Buckaroo, it’s a ride and a half. Read my review.

Earworms:

In a real western mood, thanks to Mr. Belcher. Check out some of these oldies.

Roy Rogers (remember him?) & Sons of the Pioneers, Tumbling Tumbleweeds

Sons of the Pioneers, Ghost Riders In the Sky

I remember those songs from when I was an itty bitty kidlet—my folks were still together and we lived in Klamath Falls, Oregon

Quotes from the Old West:

“Never miss a good chance to shut up.” —Judge Roy Bean

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.” —Unknown

“Always drink upstream from the herd.”—Will Rogers

I will probably be a wee bit late next week. I’m going to be on the road coming home Monday, so I’ll do the best I can, but it might even be Tuesday before Monday’s gets posted. Patience, Grasshopper!

Sammy is thrilled. I’m leaving him with Housemate. Housemate spoils him rotten. Does he get water in his kibble dish like a normal dog? No. He gets organic chicken stock! And special treats made just for him. I won’t worry, though, unless he starts eating salads. If he and I have to fight over Housemate’s salads, there’s gonna be a come to the table meeting!

Have a great week. And stay cool.

A Dangerous Place

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Weather in the Tries:

Oh, my goodness gracious. We’re headed back to triple digits Today and Tues, then 99 to 97 for the rest of the week. Can you spell H-O-T? But I can’t complain–for a couple of reasons: 1. nobody cares and 2. it’s my choice to live here 😉

A Dangerous Place to Be:

I read this article the other day and it got me to thinking, again, of an old idea of mine. 

We have nine, possibly ten (one source says the US Merchant Marine is, another says not. Who knows? Above my pay grade) uniformed services in the US. The Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard under the Department of Defense. The US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the NASA Commissioned Officer Corps, and, I think, the US Merchant Marine. Remember that the next time you attend trivia night at your local watering hole. But don’t bet money on the Merchant Marines. They may well not be considered part of the Uniformed Services. Things change; I’m old.

I understand why we no longer have the draft, and I agree. However, I’ve long thought all citizens should put some time in for their country—”ask not what your country can do for you—ask, what you can do for your country.” From President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961 (it’s a short address, give it a read through).

Are you a pacifist, who would rather die than fight, great! No, seriously, great. It’s easier to fight than turn the other cheek. There are jobs for you, too. When I was stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam era, I worked with several young men who were registered Conscientious Objectors. They were all Medics. And some of the bravest young men I’ve ever had the honor of meeting. You can still do something for your country—save lives. I’d like to see the Public Health Service expanded so those who have reasons to not join the military can still put their time in for their country at the same pay scale and rank structure as the military.

Also, while in Germany, I learned that in the French Army (at that time, who knows what they do now) there was no such thing as a “4F” classification. If a young man wasn’t able to do anything but sit on a stool in the kitchen and peel potatoes for two years, then he sat on a stool in the kitchen and peeled potatoes for two years to help feed the rest of the troops. Got bone spurs on your feet? Sit on that stool and peel spuds! 

Would I like to see the draft reinstated? No. Well, I don’t think so, and yet… I would like to see something like the draft, but not as we used to have it. (Figuring that one out is also above my pay grade.) I think everyone should put in a minimum of two years for their country. Don’t want to join the military or the Merchant Marine? Join the Public Health Service. If you qualify for a commission, such as a RN, MD, DDS, etc., good on you. If you don’t qualify for that, go in as ‘enlisted’ and become a medic, technician, etc. Go where sent and expect to be sent to areas where there are few if any medical personnel. Help in ORs and ERs, inner cities and rural. While we’re at it, let’s set up some “free” college programs, payback in time. Four-year RN degree? Five years of service in Public Health afterward. (I think that’s the pay-back required of the military academies but won’t swear to that one.) 

A final quote from the same inaugural speech by President Kennedy:

“If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”  Maybe a few of our so-called politicians should read and cogitage this, eh?

Another article just came across my screen from MedPageToday that says Americans Have No Right to Healthcare—It’s high time we change that. Indeed, it is! Click here for the article. It’s not long, and is in readable English, not Medicalese. And if you think Americans are entitled to health care as a right, contact your congresspeople, and if they disagree with you, vote the suckers out in November.

Photos of the Week:

Our apartments buildings each have a large, open entry with individual doors off the large hall. Housemate and I came home the other afternoon and these 6 ducks came out of our entry. I have no idea what they were doing, but they looked guilty as sin! Yes, there are 6 ducks, the first one is black and almost at the water. He looks more like a shadow than a duck.
I think this is a Muscovy duck, she’s really quite dark, almost black with a striking white head with red eye patch. Anyhow, she’s sitting on a nest. I haven’t seen how many eggs are in it, but I’m concerned that the babies won’t be big enough to fly south this winter. Perhaps the hoax, aka climate change, has her biological clock mucked up?

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com.

I’m in a fiction kinda mind these days. Am reading Six Gun Tarot, the first in a series by R. S. Belcher. Not sure how to classify it—cowboy noir fantasy weird twisted? It starts off in 1869 in Golgotha, Nevada. A friend gave me a bundle of ebooks, and book four of the series was in it. I started the book, and decided I wanted to read the series in order. I don’t usually have a problem coming into the middle of a series, and didn’t have a problem with this one, but the universe was enough different, I wanted in at the beginning, Six Gun Tarot. I’m about 1/3 of the way through and thoroughly enjoying it. So far it gets a strong recommendation. Here is an excerpt from GraphicAudio.

Earworm: some of JFKs likes in modern music taken from Return to Camelot

Mack the Knife, Bobby Darin

September Song from Knickerbocker Holiday

The Black Watch perform at the Whitehouse, 13 Nov 1963

Quotes of the week taken from The Best JFK Quotes of All Time

“The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.” – John F. Kennedy

“Do not pray for easy lives, pray to be stronger men.” – John F. Kennedy

“The greater our knowledge increases the more our ignorance unfolds.” – John F. Kennedy

Sammy Brave Dog says he isn’t too sure of my likes in music. I found an hour plus concert of The HU. Sammy says he’s really glad I wear my new head set so he doesn’t have to listen. I think Housemate is probably happy I have new headset, too. It’s a gamer’s headset, and really pretty good but I can’t move the mic and when I talk on it, I can’t hear myself speak. It’s a weird sensation, but people at the other end of the phone or zoom meeting have no problem, so I guess I am talking 😉 Oh, and on the front of each ear piece is a long thread light that changes colors and reflects on the outer edge of my glasses lenses. Kinda neat. My new mouse also has a light, but it doesn’t change colors and is nice to find it in a hurry. (It sits on a pull out keyboard drawer in a shadow.)

On Writing

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Weather in the Tries:

Well, Tuesday was supposed to be cooler, I guess if you consider 102 cooler than the todays 106, then yes, it will be cooler (I write/schedule this on Sunday). If my phone isn’t telling tall tales, we will be triple digit for 3 days, then high 90s for three days, then back to triple digit. It would be considerably more bearable if we could get nights down to low 60s or lower. Oh, well, this is the desert, and better here with far less humidity than over on the Dark Side of the Cascades. They are really miserable over there.

On Writing:

Received an email from ProWritingAid on Tuesday with the title: Does Good Gramar Make You More Sexy? ProWritingAid is an app that can help anyone become a better writer, or so they say. In the meantime, I had to chuckle at some of the results. 

Apparently, men say that good grammar is important, then swipe their dating app for physical attributes. However, younger women are “31% more likely to choose well-written profiles” over ones filled with grammatical mistrakes. But the one that got me was that Americans seem to care more about good grammar than Brits. This surprised them?? Obviously, they never read Eats, Shoots & Leaves that was written a few years ago by a Brit.

Admittedly, grammar is not my strong suit, but I also don’t claim to be a grammarian. I tried, but could not read what should have been Eats, Shoots, & Leaves. The one thing I understand, at least most of the time, is the Oxford comma. It serves a vital function. And, besides, it’s cute.

However, back to the ProWritingAid’s surprise about American’s being more caring about grammar than Brits, I remembered something from my time in the military and being stationed in Germany. Many of the GI’s were able to wrangle assignments to the University of Heidelberg. Because they were considered foreign students (Brit or Ami) they had to take and pass an English test—in a German University. Go figure. All the guys gathered for their test, and much hilarity ensued with one group teasing the other about not speaking “real” English but speaking American. So, the forty or so guys filed into the testing room, took their test and re-assembled in the hall waiting for their scores. To a man (no women were in this group) all the Americans passed with high scores, and all the British flunked and had to take remedial English to qualify. Apparently, at that time, the English saw no reason to teach English to those born there and growing up using the language. I don’t know if anything has changed or not, but I assume (silly me) that it’s not, as they were surprised at the outcome.

I spent some time on dating apps in years gone by, and I found good grammar a turn-on v. bad grammar. I had never given it any thought, really, as to why, until now. At some level bad grammar told me he probably had lower self-esteem, a younger sense of humor (think 5th grade potty humor), possibly be more needy and looking for mama, probably preferred sports to good books—if he read at all, and would have more limited conversation skills. Now, according to this article, women with good grammar were penalized more. Ya know what? That’s probably okay. An intelligent woman wants a partner in a relationship, not a boy to raise, especially if she’s of an age and has already raised her children.

ProWritingAid is a for-profit app, I do not use it, but do receive their emails. If you are looking for a writing app to help you, check it out. read the fine print, and then draw your own conclusion. And if anyone cares, my title today is On Writing. That is also the title of an excellent “How to Write” book by Stephen King. It’s okay. One may not copyright a title.

One more thing…Housemate sent this to me. He found it in a book online, and thought I’d like it. He was correct, and I’m sharing it with you for the same reason, I think you’ll like it. One of those things that we probably all know at some level but have not consciously cogitated.  From The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase. Adjectives, writes the author, professional stickler Mark Forsyth, “absolutely have to be in this order: opinion-size-age-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose Noun. So you can have a lovely little old rectangular green French silver whittling knife. But if you mess with that order in the slightest you’ll sound like a maniac.” 

Poem-a-Day. It’s no secret I love poetry—reading it, writing it, living it. I subscribe to at least two Poems-a-Day, and one I get on Mondays only. The one that came on 27 Jul, Why Do You Love the Poem? —by Charles Bernstein, is one of the best I’ve read in a while. I use repetition, both in my poetry and in my prose, though not so much there. I’m a firm believer that when used to good effect, it’s worth the while. Give this poem a minute of your time. Even if you don’t love poetry. (Stretch yourself now and again—it’s good for you.;-) 

Photos of the Week:

One of our more melodic residents enjoying the sprinkler.
Who called this meeting? Why?
I got a new phone cover. the sides are encrusted with wee diamonds (glass) and the back is dynamic with the sparklie’s moving. Originally purchased for fun, but all the bling sure makes it easier to find my phone!

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com 

I’ve started a couple of books. One is the fourth in a series, and I became intrigued enough to buy Volumes 1, 2, & 3 and put 4 away until I get the others. Not sure exactly what the genre is, western, horror, fun??? Then I started another urban fantasy. And then along came Jones, slow walking—sorry, I got carried away for a few seconds. I decided it’s time to haul out some novels I’ve written, and go through them again to polish as much as possible, then see if I can interest an agent and or publisher.  If those count as books read, and read again, and yet again…My Adventures as Brother Rat and Forgotten Daughter. Does it count that I need to read them cover to cover to make changes? Those of you who have read any of my novels as a reader, I would appreciate knowing which novel you read, and if you had problems with the names.

Earworms:

Years ago, waaaaaay back in my own ancient history, Folk Music was the big thing in music. I loved it. I loved Joni Mitchell. Then I wandered away from folk music to rock n roll, blues, classical, whatever. At some point I remember that Ms. Mitchell had some health problems and alas, she dropped off my radar. Well, the other day, someone sent me an NPR link about the Newport Folk Festival concert where Joni Mitchell made a surprise appearance and stole the show. Her voice is deeper, but she’s still got what it takes and then some!!! Check her out. Read the article. Watch all the videos! Joni Mitchell, entertainer extraordinaire!!

Just Like this Train

Both Sides Now with Brandi Carlile (shall I admit this is one of my “I’m gonna cry now” songs? Naw, I don’t think you need to know that do you?)

Summertime

Circle Game

Quotes from Joni Mitchel courtesy of Inspiring Quotes:

“All my battles were with male egos. I’m just looking for equality, not to dominate. But I want to be able to control my vision.” —Joni Mitchell

“I see music as fluid architecture.” —Joni Mitchell

“I learned a woman is never an old woman.” —Joni Mitchell

I think the Brave Dog will be happy when this heat dome dissipates. The sidewalk doesn’t seem to get too hot, but the driveway does, and the mid-late afternoon walks are of necessity, short, and usually in our small yard. The early morning walk is usually the only ‘long’ one of the day right now.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby present…

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Weather in the Tries:

Oh, lord luv a duck! The 10-day forecast shows Friday at 112F. We are building a high-pressure ridge that will last a while. Of course, that’s a few days out, it can, and probably will change, several times betwixt now and then. Yep, it just changed to 113! At those temps, one or two more or less ain’t gonna feel any different. Gotta get our ducks and geese in sync and have them flap their wings!! No, not ours, the ones in Beijing and Seoul … (where’s that butterfly when we need him?)

Ladies and Gentlemen, I Hereby Present…(drum roll please)

A gen-u-ine American Prodigy, Miss Alena Analeigh Wicker, 13 years old and on her way to Medical School. Not in five years, but now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zaQgbACc1E

According to the article on MedPageToday she is “more than 10 years younger than the average incoming medical student,”

She claims, in the article that she is “still a normal 13-year-old” and I say no, she’s not. Being where she is at her age takes more than time management skills, or good study habits. It takes drive, intelligence, and a family that backs her. She has also started an organization to provide “opportunities to girls of color who are interested in exploring careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.” She was 11 or 12 when she did that.

In her spare time (yes, she apparently has spare time) she plays soccer, and participates in track and field. 

In reading the comments, well, many of them, on the article, I didn’t read any about research—that doesn’t mean they weren’t there, it means I didn’t see/read them. My guess is she will go straight into research, rather than practice. Maybe if/when she tires of research, she will have the life experiences she will need for clinical work. Should she ever tire of research.

I hope you’ll go to the page and read the article about her, and maybe at least some of the comments. And Huzzahs!!! to Ms. Alena Analeigh Wicker and her parents!!!

My trip to the Dark Side was wonderful. It was warm but not hot, cool enough to be comfortable. It was good to see my friends again. I will be going back over in mid-August for a while. 

A friend offered her yard to dry my quilt, so I will coordinate with her and treat my quilt and get it to her house to lay on the grass. First, I need to get stuff unpacked and put away, and get the puppy all the loves n hugs he missed during my absence.

It surely is good to be home, but I already miss my friends. I did make it home in time to watch the last Hearing of the January 6 committee. I can hardly wait until September when the next ones will be held.

Photos of the Week:

These babies are maybe a week old, and they scoot around the pond so fast a couple of times they almost walked on the water. We call the babies “motorboats” for the way they scoot.
This duck is ‘dabbling’ and has more fun than all the others. Most of them use their feet to maintain balance, this one seems to like splashing and having fun. I’m not sure why the pic is so small.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com 

I have a few new reviews posted—four, actually. I am reading a lot more fiction of late, which normally goes faster than nonfiction. Finished A Trifle Dead and totally loved it. Brain Candy for sure, but hey, we need brain candy now and then. Indeed, all four books I have posted reviews of since last we spoke, are brain candy—Kill Three Birds is a marvelous book in a new world. Wow! and The House at Mermaid’s Cove and Secrets of Willow House, are both fun, feel-good type books. If you like Maeve Binchy’s books, check out the last two.

Earworms:

Wichita Lineman, by Glen Campbell 

Galveston, by Glen Campbell

By the I get to Phoenix, by Glen Campbell

Something about the drive home that made me wish I’d had some Glen Campbell to keep me company. Fortunately, the sun was mostly behind me (I try to make my trips to take advantage of that. No fun driving with the sun in my eyes) maybe it was seeing the lineman up on a pole that made me feel some nostalgic for a lineman I used to know, and Glen Campbell. Anyhow, enjoy. 

Quotes from Glen Campbell

“There’s no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.” —Glen Campbell

“I’ve laughed, and I’ve cried. Laughing has got it over crying.” —Glen Campbell

“I gave John Wayne the push he needed to get that Oscar.” —Glen Campbell

The Brave Dog was some glad to see me. I was walking down to the apt. when he was leading Dan out for a walk. Took him a minute to realize that was me. He didn’t want to go walking with Dan right then, he wanted me to sit and snuggle. That sounded pretty good to me 😉

NOT a Rant ;-)

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Weather in the Tries:

Aw shucks, what can I say? It’s gonna be some warm with more sun than clouds mostly in the 90s & up. It’s okay, unless it gets too humid. Come on down….

Not a Rant:

I truly do appreciate y’all allowing me my now and then rant, but ya know what? They are somewhat exhausting to write. Hope they aren’t too hard on you to read.

So, when I lived in ABQ, I put a quilt top together, and pieced the backing. Then, I moved back here, so packed it. The other day, I decided to dig it out of Shed 54 (my storage unit) and bring it home to finish. I found it, brought it home, and unfolded it to iron and butter my butt and call me a biscuit! Not only was the top pinned to the back (no batting in the ‘sandwich’ as this is a summer quilt) but I’d started quilting, and as luck would have it, I still had the same thread. I set my machine up and started quilting. Now, when I pin a quilt together, I use small curved stainless-steel pins, and I seldom fasten them, then as I quilt, I remove them. Wow. I was sore for several days from patting my back at how smart I was to have it already to go.

Yeah. Right. I got the first 3 or 4 rows quilted, and then ran into a rusted pin. Not only was the pin rusted, it was rusted to the fabric. Draw something to scale that is 65” on top and bottom, and 91” on the sides. Every five inches horizontal and vertical, put a pencil dot. Now, just for grins, go in and randomly erase any 20-25 dots you want. Yeah, what’s left are the rust zits on my quilt.

Fortunately, my ex-neighbors in Florida worked in a hospital and had access to the salespersons, and got me a good, metal forceps. They used theirs for joints, I use mine to pull the quilting needle when it’s got too much fabric on it. Or, if the rusted pin has melded with the fabric, I use it to pull the pin out. So not only does my quilt have rust zits all over it, there are also some wee teensy holes. 

I have the bestest families—but you already know that—both of blood and of choice, and I’ve got cousins and sisters of choice who quilt and I put the word out, and they in turn put the word out—how does one get rust out of fabric??

One does NOT use bleach, unless one has Stop Bleach (Sodium Thiosulfate) at hand. I don’t. But several people suggested white vinegar and sunshine. Of course, they weren’t thinking of a huge quilt, and their directions read almost like Martha Steward wrote them. Lay the fabric on a clean, old, folded towel, pour a bit of vinegar on the spot, let set a minute or so, blot with a clean cloth and place fabric in the sunshine to dry. The combination of white vinegar and sunlight should cause the rust spots to fade. I can’t deal with the pouring of the vinegar on each and every zit on the quilt let alone using something to politely dab it on—I’m going to buy a gallon of it, put the quilt in a tub, add vinegar, and agitate every so often. Alas, I have to do this at someone else’s home because though I’ve got the sun (see weather above) I don’t have the space to lay the quilt out. Unless I float it on the pond, and I think that would upset the ducks. The geese would just walk on it. And the turtle? Who knows what she’d do?

Seriously, there is no place big enough to lay it out that has that much sun. We have a lot of trees, so though we get sun, it’s spotty. A couple hours here, a couple hours there…and we have ducks, geese, turtles, frogs, dogs, and kids. For the most part, the dogs are leashed.

I’m going to visit friends this next week, and though they live on the Dark Side of the mountains, they may actually get sun for an hour or two (snicker/snort), and they do have a couple of yards big enough, I hope, to lay the quilt out, if not on the grass, on the bushes. So, perhaps, I’ll have a ‘new’ quilt next week. Summer quilts are nice on cool nights when a sheet isn’t enough, and a regular quilt with a filling of some sort is too much. They were/are used a lot in the South in the summers, hence the name.

Speaking of turtles… a few days ago was the first I knew we had any in the pond, and the ladies who told me said it was pretty big, maybe 8” wide by 10” long (shell size guestimate), they had found it in the road and put it back in the pond. I got ready to run a couple errands on Thursday about noon, and there was a huge turtle in our yard. She had dug a hole and was laying eggs, I stood ‘guard’ so no one would pick her up and put her back in the pond—and one gal came by, saw her, and reached for her before I could stop her and ask her to leave her alone. When I explained why, she stopped, and looked, and allowed as how it was pretty neat. I waited a bit longer, and she covered the nest in fact it’s pretty hard to see. I marked it with a big rock next to it, not on top, until facilities can come by and paint around it, or something. Don’t think the riding mower will do the eggs any good, but anyhow, I have pictures and one video of mama turtle laying eggs and covering nest. She then started heading someplace not safe for her, so I picked her up and put her near the pond. She wasted no time to get back in the water.

Photos of the Week:

Yep, that me inside of Roses Cantina, having almost finished a quart of Margarita! I could still walk when I left 😉
If there is no picture, click on the ‘start’ triangle to see Mama Turtle. I’m not sure ‘mama’ is a proper term, she lays the eggs, covers them, then goes back to the pond with no maternal instinct. They should hatch around mid September.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com I needed something a bit more uplifting after the last Allende book which I haven’t finished, and may never. Especially if none of you have read it and can assure me it’s not truly a downer all the way through. So, I opened my phone, and found one I’d downloaded some time ago, A Trifle Dead (Café La Femme Mystery Book 1 of 3) —by Livia Day. A lot of people are, I strongly suspect, closet readers of Cozy mysteries. I, my friends, am so far out of that closet, I don’t even know where it is anymore. This one takes place in Tasmania, and one of the supporting characters is a Scot from the Auld Sod, itself. I have to give Ms. Day credit, it’s very difficult to write believable accents, and she does a marvelous job of it. Not over done, but enough to add spice to the story, and make me homesick for a place I’ve never been. I’m about 27% of the way through the book, and it is fun. Of course, by 30% it could downhill on a runaway rollercoaster—but I don’t think so.

Earworms:

El Paso, Marty Robbins. Yes, Rose’s Cantina is real, that’s where I got a top shelf margarita—a whole 32 ounces in a quart canning jar. Fortunately it was a lot more mix and less tequila because I drank the whole thing. Oh, if you ever get to visit, the food (and drink) is (are) wonderful, but please, don’t play the song. The staff will appreciate you more.

Big Iron, Marty Robbins. Yeah, I like Marty Robbins. And I like the Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. Shucks, if Marty sang it, I love it. 

Seven Spanish Angels, Willie Nelson & Ray Charles. Two of the all-time greats, together.

Quotes on Quilting from Quiltdom:

“Sewing small pieces together gives me a peaceful heart and a quilt to wrap you with, my love.” ― Benita Skinner

“Our lives are like quilts – bits and pieces, joy and sorrow, stitched with love.” ― Unknown

 “After all, a woman didn’t leave much behind in the world to show she’d been there. Even the children she bore and raised got their father’s name. But her quilts, now that was something she could pass on.” ― Sandra Dallas

The Brave Dog here. She is in getting more coffee, so I jumped up on her chair. Back to the turtle–believe me, it wasn’t even worth a sniff, let alone worrying about. Humans! But I have to admit, my human checks the walkway and driveway with her hand before she lets me walk. That’s because she does’t want my wee feets burned. Favorite walking time is early in the morning or after sunset in the evening. See, my human really does love me. Okay, she’s coming back, I’d best get this posted so she’ll think she did it before she filled her cup.

What is Freedom, LAST PART, I PROMISE!!

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Weather in the Tries:

What is Freedom, Part 3?

Continuation of the Rant, but hopefully a bit quieter.

If the Supremes want to know why they are losing, or have lost, our respect, they have nothing more to do than look in a mirror! At least the six who want a Theocracy.

One of the prime tenets of our country as proposed and envisioned by the Founding Fathers, was the strongly worded first clause in the Bill of Rights, known as the Establishment Clause (Separation of Church and State). Obviously, 2/3 of the Supremes think it’s time to change that part. We are now supporting not just public schools, but church schools with our tax dollars. It is now permissible to pray on the field before and after a game. Obviously, these good Christians have never read Matthew 6:6 NIV, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” [italics mine] You can say all the prayers you desire to say quietly, in your mind, or go into your room.

If my tax dollar is going to go for all that religion, then I want all churches/religious property taxed like all businesses are taxed in their town, county, etc., with NO exceptions. I don’t care what religion you belong to, that’s your business, but I don’t want to pay for it unless it’s going to contribute to the fiscal welfare of the country. That’s my business. I ‘m a Vet and I pay taxes.

The First Amendment Encyclopedia, Presented by the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies has an excellent article about the First Amendment. Remember this is NOT a Christian nation, but a nation founded by a disparate bunch of Christians, and even they couldn’t agree on any one church. And if you get your knickers in a knot over that remember, if you allow one religion in, you must allow all religions in—Hindu, Buddhist, Shinto, Satanist, all the Native American ones which have a better right than all the others, Jew, Muslim, Rastafarian, Pastafarian, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

Most definitely is this a slippery slope, and what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. If you’re going to put the ten commandments up on public land, then you must also put the equivalent of all other religions that request the same consideration. The same for Solstice celebrations, especially the winter one. And why anyone wants to worship a God of War, is beyond me. Especially when his alleged son allegedly said, (Matthew 5:17 NIV), “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” [italics mine]

These idiots aren’t Pro-Life (they are Forced-Birth), if they were Pro-Life, they would vote in some of the strictest gun laws ever. They would happily give up their automatic weapons. They would care for the baby not just in utero but also once born, instead of tossing it back on the woman who was forced to have it. Nicholas Kristof has a good column titled, “How Can this Be ‘Pro-Life’?”  Theresa M. Hanafin, Globe Staff columnist writing Fast Forward has some words to say in her column on 14 Jun 22, and Alexendra Petri of the Washington Post (and the primary reason I pay for my subscription to same) writes with her usual wit, snark, and intelligence, “We must protect life from conception until the moment of birth! Once you have been born, you are a nuisance, and, possibly, a woman.” And Ja’han Jones writes that, “We need to call abortion bans what they are: Slavery” All this time you thought it was just me being snarky!

You have the freedom to worship any god you so choose. You have the freedom to raise your children in that manner. And when they reach majority, they will have the freedom to change if they so desire. Your place of worship has the freedom to pay taxes, and if they are going to use my tax dollars to spread their mythology, then they should pay taxes like all other businesses. They’ve gotten a free ride long enough. You also have the freedom to NOT have an abortion unless you want one.

And on a somewhat happier note, at least for me and the women in uniform, Limited Abortions Will Continue On DOD Bases Despite Roe v. Wade Reversal. Could be iffy in some states such as Texas where they have joint jurisdiction, but they can always send the patient to another state on Temporary Duty (TDY) for a few days of training. 

I have known women who had abortions, and not one of them entered into the procedure without a great deal of soul searching. All were performed after discussing with their doctor, and all were deemed necessary. And, because they were legal, the women survived, and later became happy mothers of healthy children. I’ve also known some who had back-alley abortions and though they survived, with complications, they were not able to have children later, healthy or otherwise. And I love that so many of the men are rushing to get vasectomies! Bet the Supremes didn’t think there were enough real men out there to do that. (And I bet none of them would even consider it.)

And for the (sick) joke of the week, this is a quote from Mike Pence, as told to Breitbart, “Having been given this second chance for life, we must not rest and must not relent until the sanctity of life is restored to the center of American law in every state in the land.” I say it’s sick humor because these are the same people who, when the baby they forced the female to carry is born, they no longer want anything to do it, ‘Not my problem, little lady, I didn’t have the kid’ and the highest number of government sanctioned killings go on in their states. Where is the sanctity of life there? Huh? Huh???

“Right-wingers like Pence do not believe that abortion should be a state’s issue, but a universal rights issue — for the fetus. A national abortion ban would invert the legal architecture of abortion rights so that a fetus, rather than the person carrying it, is seen as the protected individual in the eyes of federal law.” [I read this on Tuesday last, copied it, got sidetracked and deleted the article from whence it came. I apologize profusely to the author and if you can let me know who s/he is, I’ll give credit where it’s due.]

What a bunch of hypocrites! They want the baby born, and then don’t want any responsibility to see that it has proper food, medical care, dental care, education, clothing, love. I think they want them to grow up so they can use them as target practice or put them to death in their prisons. These people are NOT pro-life, they are forced-birth haters of women. Damn! They’re really trying to send me off on another rant. But I shall persevere. They shan’t win. For now.

Phew! I think I got it all out of my system. At least until the next time the Supremes kick me in the nether regions. I considered not publishing this, but then I re-read it, made a couple changes, and here it is. The last rant for a while. I hope. 

Photos of the Week:

Because you were so king to let me rant for 3 weeks straight, I promise I won’t do it again until the next time. Honest. Trust me. Also, instead of still shots, I’m giving you videos. I hope. If I can figure all this out.

c

Pond scum, a little dabble do ya, pond scum, you look so dabbleair!

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com 

I dearly love Isabel Allende’s books—fiction, nonfiction, recipes. So when I saw a new one by her had come out, or at least new to my eyeballs, I grabbed it, Island Beneath the Sea. I am 37% through with the book, and I need to take a break. It’s very well written, but I’m finding it somewhat depressing. Have any of you read it? What did you think? Do I want to pick it up and finish it, or let it sit? I have the strangest feeling there is not going to be a Happy Ever After when I finish it. 

Earworms: Since most of you are probably somewhat familiar with the Christian songs/hymns, I thought I’d stretch your idea of Holy Music just a tad. I hope you enjoy these. They are all relatively short.

The Pastafarian Song

Lord Ganesha Song 

Chief Dan George: Great Spirit Prayer – (Me’Geswanouth Slahoot) w/sub-titles – 1978

Quotes on Religion from Brainy Quote:

“Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.” —Napoleon Bonaparte

“Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” — Lucius Annaeus Seneca

“The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.” —Richard Burton

Sammy is loving the warmer weather. Says it’s not quite like where he came from, we do have a bunch more humidity, but at least it’s warm. And we now have the back patio more or less fenced off, and he loves it when one of us are out there and he can come sleep in the sun. It’s quite delightful to have the window open at night for a bit of the cool to come in.;-) Have a marvelous week wherever you live. Remember, the sun is always shining. Sometimes you need a really, really, REALLY tall extension ladder to get above the clouds…

What is Freedom? Part 2

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Happy National Firecracker Day. Frankly, since the Supreme Court has once again made slavery legal in those States that want it, I’m not in a celebratory mood. Fortunately, Washington, Oregon, and California, as well as about half the other States, are not going along with it.

Weather in the Tries: (It’s ok to drool. Better yet, come visit)

What is Freedom? Part 2

Continuation of the Rant, but somewhat toned down. Maybe.

I’m still mad as hell. Why does a minority of conservative Christians think they get to force everyone to their way of thinking? Why do they think they have the only true way to live? What makes them so sure theirs is the One True god? When they die, I hope they are judged by their god according to the tenets they are trying to cram down the majority’s throat.

Who cares if Jack and Joe want to get married? I don’t. How will their marriage affect yours? It won’t, unless you are currently married to either Jack or Joe, then you might have a dog in that fight. And if Jack and Joe decide they want to adopt or hire a surrogate, good on them. I’ve known a few gay couples who raised great kids who were not gay. And the kids were far happier with two dads or two moms than many I’ve known in a traditional marriage. Especially a marriage where the man of the house thought he was the head of the house in all things and the woman of the house his indentured servant, to be freed on either her or his death. Yes, I’ve known a few like that, especially in the evangelical churches to which I at one time belonged. 

Gayness is a pathology, not a psychology. It is not a choice. It’s hardwired before birth. And if it’s so wrong then why does that evangelical god create them that way? He’s really mucked up, isn’t he, if roughly 10% of his created humans are LGBTQ? Oh. Wait. Humans weren’t created, they evolved. Everyone knows that, don’t they?

As you by now know, I don’t do numbers. But there is an excellent article on the literal cost of overturning Roe v. Wadethat I think you might like to read. Seriously. As the author, Kate Bahn says, “Bodily autonomy interacts with self-determination across society, including the economy.” It’s not a long article. Read it. Think about it.

If you’re of childbearing age, and you think you’re smart enough to know your own body (and if you’re a friend of mine, you are), I think you might want to get yourself a good education and immigrate to some country in Europe, or perchance Canada. Someplace where there is a stable government, with a long shelf-life, and where religion is relegated to that part of society to which it belongs—the church, temple, synagogue, mosque, etc. Take your education someplace where it, and you, will be appreciated.

If you’re in a same sex relationship, consider moving you and your spouse, and children you may have, and do the same thing. You owe this country nothing. They certainly don’t want you here. And with your education and brains, go where you’re wanted and respected. If you work for a large multinational company and you can transfer within your company, by all means consider it.

You don’t know how it hurts me to write what I just wrote. I’m a veteran, I served my country for 9 years 5 months 23 days, and was proud of both my service and my country. Well, most of the time my country. Remember what I said last week about ignorance being a treatable condition? Well, I’m undergoing treatment. It truly is Amerikkka. Please consider my time in service a gift to you and for you. I truly don’t know if I think it’s even worth fighting for at this point. Maybe I’m just old and tired. If I didn’t live on the enlightened west coast, I think I’d try for some other country. Perchance the Netherlands. Maybe even Scotland and go for one of the outer Hebrides.

If you aren’t free to love the person you love, openly and without fear, you aren’t free. If man-made laws forbid you to love someone for any reason, you aren’t free. If marriage means giving yourself completely to the one you love, but only for a certain minority, it’s a poor marriage. Years ago, I was a rape crisis counselor, and in the training we took, we learned some interesting facts. Somehow, I don’t think they’ve changed much, and they certainly put a different light on these new laws. The most cases of incest came from evangelical families where the man was the head of the house. Are you surprised? Think Roman Catholic Church. Think Southern Baptist Church. Nobody can love his little girl like Daddy can.

Photos of the Week:

Mama Two Duck and her babies. They are at least double in size.
They scrabble up the bank fairly quickly, and Mama was right behind.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review and post it to http://lenoragood.blogspot.com and I have four new ones added.

Encore presentation from June 11, 2013

Oh Myyy! (There Goes the Internet) —by George Takei.

Autobiography

244 pages  3605 KB

Footnotes/Endnotes: no

Suitable for eReaders: yes

5 Stars

I bought this book for my Kindle Fire, and ‘saved’ it for a special occasion. That came on the day I spent 10 hours in the hospital while a friend had open heart surgery. I not only enjoyed the book, but, believe me, I needed it! (The surgery was a success, thanks for asking.)

If you’re of an age, and believe me, I am, and faced with the intricacies of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and the rest of today’s technologies, this is the book to read. No, it isn’t a ‘how to’ book, it’s a great romp through George Takei’s learning and mastering same. He makes it sound so simple, so easy, and at the same time, doesn’t make me feel like I’m such a dunce.

It’s like having Mr. Sulu explain all the electronics on the bridge of the Enterprise in language I can actually understand. (But, in that dreamy bass voice of his, would I even hear the words, or just the music?)

For anyone with a great sense of humor, who loves all the geeky stuff, who loves cats, the internet (ok, and George Takei;-) this is the book for you! A fun read, just what the Doctor ordered! Take with lots of laughs, a few chuckles, and a humongous smile!

My only complaint was the pictures were small, and I couldn’t get them to expand. That’s not Mr. Takei’s fault, that’s Mr. Kindle’s fault. 

Earworm:

I Am Woman

This is Me

It’s OK to Be Takei

Quotes on Being Different from Happier Human

“Normal is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from.” – Jodie Foster

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

“It’s really important to share the idea that being different might feel like a problem at the time, but ultimately diversity is a strength!” – Carson Kressley

The Brave Dog says he’s the ONLY Sammy Brave Dog in the whole wide world, and he knows he’s special, and different, because his human tells him so. And he wouldn’t have it any other way—and neither would his human!! And he’s possibly the only reason his human will remain in the States, because just about any country she’d be interested in has a quarantine requirement for pets, as well they should. It’s a choice Sammy’s human does not want to face.