Bread alone?

 So, my alarm went off this morning and I chose to ignore it and sleep a little later.  Sometimes that is nice.  However, I can also see how sleeping late might turn into a bad habit.  When I finally go into partial retirement, I don't want to be one of those people who stays up all night and then sleeps away the day, getting nothing accomplished.  When that happens, you're basically turning into a rock rather than a human, or a troll.

Yesterday much was accomplished, in spite of the constant drizzle.  Bread was baked.  Whole wheat, it's sooooo delicious!  I've eaten half the loaf already.  Can one live by bread alone?

Doing a little research here, so does anyone know what kind of wine would go good with S'mores?

I made Italian pork chops for dinner last evening and they turned out anything but tasty.  I'll pluck the meat for the bones and the dogs will get a treat.

Also, my doctor's appointment is for this afternoon.  After that, I'm going to get in a ride.  It's been a while because my knees have been old age achy.  I'm debating whether I should begin dousing myself with turmeric since it's an anti-inflammatory. 

One of the things Uncle Joe brought up in his speech was Trickle Down Economics, that old Reagan lie Republicans have been posturing for years.  Well, after decades of failure, even Conservatives are admitting it doesn't work.  It worked a bit at first because the tax rate for some was around 70%.  However, once the tax rate drops below 54%, it turns into a gift for the rich.  This is a truth Republicans hate.  They want their base to be gullible as hell.  

And what about Florida and their voting laws.  One of the definitions of Systemic Racism is to make voting more difficult for those minority groups you don't want voting.  Yep.  White Republicans believe that by making it illegal to give out water, and reducing the number of voting boxes, and make mail-in useless, people of color will stay away from the polls.  This belief among white Republicans proves they zero understanding of people.  They will only eat white bread, saying, "to hell with the wheat, the rye, and the raison."

Garlic, and other things of interest

 Okay, so I caved and turned on the Central A/C.  This morning when I got up the temps were 75 (F) downstairs, and 78 (F) upstairs.  And it will only be on for today, then the temps drop back to what is considered normal for this time of year.  I do have a bit of concern about this summer.  Last year the months of May, June, and July were hot.  Will this year be a repeat. I have this weird suspicion Global Warming is going to turn Central PA into a tropical rain forest.

Since I have off today, I did stay last evening and watch more of Star Trek Discovery.  I'm now into season 3.  Season one was meh.  Two was a lot better; we got to meet a younger Spock and Christopher Pike, and also go to Talos IV.  So far, season 3 is very interesting.

There were no odd incidents at work yesterday.  No strange people showed up at the Flooring Desk.  No phone calls relating to products that were just seen advertised on TV.  In fact, the last 2 hours were rather torturous since I knew my weekend was going to begin shortly.

Surprisingly, some of my dahlias appear to have survived the winter.  The cold usually kills them off, but out front I have 3 that are sprouting.  This morning, I want to get cantaloupes and cucumbers planted.  That garlic I planted has begun to grow fast... faster then I was expecting.  I'll probably be harvesting sometime in June.

My garlic

Uncle Joe gave a speech last evening.  I didn't watch it since I knew everything he was going to say was going to be repeated today, by everybody.  Evidently, Tim Scott, the only black Republican senator gave the rebuttal.  This was planned.  The GOP, which is so out of touch with so many facets of reality, believes that putting their token African American in front of a camera is going to strike a cord with other people of color.  Evidently it didn't.  For that to happen, the Republican would need to alter their philosophy and become more inclusive.  That will never happen.  They refuse to understand America is changing.

Cow Flatulence

 Today is my Friday.  My weekend begins tomorrow.  Piles of laundry are already stacked down the hallway, and one load is already in the washer.  Yippee!

There was a steady stream of customers at the flooring desk yesterday.  I had to remake a set of blinds for one customer who is... bad.  Supposedly, this person got a written estimate from the Lowe's up in Bloomsburg and someone at our store up in Bloomsburg promised to price match.  We never, ever price match special orders.  There are too many variables.  And this customer decided to buy her blinds at our store in Mechanicsburg because she lives here.  Bloomsburg is an hour and a half away.  Believe me, the lies flew thick and deep, but because one of our associates not only promised to price match, but called down to our store to insure we did so, we had to eat a large chunk of revenue.  This will never happen again.

And yesterday, I also received a query from a prospective Amazon customer about the Epson printer I bought.  Occasionally this will happen when you give a product a good review.  Some of the questions are pertinent, and some are just plain stupid.  Recently, I've begun sending back smartass answers to the dumb questions.  Yesterday's inquired whether the printer I purchased could fax.  Since being able to fax is a selling point, that feature will be listed in the description.  Epson isn't going to surprise you.  My response to the question:  read the description.  

Uncle Joe's giving a speech this evening.  I probably won't watch it.  So far, his approval rating hasn't taken a hit.  I understand the GOP is furious he hasn't given them a target.  And they're getting desperate.  The bit about taking away your hamburgers was... knee slapingly funny.  Evidently, New Zealand has been working on ways to make cow flatulence less damaging to the environment.  I respectfully suggest we try to find a similar solution for Republicans.

Lubed

 Okay, today's the day the temps begin rising.  Low 80's (F) being reached this after equals ceiling fans at level II upstairs - no Central AC.  If the forecasters are correct, we should be topping off near 90 (F) tomorrow.  Still no air, the fans might be spinning at Level I.  On Thursday, I have off, and the temps are supposed to begin their slow crash back into the normal 70-ish (F) range.  Oh, and there's a 64% chance of rain.

Yesterday was meh at the store.  Garden was busy, as expected, as was building materials.  People are doing a lot of home renovations.  The economy is booming.  Isn't that nice.  That doesn't mean we don't get asked stupid questions.  Phone calls.  Stupid people who choose not to look at a computer.  Yesterday a received a call from a woman who asked if we carried something called Fresetia (Sp).  Since I wasn't familiar with it, I asked her to spell it; we have millions of products on our website that are not in the store.  She got irritated:  "I don't know how to spell it!  I don't even know if I'm pronouncing it correctly!"  Yes, she said that.  When I asked what the product was she said, "it's an area rug.  I want to know if you have any in stock.  I want to see it.  I don't want to buy one without looking at it."  So, I told her if she's looking at our website, there will be a notation at the bottom letting her know if we have any in stock."  Her response.  "Well, you're not helping me at all."  And then she hung up.

Oh, and I got some new lube!

It's for the treadmill.  Now you all know.  You need to keep your belt lubricated if you want it to slide smoothly.

And what about that Supreme Court?  Are they going to make a long binding 2nd Amendment decision?  I suspect so.  Making it easy to carry a concealed weapon on the streets is fine for Conservatives.  Me?  I want more accountability, and fewer guns.  At the same time, however, their decisions to throw out Loser #45's elections challenges, as well as their liberal decisions on LGBTQ cases hands Conservatives a roll of burning toilet paper.  In an odd sort of way, they are keeping the country Centrist, spinning around in a circle like a well lubed hub, morselling out wins to the hungry mouths of both Liberals and Conservatives.  Someone once said, "you can't keep all of the people happy all of the time, but you can keep some of the people happy some of the time."  Their treadmill has been well lubed and they seem to be quite satisfied to keep running without moving fully to the left or the right, and in an odd way keeping the country Centrist.

A Bit About Entertainment

Monday.  The half gallon of ice cream I bought several days ago has been eaten.  Breakfast this morning will be a return to my standard oatmeal.  Healthy eating returns.

Last evening when I got home from work, I found this nestled into the corner of the futon.  Someone large enough and managed to pull it off my sideboard and chew off the top.  The advertising is wrong.  It should read 'irresistible to freshwater fish and 118 lb. boxers.'

Yesterday was so-so at work.  The rain stopped, but the sun didn't come out and the day remained overcast.  Today looks like a Xerox copy of yesterday.  Tomorrow the temps begin to climb.  Wednesday the thermometer is supposed to reach the upper 80's (F).  The temptation will be high to turn on the Central Air.  Gee... I might even open the windows.

And the Oscars were last night.  The Oscar website is saved as a favorite in my Entertainment file (yes, I'm more than a little organized), so I thought I'd watch a few moments on the big screen gaming computer I have.  Nope.  T'was not to be.  Evidently the ruling body of the Academy have seen fit to give ABC all rights for distribution.  Yep, they no longer stream from their website.  You actually need to have a cable subscription now.  Well, son of a bitch!  I got rid of my local channels because I was tired of spending $250 a year to watch 3 shows.  Instead of watching snippets of the ceremony, I ordered an HD antenna for my TV.  I'd had a cheap one, but got rid of it when I signed up for local channels.  My mistake.

Of course, since I had no interest in sitting by my computer watching updates and highlights of the Oscar ceremony, I did the next bestest thing!  Played Assassin's Creed Valhalla.  I love being a blonde, rugged Viking.  Anyway, this game if produced by a French Company called Ubisoft, and this company, as are many others, is moving into other genres of the entertainment genre.  They have a movie coming out this June called 'Werewolves Within,' which looks like a real hoot.  Here's the trailer:

 

Dramas

 And today is Sunday, and it's raining, a slow drizzle.  This is, I believe, the forecast for today.  Business in the flooring department should be... rather uneventful.  However, even in the rain, the Garden Department is going to be buzzing.  Tis the season of mulch.  And patio furniture.  And grills, both types, gas and charcoal.  My Mom, for some reason, pronounced charcoal as sharcoal.  Maybe she thought it sophisticated.  I will never know.  

For those interested, I had a bowl of peanut butter cup ice cream for breakfast.  Delicious.  I didn't have to cook.  I'm going through one of my high caloric junk food phases.  They happen from time to time.  Thoughts of calories, and fat percentages, and carbs go flying out the window.  And, unlike some, I never regret these times.  I also don't mind the exercise which will be needed to work off the damages done.

The Oscars are tonight.  I might watch some of the show.  I saw so few movies last year, and so I don't have my normal interest.  This is the year of the small film.  Dramas.  I'm not a big drama person, and I will admit I don't understand why some are drawn to the genre.  Let's be honest.  This past year has been overflowing with drama, why on earth would you want to immerse yourself in more?  Do some need to prove that fictional characters have it worse then them?  Or is it for the same reason my Mom said sharcoal rather then charcoal.

Here's one of my tulips to brighten your day!

Both India and Brazil and struggling through Covid.  What I find interesting is that there are still quite a number of Americans who either haven't had the disease or haven't been immunized yet.  In fact, there are still enough unvaccinated Americans to overwhelm the hospitals should they start getting sick.  True, we may know how to handle the symptoms better, and more are surviving, but that doesn't mean the death toll can begin to climb again.  Most of the unvaccinated are anti-vaxers and Conservatives still believing the lies of Loser #45.  Eventually, they will get sick.  There's no stopping it.  More will die.  That's their choice.  Perhaps they're just more interested in bringing more drama into their lives.

Boobs, and their artifice

 Holy Crap!  I just realized today's Saturday.  Yesterday was Friday and all I did were chores, getting things done when you're a homeowner is important.   There are a lot of boxes checked from yesterday's list.  Unfortunately for me, now I have another 5 days of work before I actually have my weekend.  I can't wait for November.  Every day past is a day close.

By the time Wednesday rolls around, the temps here are going to be in the upper 80's (F), which is unseasonable.  

Oh, and I don't think I mentioned it, but I got another Specialist of the month award.  Besides getting a pin and a patch, I also get points towards buying something.  Last time I bought myself a water bottle which I have yet to use.  There's a big Under Armor logo on the front.  Unless I'm getting paid to advertise I don't wear or carry name brand products.  And, in case you're wondering, I did have them remove their little Faulkner logo when I bought my Subaru Crosstrek.  Car dealers are notorious for cheesing their way into getting free advertising.

And what about Caitlyn Jenner running for Governor of California.  Stop Laughing Now!  At first I thought this was a publicity stunt... and, well, I haven't actually decided if that is not the case.  Supposedly she has someone from Loser #45's campaign advising her.  If that's true, I don't doubt the Republican party sees this Boob as a way of syphoning LGBTQ votes into the recall process.  You see, there are other Boobs out there who don't realize Caitlyn has about as much smarts as a brick.

Left or right?  Which one's Caitlyn?

You know?  Sometimes you need to laugh.

And speaking of boobs, what about Katie Ivey, Governor of Alabama who just signed a piece of anti-transgender legislation meant to keep school aged trans girls from playing sports.  Curious, I tried to find out just how many trans girls were in school in Alabama.  That answer's hard to discern.  Privacy, you know?  I mean, is it as many as 5000, or is that number lower?  And out of that total number in the transition process, how many of them really want to play girl's basketball, or field hockey?  Of course, we all know the number isn't important to those Republican boobs.  This legislation has more to do with blowing hatred out of proportion.

Torch This

 And a good, sleeping in late morning to you!  

Can you believe we're winding down April?  Crap, we just started it.  We did have another freeze warning last night, so I brought in my potted veggies.  There were scattered snow showers yesterday.  I missed all of them, but was told by many that some were quite heavy.  Next week?  The temps are supposed to hit the mid to upper 80's (F) for a couple of days, before dropping back down into the mid 70's (F).  

I have a Ukrainian customer who wants to retile most of her downstairs and put bamboo throughout her upstairs.  At first she brought her daughter in as a translator.  Yesterday, she brought her sister, who speaks English quite well.  The job is... expensive as hell, with the majority of the cost being in the labor.  Think mid $20's.  For tile, we normally charge $8 per square foot, but we are running a 'deal' right now.  I was told that she's going to talk it over with her husband, which I do believe is going to translate into "No."

As usual, laundry is on the chore list for today.  I also want to change the media in the tank.

The third reader is working his way through The Body in the Loch.  Word provides an 'Editor' so I think I'll use that for the next book, The Body in Repose.  I'm still in the note taking stage for characters.  There's a very good possibility those who read my books might get to meet a torch singer named Sheila Caine.  Now, ain't that a nice name?

And, speaking of torches, I saw Navalny has decided to end his hunger strike.  Oh, and the troops Vlad the Dumb was massing on Ukraine's boarder are being shipped elsewhere.  Translation:  Vlad the Dumb blinked.  Big Time.  Both Alexei's supporters and the EU seem to have torched his plans.  No matter how desperate tin foil dictators are for complete power, they are always going to fail.  Xi will learn this lesson, too.  As will the Republicans in this country.  Things will never stop changing.

Frankie the Chameleon

 I slept really well last night, making up for the night before.  According to my watch, I got almost 7 hours of sleep.  

My new plants for the tank arrived yesterday.  One of the Baby's Breath plants got tossed.  Before dumping it in the compost bin, I weighed it.  Over 12 ounces.  That sucker was big.  That one plant grew to be bigger then a basketball.  Amazon Swords now replace it, and the fish have more room to swim, and I clean the algae on the tank wall it was hiding.  The other Baby's Breath plant is going to go to.  What they do better then anything else is trap lots of uneaten food.

Those angel fish were the size of a quarter when I bought them a year ago

We're supposed to have snow flurries in a few minutes.  As a reminder to those who don't know, we have had some serious snow falls in Central PA during the month of April.  The one good thing about those is that they melt away very, very fast.  Today, we're not even going to have a dusting.

Scanning through the headlines this morning, I see Republican desperation growing.  That makes me smile.  Some of things that are popping out of their mouths can only make you question their sanity, especially when compared to their previous comments.  That stale, aging cracker Frankie Graham said, after the Chauvin verdict, "justice has been served."  I must say Frankie has really flip-flopped from what he was saying at the time of the protests.  Back then, however, he was a loyal ass-kisser of Loser #45.  Maybe we should call him Chameleon Frankie, since he finds it so easy to change the color of his comments.  Don't forget, underneath his 'justice' comments he's still a White Evangelical.

How the world turns

 Dearie Me... I slept in again this morning.  Not because I stayed up late.  Nope.  Actually, there are 2 reasons.  The most obvious is that my alarm is not set for Wednesday morning for some reason.  Number 2 is doggy bladders.  Biggie out off the bed twice before finally deciding he needed to go potty outside... at 1245.  Then it was Lily's turn.  At 0230 I was standing down by the back door waiting for her to do her after midnight pee run.  And that little lady took her time.  Long enough for me to eat a slice of cheese.

I'm set up to get a physical down at the Lebanon VA on 4/30 with Dr. Haverstock.  I'm staying with the Optometrist I have at the VA in Harrisburg, but all my other health care, which isn't much to speak of, is going to Lebanon.  I'm fine with that.  I grew up in Lebanon.  This place is big!  The building Center Left with the white roof is their YMCA - that's where I was vaccinated.  The building Top Center with the white roof is where I had my hernia surgery.  My new doctor is going to be in the large building in the Center, on the 5th floor.

And what a great day we had in America yesterday.  The hair stood up on my arms when I heard the Jury had reached a verdict.  Of course there was trepidation.  So many times before juries have sided with the police.  Yesterday was different.  When the verdict was announced I will admit a tear ran down my cheek.  And though yesterday's decision was a big step forward, in truth it was only a very small one.  Last evening the white, conservative pundits began raising their voices denying there is racism in this country.  Their fear is growing because they are losing their fight.  Evolution is winning.  It has always won.  This is how the world turns.

My Big Boy, and other things.

 Well, the veggies have been planted, all 5 plants.  This year, the tomatoes are in the ground, not in pots, let's hope I get a better yield.

My Big Boy

I baked another loaf... white bread this time, however, I accidentally used the setting for a 1.5 pound loaf rather the the 2 pound loaf, and, of course, I had the ingredients for the larger loaf in the pan.  Son of a bitch!  The bread tastes great, however there was a large air bubble just inside the top crust, and when I say large I mean 2 inches high and 4 inches across.  Oh, and perhaps the butter wasn't quite at room temperature...  I'm calling it a very tasty learning experience.

A ride had been planned for yesterday and ended up being scrapped.  There was too much other stuff needing my attention.

Some new plants were ordered for the aquarium, plants that don't take up too much space.  Right now there are 2 Baby Tear plants that have grown way out of control.  They take up well over a cubic foot of space, which is a lot.  One of them is going to go, being replaced with more grass like plants.

Oh, and I get to go back to work today.  My next day off is on Friday.  After that I'll have a regulars, 5 day work week before I get another mid-week weekend.

Greece has begun opening up for tourists.  Go Greece!  I suspect that for some time to come, their future relies completely on their past.  There's nothing wrong with that.  Being the home of one of the greatest civilizations is nothing to sniff about.

For those who didn't see it, Xi gave a speech yesterday complaining about the world's hegemony.  Basically, what he was doing was complaining about our democratic influence on other countries.  China is, of course, not a democracy.  Xi has managed to get himself installed as president for life.  Basically, he's managed to get himself set up as an emperor.  Unlike Putin, the faux emperor of Russia, he has yet to run into problems.  They will come.  People are people.  They don't want a strong arm government telling them what to do for too very long.  Life is not like in the olden days.  Like his counterpart, Vlad the Dumb, he longs for a return to those grandiose times when nations bowed down to their leaders.  This is what Loser #45 and the Republican party tried to do in this country, dress a dictatorship up in the costumery of democracy.  There are too many variables for Xi to ever get his plan to endure for longer than a generation.  Look at Vlad the Dumb, he has fires cropping up all over the place.  People are people.

Good News for Centrists

 Slept in again on my day off.  Of course, I stayed up watching Star Trek, Discovery.  I think of it as a little treat.  While I like the Star Wars movies, I've always preferred Trekking through my science fiction.  One series grounds itself in science, the other in fantasy.  One is geared towards adults, the other towards a toy buying younger generation.

Yesterday was very busy up until around 3 PM, then things began slowing down.  That's fine with me.  One of my customers shelled out $4000 for new carpet.  She told me, her and husband have used every stimulus check for home improvements.  "It's what we're supposed to doing," she said.  I banked most of mine, but you better believe it's going to be spent eventually.

I also picked up some veggies yesterday, including an eggplant.  The selection was really rather lame.  I ended up with 2 tomato plants, 2 pepper plants (1 hot and 1 sweet) and an eggplant.  There were a hell of a lot of lettuce plants... not my thing.  I'm not a salad kind of guy.  I like them occasionally, but having one every meal is... well, a bit too green for me.

Anne Marie wanted to see my loaf.  Can I have a drum roll, please?

It has a good taste, but I'll be honest, I prefer baguettes rather then loaves, so this will probably the last time I use the maker for baking French bread.  I have the option for using the machine only for mixing, kneading, and letting the bed rise.   At that point, you can shape it into a loaf and bake it in your oven.

And I did get a chortle when I saw that Republicans are looking forward to the 2022 elections.  They see  themselves has winning back both the House and the Senate because of Immigration and the soaring deficit.  They are so delusional.  Almost 49% of the voters in this country are registered Democrat.  Because of January 6, many Republicans will sit out the next election because they're disgusted with the direction of the party.  These are facts they totally ignore.  Their fatal flaw is only believing what they want to believe.  Only a few will learn when they're proven wrong, which is good news for Centrists.

Shoot that Poison Arrow

The French Bread I baked in my new bread maker is... delicious.  The load shape is odd.  Oh, and because I used the timer and the mixing, kneading process began while I was still sleeping, I didn't have the chance to removed the little kneading paddle.  This meant cutting off the bottom of the loaf to remove the little sucker.  Pain in the ass.  I may try an artisan loaf tomorrow, since I'm off work.

Yesterday at work we were hectic busy for a while in flooring.  Our Garden department went through the roof as far as sales were concerned.  People are spending money.  So am I, but not to the same degree.  Tonight, after I punch out, I'm going to pick up some furnace filters (my central air uses the same venting), and veggie plants.  I'm also going to stop off at my local Giant and do my shopping, rather then go tomorrow.

One of the managers at work flipped the radio station to the 80's again yesterday and this little gem played.  I bought this album.  Loved it.  As I listened, I realized the lyrics were very usable to a writer who crafts mysteries.  Take a listen and tell me if you don't agree.  Hhhhmm.  Who knows where they might show up.

And since I can't leave the dogs and fly down to New Orleans, I've been watching YouTube videos.  The walking tours are chock full of good information, and a great way to sit in your armchair and flesh out possible settings.

Oh, and I saw where Marjorie Taylor Greene has decided to claim she's abandoning her white supremacist group.  Personally, I think this is just her putting on her liar's mask to please the complainers of both parties.  There's no changing the evil in her heart.  Remember, she's one of those Q heretics.  There's no way she's going to privately eliminate the ugly from her system.

 

Tools

 Yesterday was very physical.  I lifted.  I carried.  I pushed and pulled.  Oh, and yeah, sometimes I was a little high... up in the air.  Yesterday I unpacked a pallet of freight... by myself.  Well, I will admit to using a tool.  We call it a Ballymore.  Think of it as a small freight elevator on wheels.  This piece of equipment is used to put heavy product in the overhead, since using a ladder can be dangerous.  This is a good tool.

Right now I have a loaf of French bread preparing to bake in my new bread machine.  I was a little off in gauging the time.  i was an hour off, so instead of my popping it out of the pan at around 0730, I'll be doing that around 0830.  Since I don't leave for work until 1000, there's still time for a slice... or two.  Looking in through the little window in the top, I can tell you the loaf looks great.

And then, of course, there are the Tools who do everything they can to try and bury they nation.  The Covidiots, who believe their fallen leader with his big lie.  He is leading his supporters to their death.  This is how it was supposed to be.  Honestly, how many tools are in this group.   Of course, anytime you see the name of Marjorie Taylor Greene involved, you know it's about white supremacy.  Here the call in Anglo-Saxon political tradition.  Evidently that stupid woman is attempting to redefine just who the Anglo-Saxons were.  They were white, but their political traditions were anything but Democratic, and I can't help but wonder if this is her way of telling the world she wants the United States to feudal, with thousands of city / states?  She is an extraordinarily broken tool.

The Egg Salad Sandwich

Hello, Friday, not that I'm excited.  Monday there will be a little excitement in my words; I'm off.

When I checked my sales yesterday, I was already past my goal.  One of my customers is putting hardwood throughout their upstairs.  Smart move.  I always tell people, if you have hardwood, hold onto it.  Think of it as an asset.  And contrary to what some may think, older hardwood is more valuable then younger hardwood, as long as it ages well.

We have veggie plants at the store.  I didn't get a chance to peruse them yesterday.  Since I'm off Monday I'll give them a gander Sunday before I leave for the day.

And some might consider this blasphemy, but I've bought myself a bread maker.  A Cuisinart.  There are those who find therapeutic value in kneading.  And I find nothing wrong with kneading.  I just think I'd like to knead a little less.

I am aiming to get a little  run / jog in this morning.  What will I watch?  Dunno.  Definitely something less crash inducing.

As I was eating an egg salad sandwich for breakfast (your stomach doesn't know what time it is), I realized that the next book, The Body in Repose, will be more atmospheric.  You might want to think of it as Eli and Max meet Kolchak.  I was going to show a clip of that TV series but realized it might imply supernatural shenanigans.  There aren't any.  So instead I thought I add this clip.  As people are getting vaccinated, things are beginning to open up.  This if from the Broadway version of "Frozen," performed in Sydney on March 29.  Sometimes we could all use a little Disney.

As for politics, I find it quite amusing to watch Republicans shit their pants, and they're doing that quite frequently, almost daily.  They're beginning to realize the real problem with have Loser #45 as president, every day Biden is feeding him and his lackeys cesspool salad.  As a result, they're growing more and more extreme.  Looks like someone has finally let the Cracker Jack Crazies out of the box.

 

Balance

I accomplished much yesterday.  Hey, I even got my lawn mowed!  During a drizzle!  Took an 11.83 mile ride in Bavaria - that was ok, the first half was downhill which does nothing for strengthening legs or burning calories. 

 Worked on the aquarium.  I cut back the plants.  They're growing like pizazz!  If I'm not careful, they will fill up the tank.  Here's what it looks like now.  The angelfish are over 4 inches from top to bottom.

I sent an email to the VA yesterday morning in which I politely detailed my disappointment with their performance.  Around 1100 I received a phone call from a scheduler to make an appointment.  At this point, my shoulder doesn't feel that bad, so I declined.  However, she did give me her extension so if ever "this sort of breakdown in communications" happens again, I can reach out to her.  I'm wondering if this breakdown is rather common.

Damn, I have a mosquito bite on my left elbow and it itches like hell.  

Oh, and I don't know if any of you saw, but China says they are now our equals.  If this is true, you can blame the Republicans. In case you haven't noticed, the only thing they've been concerned about for years has been to push their social conservativism into every American home.  Science is important.  Covid comes along and they turned away from science.  They have been more concerned with putting the 10 Commandments back into classrooms, then they have of scientific advancement.  Now we are in a struggle to keep from falling behind.

Also, sanctions against Russia were announced this morning.  I suspect they're not happy.  Uncle Joe's not going to kiss Putin's ass like Loser #45.  He knows a dictator when he sees one.

And finally... legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate to increase the number of judges on the Supreme Court to 13.  It'll may never happen.  But what it does do is send a clear and concise message to the court.   If you try and change a largely, centrist country conservative to satisfy your on personal beliefs, we will change you.  There must be balance.

Survival of the Fittest

 Okay, so Wednesday has arrived.  I get to go back to work tomorrow.  I'm not excited.  This is how it goes.  When I sit down at the flooring desk, I know there is work I will need to catch up on... sales calls that will need to be made.   Making calls is not one of the highlights of the day.  Most of the time they go into voicemail.  The message I leave is always the same, and quite often it elicits the same response.  Very few people return calls.  Too many people initiate the process without understand the cost involved.  Carpet estimates are always close, but laminate?  Or hardwood?  Or vinyl?  Sometimes those estimates aren't even in the ballpark because those products require smooth and fairly level floors.  Like people, as homes age things begin to sag.

I want to mow my lawn later this morning.  For the first time in years we seem to be getting April showers... and everything is green and growing.  My tulips are beginning to bloom.  Nice.  Now if only I could get a hold of some veggies to plant.

Peonies are in the background

I was talking to my friend Betsy last evening, telling her how, with so many getting vaccinated, the virus was going to begin cycling among the unvaccinated masses, you know, the Republican / Evangelicals.  And I reminded of Darwin's theory regarding the survival of the fittest, however in this case fit does not mean surviving Covid over and over again, but rather those smart enough to be vaccinated.  She had to laugh when I told her we were actually living through evolution.

Of course, more and more corporations are joining the complaints against Republican sponsored voting limitations.  It's in their best interest to keep their customers happy.  An unhappy customer will take his business elsewhere (I'm in retail, remember).  Republicans have never understood Customer Service.  Their egos get in the way.  Yep.  They are all too much like Loser #45.  As a result, they're going to partisan themselves out of politics, where the survival of the fittest award does not go to 'no' saying diehards.

Treadmill crashing

 I had a lot of things I planned to do yesterday, hit That Fish Place was one of them... however, a quick scan of their inventory on their website was enough to tell my a trip to Lancaster was not worth the time.  Instead, I spent a small bit of time unsubscribing to some of the numerous political emails I get daily.  Everybody wants me to part with my money for the cause.  The sad truth is that they will bankrupt you given the chance.  Believe me, I have no problem scrolling to the bottom and hitting the unsubscribe button.  The reason I give every one of them:  'you're sending me too many damn emails.'

And then, of course, I crashed while on the treadmill.  I blame the video I was watching.  The guy wearing the GoPro was jogging along, passing the occasional person on the trail, as he made his way through the snow around Loch an Eilein in Scotland when he came to a gate.  There was a couple standing there.  They realized the guy with the GoPro was approaching as they started through the gate, and then they stopped.  He jerked to the left to avoid crashing into them, and I did likewise.  My foot hit the side of the treadmill and down I went, sliding off the back and into my dumbbells.  No worries.  I've learned how to fall well.  So, I turned off the video and got back on to finish, knowing I basically needed to change my route and never watch that video.  This is called learning.  Oh, and half an hour later I was on my bike riding around St Moritz.

Loch an Eilein... and yes, there's a ruined castle on an island

A number of top legal law firms are girding up to challenge racist election laws like the one passed in Georgia.  You know, this pisses the hell out of white Republicans.  Their supremacy is being challenged from every angle.  Oh, well, tough shit.  You see, they're running on their own treadmill, watching their own little video, and something herkie jerky happens and they crash and fall down.  However, instead of learning anything, they take a step to the right and get on another treadmill which is playing the same video.  They're falling down more often and learning less each time.  This is how evolution works.

The Charioteers

So I slept in again this morning.  This was mostly because the sun chose to hide behind a blanket of clouds.  There's a 60% chance of rain today.  Last night, around 10:30 (PM) it rained like hell.  Many, many bolts of lighting lit of the sky.  For around half an hour there was not one second when the rumbling of thunder paused.  Not a lot of wind.  

And I had odd dreams last night:  I was a colonist sent to a new planet in suspended animation, when we got there we had to walk everywhere and I was surprised a vehicle of some sort hadn't been included in our trip.  In a later dream I was a telephone repairman.  I was stopped by two lesbians with a lot of cats who wanted me to sign one of my books for them.  Since they only had the Kindle version, they printed off the cover page for me to sign.  It was a strange night for dreaming.

Yesterday, while looking for some Egyptian Belly Dancing music, I stumbled across this video of them Golden Pharaoh parade last week (Treaders had mentioned it).  I'll be honest, there is a lot of spectacle here.  I kind of got a bit teary eyed when the charioteers came riding down the boulevard.  I mean, when was the last time we actually saw charioteers?

Evidently Loser #45's fiery speech this past weekend was not what wealthy GOP donors wanted to hear.  You would think that by now the truth of his negativity would have knocked some sense into them.  Nope.   They wanted to hear about a bright future for the GOP and got slapped silly by his dead fish of a Big Lie.  According to the article, applause was sparse.   They are beginning to realize he is an horrific detriment to their party, as well as the upcoming elections.  Also spent a bit of time complaining about Saint Biden, and the current administration.  He will never understand the charioteers he's waiting for are never going to arrive.  He will never get his parade.

 

Too late to Right the Wrong

 Of course today begins my 4 day stretch... no work, no health check, no face mask, except for when I go shopping later this morning.  My laundry routine has commence, the 2nd load is prepped and ready to go.  Outside, the skies are overcast and there is a constant drizzle.  I will probably light some candles to Amun Ra later, not because I believe he exists, rather I do find the idea of lighting candles to a sun god a bit on the exotic side.  Exotic can be good.

Or maybe I'll just settle for making candles.  I have enough wax on hand for three or four.

And I want to get a ride in or a run.  Alternating between the two of the next for days would be great!

I've also been researching PT exercises for my shoulder since my personal care physician at the VA seem more interested in letting her assistant do her work.  What I've also decided to do is switch to the Lebanon VA for my doctor's visits.  I still go to the New Cumberland clinic for my bloodwork and eye care, but everything else will be shifted to a facility with working doctors.

Because the location for the next book is going to be New Orleans, concepts for characters and the way they speak have been bubbling around in my brain.  There will probably be a character named Bianca.  Here's an example of a descriptive sentence which popped into my consciousness while I was showering yesterday morning.  "She spoke slow and forcefully,  her smooth southern accent wrapping the sounds of her syllables tightly around her words, so there was no misinterpretation of meaning."  Now, ain't that nice?

Oh, and evidently John Boehner's book is filled with obscenities.  He is angry.  Loser #45 is to blame for everything.  Oh, no John, the GOP is sitting on the left side of Satan because of you.  You, and your spray-on tan were the loud voice of the party of NO.  Now you swill your wine and point your finger at others, doing what you, yourself, as well as every other Republican has done:  Blame someone else.  It's too late to try and right your wrong.

Charting the Way

 Well, a good Saturday morning to you all.  This is my version of Friday.  I have four (4) days off beginning around 7(PM) this evening.  To celebrate, I've already begun separating my laundry.  

I didn't receive a response from the VA yesterday, so I'll call them again this morning.  While the process is frustrating at times, I must admit applying pressure to force them into activity is not unsatisfying.  Perhaps this is a result of my years in customer service, knowing which pins and needles work for customers to get what they want provides me with an advantage.  Truly, I do believe we should all enjoy injecting responsibility into those who fail to understand their irresponsible actions can have an effect on many, many people.  I will jab them a little more in an hour or so with another voice mail; they're closed on weekends.

We've begun selling a new hardwood product:  Malibu Wide Planks.  It's very grainy with a matte finish.  I wouldn't put it in my house because I have dogs.  The graininess, you know?  There are so many little pores waiting to trap dirt.  Kids have the same problem, except kids don't run through shit... well, sometimes they do.

As I leave work this evening, I'll see if they've gotten any of the veggie plants in I'm looking for.  Scores of lawn tractors and gas grills are waiting to be sold, a beefsteak tomato plant?  Nope.  No pepper plants, either.  And I thought this year I might do eggplant as well.  Of course, there is the possibility I may a bit over anxious to put things in the ground.  Perhaps I should demonstrate a little restraint and follow this chart.

And of course, to the slight consternation of Social Conservatives, Biden announced the formation of a committee to study the effects of expanding the Supreme Court yesterday.  Consternation... I like that word.  I do wonder if this is a serious endeavor on the part of the administration, or just a way to apply pressure on those conservative justices the Republicans tried to shove down America's throat.  I do like the idea of term limits.  That would be a way of eliminating the choke put on the country by a minority group, of course, it would take time.  I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to adding three more seats to the bench.  Given the opportunity, the Cracker Jack Crazies will ruin this country.  Look at the damage they die with Loser #45.

Chipping Away

 Well, I'm getting a little frustrated with my personal care provider at the VA.  She's new.  I've never met her.  That may never happen.  I've been trying to make an appointment to get my shoulder checked out and all I get is her assistant's voice mail.  Her assistant returns my calls but... I'm working.  Her message is the same:  provide explicit details so a decision will be made whether I need to have X-rays taken before I can set up an appointment for a consultation.  Rather then make an appointment to actually talk to someone, it seems to me as though they want to diagnose me through voice mail.  My new doctor may be one of those doctors who never actually sees a patient.  I do believe a complaint might be in order.

I had purchased a Surface tablet a few years back... Microsoft.   I was not impressed.  I like their apps, their internet?  Bing, or what ever it's called is never used in my house.  Clunky.  That being said, I used it for research on my first book.  Right now it's downstairs updating, since I'm thinking of using for a similar purpose on the next.  I paid for it.  I might as well put it to good use.  We'll see.

And it's raining outside.  I did check at the store on veggie plants... we have a meager supply.  They are not shipping in on a timely manner.  Last year, during the pandemic, all we got were tomato plants and herbs.   Lots of herbs and cherry tomato plants.  Not much of anything else.  I'm suspecting this year might be a replay of last year.  Perhaps their trying to grow computer chips rather veggies in those greenhouses.

I haven't been paying attention to the Mattie Gaetz story recently, but I vaguely recall hearing yesterday that Loser #45 said something in his defense.  If that's true... well, can you hear me laughing?  Oh, and his associate is going to strike a plea bargain.  Just think, if Mattie goes to jail, he might have to shave his head.  Can't wait for those pictures.
 

 

Your Legs are the Engines of your Body

Yesterday was a bit surprising.  Actually, a lot surprising.  About an hour before I was supposed to leave a couple started looking at the vinyl planks.  As I began talking to them, he turned to me and asked if I had worked for International Paper.  Of course, you can recognize people with their masks.  He started to explain he had been our physical training advisor, when I remembered him.  Believe me, it's so nice to recognized while after 14 years, even when wearing a mask.  He's the one responsible for my becoming involved with working out, helping me set up training programs.  Shawn is the one who first taught me a a truth I have repeated many times in this blog:  Your legs are the engines of your body.  Of course, he also said "you know you got a good leg workout in if you throw up when it's finished."

I did pick up one of those cheap area rugs before I left.  This is how it's done in retail, you buy it when you leave.  I rarely make a special trip to the store.  One of these days, I'll wander back through garden and see if the veggies have arrived.

Evidently, many of those who have received stimulus checks are like me, banking the cash.

"The Body in the Loch" is with reader #2.

Of course, as time passes, the effects of Loser #45 are becoming more and more apparent, and not in a good way for Republicans.  For them, the only way to win the culture war is to go farther and farther to the right.  The staunchly refuse to accept the fact that America is changing.  We are evolving as a nation.  Thanks to Loser #45, Democrats now outnumber Republicans by 9%.  That's a large percentage.  And it's growing.  They are desperately searching for a message to unite their hateful minority, and their intentions are causing the average voted to take a big step back and wonder what in hell is wrong with Conservatives.

Oh, and the funny comment of the day belongs to Georgia's Lieutenant Governor who blamed their severe voting restrictions on Giuliani and 'the big lie.'  Those are the words of a desperate Republican.

No fixing stupid

 Crap, I get to go back to work for 4 days... and the weather is supposed to be beautiful.  Today they're predicting a high of around 76 (F), which is around the perfect temperature.  In 5 days, however, when I have a mini-vacation, the temps are supposed to drop back into the 60's.  Ah, well, nighttime temps are still going to stay above freezing.  Let's hope they get the veggies in soon at the store.

I've begun the process of getting someone to see my shoulder... not the easiest thing during a pandemic.  With the VA there's no simple way to do things.  Firstly, I need to arrange for a consultation and it is that (hopefully) face to face which will be used to schedule an appointment with orthopedics.

I made oriental meatballs yesterday with lots of ginger and garlic.  They will be my lunch today and tomorrow.  I always use real garlic, rather then the salt of the powder.  If you're like me, you know that you can't use every clove in a head of garlic.  There are little ones left over, too small to chop or mince.  So, here's a bit of Dave's advice on what to do with those little cloves.  Take a pokey thing (tool) and make a hole in the ground.  Shove in the clove and cover.  And wait.  Once you see it sprouting, you know it's busily making other cloves.

And yesterday I shared a picture of my peach blossoms.  Today it's the nectarine tree.  There are lots of blossoms.  Last year the squirrels got them all.  Let's hope that doesn't happen this year.

I saw where little Stevie Miller, Loser #45's favorite racist has formed a group to fight against the ACLU when they take a case to court.  He's another loser.  This man's going to die a bitter, old man in an ever shrinking community of biased, hateful white men.  Good.

Oh, and there was an amusing article in the Washington Post yesterday regarding the 2 groups who are refusing to get vaccinated.  Not surprisingly, they are the Republicans and the White Evangelicals.  Did you see what I just did?  I named one specific group, not two.  Yes sir, I am talking about one group whos buffooneries amazing.  Obviously they don't understand the virus will take advantage of their unprotected state.  Unable to infect those who have had their shot (s), and since natural immunity is only good for 6 - 8 months, Covid will continue to circulate among them, making them sick over and over again.  Oh, well, you just can fix stupid.

Blossom

Okay, so I drove over to the store yesterday to buy baby veggie plants and an area rug and bought neither.  Evidently it's still too early in the season for the plants, except for herbs, your standard parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.  As for the rug?  I didn't even go into the store.  I don't like going there on my days off.  If I need something, I'll pick it up before I leave.  So, if that area rug is still there tomorrow, I'll buy it as I'm walking out the door.

The dogs and I went for a walk.  They love walks!

My replacement phone charges!

And I rode over an hour on my bike, burning off 533 calories in the process.  There were three nice hills, and my legs were a mite sore last evening.

Here's what my peach blossoms look like this morning.

I saw where Mitch McConnell's flipping out because corporations are complaining about the Georgia election laws.  Evidently Old Mitch, and I'm not using that name loosely, doesn't understand these corporations employ many, many minorities.  Neither he, nor the Republican Party understand these corporations are just sticking up for their associates.  This is called loyalty.  Like Loser #45, Old Mitch and his party believe loyalty is purchased; you donate to our campaigns, we'll drop your taxes.

And a friend and I had a bit of a discussion on Americans dropping their church affiliations, mine being that Evangelical Christianity was one of the main culprits.  And lo, the Guardian hath sayeth unto the masses this beith the truth.  Now, how ironic is that?  Evangelicals are slowly killing their own religion.  "How can this be?" they cry out in disbelief, "for we are special.  We, and Loser #45, are the chosen ones."  Nope.

Crocodile Tears

 Well, yesterday turned out to rather fine weather wise.  Temps here in the heart of PA hit 71 (F).  I got a little yard work in, lots of loads of laundry, a little cleaning, and made shrimp lo mien for dinner - your usual Easter day agenda.  And in case you're wondering, no, I did not have an Easter bunny hunt for the dogs... they were too fast for me to catch.

Oh, and I got one of my jogs in.  I'm rather please to say I did a four minutes stretch where I was cruising along at 8.2 miles per hour. 

This morning I want to zip over to the store and pick-up my veggie plants for the season, as well as an area rug that's now at half price.  Having hardwood floors, I use a lot of area rugs, and every one was purchased after it had been marked down.  I guess this means you could classify my décor as cheap.

I'm also going to pick up my replacement phone this morning.  It will be nice to have a phone that actually charges again.

And as of yesterday, over 100 million Americans have been vaccinated.  One article said we were racing towards herd immunity.  With the number of variants croppy up, however, we may wind up having to get booster shots every year.  Since most understand that Covid is worse then influenza, this will be no problem for many.  For Republicans, however, it's another matter.  This means they will get sicker more often, and die more often, and weed themselves out of the gene pool faster then they believed possible.  No tears here.

And I saw that the number of Republicans believing the elections was stolen has dropped to around 50%.  This must gall the hell out of all those GOP congressmen who pushed the lie.  At the same time, however, I saw that around 72% of them feel voting should be made more difficult.  This is amusing since many of them are getting older, and many of them are refusing to get the vaccine.  I saw this in the Washington Post:

A party assured that it had a popular message and appealing candidates would seek to increase voter turnout. Instead, from Arizona to Georgia to Texas, GOP state lawmakers continue to push unnecessary new laws designed to suppress voter turnout.

This tells us that they are passing all this legislation because they know their unpopular.  They know they have to cheat to win elections.  Rather then learn to compromise, something our forefathers intended when they wrote the Constitution, they're simply going to try and say "screw you."  It's our job to teach them a lesson.  Oh, and prepare yourselves for their crocodile tears as they try and find another way to cheat behind your back.

The White Gloves

 So, it's Easter Sunday and I'm quite pleased to say I slept in a bit and already have one load of laundry in the washer.  Work shirts.  Now, if you'll excuse me for a few minutes, I'm going to put them in the drying and pop in my 2nd load, sweat pants.

There, that didn't take long, did it?

I had a customer stop by the Flooring Desk yesterday who frequents the Paint Desk.  He took up about a half-hour of my time asking questions which always ended with 'don't you agree?'  His behavior hasn't changed since I used to talk to him about paint.  He never bought paint, but wanted to reassured his viewpoints had validity.  I don't remember him every buying paint, but he still shows up over there at least once a week.  He will never buy carpet.

There was also a couple who were interested in Plantation Shutters.  I set them up with an appointment for a representative to talk to them.   Shutters are very expensive.  They will never buy.

A few months back I purchased a small, inexpensive table to put beside my desk downstairs.  As I unpacked the parts and readied them for assembly, I found a pair of white gloves had been included.  I didn't use them while putting the table together, however they do come in quite useful when I'm handling the photo paper for printing off color pictures.  No finger prints.

And for some, today is important for religious reasons.  Notice, I didn't call it a holiday.  Holiday infers to a day that is supposed to be fun, a vacation away from work.  The Cracker Jack Crazies take today very seriously.  Me?  I'm going to drive over to my local Giant supermarket, and then clean up the dog crap in the yard.  I want to get in a ride or a run, it's been too long since my legs have done either.  For me, there is nothing holy about this day.  The fact that Easter is not a fixed day, but rather changes yearly should be an indicator it's not nearly as important as they want to believe.

Sunny Optimism

 It's the weekend... well, almost.  My weekend begins tomorrow.  Oh, and it lasts for 3 whole days.  I'm excited.  And what am I going to do on my days off?  Oh, a little of this and a little of that.  The things I normally do.  The weather's supposed to be nice, so the dogs are going to get longer walks then usual.  The love walks!

Yesterday was simply just so - so at work.  I have a bit of an attitude, something created by working so many days without a break.  I've almost hit my sales goal for the week, something which should happen by the end of today.  Really, I don't do anything to get these people to buy.  I don't believe in high pressure sales.  Mostly, I treat people the way I want to be treated.  They seem to appreciate that.  Oh, and if they have pets, we talk about pets.  

I will be picking up my new phone tomorrow.  After that, I might drive down to That Fish Place.  There's a possibility I might put that little adventure off until Tuesday, since the forecasters are calling for drizzle.

If you're one of my readers helping me prep for the publication of The Body in the Loch, you might want to play this.  Think of it as sunny optimism with a hint of darkness.

And I understand Pro-Lifer's seedy little hearts are beginning to fill with consternation.  You see, the Supreme Court, which Loser #45 loaded with social conservatives to gain votes is dawdling.  There appears to be little interest on the part of the judges to pick up cases which will undercut, overhaul, or simply overturn Roe V Wade.  Now tell me, wouldn't that be rather amusing if all of those Evangelicals will have sold their souls to Loser #45 for naught?  This is what happens when desperation overrides sanity.  The inaction of those they've chosen will lead to bitterness as their imaginary wounds will never truly heal.  They will never get to experience Mr. Blue Sky.  That's a good thing, something they deserve.

In November

 So, I'm sitting typing this while I eat my breakfast.  For those who don't know, breakfast is almost always the same thing:  Oatmeal.  Well, not just oatmeal, I mix in dried cherries, almonds, walnuts and honey to make a tasty treat.

This is my Thursday, and I'll be honest, my attitude is beginning to suffer.  I will have had one day off in an 11 day stretch.  Work.  We can't live without it, at least not in the way most of us want.  Being comfortable is nice, without having to worry about bills.  Being able to purchase things we desire without having to put ourselves in debt for months at a time.  We have some seniors working part-time because they want to, the hours at the store get them out of the house.  We also have some who work because they need to, mostly to help them pay for their meds.  I'm not concerned about being in the latter group.  And I've also been thinking about going part - time.  Last night, Biggie woke me up a little after 0100 for a potty call, and as I was walking down the stairs to take him out I decided I was going to celebrate my next birthday by going part - time.  Then I realized that was 8 months away.  Shit.

One of the great things about writing fiction is that it's fiction.  This means I can create a swanky Egyptian nightclub, name it The Amen-Ra, and stick it in the heart of the French Quarter.

And isn't that Matty Gaetz growing slimier by the day?  I'm surprised those around him aren't wearing hazmat suits.

And Tony Perkins is on the verge of out psychoing  the actor Tony Perkins (who was much more attractive).  Evidently he's flipping out because Crack Head Pompeo's rules and regulations are being flushed down the toilet.  You see, his intumescent fantasies of making the United States into a bloated Evangelical bastion are shattering before his eyes.  Tough shit, Tony.  This is how life works.  Your little mythology doesn't have strong enough legs to keep it from falling down, and you anger and hatred is unequivocally weak.  The truth is you were born to fail.

Tomfoolery

 Happy April First!  I don't do fool's jokes since I've always thought the jokes to be more about tricking people rather then fooling them.  Only the initiators seem to think their jokes are amusing.  And I have yet to meet a person on the receiving end who slapped their knee and roared with laughter.  Honestly, no one wants to be treated like a fool.

Yesterday was kind of boring at work.  I expect the same today since we have rain.  The forecast is for showers on and off, with temperatures hovering around 47 (F).  This is my hump day, no fooling.  After today I will have 3 consecutive days off.  I am anticipating those approaching hours.

Something has changed at work, however.  One of the managers picked a new radio station / playlist.  Mostly 80's music.  So now we're listening to ABC, The Eurythmics, Frankie Goes to Hollywood.  I have to chuckle whenever Frankie comes on.  I bought that double album, and I'll never forget my surprise at opening the jacket to find a giant penis inside.  That was rather bold and brave of Frankie, wasn't it?  Oh, wait, can I show this?  The blog's supposed to be rated PG 13?

Click to boldly embiggen

Well, I guess that was a bit of tomfoolery, now, wasn't it?  Actually, I don't know if the model's name was Tom or not, so tomfoolery might not be the correct word.

And Uncle Joe revealed his infrastructure plan yesterday followed by an almost ear shattering, collective shriek from Republicans.  They hate it when Americans are put first.  Most of them couldn't even give him a grudgingly nod of approval when he signaled out Amazon as paying no taxes.  You see, Republicans love their lie about trickle down economics and if we start taxing Amazon, we'll also start taxing other large corporations like AT &T.  Remember that big tax cut they gave AT &T?  Remember how AT&T made headlines by giving a meager portion of that back to employees?  Well, that gift only happened once.  Well, AT&T was one of those corporations still getting that nice tax break when Covid hit... and they started cutting jobs.  Believe me, there was no tomfoolery there.