ANOTHER WEEK AT A GLANCE

As you might expect, another dull week spent inside keeping cool.  While air conditioning has merits, I miss the feel of summer.  Air conditioning provides a depressing atmosphere approaching the sensation of fall.  I miss the warm summer air flowing through open windows and doors!! Am I old fashioned or what?  I think we all know the answer to that.

I Hope that my niece, Stephanie, had a wonderful birthday.  Cannot believe she is 24.  Time flies. We are anxious to hear about her new job and her move to San Francisco, where fake news has it as a city in scourge with the discards and excrement of an ever growing population of discontents, homeless and selfish “never do wells”.  (my description). The news makes it sound like they need some good clean living people like Stephanie.  Personally, I think all of the West Coast suffers from a form of insanity that is unique in that it is a thought process lacking intelligence but since I live here, I will forego further dissertation or I might be identified as one of them.  Ahem.

Our Grandson, Sean, recently returned from a sailing charter in the Virgin Islands.  We were happy that he was finally able to experience and share a favorite exploit that we enjoyed many times over the years.  His grandpa is delighted with his interest in sailing and what seems to be proficiency for the sport.  We tend to be very proud of our grandchildren.  That is what grandparent’s do, isn’t it??  We had dinner with our Granddaughter, Lauren, at a neat restaurant in Montrose with a Spanish motif and menu.  Not Mexican.  Spanish as in Spain.  Terri had been there but it was a first for us.  The food was great and, as always, a fun visit with our beloved granddaughter.

As you know, I frequently visit my soap box and this week I am teetering on a major dissertation about the latest news report that California (and perhaps other States?) plan (or have  started?) to register illegals to vote.  I have a major problem with this and I am pondering how to proceed with my objection.  If I were younger (and less feeble – mentally and physically) I would be out on the streets with my banner protesting.  Alas, when all you can do is be frustrated, it is disconcerting and hard to get followers.  I have tried to get my grandchildren interested in politics but they just pat me on the head as if to say “calm down, grandma. It will be all right.”  I look down the road on which we now travel (one on which my presence cannot long endure) and wonder what the world is coming to and how long it will take to pronounce us finished.  My view sees a road of ruts that will make the road we travel today seem like a ride on a soft white cloud.  Just saying!

The big news in my world is the revelation that Les Moonves, the CEO of CBS, is under attack for sexual harassment.  He was still very new to CBS (and had not reach his current success level) when I retired from the company and I do not know anything about him personally.  However, my personal observations (from my time spent in the entertainment business and CBS specifically) do not find any of the harassment allegations within the industry surprising.  From my experience, it was pretty much accepted as “par for the course”.  Rather than being surprised that someone was accused of harassment, I think I was more surprised when it became evident that someone with any degree of “celebrity” status (stars or management) had avoided the temptations of the job.   As a matter of fact, their gender identification might be suspect and we might wonder whether we were looking for malfeasance in the wrong gender pool. I think many assume it to be an unspoken "perk" of the position. 

The ego has a tough time dealing with the attention and flattery that is heaped on the superstar persona of the rich and famous or those wielding the power associated with rich and famous.   My sister, told me that my brother expressed a view with which I agree.  “Morality cannot be legislated”.  It seems to me morals are personal principles by which we live and if there are no guidelines (or conscience) and thus no limitations, what defines our values?  The current effort to focus on the abuse of power through harassment is probably good but I have little hope that the value will be lasting.  Perhaps it will prompt more caution.  In my day, the week was lacking when there was not at least one rumor of possible misplaced acts of annoying conduct.  If fodder for the rumor mill is removed, what will authors use as a creative resource for their romantic novels?

 Just saying. 

THIS WEEKS MEANDERING

In accordance with a recent promise to family, I am going to attempt to keep everyone aware of what is going on in our world and thus, I am posting it here.  The long and short of it is -- NOT MUCH -- but I will emphasize that by my lack of content. 

As you may have heard, On Saturday there was a family dispute that resulted in one of our California high speed chases.  Our high speed chases have become great sport and on occasion, a source of entertainment.  I am surprised that more locales have not experienced this specific unique to California phenomena.  Be glad that you have been spared.  This one was tragic and not entertaining.  The guy had a gun took his girlfriend and Grandma (I think it was the girl's grandma) hostage and sped through the city shooting at the cops in pursuit.  It ended up at one of our Trader Joe's with 40 or so customers held hostage.  Reports say that the girlfriend and grandma who were involved in the initial family dispute were shot (not fatally) and one of the staff at Trader Joe's was killed.  The Trader Jo'es is located in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, a millennial occupied community adjacent to Glendale and bordering Hollywood.  Not sure where the family dispute originated but it did provide a little excitement on an otherwise mundane day, especially for those involved.  

Our week was routine. Ken did his cardio-rehab and we saw our Cardiologist who, in addition to being gracious by not complaining about my ongoing struggle to deal with my excess weight, declared us "fit for another month".  I have a callous on the bottom of my foot that needed attention and thus, a courtesy visit to the foot Dr. was included in our traveling triage for staying well.

We completed our week of excitement with lunch at a Chinese restaurant with friends and a birthday party for lovely gentlemen who has Alzheimer’s.  One would never suspect he is afflicted but knowing that he won't remember a thing about the day helps in case there were any words spoken for which there could otherwise be lingering embarrassment.  He was an avid music lover and to celebrate, his wife secured an ensemble of four gifted musicians who serenaded the guests with lovely renditions of classical and religious music.  The guest of honor delighted all with his rendition of leading the orchestra from the audience.  It is sad to think that the benefactor may not remember this special event today but it suffices to know that yesterday  he was overcome with the joy and love of friends and family in celebration of his birthday.  

Terri had to have a new alternator and new tires for her car so she will undoubtedly be feeling short of loose change for a few days, week’s months?  Marci and Lauren were both out of town most of the week and Gary is babysitting the dogs, working and doing therapy on his knee that acted up as a result of his activities in rehab.  I had a text from him this morning while on the bus on his way to work.  He was complaining about the bus driver who was "the slowest, most accident adverse driver he has ever experienced".  He closed his tyriad wondering  how people like the bus driver ever survive in a non-nanny State!  Obviously, he needs a little attitude adjustment. This is not good for his health!! 

Our weather has been good and we had a little rain during the week though not significant.  I estimated it to be one of those three drops to the acre cloud bursts.

Well it looks like I have managed to fill up a page with nonsense that no one is interested in and perhaps I have improved everyone's sense of boredom.