Helping Him Get To The Finish Line

 Helping Him Get To The Finish Line

Graduation Week

June 2016

 

As so many kids do, my nephew hung by a thread as he was about to graduate from high school.  His parents were in knots.  I was in knots. He, on the other hand, was not!!  He didnt care if he graduated or not.  He was finished. So I felt a need to check in to see if I could help.

 

 

Me:  How is your govt class? Do you need any help with anything?

 

Him: It's going pretty well, I managed to get a state senator to come visit us, so I'm getting tons of extra credit

 

Me: Great. What else do you need to do to pass?

 

Him:  Nothing, its all kosher.

 

A week later:

 

Me: What are you doing tomorrow night?

 

Him:  Graduating

 

Bridget Kelly:

                  Great!

                  Great!

                  Great

                  Great

                  Great

 

The next night

 Me:  Are you in line?

 

AND HE GRADUATED!!!!

Thoughts on Uzbekistan

•  It is a very clean country.  I don't see much litter at all anywhere.
• I didn't see any beggars.
• I didn't see any homeless.
• I didn't see any poverty.
• I couldn't identify a particular ethnic group.  Some people looked Asian.  Some looked Caucasian, others looked Arab.
• The streets are safe to wander around at night.
• The vibe is more European than Asian.
• Most of the cars are chevy cars.  Chevy owns 49% of thier stock and the government owns 51% and ther is a huge tarriff if someone buys any other car.
• There are lots of musicians there. It seems as if families spend lots of time singing and performing together.
• Many people have gold filled teeth and it's not a status symbol. It's their only dental option.
• There does not seem to be any thought other than women must get married young and must produce babies as quickly as possible.
• Arranged marriages are used as a viable option.
• The country has much more urban life than I had expected.  I thought much of the country would still be traveling on the dirt roads of the Silk Road.
• Routes on the Silk Road were established by the skeltons left on teh side fo the road.

How I Became an Atheist

 How I Became an Atheist

I was raised Catholic.  I was surrounded by the rituals and the teachings, went through the motions of Mass and confession, and learned the catechism. But even as a young person, I sensed an internal resistance, an inability, or perhaps an unwillingness, to make that leap of faith. The doctrines felt distant, the stories hard to accept, and the answers to my quiet questions always unsatisfying.

It wasn’t until I was nineteen that the quiet skepticism I’d carried with me began to find its voice. I was reading James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and his vivid, unrelenting description of hell. Joyce captured the medieval Catholic vision of eternal punishment in agonizing detail, the fire, the torment, the hopelessness of it all, and something clicked in me. Who could have invented such a place? What kind of loving God would consign his own creations to such an infinite fate, all for the finite mistakes of a human lifetime? It wasn’t fear that took hold of me, as it had with Joyce’s protagonist; it was a deep, quiet certainty that none of it made sense. The concept of hell wasn’t divine. It was man-made.

That moment didn’t make me an atheist. But it was the first clear confirmation of something I think I had always known, even as a child in church.

The years that followed were a slow unfolding of that early certainty. I read widely, both in and out of religious thought. I traveled the world, experiencing firsthand the vast diversity of human belief. I stood in temples in Asia, watched prayer rituals in the Middle East, wandered the quiet interiors of grand cathedrals in Europe, and sat in the stillness of Buddhist monasteries. Every culture offered its own answer to the same ancient questions: Why are we here? What happens when we die? How should we live?

And yet, despite the beauty of some of these traditions and the sincerity of the people practicing them, I could never convince myself that any of them were true. They were all humans, shaped by geography, history, politics, and a need to belong. They reflected us, not some higher power.

Now, as I approach seventy, I find I can finally say it plainly: I am an atheist. It’s a quiet admission, not a defiant one. I don’t claim to have all the answers. But I know that I no longer have to pretend to believe in the answers offered by religion. I’ve made peace with uncertainty. I’ve made peace with the finality of life. And in many ways, that peace has brought me more comfort than faith ever could.

---

The People of Tajikistan

 

Pope Francis

Seeing Pope Francis in Philadelphia in 2015 was more than a memorable event. It was a profound experience of humanity in its purest form. As thousands gathered from across the world, there was a shared sense of unity, joy, and goodwill that transcended language, background, and belief. Pope Francis stood at the heart of it all, not as a distant figurehead, but as a humble, compassionate presence that radiated genuine concern for every individual.

What struck me most was the simplicity and warmth with which he engaged people. Whether blessing a child, embracing someone in a wheelchair, or waving to the crowd with a smile, there was nothing performative about his gestures. They were deeply human—grounded in empathy, humility, and love. In that moment, surrounded by cheering voices and peaceful tears, it felt as though he was reminding the world of what we are capable of when we lead with compassion.

That day in Philadelphia was more than just a public appearance. It was a living testament to the power of empathy and connection. I left overwhelmed—not just by the moment, but by the reminder that one person, through simple acts of love and humility, can inspire millions to see the humanity in one another. Pope Francis didn’t just speak about goodness that day—he embodied it.

10 Reasons Why I lIke To Be A Democrat

 Why I Like Being a Democrat:

1. Belief in Equality
   I believe everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities, no matter their race, gender, religion, or background.

2. Support for Social Programs
   I value a safety net for people who fall on hard times, programs like Social Security, Medicare, affordable healthcare, and unemployment benefits.

3. Commitment to Civil Rights
   I’m proud to support policies that protect voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and racial justice.

4. Focus on Science and Climate Action
   I appreciate policies that respect science, promote renewable energy, and address climate change for future generations.

5. Belief in Fair Wages and Workers’ Rights
   I support raising the minimum wage, supporting unions, and ensuring fair working conditions for all.

6. Emphasis on Education
   I believe everyone should have access to quality public education and affordable college or vocational training.

7. Support for Healthcare as a Right
   I think healthcare should be accessible and affordable, not a privilege for the wealthy.

8. Belief in Compassionate Immigration Policies
   I value welcoming immigrants and refugees and believe in treating all people humanely.

9. Respect for Democracy and Voting Rights
   I believe in protecting free and fair elections, expanding access to voting, and standing up against voter suppression.

10. Advocacy for Gun Safety
    I support common-sense gun laws to reduce violence and save lives.

---

Water

I think about clean drinking water a lot. I've traveled to so many countries where access to clean water is a daily struggle for millions of people. I’ve witnessed firsthand how precious and limited this resource can be. Families (mostly women) walk miles on a daily basis, just to collect water that isn’t always safe to drink. Meanwhile, here in the United States, we take clean water for granted, using gallons to maintain green lawns. This contrast is deeply disturbing to me.

Tariffs and Foreign Films

Trump is now imposing tariffs on foreign films so I generated a few  AI haikus about yet another terrible tariff idea:

Tariffs block the screen

Stories silenced by the wall,

Art taxed into dust.

Sword cuts through the reel

Foreign tales face tariff doom,

Honor lost in tax.

Smoke curls, screen goes black

Tariffs strangled foreign dreams,

Truth fades with the wind

In the void of stars

Trump blocks alien visions,

Dreams taxed out of flight.

Hollywood trembles

Trump slaps tax on foreign flicks

Subtitles now cost.

The Eve of My 53rd Birthday

 The Eve of My 53rd Birthday

The Saraha Desert

Morocco

I thought I would do something different for this birthday and so I spent two days in the desert with strangers and camels.  Maybe I'll pick something less demanding for a birthday celebration..  Maybe I'll go to Paris (but I doubt it).

10 Things About Traveling

 10 Things about Traveling

To date, I have traveled to all 7 continents, all 50 states in the USA and over 85 countries. Here are a few things I have learned along the way:

1. Every trip changes me a little — new places, new perspectives.

2. The journey can be just as memorable as the destination, especially those unexpected detours.

3. People are the best part of any trip: locals, the guides, fellow travelers, or the friends I bring along.

4. Packing light is an art form. 

5. Food is its own adventure, from street stalls to fine dining, flavors tell the story of a place.

6. Nature never disappoints, whether it’s Antarctica’s ice, the Sahara’s sand, or the Rockies' peaks.

7. Every country teaches me patience  from customs lines to language barriers. to delayed flights

8. Traveling solo sharpens my confidence and instincts. I've learn to trust myself.

9. Group trips make for great memories (and hilarious mishaps)  the more, the merrier... most of the time.

10. Coming home feels different every time. I  return to the same place, but I am never the same..

10 Things About Living Alone

I've lived alone for 45 years and I can't imagine my life any other way.  Here are some things I have learned about this experience;

• Total Freedom- I can do what I want, when I want. There is no need to consult anyone about music volume, dinner plans, or when to go to bed.
•  I have full control over my space.  I decorate how I like, organize my stuff my way, and my home reflect my personality.
• The peace & quiet is a gift.  There are no surprise visitors, no roommates barging in, just my own vibe.
  
• It taught me self reliance.  I've  become more resourceful in all areas:  fixing things, handling bills, cooking for one, and making decisions solo.
• All the costs are on me. Rent, utilities, groceries, and random home expenses all come out of my pocket. Housework is all on me.  Every dish, every crumb, every piece of laundry is my responsibility.
• Living alone forced me to grow emotionally, practically, and financially. I am so comfortable being my own company.
• Leftovers are all mine. I don't have to worry about someone eating that last piece of pizza. in the refrigerator.
• I can listen to the same song, on my playlist, 20 times in a row and no one is yelling at me to pick another song.
• I have so much damn privacy and I love it. There is no need to explain my day, to anyone. My space, my rules, my sanctuary.
• I have gotten so comfortable with solitude. Living alone has taught me how to enjoy my own company. And some days, I just cant wait to get home and enjoy this solitude.

---

10 Things About My Blue Chair

10 Things About My Blue Chair

I love this chair

• It a thick, dark blue corduroy.
• I purchase it in 2005 from a Strawbridge's warehouse on Philly for $50. That included the free delivery.
• To move it, it takes two people.  It's big and wide.
• I have always wanted a corduroy chair ever since I read JD Salinger's book, Raise High The Roof beam Carpenters. The characters in this book lived in a large apartment in NYC and they had corduroy chairs and they spoke lovingly of the comfort of these chairs. I wanted that comfort.
• I bought this chair to replace my reading chair and I errored in judgment. This chair is too wide and so my arms fatigue from overextending my arms to the arm rests. Sometimes, I have to stuff a pillow beside my hips to accommodate this annoyance.
• If I just throw a blanket on me when I am sitting there, it isn't long before I am snoring.
• At the moment, all of my important papers and passwords are stored in deep in the side of the arms. Sometimes I just reach my hand in there and I find some important paper I had been searching for.
• It's time to replace this chair. It's 20 years old and fading.  It's a bit lumpy in spots and it has served its purpose. Ive enjoyed it but it's time to go.
• Just as I decided to give up this chair, I got a notice from the head of maintenance for my apartment building. They are no longer providing the service of removing furniture for us.  We now have to hire a service to pick up the chair.  
• I called a service and they would come out for just one piece of furniture.  Now I am stuck with this chair that I once loved so much.

Rooftop

Rooftop

Marrakech, Morrocco

July 2008

 I was in a jewelry store in Marrakech and a young boy asked me if I wanted to see something interesting. Of course, I said yes. so he took me to the back of the store and up three flights of winding stairs to the rooftop.  As he flung open the door, we walked outside and the whole city was in view. I lingered for a few minutes but then retreated quickly as it was hotter than hell up there.

Tai Chi

 Tai Chi

Shanghai, China

April 1994

We got up bright and early this morning to wander the streets in search of a Tai Chi group we could join. Hundreds and hundreds of people were out there doing all sorts of movements. Some groups were so acrobatic that I could barely watch them. 

And then we found our group.  These two women were standing in the park, side by side and vigorously rubbing their faces until they were beet red. And so we joined them and I felt invigorated.

A Woman in Mongolia

A Woman 

Mongolia

June 2006

 She was standing right outside her yurt, mixing her yak butter milk.  She worked with so much vigor, I could just tell that she was strong.  I nodded to her and then to my camera, hoping she would understand that I wanted to take her photo. She nodded in agreement but then quickly went in to their home and came out a few seconds later. She had completely disrobed and put on a dress so that she would be properly dressed for the photo. She was beautiful.

BLM Street- Washington, DC

In the spring of 2020, in the midst of the Covid lock down, George Floyd was murdered by a cop in broad daylight in the streets and the whole neighborhood watched this horrific moment.  Regretfully one citizen alleged that Floyd had ripped him off for $20.  The cop stepped in to address the allegation and he became the arresting officer, the judge, the jury and the elocutionist.

The rest of America exploded in anger and hundreds of protests were held around the country. murderedAt that time, I saw a country that had finally acknowledge that racism is real and deadly. I really thought things were going to change for the better.

A first step to bring awareness to the moment was the installation of a Black Lives Matter (BLM) pavement near the White House.  People from all over the country came here to celebrate this recognition.

Today, the mayor of Washington, DC ripped this street up to accommodate Trump's hate. We have made no progress. 
 

The Royal Army- Mongolia

 The Royal Army

Mongolia

Summer 2006

There were hundreds of them.  They were all on horseback and all of them looked so regal and so handsome.  Their presence demanded  everyone's attention. They were leading the parade for the closing ceremony of the Naad Festival. And I would have taken them more seriously, but as we were backing our way in to the stadium, we passed by them and noticed that they were all drinking from a large flask and they all appeared to be drunk.

Riding Across the Sahara

Riding Across the Sarah

On Camelback

Morrocco

Summer 2008

It was hot, really hot.  I think it was 115F.  I was scared. I thought I was going to fall off my damn camel.  Camels smell. After five minutes on the camel, in the desert, the scenery doesn't change at all. Camels shit a lot. It's uncomfortable to ride a camel. Camels don't like to have people on their backs so they do things to shake you off of their backs. I don't ever have the need to ride a camel again for the rest of my life.

Trump/Globalization

I am having fun with AI.  I asked for a haiku about Trump's push for "America First" while his businesses thrive from globalization.  With each haiku, I added more details of what I wanted. Here are a few examples: 

Borders fade away,

Trump’s profits ride global waves,

Gold towers stand tall.

Walls rise, deals cross seas,

Global ties fill gilded vaults,

America first?

Trump waves the flag high,

Global cash flows through his doors,

Patriot for sale.

Trump chants “Made in U.S.,”

But his ties sail in from China,

Profits pledge no oath.

—

Trump’s walls guard the land,

But his wallet loves the world,

Borders? Just for show.

—

Global stage is set,

Trump’s name stamped on every deal,

Nationalist, sure.

Trump builds walls with pride,

While his brands cross every sea,

Profits know no flags

Clean Water

 Clean Water

New Delhi, India

Summer 2002

As much as I have traveled, I never get used to seeing people struggle to find clean water. Here I am in the capital city of India and too many people still do not have access to clean water. And inn the USA, some people saturate their front lawns with clean water. This disparity is an injustice.

FOLLOW UP: I asked ChatGPT to strengthen my statement and here is what I got-

No matter how much I travel, I never grow numb to the heartbreaking reality of people struggling to access clean water. Today, I'm in the capital city of India, one of the world's largest urban centers, yet far too many people here still live without this most basic human necessity. Meanwhile, in the United States, it’s common to see clean, drinkable water poured over lawns in the name of aesthetics. The contrast is staggering. This isn’t just a disparity, it’s a profound injustice, and one we must no longer ignore.

St Petersburg

 St Petersburg

Russia

Spring 2013

The architecture of the city was beautiful. The food was delicious. The people were reserved. The vibe was scary. I enjoyed my visit and I was a bit relieved to leave.

Why I travel

Why I Travel 

I am leaving for a trip to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in a few days and every time I tell people where I am going they laugh. And then they ask "why."  And then they ask why can't I just go to Paris. And they questions baffle me just as much as my travel destinations baffle them.

Having traveled to over 85 countries across all seven continents, I’ve realized that the most transformative journeys are the ones that confront my assumptions, test my comfort zones, and challenge my core beliefs. I no longer seek destinations that echo my worldview. I seek those that disrupt it and make me uncomfortable.

The places that have left the deepest marks on me are the ones that forced me to question who I am, what I believe, and why. To only visit places that align with my values would be to trap myself in an echo chamber. True growth doesn’t come from affirmation; it comes from friction. When I immerse myself in belief systems, cultures, and histories that contrast with my own, I’m forced to reevaluate the foundations of my thinking. Sometimes, I emerge with new convictions. Other times, my beliefs are strengthened, not out of ignorance, but because they’ve been tested.

This is why I mostly travel to places that challenge me. Not because I enjoy discomfort, but because it’s the only way I know how to evolve. I want travel should shake me up, wake me up, and reshape how I see the world and myself. 

May 2024

 MAY 2024

PA, DE

1- W- PA

It was a gorgeous day and I couldn't figure out how to spend my time. I was going to drive to the beach and spend the night. But I have placed myself on a budget restrict.  I am going through too much cash flow.  So I decided to hang here but I didn't want to go too far away from WC. So I grabbed a book and went to Everett Park but didnt get out of my car becasuse I was just too lazy. So I drove around town, exploring neighborhoods. I came home and walked around town and then hung in the lounge for a little bit with Pete. I need to step it up quite a bit.

2- TH- PA/DE

I slept so well last night and I woke up ealirer the usual and I got up earlier than usual.  But then, three hours later, I was exhausted and I sat down in my blue chair and clsoed my eyes and fell in to a deep sleep.

And then I went to the fitness center and walked on the tread mill for 40 minutes. So now, I have been to the fitness center three times in teh last 7 years.

Jaye, Dom and I went to Andrea's house for dinner.

5100+ steps

3- F- PA

I got a new phone plan.  I now have access to Netflix.

Jitters held a first annual hot dog eating contest and it was disgusting and fun to watch.

5100+ steps

Twitter: So I guess there is voter fraud. Kimberly Zapata (R), found guilty in a ballot fraud case, was sentenced to probation & fined $3,000. The EC deputy director was accused of illegally requesting military ballots & sending them to State Rep Brandtjen (R).

4- SA- PA

I finished my 10 day of medicine protocol for my cold and I still have a productive, nagging cough and am still so damn sleepy. I slept soundly until 12:30 PM and then I got up and farted around the apartment and went out to get something to eat and that exhausted me. So I took a nap and slept soundly until 10:30 PM.

I didn't get my steps in today.  I didn't have the energy.

5- SU- PA

It was rainy and chilly and unpleasant.  I need the sunshine. but I did sleep well last night so all is good with the world.

I met Deb and Lisa at the Cheshire Brewery (1) in Elkins Park.  I ordered a Hazy IPA, a DIPA and a stout and my beers were medocre but the afternoon was pleasant so that was good.

I came home and sat in the lounge with Pete for a while. He talks crazy to me sometimes and i have just begun to ignore what he says.  But he never has a take on a situation as I do. Today he told me that it is going to come out soon that China and th USA purposely released the covid virus to get rid of old people becasue we have too many people in the world.

I went to the fitness center and got my 5000 steps in.  I need to go here every day.

6- M- PA

I told Tricia that my cough is still lingering and now she is all over me to get back to the doctor's office.  But I don't want to go back.  I just want to get better. But I did send the dr a message today in hopes that she would order more medicine for me. So then I waited all day for her to call me back.  But she didn't. And i had a full day scheduled but couldnt do any of it becasue I had to wait to her from teh dr.  So maybe tomorrow, I'll get back in to life.

I got my steps in today.

7- TU- PA

dr appt

coaching session

salsa party

I got my steps in today.

8- W- PA

I made my way to Tannery Run Brewery (2) and liked it.

I had a facial. I love to get facials.  I think I should go once a week.

There is no cough today.  I dont know how to act.

Twitter: Im 68. I'm grateful for my social security, medicare, reduction in insulin, lower drug prices, reduced prices in hearing aids, a stable economy, the infrastructure bill & more. I'm relieved that immigrant children have been reunited with their families. I am voting for Biden.

9- TH- PA

It's Jim's 70th birthday

My mom died 26 years ago.  It seems like it was just yesterday.

I gave my cough medicine to Nick.  He's sick as well and not taking any meds so I gave up my cough meds and now I wish I had held on to a few of them.

I think my summer garden is complete. I went to Walmart and bought 5 more geraniums and that should be enough. Three of the five plants that I bout last week as struggling and fading away already.

Kim and I sat in the lounge for about two hours. I haven't seen her for over three weeks since I've been sick so it was good to catch up.

I got my 5000+ steps in today.

10-F-PA

I went off to the movies to see a french film, Driving Madeline.

For the last few months, my blog has been getting hundreds of views each day and Ive been wondering how this has been happening since I am posting from a dead site.  And today, I've gotten no views and now I am wondering what's happening.

Twitter: Stormy Daniels taunted Trump on Twitter after two days of testimony during his hush money trial, “Real men respond to testimony by being sworn in and taking the stand in court. Oh...wait. Nevermind.” Huff Post #TrumpIsACriminal #TrumpForPrison2024 #TrumpTrials #TrumpIsALoser

11- SA- PA

I had nightmares about hitting dogs with hammers as self defense.

Joanna and I went to the the new bookstore coffee shop on Gay street.

A large group of Springfield people went to hear Sue Descano preform tonight at the Darlington Art Center. There were teachers student and parents there. And it was nice to see most of them. And it was dreadful see some of them.

Twitter: So I guess Nikki Haley is now under serious consideration for the VP spot. Look what the orange idiot posted on Truth Social: “Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the V.P. slot, but I wish her well!” #TrumpIsALiar

12- SU- PA

It's Mother's Day.

tricia's house

It's Jaye's birthday so I went to her house to celebrate. 

flat tire

In the evening, I was walking down the hallway in my apartment building. A man come down the hallway with his dog, loose on his leash. The dog charged at me and began scratching my leg. The man tried to grab the dog but couldn't I was screaming and then a large dog came out of nowhere and charged towards me. The moment was chaos. The man finally got his dogs in his apartment. He never apologized. He never came out to see if I was alright.

5100+ steps

13- M- PA

it was a gorgeous day.

ran errands

reported my dog attack to management.  They are going to address the issue with the guy. And I was told that he is moving out soon.

I sat in the lounge and talked with Gina and Pete.  They started on thier position with Israel and Palestine.  I am so fucking sick of both sides.

I'm not getting many people to review my blog these last few days.  I wonder where they went.

I got my 5100+ steps in.

14- TU- PA

I had another training session and it went well. I performed better than last week.  I am making, slow, positive improvements.

I got my steps in today. 

We had our first MMA dinner of the year.  It was great to see everyone and I just love that we enjoy each other's company after all these years.

15- W- PA

I didn't take a gummie before I went to bed and I paid the price.  I tossed and turned all damn night and should have taken something at 6AM and still didnt and then I got up mid morning, got dressed, had breakfast, slipped back in to bed and slept soundly for hours. I had wild dreams about finding a storage site were all of my stuff I gave away as I was downsizing from two homes.  I went through everything and struggled again with parting with all of this junk.  If I could do back in time, I would do everything not to over consume in all aspects of my life.  I have an insatiable abundance of things. 

I have a sports injury today.  My big fat ass hurts. It appears as if I strained my ass from exercise yesterday. So, now, after 68 years of life, I have a sports injury.

16- TH- PA

dinner with Sharon and family

Jaye came over and we worked out in the fitness center for an hour. We plan on doing this on a weekly basis.

17- F- PA

I had another reoccuring school dream.  I was chaperoning a field trip with Karl D and Joe O and they both abandonment me and left me with all of the kids.

I went to the Lonely Planet Brewery and liked it.

18- SA- PA

In the late afternoon, I met Sally and Stacey at the Artillery Brewery (3).

It was Porchfest in West Chester and I had an assignment to manage the tent for Uptown.

19- SU- PA

OMG, it was beautiful day.

I had dinner with the Flatleys at Kathy's country club.

I didnt get my steps in. I just didnt feel like it and that's OK becasue I've been doing so well.

20- M- PA

Tricia and I went to Deb Green's workplace. Deb is retiring in a few weeks and we wanted to see where she spent so much of her time all these years.

21- TU- PA/DE

personal trainer

drive to dewey beach

sitting on the beach

great dinner

walking on the Rehobeth Boardwalk

Dewey Beer Company (4)

kathy texted me to see if I wanted to come to NY to visit with Selia

I got my steps in today.

22- W- DE/PA

siting on the beach

exploring Rehobeth and Lewes

Selia sent me a photo of the boys in Larchmont

I got my steps in today.

23- TH- PA

emergency call

I bought more flowers for my balcony garden

The clysdale horses came through town this afternoon.  They are beautful beasts

Square Bar

Sella called me twice today.

24- F- PA

Its Margarita day, the first day of the pool season. Kevin made over a gallon of Margaritas for us and we sat in the lounge and drank all afternoon. And as the booze took effect, Kevin, Pete and Barb ordered tickets to the Rolling Stones in June. And we were all filled with so much happiness.

Since Joanna is never interested in our drinking, I texted her to see if she wanted to go somewhere for dinner. Surprisingly, she picked the new Bierhaul Restaurant. So Kevin, she and I went off there and she later told me that it was Kevin's idea.

Selia called again and Kathy texted me to let me know that Selia is having a tough time in life. And I blocked her phone number because I just dont want to go back to the friendship.

25- SA- PA

It was a gorgeous day.  The sun was up and shining and the air was warm and comfortable and the pool was open and people were so damn happy and I spent most of the day inside, doing nothing.

I did tend to my balcony garden and so far, I have the best garden in the building. Now, I have to confess that only one other apartment has a garden and his garden is only slightly smaller than mine. So maybe I should get more flowers and get out there and overwhelm his garden.

Gina and I watched the Caitlin Clark basketball game.  We have become fans.  And the game was a disappointment so I don't know how long I am going to be a fan of basketball. But I am still very impressed with her.

26- SU- PA

I wandered around town and had drinks with Andrea and her friend. We checked out the house on Darlington Ave. That beat up old house could be a great find for some young people who are willing to fix up the place.

I walked over 7100 steps today.

27- M- PA

It's Memorial Day today and I have the good fortune of not knowing anyone who died in a war.  But I think most people in the world do not have that good fortune.

In the afternoon, I drove in to Philly to go to the Crime and Punishment Brewery (5) with William and Tom. It was fun to talk to these two young guys and get their perspective on life today.  William doesn't care about the border issues. He's OK with letting everyone in. And if he were in charge, there would be no borders at all, anywhere in the world.  Let people roam freely and live where they want.

I got my steps in today!

28- TU- PA

I took an old woman for her cancer treatment.

Michelle D wrote to me and told me that Rosina had a brain hemmorage yesterday and is in critical condition.  That breaks my heart. 

I got my steps in today.

29- W- PA

I walked around the Audubon gardens with Tricia. The inclines beat the shit out of me.  I have to work on that before I go on ky trip.

Nikki Haley, a former US Ambassador to the UN, went to Israel and signed one of the missiles which will be used agains the Palestines. She hopes this bomb kills them all.  This dreadful, hateful image will hint her and us for years to come.

30-Th- PA

Michele texted us to tell us that Rosina's surgery was successful. Now, she must have a long recovery ahead of her.

I went to my personal trainer and he kicked my ass.  I was so tired, I could hardly make it home.  I took a nap until 5ish and got up and tried to get with the program.  But i was so tired and I ached so damn much so I went to bed for the night around 10.

However, when I woke up in the afternoon, the verdict for trump came in: GUILTY on all 34 counts. FUCK HIM!!!I didn't work on my steps today as I was too damn tired.

Sharon and I went to World Cafe to watch Maggie Rose. I need to go to more live concerts.

31- F- PA

I had drinks with the SHS social studies teachers. Then I came home and had drinks with people in the building. There is a young woman in the building who has been introduced to me on several occasions and I don't remember any of these occasions so I have offended her. To make up for my bad behavior, I asked her if she wanted to go out for drinks and she said yes. but she asked Kristen to join us. I think she needed a little back up in case we didnt hit it off. We started  at Ironhill and then headed over to places on Market Street and we ran in to Haley and she joined is and we had a great time.

I got my steps in today.

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