Happy Anniversary!

I've been married to the love of my life today for 37 years! And, that said... The State of Oregon is on fire - literally, on fire. Jackson County is on fire (Charlie's dad has been evacuated twice in the past two days to Grants Pass). Clackamas County has evacuated 80% of the population because of two fires converging upon themselves. Lincoln County, where I have been privileged enough to spend much of my life vacationing at a dear friend/sister's cabin, is in danger of being subsumed by fire. This feels like the apocolypse! Tomorrow marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. I don't know what your "god" is - allah, god, whatever...we just need to get through another year. Don't forget to VOTE! Don't let the bastards win!

Are we really safe???

Let's be clear...Black Lives Matter...I'm worth it...and, I'm still really nervous about the outcome of this whole "Covid-19" thing. So...again, let's be clear... Black Lives Matter...we're going to be on the right side os history. I'm a senior (ok, I'm finally embracing the senior citizen thing - not happy about it, but I'm a senior citizen) and I stand with everyone who is marching out there with "Black Lives Matter"...with "Women Matter"... with everyone who matters... Covid-19 is again emerging as a real thing. I'm watching the 2020 BET Awards Show - and honestly (Charlie is saying, "If you have to say "honestly" you're probably lying!") there's nothing more honest than these...I don't even like awards shows...but who can deny Alicia Keys?..... Stay safe, my friends....

It's been a month...

So...it's been a month since I posted. Things have relaxed. Well, let's be clear. People have relaxed (read: dropped their guard) with regard to this whole Covid-19 thing. Wear a mask? "My constitutional rights say I don't have to!" Social distance? "I don't have to!" And, as a 64-year-old (on the cusp of being in the fragile population) I'm really torn. I really want to go do stuff, but I also know that that's stupid! People are dying - there's a second wave (but, to quote Dr. Fauci, "we haven't left the first wave, yet.") I've decided to go back to the only family (Pam is going to be really mad!) is the only contact I have with the outside world. I'm going to tell Sam and Sarah they can come over and, of course, Molly can come over, but I'm thinking we need to insulate to others for awhile. Oh, BTW, Mamacita Salsa? Excellent! Go buy some! On a different, yet same vein...if they get a vaccine (or need a guinea pig for one)... I'M IN!

I love books...

I love books...No, really... I love books! I read (ok, listen to audio books)probably, ten to fifteen books a month (well, the pandemic has caused me to listen to waaaay more books than I typically would). I have a book for you, though, that is what I like to call a "read with your eyes book." "The School of Essential Ingredients," by Erica Bauermeister is the very book. Now, I've read many reviews of this book - some that say, "where's the story?," to "it jumps around too much." But trust me on this one - treat yourself and get a physical copy of this book and read it! It's a love story. It's a story about a sorcerous (not really, but you'll come to believe that Lillian really is one!). It's sad, it's happy - if you're a reader, it's everything you want in a book. And, it's a really fast read! So, even if you hate it (which, you will not!), you won't lose more than about ten hours on it. Being married to a man who loves to cook, it made me think about what it means to prepare a meal for those you truly love.

Why do you love people?

So, I started a new book today (well, full disclosure - I've had this book for over a year, just haven't gotten to it) "The School of Essential Ingredients," by Erica Baurermeister. It's a really fast read. As I put it down for the first time since starting it, it fell open to the epilogue and there was a note inserted: "Dearest Theresa, Thank you for buying this book. It warmed my heart, made me cry, and made me think. I love you so very much You mean the world to me. Yours in perpetuity, CDO." I read this note - and read it again - and then had to ask my dear one, "Did you read this book?" "Oh, I was so worried you would give it away before you found my note!" It's a lovely book - if you're reading this blog - you should read this book!

Memorial Day - and Taps....

Are you nuts, yet? It's been fully eight weeks. My only outing has been Costco! May is Oregon Wine Month and I've fully embraced that! Every Friday this month I've gone to Costco and bought wine. OK - full disclosure - I didn't buy wine today - I bought butter instead! (The receipt checker said, "Oh, you're going to be baking!") I've started back to my pee-push-ups! I'm beginning with 50-per day headed for 100-per day! I read that a push-up was the perfect exercise, so, I'm joining the movement. Finally, as the summer officially kicks off, it's time to get back on the bike. But with some caveats - I'm not riding anywhere I don't want to ride, I'm not riding any pace I don't want to ride, and I'm not riding any technique I don't want to ride! So, I may have some very solo rides, but I'm going to please myself - I'm nearly 65-years old!

I have great friends...

OIf you are lucky enough to count three people among your good friends, you are very lucky...I have more than that....

I have Molly, who is by far, my best and favorite friend...you know how Groucho Marx said, "...

a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun'.” She's the one in the next cell. 

Pam is the friend who will be trying to figure out how to bail me out. 

Beth will be saying, "You should have known better - I'll see you in the morning." 

And, all the rest would  be saying..."Hmmm, never saw that coming