Getting old sure can suck!

Who in the hell thought up the phase, "The Golden Years". Whoever it was must not experienced aging. 

Yes there are some benefits to age, like discounts theaters and restaurants and maybe seating benefits when you arrive at your plane in a wheel chair. But then you still have to walk to your seat. Fortunately I have never experienced that part of aging. And there are other gifts aging gives you, like listening to your joints in the morning when arise from your warm bed that sound like a bowl of 'Corn Flakes' crunching and soggy. Or that unannounced gas escape while walking to the bathroom. Or looking in the mirror and realizing you have less hair today or how much grayer it has become, or both. My personal great is how much I have to suck in belly to button my pants or tighten my belt. Gravity does SO much for our bodies. Seems like it all starts sagging. It just proves the earth really does suck. 

There are some GOOD benefits from aging and especially when your become a grandparent. You become the free babysitter, the place the grandkids love to come over because you have  the snacks and cookies they love, and you are well stocked. That's only because the parents will not but them.  You can sleep in everyday, if you don't have a job as a Wal Mart greeter that morning, or volunteer at the old folks home. Sometimes people will let you cut in front of them at the store, maybe out of respect for your age or you look like their mother. You don't buy many new clothes because they don't get worn out like they did when you worked. And now you don't have to keep up with the fashion trends. Probably the only time you dress up is for a doctor's visit, or to go out with the guys or girls, or to a funeral or church. 

I believe the phase Golden Years was to symbolize a time when you could remember your accomplishments in life and rejoice in them.  And also watch your children grow into families and parents while they give you grandchildren to spoil and love. Which is all really good, BUT I wish life would hold back on the physical aches and pains of aging. From a guy who has been pretty dog-gone active all my life, my suggestion is to still active, keep you mind sharp. Stay in touch with friends and go out to lunch with them.  Volunteer somewhere, join a book club  or hangout with like minded folk. But most of all, stay active. Take care, and stay safe.

 

I am sorry

I am sorry I have not written anything lately. I am sorry I did not wish you all a Happy New Year. And I am sorry for being sorry. Besides finishing up on my last restoration on a client's car and then getting sick with some stupid virus (of which I am still sick but getting better), mind just has not been as sharp as normal. Of course you could say I have never been all that sharp anyway. Plus my head has been just spinning over some the stuff President Trump has done recently. it is like he has slipped back into his adolescent immature childhood he has never covered up since becoming president.  Like a balling brat in a tantrum when anyone criticizes him, show him disrespect or he does not get his way. Renaming important buildings, events or places with his name. And THEN he has the gall to post photos on social media of very respected people as apes, because they are black? What in the world can he do before some sort of enforcer bends him over their knee and spanks him like the terrible child he is. Will no agent have the balls to punish his jerk? His guy is tearing our country apart and making the USA the laughing stock of the world. I am waiting for him the have a statue made of him to be erected and placed in front of the White House next to his HUGE new ballroom ... IN GOLD!

Again, I am sorry to get back on my political soap box. But more people need to voice their dislike of Trump to their representatives and tell them to impeach the jerk. I have never disliked anyone this much before. Except the bully who bullied me in elementary school, until I punch him in the nose and was sent to the principals office. But it was worth it. 

Believe me, I am NOT talking about any violence toward him or his followers. Just to punish him and rid the craziness he has cause this country and his obsession to name thing after him, like his is some sort of  god or obsessed ruler. In the movie "TRUMP" one person supposedly told Trump when he was younger to "Never admit your are wrong and always blame it on someone else." That is exactly what he does. I never watch the movie, just the previews.

OK, I am done for now. I would much rather talk about happier things than politics. I'll go back to watching the Olympics and reruns of Gunsmoke, MASH and Andy Griffith.  Take care and stay safe.

Some of the things I have learned while global traveling.

Nancy and I have been VERY fortunate to be able to travel to so many countries from Central and South America, to most of Europe, to some old Iron Curtain countries, to the Mediterranean region, to Southeast Asia, to several countries in Africa, and to China. I am not bragging, just recounting. As I said, we are very thankful and fortunate. In every trip and visit to these countries, I have asked one major question to the people we have met, "What is your opinion of the United States and its people." Their responses is generally the same. "America is a great and rich country. The people are friendly, but the government is blind to what the people in our country really want from them as a country. We want a true and honest friendship that we can depend on when the time comes." Obviously, not word for word their replies, but the basic meaning is there. The latest response was, "Why did you elect Trump?" I agreed and explain our election system.

Every country we visit shows us how much of the world we did not know or were taught in high school or college. yes we were taught US history and things about our advancements in technology. We were taught what the government wanted us to hear. Just like a lot of countries have done. Example, in China, very few people know about Tiananmen Square massacre or the man who block a tank with his body in protest. Or in Peru, their Japanese ruler/president wiped Peru's entire history from schools and all books. Or that in Yugoslavia after the Nazis were ran out and Russia took over, living conditions got worse for the people. Or that Argentina and Venezuela invited and harbored many high ranking Nazis after Germany lost WWII. And some of the smaller trivia things like China contributed to the human race was the invention of noodle like spaghetti that Italy claims to have invented. Coffee from Africa and so many more, but I don't want to bore you.

And now, Trump says black slavery education should be taken out of schools? Like the historians are trying to rewrite the actuate US history?  And making a National holiday for HIS birthday? No, he is the one trying to rewrite history, and we can not let him do that. I lived in the deep south as a young child and saw first hand the prejudicial ways black people were treated them, and 'Jim Crow' actions on blacks. 

By traveling to all the countries we have visited, I have learned what good and bad the US has offered me. I love our country, BUT, I do not love the direction to present administration is taking it. We have a president who has been told not to do certain things but still does them, and no one is enforcing the rulings of the courts. Lawsuits can last for decades in the courts meanwhile the citizens suffer with heath care, lack of food and jobs, housing and natural disasters. One more thing. Adding his name to the Kennedy Center? Adding his name in front of JFK is  so wrong!

After all the damage Trump has done, it will take years to bring the USA back to a world power that other countries can trust and feel safe saying we are their ally and friend.

Take care and stay safe.

Make way for a ballroom!

Tis the Season for giving and thankfulness?

 In less than two weeks, Christmas will be upon us all... or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or what ever holiday you believe in, we wish you all a safe and blessed Happy Holiday. With all the crowded stores, people hustling around carrying arms of  boxes of recently credit charged gifts, maybe driving faster than normal to get their shopping quickly along with the patients wearing thinner and anger raising, as the one finger salutes waving as they cut you off in traffic. All the tension climbs through the roofs, people change into ogres of hate and egomaniacs with harsh words anytime someone crosses them. Well, maybe not all that, but sometimes it feels that way. 

The holidays season is suppose to be a time of rejoicing, happiness and thankfulness. At least that is the way it is advertised. With children sliding down snow covered hills, adults sitting around a fire laughing and drinking hot coco and dressed up in their new puffer jackets and ski boots. But unfortunately it isn't always that way. I wish it was. The reality is some people forgot what those up coming holidays were designed for, and what they celebrate. It is not the lights all over your house, and the inflated Santa in the yard, or buying electronic gifts, or wiz-bang toys, or socks for dad, or that sweater you bought for someone that they will never wear it. Christmas is A LOT more than that. It is about praise, thankfulness, compassion, friendliness, greeting strangers with a firm handshake and smiles and worship. Maybe I am just too old fashion and dam old. But I remember what Christmas and the holiday season use-to-be like. It was sort of like going to grandma house with the whole family, having all of us sitting down at her big table and having a meal, eating too much and then gathering by the Christmas tree and exchanging small inexpensive gifts people really appreciated with laughter, stories and jokes.

The gift giving came from the three wise men who came to pay tribute to Jesus.  Their descendants probably became Amazon, Macy's and Target owners. Maybe if we all spent a day dishing out food at he local homeless shelter, or helped a needy family, or just stopped to help someone else during this coming season. Who knows it might just put a different light on your Christmas. And take you kids so they can see the other side of the street, and what it is like to sleep on the street or not have enough food for a Christmas dinner. Every year I try to help at least one person I know is hurting. It makes me feel good and worth the smiles on their faces that some stranger cares for them in at least a little way.

I just lost a cousin I called after so many years not talking, because I let my own world consume days. But when just a call cheered him up so much, it made me feel good too. I wish I had called more.

Anyway, Happy holidays to you all. As my late Fire Chief said, "Be Nice, be kind and care for others." We talk more after the first of the year.

A new vehicle plus my view on our society and leader. (if you want to call him that..)

I bet you thought this meant a new car, huh? No, it's a new camper 5th wheel. Since we got rid of our other 5th wheel 4 years ago, I have never really been truly happy with the two travel trailers we owned. They were nice but not with all the things the 5th wheel has. So I did a lot of research on line and visited RV dealer to check them out. I loved but hated running from the sales people and always gave them my wrong name and phone number. (I guess they may be mad at me now. I don't care.😆) 

Finally I came across the 5th wheel that checked all of my boxes like length and options like solar, weight, charging, comfort and décor. Not that I am a designer freak or anything. I just wanted on light and airy with lots of storage. Plus, the end price was a top point too. 

So without being a total bore, here it is: a 2026 Alliance Avenue 27' short camper.

Lately Trump has received the lowest rating by the public than ANY president in the history of the USA. He has angered people in his own party and some of his staff and cabinet. He has sent the National Guard into cities that did not request them of any help to control crime. With NO evidence they were ever needed. That cause protests which got innocent people in trouble and several hospitalized for being mostly peaceful or committing ANY crimes. He has pardoned obviously offenders of the law, and sometimes twice from January 6th assault on the Nation's Capital building. In Portland he though 3 murders in two moths was high, so he sent in ICE to protect the citizens. Eventho the Mayor and Police Chief said we DON'T need help. How many times has Trump ben convicted of and has never (and I repeat) NEVER been incarcerated or served any time behind bars. If it were you or me, we'd be thrown in jail or prison. Where are the good judges and any law enforcement of the judgments? How about the government shutdown of 41 days and the crowds of people who could not get food and some become homeless because weren't getting paid? But he or any of the legislators were paid and did not need food stamps. I bet none of them went to a food bank to feed their kids, or they did not use Medicare to get medical help because they could pay for their own.

I could go on for days saying Trump is so UN-presidential like any president I have seen in my 79 years and has committed and convicted of so many crimes, but yet has somehow gotten out of any jail time.  I love this country and know the damage and anger his creatured, I really don't know how we can rebuild after his term is over. I can only wish and pray the citizens can finally see through him and what he has done, and will do, to our democracy. Maybe the judges will find their backbone and send this guy to what he deserves in jail. With no violence involved.

Take care, stay safe and vote with your heart.

Things we ALL should think about.

Over the last 10 months, we have been held hostage to so much lying coming from the White house. Now I will admit it also comes from the left side of the aisle too. The stuff from Trump are out-n-out boldface lies and actions, you can not even think anyone would believe them or accept them. Let me account for you just SOME of the lies and actions I can remember. There have been SO many.

Let's start on January 6th 2021. Remember when people stormed the Capital building and many of them were legally judged guilty and sent to prison? Their sentences were released and commuted. The second in command with Epstein went to prison but she will probably get released. Former New Year representative George Santos was also just released.

Anyone who supports Trump (a loyal Trump-er Republican) and bends over to 'kiss his ring' is his friend. But not someone who has tired to disgrace or disagree publicly with him or his ideology faces intimidation, lawsuits, and if you have any government supported funding, you will be cut off as a racial left-winger and anti American.

Many people like myself who study history will see the resemblance between Trump and Hitler, Mussolini and other dictators in the past . They first get rid of disbelievers to his philosophies or individuals and establishments that will not bow to his demands like universities and authors. Then cut he cords of the media like National Public Radio and TV like CBS, take away passes of reporters from the Pentagon unless the SWEAR to report and write stories to the way the Pentagon wants. He thinks he can tell the states to sent the national guard to stop peaceful protests who are NOT committing ANY crimes. He thinks just because some of the medic and protests are slowed down, the general public will only believe his lies and actions.

Right now he is hold you all prisoners during this government shutdown due to his effort to get rid of 'Obama Care' and other Democratic programs passed years ago, and will soon run out unless refunded. Meanwhile citizens suffer and maybe die because of healthcare limited for many people. Social Security is being threaten, government workers are laid-off, national parks are closing and the ranger who work there had to set-up a food bank to feed their families. Why did any of the indictments and convictions on Trump simply disappear from any news reporting or get moved along through the courts? Why are the senators and representatives still getting paid? Don't they work for the government? OH, they are suppose to be working for the citizens, right? And if you live in Arizona, legally elected representative Adelita Grijalva still has not been sworn in by House leader Johnson, but the recently elected Republican candidates have. Is it because it would swing to overall voting toward the Democrats? I think so.

Let's face it, the truth is, Trump dislikes anything that is democratic or that is good for the general public (us, the people). As long as he is office, it will take decades to rebuild our country back tot he powerful and wonderful country we once were.  I wish him NO HARM, or any of his cabinet members. he believes since he is the president, he can do what ever he wishes. HE IS WRONG!! Tell your representatives to put a stop to him. Your voice is louder than you think.

This has been the year from hell for me

Let me first say, I am not looking for sympathy when I thought about writing this blog, but just to acknowledge that I know what pain and hurt is, and I to send anyone who has gone through pain like I experienced this year that I am send YOU the sympathy to you. We ALL have periods in our life when we go through physical or mental pain. usually with me it was either one or the other, but seldom was is both at the same time. I have always considered myself a pretty strong person that pretty much could handle just about anything that was thrown at me. Of course it was hard but I managed to handled it.  I also realize I know people who have experienced A LOT more than I have, and I am in awe of them. I am a religious man and I don't believe God is a vengeful God, but sometimes I think he/she will remind you to be kinder and be more loving to others. Maybe I have slipped there. I apologize to anyone I may have offended.  I am truly sorry. 

In this year I was diagnosed with colon cancer in January, had surgery to remove the cancer in February, had a port surgically implanted in my chest for chemo infusions performed twice a week, gone through chemo therapy to get rid of any leftover cancer for 6 months, took time off to go on a trip to Africa (which wore me out, but I was NOT going to miss that), had the port removed in August, and then in September (the final straw) fell on our concrete floor and crack or broke 3 or 4 vertebra in my lower back. That final diagnoses will come after tomorrow when I have a MRI. Seems like Harrold is not a very good shepherd of his body. 

The back thing came the morning after I criticized Trump for using a presidential plane to transport Charlie Kirk back to Phoenix for burial and was hammered for that. But that is FREEDOM OF SPEECH, like what we all have that right. I WAS NOT critical of guns of his (Kirk)  religion, but the abuse of using taxpayer tax dollars for transporting a friend of the president. That is all.

Anyway, This is the explain why I have missed some blog times, not for sympathy. I would like the reach out to the people who found out about the fall and wished me well. thank you. So if I miss a few more just to let you know the back does take some wind out of my sails after sitting in front of the computer for a while, but modern day meds does help. Have a good day and take care with both feet on the floor and not on your back.