What an interesting year

 

2020 is a year that most of us will never forget. One of hottest years on record, fires all over the West, racial unrest, an election that got really ugly, and then there was Covid19.

But to reflect on our year, probably much like yours, we stayed home a lot. Nancy making quilts and watching the grandkids, and me in the shop.

January saw Nancy’s mother becoming frail, losing weight, and her memory. We started talking about moving her into a care home.

February began with friends from New Mexico visiting and then the Ohio family came out to celebrate Nancy’s mother’s (Beverly) 90^th birthday and Nancy’s 70^th, which Nancy and some friends held an “0” party for those rounding the decade. Our family also remembered it was 5 years since our son Tony passed.

In March, Nancy and I were getting excited about our April trip to New Zealand… but then all travel was cancelled, and so was our trip. Many businesses were shut down and new restrictions were sat in place.

As April rolled around, I was juggling three cars for restoration and repair, and Beverly continued to deteriorate mentally. Nancy and I decided it was time to move her someplace with 24 hour care. So now we had to sale her house to pay for her support.

May became very interesting with a large 3 alarm brush fire within less than ¼ mile of our house. We moved Bev into a private care home that was only a couple miles from the house. I began to sub-out auto jobs due to my left knee hurting so much. A visit to an orthopedic doctor confirmed my theory, I am getting old and arthritis was the culprit.

June was brutal with temperatures over 105 for many, many days. I stayed in the shop most of the day and Nancy was hiking at 5 AM in the shadows of the mountains around us.

By July, we were all going crazy with being shut-in, so our family pulled our campers up north to John and Tina’s property and camped over the 4^th holiday. I was great to be cool and outside.

Another hotter than normal August with California, Arizona, and most western states on fire. Bev’s house was in escrow and hopefully would close soon. I was getting shots in my left knee which helped somewhat.

September was the same-old-same-old, except I attended more funerals of retired firefighters.

On the 26^th of October, Beverly Jane Huelsman passed quietly in her sleep. We received the call early that morning from the care home when they found her lying in bed motionless. Now Nancy and I both had no living parents.

Finally in November it became a little cooler weather. After living in our house for over 20 years, Nancy and I started talking about updating things, starting with the kitchen. Our crew of retired firefighters and I were again at the Good Guys car show displaying our beautiful 1978 American LaFrance fire truck we restored 5 years previously. Thanksgiving was at our house with family and good friends. Our largest gathering since the Pandemic started.

Now we are into December, temperatures are finally where they supposed to be, in the 60s. Kitchen remodel plans are moving forward and Christmas is just around the corner. I pray for John and Tina daily because they both are on the front line in the medical field. Just as I pray for your safety too. These are hard times for everyone, some worse than others. Take time to share with others that may not be as fortunate.

Nancy and I wish you ALL a joyous, safe, healthy and blessed holiday season.

Thanksgiving - the meaning

 What does Thanksgiving mean to you? I believe most of us think of it a a big meal with family and/or friends. And I think that is the way most people celebrate it ... most. Some people go to a restaurant for their Thanksgiving meal, some have a more subdued meat, possibly frozen, and some have none at all. Many 'front liners' eat on the run while rushing to treat the sick or injured. I did that for 26 years.

But I think of Thanksgiving as a time of reflection on my life, good and bad, and what I have to be thankful for, which is a lot. Yes I love "breaking bread" with my family and friends, and probably eating too much. I like reminiscing about when I did not have much and realizing what I have today. I think about my parents, who are long past, and good times I had with them. I think about friends and work mates  who are also gone. I think about the children and adults who are hungry and have to depends on other for food. I think about the millions of unemployed who have lost their jobs and businesses because of today's virus pandemic. All of these thoughts and memories cause me to look around the table to see all I have to be thankful for. I have so much to be thankful for starting with my family and friends, mine and my family's heath, none of us are wealthy but still have good jobs, and finally, faith, love and joy for others.

The story is the Pilgrims started Thanksgiving after surviving harsh winters, poor crops and finally meeting Native Americans who helped them get through it all. So they sat all together, over food and gave thanks for surviving and to their new friends. I don't know if that  story is true but I like the thought.

Everyone has experienced bad times and good times, and instead of concentrating on just the bad, focus on the good to lighten your heart and views of your life. I believe that would make you a more positive and happier person, and happiest is catching. Pass the good vibes along to others.

In the midst of our present election times, that idea could very well improve the atmosphere away from the hate that seems to be around lately. The election is OVER, so let's get on with being good Americans and transfer to administration to the winners.

All that being said, I and Nancy wish you a healthy, loving, joyous and thankful Thanksgiving holiday. Take care and stay safe.

Finally, it's over...but is it?

Probably a decade ago, I got really turned off with a show called "The Apprentice". The way Donald Trump could not tolerate some people he hired to do a task, and in his eyes, they failed. 

Fast forward to 2015 when he declared he was running for the Office of US President, I was appalled he could ever think of disgracing the office or thought he could win. But in 2016, he did. Well, not the popular vote, but electoral votes. I was sickened. 

This man who downgrades women, made fun of handicapped individuals and called vets 'losers' if they were captured in combat, just made me sick. He made enemies of our allies, turn his nose up at climate change, and did little to protect the citizens from a pandemic. Believe me, I was elated to hear Joe Biden won in the 2020 election.  But is really over? 

Trump and his team have filed hundreds of lawsuits over the election and stated he was victorious and won the election, and the election was rigged. Do you realize why? He can not stand to lose anything. I read in a New York paper where Trump lose a huge real estate deal several years ago. He hustled outside to his limo, closed the shades and cried like a spoiled baby he is.

Joe Biden may not be the best candidate for president, but he is the only choice we had. We COULD NOT stand another 4 years with Trump running this country. It is going to take more than 4 years to get us back to the proud country we were. I am not saying we did not have faults before Trump, but we are on the verge of civil unrest after his presidency.

Once the supports of Trump had a taste of his reign, they won't give up, like a breast with their taste of fresh meat, they want more.

I don't dislike Trump supporters, I just do not like their views. Some have called democrats radical, I believe some Trump supports are more radical than any democrat I have seen.

The race is over, but the war continues. I advise you ALL to be cool and do what you can to paraphrase Trump, "Make the United States great again."

Take care, stay safe and God have mercy on the Untied States.

It is time to show your power

Today is November 1st. Only two days from now you can show your power by voting. As a citizen, you DO have the power of saying who will run this great country.

Voting is the strongest voice in our country. The people are the force that dictates what happens. Commercials and social media can influence you in many ways, but only you can cut through the 'fake' information to the real truth. 

It does not matter where you live, where you went to school, what your parents or friends think, that vote is yours and ONLY YOURS. Do your homework, research the issues and you will realize the true for yourself.

I don't vote along party lines. I vote for the best person to keep our country strong and free. I served in our military like all of my family males have ever since 1775 to keep us free. I DO NOT like a country or individuals to hack into our system trying to sway the results of OUR election. And I know you do not either. 

The rumor of mail in ballots will corrupt the election is false.  If you're afraid, then vote in person, but vote your consensus, not someone else.

Lies are being thrown from either side of the political isle. Look for the truth and VOTE.

Generalization

 When you speak about a group of people, do you group them all together? For instance, "Those black people" or "Those Democrats" or"Those people in the South side". If you do, you are generalizing that ALL 'those' people are bad or good. Categorizing a group of a certain group, religion, color, race or affiliation is wrong. What you are saying is ALL people in that particular group is bad or wrong. That is usually not true. Yes, there are radials in every group.

Nancy and I have trip all over the world meeting many cultural groups from Muslims, to Indian to Orientals, to Blacks, browns, to LGBT and, yes many whites. We have many good friends in ALL of these groups. Anytime we have been with people from any of these groups, we have always been treat with friendly open arms and kindness. We have been offered and excepted an invite to stay in their homes, and share a meal with them. In turn, we have offered them to do the same.

I believe each person should be judged on their own characteristics and personality, not the color of their skin, religion or political believes. Determining whether you want to be friends with them or not in a personalized 'gut feeling'. Just because the other person does not like the present politician, or share your views on religion, or who should be your team's quarterback, does not mean you can not be friends, or feel passion for their efforts.

So many times I hear a reference of "those people in the MOB" or because someone has many tattoos you automatically think they are in a gang or a biker. Get to know the person before making up your mind. Preconceived opinions often come from childhood and escalate as we get older. Parents or friends may have convenient you to believe the way they see the world and people. Most people naturally believe opinions that see a group or person in a bad light. Just watch the political commercials. They always show someone's mistakes or find something bad about that person or group in hopes of turning you against that person or group.

You must be better that, and do your homework or research to find the true facts. Just following someone else lead does not show well on you. Be that fact checker before you decide if they are good or bad. One of my favorite quotes is, "Opinions are like butts, everyone has one. Some smell and other are clean." Also we all hear, "Never judge a book by its cover." 

And finally, just because you associate with someone, does not necessarily mean you share the same ideas, opinions or philosophy. So beware of others grouping you in that crowd. Association does not mean your are guilty, unlike you are.

The bottom line is, just because you are black, brown, Muslim, Republican, Democrat, or whatever, you can make your own determination about groups and individuals. You ARE SMARTER than the per-judging people.😏

I invite you to comment.

What is your REAL age?

 Yesterday was my birthday. Yup, another year older, 74. Scary huh? I am getting closer to the three quarter of a century mark. What worries me, and I am sure, most people is that I can't do what I use to do when I was 30 or 40 or maybe 50... well maybe 30. 

Anyone that is around me lately knows I still do a lot of stuff I did when I was 40 or 50. I don't know if most people can say that. Some think they can, and when they do, they are hurt for the next week. I am not bragging. I am just saying I am fortunate and driven to be active and have the drive to do things.

I see men younger than I who look and act ten years older than me. So when I am down on myself, I think 'That is what I COULD look like'. 

I truly believe staying active, both physically and mentally is how you keep yourself young. Not sitting around watching TV or just being lazy. I will admit there are times when I am hurting and just have to sit and do nothing. But when I can, I am up and going (mostly in my shop working on cars or trucks, or maybe building stuff, hiking or on my gym equipment).  I will also admit, there are people who can not be that active because of injuries or health issues. That is a given. There are 74 year old men and women that can leave in their dust. I have seen them in action, and they are awesome. They are truly driven in a sport, or working.

My point is, being 50, 60 or 74 does not give you permission to be a couch potato. We live in a very privileged country which has a lot of distractions from participating in physical activates such as running, hiking, walking, biking, softball, swimming or volunteering. 

Our country, on an average, is one of the most overweight countries in the world.  The advantage to being active, it is good for your heart, it is good for your lungs, it builds muscles, and you'll lose weight. Some people actually get a 'high' from exercise, especially if they push themselves. But don't push TOO hard. Just a brisk walk in the morning as far as you can go, then try to increase it a little more each day.

Before you do any exercise, stretch your legs, back and arms. loosen those muscles first, and drink water during and after your exercise.

You'll feel better about yourself mentally and physically. But as always, consult with trainers, and or with your doctor if you have health considerations.

Just one little brag on my part, when I was 15 years old I weighed 178 pounds... I still do. But gravity has shifted some parts around, unfortunately.

Take care, stay safe and go out there.

Your vote IS your voice

 In 37 days, we, as a nation, will be electing the next President of the United States, Senators, Federal and State Representatives, and many other officials. It's not an easy job to sort out the best to lead us, or represent our views. That is your homework, to research each candidate and see where they stand on the issues you cherish, or don't cherish. You want someone who loyal to the people and not out to boost their ego, or gain money by sucking-up with big corporations and extremists, no matter which side of the isle they sit. We saw enough of extremists on 9-11. Someone who thinks like the people about major issues, like discrimination, climate, women's rights, getting alone with other countries, gun rights, law enforcement, believes and follows professional scientific advise, diplomatic issues, and most of all, ACTING like a President. I am sorry to say, we do not have many that do those officials. 

NEVER, EVER think your vote does not count, because it does. Voting is a privilege you have as a US citizen. Whether you vote by mail or in-person, you are the voice of America stating what you want and who you want to represent you and this country. Yes, you are one drop in an ocean, but remember the ocean is a powerful force as many millions of drops. So think of your vote as part of the ocean, not a drop.

You have to be blind and deaf to not see and hear the unrest our country is in today. You see it in daily newscast on TV, in the newspaper, in magazines, on racist radical blogs, everywhere. We need leaders who are strong and determined to turn the rage into peace. A leaders to break out of the traditional political ways of double talk and be straightforward. A leader who actually listens to the popular vote, not a bunch of electorates. The electorate college DOES NOT represent the majority of the voters. And popular vote DOES NOT match the person who gets elected. That is NOT "For the people and by the people", as the Declaration Of Independence and Constitution states.

Both political parties have their faults and people who are not what this country needs. Those leaders need to retire or start listening to the people, and quit arguing about what the other party does and does not do. Insults does not do anything except draw more insults and bickering.

By now, you probably know where I stand. I don't like Trump or the leaders of BOTH houses. But I DO believe it all starts at the top. As in any company, the C.E.O. or president is ultimately responsible for any mishaps or consequences. All that 'crap' rolls down hill and affects us all, one way or another.

Believe it or not, the United States is always dependent on other countries for things we don't produce. To survive, you have to create a community of countries. For some reason, we have dismissed that philosophy by telling other countries and organizations, "We don't need you" is like slowly cutting our own throats for the future.

We live in (what use to be known) as the most powerful country in the world. Can you honestly say that now? I can not. Our President has turned this country into a rebellious solid brat that thinks shooting Police and killing innocent people with rogue troops is acceptable.  Where you can call a person who serves there country in the military 'losers' if they get killed. Where a president insults a woman who accuses of improper sexual acts. Where the president refuses to leave office even if he loses. And when he does lose, he'll claim the election was rigged. If it was rigged, it's because of his friend in Moscow. THAT is the president we have now.

If you are wondering, I am registered as an Independent, neither right nor left. I vote for what is right for all.

I URGE you to register to vote, if you have not, and then VOTE your conscience. No matter who you vote for...VOTE!!! I invite your comments.