Attitude Adjustment

I don't know why I was having such a tough day yesterday.  Too much election talk.  Oklahoma public schools have a lot riding on the outcome of the State Superintendent election, for rural schools it's a matter of their survival.  The Republican candidate wants to do school vouchers and wants to refuse all federal money to schools.  That would literally shut the doors of rural schools in the state.  So today I took everyone's advice and called a moratorium on the news and social media.   It has been a peaceful day.

I have been painting snowman pictures and a Santa or two.  Running out of wall space but it is a good hobby right now.  Today was a rather warm November day in the upper 70's.  Snowmen help remind me that winter is coming.

Ron and I are taking care of two neglected dogs that live next door.  They are left outside with no shelter or even water.  Ron fills a bucket of water for them every day and he talked to the homeowner twice about his concerns for the dogs.  We have wanted to avoid kicking up any dirt with the neighbors but after seeing the dogs left outside during a terrible thunderstorm Ron talked to them again and they said they were getting a doghouse.  We waited but no doghouse ever surfaced so we purchased an insulated house for them and put it in their backyard.  We just had to do something for those dogs and maybe we will be able to sleep better at night.  If it weren't for Ron, they would get no attention at all.  He plays with them and has taught them a few commands and they are just so happy to see him each day.

Here is to an even better day tomorrow!

Struggling

 I don't know why I struggle to put my thoughts into words these days, but I do.  Most of the time I am just feeling disgust and anger about what I see in this world. The unfiltered, vile hatred that people feel empowered to spew like a boiling teapot left unattended.  It is no surprise seeing as how we had a President who was so adept at sharing his own vile and hateful rhetoric.  Common decency just doesn't exist. I spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how this "new normal" sustains itself and my finger lands on social media.  It has created a safety zone that allows people to show themselves as they are without any immediate consequence.  The power of anonymity. Oh, how I long for the days of political correctness even if it was only a delusion. Or maybe just my delusion that people were better than what they truly are due to a societal floor monitor.  Well Trump certainly removed my rose-colored glasses and has forced me to see the ugliness that still prevails.

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.........only if vetted!

Oklahoma has officially gone nuts!  They are passing one insane bill after another.  This is the year of the bounty hunters...and it is hunting season all year for teachers.  My daughters had to sign a statement that they will not have any books in the classroom that have not be "vetted" by two professionals declaring it appropriate.  Who these professionals are no one knows!  Last year one of my daughters had a parent flip out because her child checked out the book, "Tommy, the hyperactive turtle", from the library. They have teachers terrified to have classroom libraries at all.  They were warned that any violation would result in the loss of their teaching license. They were told to review all their books for outdated content....such as the depiction of pilgrims and Indians in books about Thanksgiving. My daughter who teaches Pre-k said Thanksgiving will be about eating turkey and being grateful.  I warned her someone from PETA may have an objection.

 I told my daughters we all need to learn how to groom dogs.  Any profession other than teaching would be better.  Although I guess some dog owners can be as demanding as parents.

Back To School

 Yesterday I helped my daughters get their classrooms ready for back to school.  Every year I'm shocked at how much they do with their own money and on their own time.  Currently they are off contract, but school parking lots are full of cars as teachers (donate) their time to prepare for back to school.  Once school starts, they will be required to attend some unnecessary meetings and will not be provided time to work on their rooms.  Hmmmmm it's almost as if they "expect" them to do it on their own time.  I haven't even mentioned the amount of their own money they spend just for the privilege to teach.  I spent at least $1000. this summer trying to help them with needed supplies.  Honestly, it's disgusting.  Plus, they act as, furniture movers and wear too many other hats to mention.  I really wish the girls could leave teaching, but they are too invested toward their retirement.  The climate in Oklahoma is really bad toward education.  Our legislature is doing everything they can to run teachers off and finally get the school voucher bill passed to overt federal money to private schools.  This may be the year they succeed.  

Could it be any hotter?

 I'm beginning to think Ron and I are the only people in Oklahoma who haven't had Covid.  Today twin #2 tested positive.  Twin #1 had it more than 6 months ago, but she's been exposed again.  Fortunately, Ron and I haven't been around the girls for a couple of weeks so we will dodge the bullet once more.  This variant seems to be spreading rapidly.

My brother is doing remarkably well.  His new psychiatrist has reduced 2 of his meds due to his development of tardive dyskinesia.  Both drugs have huge side effects and lowering the dosage has resulted in much clearer thinking.  That all translates to less work on our part.  

He did have one little incident with his adjustable bed.  It is a split king and he had raised the head on his side of the bed to a full upright position.  He told me he did that so he could lean on it and just lower himself into bed.  Unfortunately, the bed stuck in that position and wouldn't go back down.  So of course, he called us in a dire state of emergency.  Ron drove over and attempted to get the remote to lower the bed but had no luck.  Now, mind you he had a perfectly functioning bed on the other side but REFUSED to sleep in it!  So, he slept sitting straight up that night.  Ron went back the next day and finally (with force) got the bed to lower but he told Mike it no longer goes up and down.  A little white lie but the bed has been an ongoing problem, so we took advantage of the situation and told him it no longer works.  I'll probably go to hell for lying to him!

Like the rest of the country, we are baking here in Oklahoma.  Last week we reached 110 but had a few low 90's this week.  No end in sight.  I can't imagine what August will look like.  I may already BE in hell!!

Snap, Crackle, Pop

 Well, I followed through and have my first orthopedic appoint is October 7th.  I hope I am still able to walk by then.  But I've at least taken the first step.

Last week we had a mishap.  Ron accidently left the freezer door open, and it wasn't discovered for 2 days.  We lost everything including all the meals I had prepared for Mike in anticipation of having knee surgery.  All in all, I'd say we lost about $2,000 of frozen meat and I don't know how much in frozen vegetables and time.  It made us both sick!  I've been concerned about Ron's memory for a while, but I still believe his seizure meds have a lot to do with it.  Last night I found the bag of salad on top of the refrigerator in the breadbasket.  I don't tell him about it because it just upsets him.  I feel like I have to follow behind him all the time.

Aging can certainly be a challenge!

 Happy Independence Day!

We will be going to my daughter's house for a cookout later this afternoon.   Nothing too elaborate but just some good ole burgers and hotdogs.  I'm struggling to feel there is much to celebrate this 4th of July as our country continues to struggle.  There is so much division you would hope we could come together for one day to recognize the sacrifices made by so many for us to have our freedom. 

I'm looking down the barrel at two knee replacements.  I've done the cortisone and gel shots and I'm at the end of the line on those.  I said that when I could no longer shop for my own groceries I'd say "Uncle" so here I am ........."Uncle"!  I'm going to start by talking to a few orthopedic surgeons before I decide on who will do it.  My lungs are finally under control so I don't think that will create a roadblock. Ideally, I'd like to have the first surgery in early November but of course it will depend on the doctor.

We had a little mishap today.  Seems Ron didn't shut the freezer all the way yesterday and today we found everything inside had completed thawed.  There was probably $2,000 worth of food lost.  I will have to replace all the meals I had prepared and froze for Mike.  I was trying to get a lot of stuff ready for when I'm down from the knee surgery.  But accidents happen and you just have to shake it off and start again.

Keep on keeping on!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th full of celebration and fireworks!