A beautiful beginning to June.
The weather almost tropical. 80 and 90 degree days punctuated by pop up downpours that looked like something out of S.E. Asia. Ending as suddenly as they arrived and leaving the air steamy and the plants and birds ecstatic.
My herb basket and patio plants are loving it.
Cooking with fresh herbs daily now...and the pinching back just makes them bushier and more prolific.
Ending the week Friday on a sad note, as we have lost one of the world's true adventurers.
Anthony Michael Bourdain
1956-2018
RIP
A kindred spirit who loved travel, cuisine, different cultures...and life in general.
Until he didn't.
Like Robin Williams, his suicide leaves most wondering if THIS GUY could get depressed, overwhelmed, whatever...enough to end his own life...what HOPE is there for the rest of us?
His show with CNN: Parts Unknown gave many (including myself) the ability to have adventures, see things, learn about the cultures of places that we may never have seen otherwise. There are 89 Episodes.
It is hard to know why...we may never. Depression or a bad diagnosis. 61 and maybe he just wanted to go out on his own terms. On top and in good shape instead of weathering the ravages of advanced aging.
What I do know is that he LIVED.
Truly lived.
Thoreau once commented that "...most men lead lives of quiet desperation."
Tony Bourdain was never one of those men.
My good friend, Loretta, hospitalized and in surgery last week. Requiring at least 4 weeks follow up rehab. Talked with her yesterday and today and she has handled surgery well and is now on the long road to recovery.
She may need to relocate closer to her eldest son as it is getting harder and harder to live independently.
Aging.
It's not for sissies.
I am doing well in the wheelchair.
No longer "CRASH"...lol!
Steering...who knew.
Soon begins the task of painting over all the black marks on the lower half of the walls from when I was learning.
Already have the paint!
(...thanks Michelle...)
The manual w/c has not only reduced a lot of the wear and tear (and safety issues) of ambulating with the walker...which is now impossible anyway, but is is greatly toning both my upper arms and strengthening my lower calf muscles...which is kind of nice.
This week's book:
Listening to her sage "four decade" advise I reflect on my nearly 2 decades beyond experiences...boy...is she ever in for a surprise...lol!
(...not entirely age-ist...I'm sure those 80+ listen to me, and feel the same way...lol!)
If you are 20-something you will roll your eyes at this book.
If you are just beginning your 40's...it will be a helpful road-map...or at least keep you from complete panic.
And if you are my age or beyond it will give you a good laugh as you mutter under your breath
"Seriously...you ain't seen nothing yet, sister."
Well written, and at the very least, entertaining.
This week's movie:
A wonderfully romantic Love-in-the-Age-of-Arthritis story from 2014.
Suggested by a good friend, after revealing to her, a few weeks ago, that I was in one of these myself, now.
(...I think we actually had the restaurant conversation scene...lol!)
Shirley McClaine and Christopher Plummer in their best roles yet!
Worth a watch!
and, of course,
So....they have finally fired the aide that made the crass comment about /Senator John McCain
"...he will be dead soon..."
Yeah, but he outlived your career, honey...so it's all good.
The Superbowl Winners: The Philadelphia Eagles were disinvited from the White House for kneeling during the anthem...except they didn't. Kneel, that is.
Faux News showed (and later was called out and had to retract the story) three players kneeling together in a circle. One of the QB involved immediately lambasted them for using this photo where they were actually praying before the anthem was even played.
The Warriors and Cavs stood together and told Trump no matter who wins...they will decline a White House invite.
Trump imposed tariffs on our ALLIES...what the actual fuck????
Our allies were having none of it and imposed their own on us.
(...tired of all the winning, yet?)
This week began the G-7...
Trump has not only pissed off our allies there...but arrived late...refused to stay for the environmental issues and climate change discussion...and they decided that maybe it may have to be the G-6 + 1. And are planning to proceed accordingly.
"Donnie...go to your room this instant. The Adults will sort this."
(...I think in a fair fight Merkel could take him...don't you?"
This photo says it best
How sad that this is the man REPRESENTING the United States of America.
(...earlier in the week he had accused Canada of torching the White House during the Civil War...and even Trudeau knew it was Britain..okay?)
Trudeau did actually give him a photograph of the brothel his grandpa used to own.
This has to be a Troll-Level 11 :)
Just sayin'
ICE is separating children from their families...and (not making this up) have them inside holding warehouses in what amounts to yard kennels for dogs.
Don't believe me. Look it up.
How is this America?
Oh, and that Phillips fellow (baker in Colorado) doesn't have to make a wedding cake for...well...you know...those gay people. Says it isn't personal...it just violates his religious rights as a Christian.
I am sincerely hoping he applies his Christian Litmus Test to
Couples who are not virgins.
Couples who have been divorced.
Couples who eat shellfish, have tattoos or wear mixed fibers.
(...and the list goes on...)
Because otherwise, Phillips is just a Bigot and a
Homophobe, wrapping himself in Christianity- so he can be an Asshole.
Which is my suspicion.
Some good news though.
The ACLU is going to start supporting and endorsing candidates!
And the Blue Wave made a spectacular showing in the June 5th primaries. We CAN do this! I expect good things in November Midterms.
And a move to impeach soon after.
Have a Great Weekend.
More Anon...