Dead, Dead, Dead

 Dead, Dead, Dead

A Conversation Between My Parents

Philadelphia, PA

Saturday Nights, 1996

 

While there were so many similarities that my parents shared, they differed somewhat on what they found to be entertaining. My dad loved to regale in the music of his good old days. My mother loved to keep current in all types and interest in the entertainment world.

 

This difference was most pronounced on Saturday nights in their home at 7 PM. That was when reruns of the Lawrence Welk show were aired. My father would inconspicuously turn on the TV and attempt to settle down and listen to the music that had soothed him for the last 50 years. Things would be fine until my mother, always in another room, would hear the familiar greeting from Lawrence Welk.

 

“Turn that off”, she would shout to him, “remember I told you we can’t watch these shows from a hundred years ago. Watch something new that isn’t so depressing”.

 

“But it’s not depressing to me”, he would chime in, “I love this music”.

 

“Daddy”, she would complain, “everyone there is dead, find something where everyone you listen to isn’t dead!”

 

 “They’re not all dead”, he would respond defensively.

 

And that comment would bring her charging into the living room, where she would walk up to the television and begin to point out,” Dead, dead, dead, dead and dead. They’re all dead. Stop watching dead people.” And with that he would laugh and she would change the channel.

 

A few years later, my mother died.  I went to visit my father on a Saturday night and he turned on Lawrence Welk.  We listened to the entire dreadful show and I thought to myself, “Where is that dead woman when I need her.”

The Rumbergers

He lived for 50 years. She lived for 100 years. How different were their lives.

Did she have twice the joy that he had. She had to have so much more sorrow after living all those years.

Did he live to be a father and grandfather?

Did she live to be a great grandmother and possibly a great, great grandmother?

Did she ever remarry?

Did any of the grandchildren remember him?

Did she have to go to work after he died. Most wives stayed home at this time and raised the children?

How long did she struggle with his death?

What support systems did she have to help her through these tough times?

Walking Their Daughter Down The Aisle- 2025

This was a first for me: two mothers, one bride.  And I was a little nervous. I've known these three for years but I still worried all day about the groom's family. Would they be comfortable with this family dynamic? 

It turned out that his family was gracious and everyone had a great time.

I Stand With Immigrants- No Kings Rally- March 2026

 I STAND WITH IMMIGRANTS

My grandparents were immigrants and I am so grateful that they had to opportunity to come here and start anew. I am filled with gratitude that they took the risk to leave everything for a better life.

December 2024

December, 2024

PA, HI

1- SU- HI

In the afternoon, I went to the Ola Brewery (1)  It was expensive and I had a small fish sandwich for $24 + tax + tip. Every bit cost $7.50. It was delicious but not worth the money. My beers were good but nothing stood out among them. My bill was $46 + tip and I spent about $70 for an Uber ride to get there. That was an expensive flight.

I attended a talk about mountain sledding. Men did this activity. They got on narrow sleds and pushed themselves down the side of a mountain of volcano rock.  They either landed in the ocean or were seriously injured.

2- M- HI

I had another one of my reoccurring school dreams. But this time, I announced that I was leaving this assignment. I wonder if tis will be the end of these dreams which I have been having for 14 years.

In the afternoon, I tool a submarine tour and saw lots of fish and sunken boats. The trip was interesting.  It wasn't long enough and it was too expensive. It was $180 for the hour. Some families had 3 or 4 people on the trip.

In the evening, I went to the Fire and Ice Lua’a at my hotel.  The food was delicious and I had a few fish dishes that I had never had before.  The show was mediocre. There was a fore dancer who was great. Bu the rest of the show was boring. And the MC was an old, white woman, one of the ancestral colonizers.

3-TU-PA

I did nothing today and the day slipped by quickly. I had lunch by the poolside and the beer got the best of me. I had planned on having a second beer but the first one made me so lethargic so I went back to my room and napped . And then I went for a late dinner. My seafood chowder was delicious.

Twitter: The orange idiot pardoned himself by winning the election. Biden had no other choice but to pardon Hunter who would have been a victim of Trump’s Department of Injustice.

4-W-HI

Omg, I get to go home today. I can’t wait. This trip has been tough on my mental health. I’m restless and bored and fatigued. I’m a mess.

It's so hot today but I can not complain because I know I am going home to the cold weather.

Update: once I got to the airport, I started feeling better, less anxious. 

5- TH- LAX

It's been 50 years since Jack died. Usually, I think of him at 1PM this time every year but today, i spent through this moment.

I got to LAX at midnight for my flight home.  We were all in our seats when the steward announced that we had no pilot.  He had called in sick and we were all stranded there until further notice.  There are apparently a list of pilots on call but they weren't answering their phones. But finally, at 2:30 we took off.

I got home around 11:30 AM and went to bed. I woke up off and on all day. But mentally, I am feeling better.

And it is cold here today, very cold. My balcony garden is completely dead.

6- F- PA

I woke up in the mid morning and felt good. But I foolishly slipped back to bed and slept in a deep sleep for too much of the afternoon.

I did get up and organize bags of things to give away.  I am going to start taking small amounts of clothing to the transitional housing across the street.

I spent about four hours in the lounge, catching up with people and telling them about my miserable trip to Hawaii.

7- SA- PA

I hung around my apartment today and worked on decluttering things.  I got rid of stuff but of course, it wasn't enough. 

In the evening, I went to Tricia's house and we attempted to watch the PSA football game. But mostly we talked and PSU lost.  They just were outplayed.

Twitter: I’ve called him most of these names and will continue to do so. #1stAmendment #MushroomMan #VonShitzenpants #SenilePenile #TrumpIsALoser #Felon45 #TrumpIsAFelon #TrumpIsASexualPredator #TrumpCrimeFamily #LockHimUp

Quote

The Halfway Post

@HalfwayPost

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Dec 7

BREAKING: Kash Patel says he will investigate anyone who calls Trump the following names: VonShitzenpants, Diaper Don, Mushroom Man, the Senile Penile, Roast Beef B.O., Epstein’s Best Bud, Convicted Felon, Dotard, Putin’s Bitch, Fatty Fascist, or the Short-Fingered Vulgarian.

8- SU-PA

I am trying new gummies and this brand really seems to work for me. I slept soundly until l:00PM. I need to set an alarm when I take this gunnies.

Deb texted me and asked if I wanted to meet her at a brewery in Kennet Square but I wasn't up for the effort. So I passed on the opportunity and stayed in my apartment, isolated from everyone else.

I had a bag of 6 water bottles that I took over to the homeless shelter.  I thought for sure that they would snatch up these bottle.  They took three and I brought the others home.  I will try again tomorrow. Kristen came with me. It was good to see her. And she was appalled that I took my stuff over there. We laughed the whole way home.

The temperature was pleasant today.  I didn't really need a coat even though the temperature was in the mid-50s. 

9- M- PA

I had a dentist appointment because my tooth was hurting so much last week and I was in so much pain that I had an ear ache and now, it wasn't hurting but I went anyway other than cancel because I wanted to make sure I didn't do any damage tot he tooth. And everything was OK. I must have been so stressed out last week that I was repeatedly clutching my teeth and I just irrupted that are of my jaw.

I came home and attempted to find a mental health progressional. that is a challenge the I had not considered.  The first place I called doesn't take medicare.  She recommended another place but they are not taking new patients. I looked at Penn's Depression Treatment Center and thought that place would be perfect but they only take cash. The first visit is $1700 and every other visit is $2100.  So that is out.

Jaye and I went to see the movie, Wicked.  It was over 2 1/2 hours long but it didn't seem that long.  I liked the movie but I didn't love it.

We went to dinner afterwards @ PF Chang's and it was fun to spend time with her.

I came home and worked on my new shelf that has to be put together. I made some progress but then, as I was hammering, I remembered that it was 11PM so I decided to finish this task in the afternoon.

I did make it to the fitness center and I got my steps in for the day.

10- TU- PA

I had a 10AM phone call meeting with my financial guy. I was thinking of converting my IRA account in to a Roth IRA.  That involves lots of paper work and taxes and other head aches. As I expected, the guy started out by telling me that he was going to listen to what I had to say and then he would respond. But, as usual, he never stopped talking for 10 minutes. I finally had to tell him that we didn't need to talk any more. I was going to keep my money where it was. This guy is always exhausting.

I foolishly snuck back to bed and stayed there for another three hours.

I did finish putting my shelf back together and I have been busy these last few days with magian my clutter. But, when I look around my apartment, there doesn't seem to be any improvement.

11-W-PA

I didn’t go to bed until 5 am and so I took a gummies and woke up at 1 pm.

I put in a few more calls, looking for an MD to deal with my depression. No luck.

For the last three months I have been waiting to hear the WXPN radio's yearly 885 countdown of songs from the 21st century.  I submitted my ten recommendations and I thought the countdown started on the 10th. So I was excited to start listening. As I tuned in to the station, I discovered that the countdown started on December 5th and tomorrow would be the last day. I missed the damn event.

Fonda texted me to let me know that Sara Staat's husband died suddenly this week. He is only 49 and his obituary is a mystery. There was no information about his background or a memorial service for him.  He's just gone.

In the evening, a group of us met in the lounge for pizza and beers. It's so easy to find people to hang with around here.

12- TH-PA

I had to get up to pick up a cancer patient and take her to her home 5 minutes away. She was a nervous wreck and called me about 4 times to confirm our connection. Of course, my phone doesn't ring so that just worried her even more.

In the evening, Kristen and I went to Iron Hill (2) and had a great time. She is hitting on one of the bartenders and he let her know the last time we were there that he is living with a woman and they have a child together.  This time, he was a bit more flirtatious.

We also met the original owner/developer of the Iron Hill restaurants.  We talked beers and I enjoyed our conversation,

13- F- PA

I went to the Amish market and bought too many perishables. I am hoping that having this prepared food will help me get my appetite back. I just haven't been eating enough and I am down more than 10 pounds and I have no energy.

14- SA- PA

I picked up and decluttered a bit today and no matter how much stuff I get rid of, it doesn't seem to make a dent in what I have. When I reflect on what I have purchase and never used, it is shameful on my part.  I have too much junk.

In the evening, I ushered @ Uptown for the play, Beauty and the Beast and the production was outstanding. it was Broadway quality.  I loved and that surprised me because I've seen this play about 4 times now.  I saw it in the spring at my niece's middle school production so I wasn't looking froward to being this production yet again. But it was great.

Twitter: He hadn’t even been sworn in to office and he’s reneging on his campaign promises. He’s a loser!

15- SU- PA

William bought his first house in august and today I got to see his new home. It is spacious and empty. I  gave him my kitchen table and 4 chairs.  I have so much more room in my apartment now.

We had lunch at Artillery brewery in Drexel Hill.

16- M- PA

OMG, I had a 10:30 AM CPAP meeting in  Exton.  I am going to try the CPAP again after ten years ago when I gave my machine to a stranger. Her autistic daughter needed a machine and couldn't afford one. So I gleefully gave her mine. I hated that machine. But this one that I got today has a microchip in it and it will record my data and go to my insurance company to make sure I am using it.

I spoke to KT for about an hour tonight. I hadn't spoken to her for several months so it was good to reconnect.  She had wanted to go to England during Spring break but she is not up for the trip and neither am I.  We may go to Newfoundland in June and that is very appealing to me.

I have to stop isolating myself. I have to interact with more people.

Twitter: I'm not hearing anything about the Haitians in IL, eating the dogs and cats. Are they still doing that or did that stop on November 5? #TrumpIsUnfitForOffice

Twitter: "Trump is flat out admitting what was obvious all along: He has no interest in lowering prices and he never did. That’s why his campaign didn’t waste any time on actual plans that would lower them and he largely just threatened to do the opposite". Palmer Report 12-15-24

Twitter: "Trump has no interest in lowering prices & he never did... This, of course, will probably have no impact on his most die-hard supporters, & we all know what they’re really with him to the end over: the racism & misogyny that actually drove them to the polls". Palmer Report

I got in over 10,000 steps today.  I have been fairly good at getting to the fitness center most nights.

17- TU- PA

The malaise had passed, finally. Today has been a great day!!!! It started with my new CPAP.  I didn't take a gummy last night so my insomnia was insufferable. But once I fell asleep, everything improved. I woke up refreshed fro the first time in 100 years. And I got out of bed without much effort. OMG, what a moment.

I got out and finished most of my Christmas shopping. The kids are getting bags of candy and the adults are getting a jar of honey. I have decided that life doesn't have to be that complicated.

I notified Caitlin that I am coming to her house for dinner and I am looking forward to that.

I booked a big ass trip to the Silk Road and Central Asia. These parts of the world are unknown to me. I'm going to visit two of the stans countries, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan..  I will leave in late Aril and I will be gone for three weeks.

18-W- PA

I had two of my reoccurring school dreams.  When will these dreams end.

We had our CS Holiday dinner and it was well attended and fun.

19- TH

I shopped and finished my damn Christmas shopping Everyone is getting a jar of honey this year. I hate Christmas shopping.

I also dropped off a suitcase full of clothing to Wings, a NGO group that helps poor women put together a professional wardrobe. The woman's attitude annoyed me and I didn't want to leave my things with her.

20- F- PA

Damn, it is cold today

Sharon, Glenn and I met up in town to go to the Man Full of Trouble brewery. It's an old tavern from the 1790s. It took the owner several years to refurbish the place and it seats 12 and old serves sour beers.  I wonder how long this place will last.

Of course, it started to snow as I made my way in to the city.

21- SA- PA/NJ

Heather had a winter solstice brunch. So I drove up to Maplewood, NJ to join them.  Theo now recognizes me and calls me by my name and that gesture fills me with delight.

22- SU- PA

In the afternoon. I went to Deb Greens' brunch. There were about 12 of ups around the table.

In the evening, I went to Jay'e party. She has a fun group of friends.

23- M-PA

Pam and Doug were driving through town so they stopped by to see me. We met up at the Sly Fox Brewery.

24- TU-PA

It's Christmas Eve, a time when most people are hanging with their families on this eve of the big event. Kristen and I went out to Ironhill Brewery. She was fed up with her family and needed to get out for under her family heart breaks.

W- 25- PA

I started my day at the Anderkos for a light lunch

Then I moved on to Caitlin and crew for dinner.

It was a good day and this Christmas season was really not too bad. It didn't stress me out as usual.

26-TH- PA

I am finished with Christmas for another year.  I'm relieved but truthfully, this season wasn't too annoying

In the evening, I had a Beer tasting party. Cindy (and Brian) gave me a 12 pack of Christmas IPAs.

Sam and I talked for over an hour and I was looking for her help on how to manage my depression but she doesn't have any answers either.

27-F-PA/DE

Jaye and I went to see the movie, A Complete Unknown, the story of Bob Dylan. The movie was well done and it reaffirmed my respect and admiration for his music and my dislike of him as a human being. But I think he is so deep in to his music that we, humans, get in his way of discovering new songs.  He's released 55 songs in the last 65 years.

Dom joined us for dinner at a sushi restaurant, I had a lobster roll which could not have been real lobster as there was so much of it.  

I came back to the lounge and Pete and Kim and I sat and talked for about an hour. Pete, rightfully so, still struggles with Diane's death,

28- SA- PA

I have no commitments today and it feels nice to have nothing to do.  Having two events in one day has become a challenge for me some days. So I sat around all day and chatted people up in the longe.

29- SU- PA

Our new baby is born. Sidney Vincent Staudt came in to this world around 4:00. Kathy now has a grandson.

It's Kevin’s 44 bday.  I have been an aunt for 44 years.

Today would have been my parents' 73 wedding anniversary. They never made it to their 50th year.

Kristen and I had drinks at Iron Hill and then I went off to the Bier house for a glass of Piney The Elder beer, a just hard to find and sought out beer. I've wanted to try this beer for years now and it was a bit of a disappointment. It was good but not worth all of the hype.

30- M- PA

I slept well, woke up too late and cleaned a little bit, very little. 

In the evening, I did go to the fitness center. It was too much effort to make my steps but I got in 6000 steps. 

31-TU- PA

It's New Years Eve, one of my most dreaded days of the year.  I have, however, gotten over the need to got out and celebrate this forced moment. Instead, I went to the Anderkos and watched Penn State football.  We won and now we go on to more football games. I think this will be our last victory for the season.

My Letter to Jameson

My letter to Jameson while he was going through basic Army training in LA in 2017.

 Dear Jameson,

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

 

I went to visit your family last weekend and I have to tell you, it was so quiet without you.  I spent the entire weekend just waiting for you, waiting to hear your voice.  But your parents filled me in on every detail of their visit so I am all caught up on your business.

 

It sounds as if things are going well for you.  I’ve been thinking about your moment in the gas chambers.  When I was 26, I went to Parrish Island to watch marines in boot camp.  It was hard just to watch kids go through the chambers.  I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to actually do that.

 

Clay and I are going to Alaska in February.  I booked our flight last week.  We are going to watch the beginning of the Iditarod Race in Anchorage.  I also hope to do some dogsledding, ice fishing, curling and watching the Northern Lights.  We will make a quick stop in Seattle on the way out and grab a visit with Heather and Steve.  Then it’s off to Alaska where it should be cold, dark and fun.

 

Gus still doesn’t want to travel with me.  But I told him if you get stationed in Germany, I would take him over to see you.  That seemed to interest him.  I also heard that Hawaii may be an option and I would love to go to Hawaii.  Keep me posted.

 

I am off to Puerto Rico tomorrow for a few days.  I’m just going to sit on the beach, read, drink beer and snorkel when I can.

 

Since I last saw you, I’ve traveled a lot.  I went to Colorado (twice), Vermont (twice), Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Long Beach Island (four times), DC, Georgia, and NY.  I’m looking at a trip to Burma.  That will be an ambitious trip so I have to do some real planning.

 

I had Thanksgiving dinner with the Anderkos.  I was in charge of desserts so I brought three pies.  Too bad you weren’t here, we had plenty of extra food.  I hope you were allowed to eat for more than 10 minutes for your Thanksgiving dinner.  If not, you will just have to catch up when you get home next month.

 

Your parents were taking about how they will get you back to base on the 27^th.  I offered to drive you if necessary.  I think it will take 12 hours and we could split the driving and then I could just take my time on the way home.  Keep that offer in mind.

 

When we get together again, I want to talk to you about the guys who quit training.  I didn’t think that was allowable.  Do they get court-marshalled?  Do they get a dishonorable discharge?  I never heard of that.  I know there are some soldiers who are dismissed because the military do not think they are fit for service.  But I didn’t know a kid could just quit.  Personally, I could never make it through that training.

 

Hang in there.  Basic training is almost over and you can make it.  I’m happy to hear that you have already established yourself as a leader.  You have the brains and the temperament to lead so I am glad to see others recognize this talent in you. I’m proud of you for following your dream.

 

See you soon.

 

 

 

December 2023

 December 2023

PA, DE, NY, NJ, Azures

It's The End of The Year As We know It

1- F- PA

I don't think I slept for one second last night.  I did not take a sleeping pill because I worried that I would sleep through my alarm. I was so tired that it was difficult to drive.

I had a late morning appointment with my oncologist.  All is good and he suggests that I see his physician's assistant the next time I come in for an appointment.  And I can see her in Paoli Hospital so that was a win on both accounts.

Joanna and I went for high tea at Minnie's Teahouse in town.  It was a fun treat.And then I came home and rested for the rest of the afternoon.

I ran into Kim, the security guard,  And she asked if I made it home from last night. I didn't know what she was talking about but apparently, I had a conversation with her during the beer tasting.  And I don't remember any of it. I think I drank too much last night.

2- SA- PA

In the afternoon, I ushered at Uptown for the Philadelphia Medley Group.  They are a Chinese and a Chinese-American group that put on a cultural extravaganza.  The place was packed and I was all over them for a few fire safety violations and too many tickets were sold and there was some chaos in getting people seated. It was hectic and fun.

I was chatting with Gina in the lounge when Debbie stopped by.  Gina complained about her sadness, the holidays and death. Debbie didnt stay long and I was OK with that.

I started listening to Cassidy Hutchinson's  new book, "Enough".  She was the assistant to Mark Meadows, Trump's Chief of Staff.  They were plotting the idea of a stolen election as early as March 2020. They are deportable.  Her book is riveting.  I spent 3+ hours listening to it today. She's a bright, insightful, articulate person.

Greg came in to the lounge while I was in the middle of writing and unloaded on how dysfunctional his family is.  It always stuns me when people talk about toxic parents.

Twitter: I hold on to a hope that Trump lives a long life, in jail.

3- SU- PA

I slept well and without a sleeping pill.  I think I should go two days with a pill and one day without  a pill.  That seems to work for me.

It was a lazy, cold day.  I did a little bit of decluttering in my apartment.  But I have more to go.

Late afternoon, I went to the lounge to watch the Eagles' football game.  We lost and everyone is mad and disappointed.

4- M- PA

I packed, did laundry and prepared for my trip to the Azures tomorrow. I also played phone tag with Sharon but we did finally get to speak to each other.  One fo Sharon's friends sent me a message that she is annoyed with Annum because Annum will not get together socially with her son. I am reading this note and thinks, "what does this have to do with me.?"

In the evening, a few of us wandered over to the Uptown Theater to watch the movie, Elf.  I had forgotten how funny it was.

5- TU- PA/Boston/Lisbon

I'm headed to the Azures today.  I have wanted to come here for years.  My grandparents lived here in the 1950s. Jack was a civil engineer and he worked for the Army Corp of Engineers.

I finished my book, Enough by Cassidy Hutchinson and I loved it.  It was riveting nd I wish the book could go on. It is alarming to think that a dozen people purposely and knowingly devised a plan to overthrow our election so Trump could stay in power.  And then they feed so many lies to their supports that our election integrity is ruined.  I am so fucking pissed off at them.

And I was oblivious as to the price this young woman have to pay for her courage.  She wasn't even 25 at the time.  She is blackballed.  She had to go in to hiding to protect herself. She had to find lawyers to represent her and these fees were well over $100,000. And Trump continues to spread these lies every day of his worthless life.

6- W- Azures

I arrived at my hotel by 10 AM and had to wait for two hours before my room was ready for me.  The rest of the day was spent in my room, relaxing.

7- TH- Azores

I tried to get breakfast at the hotel but the waitress was annoyed with me.  I told her that I don't speak Portuguese so she told me that she doesn't speak English and just began to speak to me even more forcefully in her language.  She finally showed me a message that I had to pay for breakfast which was what I was trying to tell her.  Once we got that settled, I decided not to stay.  There were too many gnats on the food.  

I am noticing that there only appears one one other guest in my hotel.  And she seems to be a whiney woman from Seattle.  I am going to have to ignore her.

I had lunch at a small cafe in the neighborhood.  I had an omelette, a coffee, a bottle of water, a salad and chips for $6.50.  I tried to explain to the waiter that I didnt think he was charging me enough but sure enough, he showed me where all of this was included in the price.  I gave him $2 tip and he couldn't believe it.

Down the street was a small bar.  I think there were five men in there, playing dominos and the place was filled to capacity.  I ordered two beers, found a seat against the wall and watched as men stopped in for a quick beer and conversation. My beers were only $2, total.  I found this to be unbelievable as I have never been to an island where the beer is reasonable.

I started a new book, Ten Steps to Nannette, by Hannah Gadsby. This woman is gifted in being able to tell her difficult life with dry humor and comedic timing.

8- F- Azures

OMG, I slept terribly.  Every minute of the night was torture. I didn't take a sleeping pill as I thought I might sleep because I still have some jet lag.

I roaming the streets for the afternoon.  This island is densely populated with row after row of town homes.  The streets are narrow and a maze.  It looks as if thousands of people could be living right in front of me. Yet the streets are empty.  I see few people all afternoon.

Finding a good restaurant is harder than I had imagined.  First, there aren't that many. Some of them shut down mid-afternoon and others require a reservation which is a surprise to me becasue I am just not seeing many people.  But I found a place for a great fish lunch.  The water suggested I try the monk fish and it was delicious and reasonable.

Afterwards, I roamed the streets to take photos . My photo focus was a door knob obsession. 

In the evening, I went to the pool and hot tub in the hotel.

I walked 6962 steps.

9- SA- Azures

I took a sleeping pill.  I slept well but I woke up several times and had all sorts of stressful dreams.

I started the day with a wonderful facial which was so damn reasonable, I felt like scheduling another treatment for Sunday and Monday.  It was only 40 minutes long but it only cost $35.

I looked to book a tour of some sort for tomorrow but everything is booked.  A boring agent said all tours are booked ten days out.  So I guess that leaves me out.

With some effort, I found the center of town and I finally found people wandering around

On the way back to my hotel, I saw a little funky boutique.  Why I went in is anyone's guess becasue there is nothing, absolutely nothing that I want or need. I bought a damn, beautiful mid-length leather coat.

A woman is TX is in dire condition with her pregnancy.  Her doctors thinks her life is in jeopardy if she does not get an abortin.  The fetus is dying inside of her and risks becoming toxic to her.  She want to get an abortion but the new TX law doesn't allow it.  She sued the state and the judge ruled in her favor.  Then the fucking TX AG intervened and appealed the decision to the TX Supreme Court and they said they needed more time to think about it.  Fuck them.

I walked 6600 steps today.

10- SU- Azores

It rained all day so I stayed in my hotel all day.  But I don't really think I missed much as so many places were closed down because it is Sunday.  I'll try to hit the streets again on Monday.

I did finally score tickets to the Rolling Stone concert in Philly in June 2024.  The tickets went on sale today and I had posted this notice in my calendar.  So I thought I would give it a try and I got tow tickets in the nosebleed section for $250/each. I can't believe it. I have never seen the Stones and now I get to see them and I can't wait.

Twitter: I thought the Penn president was correct in her response. She has a responsibility to provide due process to her students. Investigating the context of their words is critical to determining malice vs free speech.

Twitter: #TrumpIsAfraid He is too afraid to testify. He is cowardly and knows he can't take the stand because he is no longer cable of telling the truth. I am so disappointed as I was looking forward to hearing his perjury. #LockHimUpAlready

I walked 6000 steps today.

11- M- Azores

I woke up this morning and wished I was going home today. This trip has been a bit of a disappointment but I think I only have myself to blame. I should have planned a few activities weeks ago. But I was concerned about the weather and didn't want to be out in the rain, walking around town, volcano, thermal pools, etc. Oh well.

Of course, today was my most beautiful day so far.

The woman from TX has been denied the right to an abortion. The TX Supreme Court ruled against her. Fuck them.

I found a nice seafood restaurant and a fun bar on the water and I thought I would spend my afternoon there. But the resturant wasn't open until dinner and I couldn't find the bar. I did find an OK place to have brunch and then I went to the river front and found a sweet little cafe and spent the afternoon drinking Portugese lagers. The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny. It lifted my spirits to for the moment and it was a nice way to end my trip.

I started heading back to the hotel and thought I would stop at my first bar but I decided against it as the sun was starting to go down and I thought I should just get home before I regretted this decision.

The woman from TX who needs an abortion, has to leave her state for her abortion. This is America today. Fuck them.

It looks as if four more people checked in to the hotel today. I passed them in the hallway.

Twitter: Trump surrendered!! He’s too cowardly to take the stand. He’s out on 5th Ave waving a white flag. #CowardlyTrump

I walked over 5800+ steps.

12- TU- Azores/Lisbon/Boston/PHL/West Chester

Today is a travel day. I am getting picked up at 4:45 AM to get to the airport to catch my 6:30 AM flight home.

Twitter: If that orange idiot gets back in the WH, the whole country will become one ugly, oppressive, women-hating Texas. #VoteBlueToProtectWomensRights #VoteBlue2024ProtectDemocracy #VoteBlue2024 #VoteBlueEveryElection

Twitter: I am a non Christian!!!

Quote

Diane Bernaerts  

@DianeBernaerts

·

Dec 11

Trump's friend wants to execute all non-Christians when MAGA takes power. Trump still hasn't denounced him.

I walked 7707 steps today.

13- W- PA

I had a fairly productive day.  

I got up to a leaking toilet.  My entire bathroom floor was wet and that was unnerving.  Paulo is going o fix it tomorrow. And he is also going to change the lights that have been out for about a year.  YEA!!!

I finished my book, Ten Steps to Nannette, by Hannah Gadsby.  I've seen this performance so I was interested in reading her memories.  At times I thought it was too long but at the same time, she offered so much insight in to being austic and the battles she faces.

I got a Christmas card from Denise Kelly.  I haven't spoken to her since her father's funeral which I think was 5 years ago.

I completley unpacked form my trip and that is unusual becasue this task usually takes about a week.  My bags sit by the front door and I put things away piece by piece.

We had our annual Christmas party and it was a lot of fun.  It was well attended.  The food was from Lemoncello and was delicious so there was nothing for me to take home.  However, I  did have fun with andy as I would get him a beer every time I went up to get one for myself.. It turns out that he was storing beers in his wheel chair. So I started a competition with him.  He left with 9 beers and I took 6 back to my apartment.

A few of us sat around in the lounge, for a few hours.  I ran in and outside, looking to see if I could see any of the meteorites that were supposed to bombard us.  But I saw nothing.

I went back upstairs and cleaned a little bit more.  Mostly, I cleaned out the refrigerator.  I had to throw lots of things out because I was afraid some of my food was old and I didn't want my quests to eat anything that was too old.

In other news, Congress voted to start an inquiry to impeach Biden.  They do not have any specific law that he broke.  They just want to start to look for a crime he may have committed.  The RepublicanParty is lost and doesn't know how to govern any more.  They just know how to obstruct and cause chaos.

14- TH- PA

I could not fall asleep last night and I had to get up early because Paulo was coming some time today to fix my damn toilet and I hate when I am here in the apartment and they want to come it.  But the toilet is now fixed and that is a relief.

When I went to my car this morning, I saw that the back tire was low.  This is the same tire that was a problem in the spring.  So I had to put 20 pounds of pressure in the damn thing and now I will have to go to AAA to get it fixed.

I spent too much time shopping for the weekend and I can safely say I have too much stuff and it seems like I don't have anything to offer my guests. I have no confidence in entertaining people.

While I was on the road, I noticed two cars in conflict.  Both drivers were giving each other the finger.  Then the red car decided to tail the white car.  The white car would zigzag between the two lanes and the red car just followed, right on the bumper.  This went on for a few miles.  It was nerve wrecking.  At one point, i was behind the red car and noticed that a sign was on the back window, "caution, baby on board." What an idiot.

I walked 6326 steps today.

15- F- PA

I cleaned all damn day and now I am tired.  Brielle called me at 10 to say they were arriving at 5 PM which surprised me as I thought they would show up around 8 or 9 PM.  That really cut in to my cleaning time.  So I got my fat ass out of bed and began tackling the last of the cleaning.  I shoved things in to my closets, changed the shower curtain, scrubbed the tub which still looks dirty, tucked things in corners and wet mopped the floor. Now I need a nap.  And just as I decided that I had done enough, Brielle texted m to tell me that they are running two hours late.  Now I can take a nap.

They arrived around 8 PM and we headed to Ironhill and had a great dinner.  I had the short ribs stroganoff and loved every bit of it.  My flight was delicious and my Philly Favorite IPA was particularly delicious.

We went back to my apartment and they had gifts for me and we talked until around 1AM and I finally said I was going to have to go to bed if I wanted to get up early tomorrow.

It was a nice evening.

Twitter: Do you think Repugants will ever realize that they don't really support the Constitution or our democracy. #VoteBlue2024 #VoteBlueToSaveDemocracy #VoteBlueToProtectWomensRights

I walked 6945 steps today.

16- SA- PA/DE

We were up early and headed out the door to go birding in Delaware. We were headed to Bombay Hook where I go every year around this time to see my 100,000 snow geese.

After four hours of searching, we surrender that we were not going to find those damn snow geese today.  I was so disappointed fro Quentin and Brielle.  But we did see bald eagles, a hovering kingfisher, several herons and egrets. So the day was not lost.

We rushed back to have dinner with Sharon and her family and of course, beautiful Theo was there. Heather and her family couldn't make it because Elliot was sick and I was disappointed.

On the way home, we stopped in Chinatown in search of Japanese potato chips that Brielle said were delicious. We didn't find exactly what we were looking for but what we found was good.

17- SU- PA

I had another reoccurring school dream. I am so sick of these dreams.

I am exhausted.  My company is gone. We had a fun weekend.  My brunch was fun and now I am exhausted. I feel a great sense of success.  I think I pulled off an attitude that I can host guests with ease.

18- M- PA

What a lazy day!!!! What a lazy person!!!!  I slept soundly until 12:30PM. I rolled over again and it was 3PM.  I called Kathy and we talked for a while.  Then I got something to eat and I slipped back in to bed.  I texted Joanna to tell her that I wasn't going to the movies tonight and then I tuned in to watch Jeopardy. When that was finished, I turned on a podcast. When I work up it was 7:30PM. So I listened to another podcast. And I feel asleep again and had wild dreams. By 9PM, I got up and looked at the score fro the Eagles football game.  We were ahead and I contemplated going downstairs to watch with the others.  But the thought of interacting with all of the noise was too much to bear.   So I got up, fixed a yogurt dinner, sat in my beloved blue corduroy chair and just slipped in to my social media/internet world for a few hours and then called it a day.

Maybe I will be more productive tomorrow. But truthfully, I don't think I could be any less productive.

I walked 51 steps today. What a pathetic lazy ass.

Twitter: The Christian Nationalists are destroying our country. #SeparateChurchAndState

19- TU- PA

Today was a much more productive day.

I traveled almost to to Harrisburg to go to the Troeg Brewery.  I 've been to this brewery before and loved it and was excited to go back.  And the fact that they still had their pumpkin ale on tap just added to my anticipation. But I wasnt overly thrilled with this visit fro some reason.

On the way home, I did some christmas shopping. As I did last year, I am just buying the same thing for everyone.  It' so much easier that way.

"I'm third". (I made this notation with the intent of writing more.  But I have no idea what this note means.  Maybe it will come back to me so I will leave it here).

Twitter: "A majority of the court holds that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of the President under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Because he is disqualified, it would be a wrongful act  to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot.”

20- W- PA

I went to see the new Willy Wonka movie, Wonka and as expected, the movie did not disappointment. I loved Gene Wilder in his Willy Wonka movie. And, of course, I loved Johnny Depp when he played Willy years ago. And this new movie with Timothy Challet offered yet another take on a great movie theme. This movie told the story of how Willy got started in the chocolate world whereas the other two movies already had him firmly engrossed in making the best chocolates in the world.

21- TH- PA

I'm finished with my Christmas shopping. I'm not buying anymore things. I have enough to divide amongst everyone.

I ushered at Uptown for a performance by Gillian Grassie, a harpist who finished her last set with Danny Boy and then she moved on to Auld Lang Syne but then moved in to her fable with What Rabbit by Grace Slick. She couldn't completely pull it off but it was gutsy.

I wrote to Jerrie and reminded her that I was still up for teaching in China if anything opens up and that teaching in India is also of interest. Her response: "China is having such a crack down on NGO's and women.  Not sure what is possible yet.  Shawn is working to get us legal status which we haven't been able to achieve since 1984.  The last time I requested it was 3 million US dollars. China is positioning itself as not needing any international presence.  They don't want NGOs because it is an indication they need help or can't do it on their own. I will indeed keep you posted.  Shawn is also focused on having the 16th Annual Women's Symposium in May but may not know until March!"

Twitter: I need a spreadsheet on all of trump’s indictments and law suits. I can no longer keep everything straight. Can someone do that for the good of the general public? #LockHimUpAlready

Twitter: Trump is so filled with rage against so many people. I’m afraid that any day now he is going to implode from within and die of a heart attack and never spend a single day in jail. And that would bring me no joy. #LockHimUpAlready

Twitter: Disgraced House speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the first speaker ever to be thrown out by his own party, resigned his seat as of today. Good Riddance. #VoteBlueToSaveAmerica

I walked 5131 steps today.

2147210

22- F- PA

OMG, I had another lazy ass day today. I did nothing but listen to podcasts and my book,

Im listening to A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum, a Palestinian woman and it is maddening to hear her story of women who are so blatantly oppressed by men. How did this attitude start and why does it still continue? I am so tired of religions, cultures, and expectations that demand we take a back seat.

Yesterday, 2781 people read my blog. Since Google+ died a few years back, my readership has all but disappeared. I wonder what happened yesterday to bring about this engagement. And how did they access my blog since it is now on a dead site.

I ran a three day poll on Twitter in reference to the names on Jeffrey Epstein's guest list. The list is going to be released on January 4, 2024. Almost 672,000 people viewed the poll but only 2700 responded. I'm surprised to see that Biden received so many votes. There has been no discussion that Ive seen that even indicated that he knew Epstein.

Who is on Epstein's list?

• Trump

  38.1%
• Biden

  23%
• Guiliani

  16.6%
• Obama

  22.2%

2,700 votes·Final results  Dec 19, 2023

671.9K

Views

23- SA- PA

I'm up earlier than usual for me but then I should be since I hibernated yesterday.

I started my day by listening to a podcast where Fran Liebowtiz is being intereviewed and now I want to buy a condo in Manhattan and go through life as a cool, old, witty, urban woman.

For some stupid reason, I went to Costco this afternoon.  It was jammed packed.  Every parking spot was taken.  There were just a few carts left to use. AND, surprisingly, everyone was relatively polite.  I came to buy some pants.  I got them, paid for them and got a piece of pizza to go all in fifteen minutes. Then I filled up my gas tank for only $3.25/gallon.  What a deal.

I spent the evening in the lounge with Pete, greg and Barbara. Greg gave me chocolates.  Pete gave me chocolate pretzels and Barbara gave me two beers.  I gave them nothing.

My Christmas wrapping is finished and it appears as if I have plenty of gifts for the family.  I'm all set. Bring on the damn holiday.

24- SU- PA

I was able to convince a group of people to join me for one hour at LeVante's Brewery so that I could finish up mu 2023 Brewery Count.  I finished at 71 which is much less than my PR of 82. Oh well.  I'll try harder next year.

My new aero press coffee maker arrived today and I am going o wait until tomorrow to try it.  I can't wait.

Joanna left me a plate of chocolate cookies at my door and I ate all of them.  Now I feel sick.

I finished my book, A Woman is No Man. I'm left with great anger at the global presumption that women are second class citizens. How did we get stuck in that role?

Jerrie sent me an email.  We are allowed to return to China for the next semester.  I aam so damn happy.  I told her I could take the assignment that starts in late March.  That will have me teaching through the end of April.  I'll see if I can get someone to travel with me for a week or so and then come back to help Jerrie with the Women's Symposium in May, head to Taiwan in mid-May and be home by June.  I have to be home by then because I have Bonnir Raitt tickets on June 7 and Rolling Stones tickets on the 11th.

25- M- PA

It's Christmas Day and I bombarded my facebook wall with revert and irrevenarnt christmas posts.

I was slow moving but I did get to Sharon's house in time for dinner.  I had every intention of stopping at Tricia's house along the way but time slipped away from me.

On the way out the door, Barbara stopped me in the hallway to give me a bottle fo beer and a bag of cookies.

Glenn made a spectacular dinner and I got to take a complete dinner home with me so I am so damn happy.

Twitter: Trump: "May they rot in Hell. Merry Christmas."

26- TU- PA

OMG, I woke up from a nightmare and I was unnerved by the drama.  People were trying to break on to our shore house and use our water while they were constructing their new home and they wouldn't take no for an answer.  They tried to invade the house through every door and window in the place. They were exhausting me.

After I recovered from this trauma, I got up and went looking for discount Christmas shit for my July family party.  I've decided that we are going to decorate Christmas balls and everyone gets to take a ball home. And I also stocked up christmas candy to give out in July.  But now I have to find some place to hide this damn candy so that  I do not eat it before he party..

Jim, Greg and Pete were in the lounge, playing pool. I just sat in my chair and hung with them.   Greg and Jim left around 10 PM. Pete and I stayed behind and chatted each other up.  Our conversation moved to the Israeli, Paletine situation and of course, Pete's views got on my nserve and I think I annoyed him as well. 

27- W-PA

Jaye and I went to see the new Color Purple movie and I loved it.  The scenery was beautiful and the story was full of momnets of women helping women.

28- TH- PA/NY

hanging with the staudt

long drive here.

29- F- NY

up by 930 AM

it's Kevin's 43 birthday.  I have been an aunt for 43 years now.

flushing chinatown

a great meal

kevin's birthday party

I had another surge in viewer numbers (667)  on my blog.  I wonder who is reading what i've written. And how are they accessing my blog because I have it housed on a dead site.

30- SA- NY/PA

It's Clay's 21 birthday.

I had yet another reoccuring school dream and this one was so stressful that I struggledd to wake up just to get away from the dream.  And I was a little unsettled when I did finally wake up.  I hate these dreams.

After a light breakfast, we piled in the car and headed to the water for a brisk walk.  It was cold. And it was the frit time I was wearing my new leather jacket and I dicovered that it isnt a cold weather jacket.

Denise treated us to lunch in a tavern in town.  I had a reuben which was delicious.  And my cold beer just added to the enjoyment.

brielle wanted to make sure she saud goodbye before we left.  So she and Quentin comae over and we had a cup of tea and then I took off.

It only took me 3 hours to get home but I was tired and I worried about nodding off as my eye lids got heavy. I considered pulling over fro 1/2 and taking a quick nap to rest my eyes.  But I just plowed ahaed and made it home OK.

And then I napped and listeneted to my new book, Oath and Honor, by Liz Cheney. She writes about the crazy GOP and their dreadful attempt to steal an election.  The fatcs of this situation are so cler to me.  I can not understand why they are not clear to so many, too many other people.

5000 steps

31- SU- PA/NJ

dinner with Jill and Mason

Mason started a conversation with me.

I finished my book, Oath and Honor.  It's maddening that so many of our legasialtors lied just to maintain power.