Brunch with the Bible study group

This morning our Bible study group gathered at Sunny Street Cafe on Reed Rd (breakfast and brunch only). Madelaine and I exited our cars at the same time and walked in together while a carload nearby was also opening doors and gathering its group. We met one other member inside and were chatting while waiting for our table to be cleared when the woman who had been in the other car ran into the cafe screaming--"Is there a doctor here--we need help." Before I could even turn my head to look, a man rushed from his table and ran out the door. It seems while she was taking her child out of the rear car seat the toddler was choking on something. Meanwhile, our group continued to gather while noticing what was happening behind them, and other customers began to go outside to see what was happening. Part of our little group began to pray in the entry way; within minutes we heard the siren and the squad arrived just as the child rallied and became alert in the arms of the rescuer. We all had a wonderful meal and talked of many things, but somewhere in Columbus tonight a mother holds her little one extra close.

Yes, we have no bananas

At the Estates (formerly The Forum) we have a continental breakfast, which can be a variety of items, and always bananas. But not today . . .

"Yes, we have no bananas
We have-a no bananas today
We've string beans, and onions
Cabashes, and scallions,
And all sorts of fruit and say
We have an old fashioned tomato
A Long Island potato But yes, we have no bananas
We have no bananas today

 
This was a #1 hit for 5 weeks in 1923, a bit before my time, but I remember Louis Prima's version.

https://youtu.be/8QqkrIDeTeA?si=8lkKlFawd6of9p5G

Fear of Covid is alive and well, except among politicians

Fear of Covid still lives. I have friends and relatives still getting the shot. Plus, many younger parents have developed a fear of useful, life-saving vaccines.

What stays with me is my bewilderment of how that pandemic and its results seem to have been forgotten by both political parties and all the institutions that were affected--particularly education and religion.

 
Donald Trump pushed too hard for a vaccine so he could be a hero, in my opinion, and he was at the starting gate of the closings and flinging money at us with CARES ( Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act), which corrupted and compromised every aspect of our culture. Fear of Covid put Biden in the White House (in my opinion) after he had previously castigated Trump's vaccine effort and promised he had a plan to stop the spread (he didn't; no one did). The people fell for that after being terrorized by the media which hated Trump with constant fake rates and numbers.

 
Then CARES + Biden turned out to extend the closing of our economy with a crippling mandate which hardly touched the rich and powerful Democrats and got Republicans fired or cancelled. Covid cases soared so that by the end of 2021 the rate was higher than under Trump even with the vaccine. Biden buddies destroyed the economic gains made under Trump in his first term, but I think Trump moved too quickly with a science he didn't understand, then his advisors were blacklisted under Biden.

 
Both presidents fell for Dr. Fauci and his gain of function lies allowed him celebrity status. Both presidents ignored years of research on the mental health effects of locking people up and fell for the masking and distancing lies. IMO, the old folks should have stayed home and the kids should have been in school.

We're still paying for this, particularly the children who lost about 2 years of learning. Something like it but different could happen again. Where are the lessons learned?

BTW, do you know that Peter Daszak (who got the grant money from Fauci for the gain of function research in Wuhan) has a new gig on global health and is seeking donations? https://naturehealthglobal.org/nhg-signs-5-year-contract.../

Carol J. Steele, a long time neighbor and friend

We bought our Lakeside cottage in 1988 and met our wonderful neighbors, the Steeles. We also knew their parents, their children, and their grandchildren and some siblings.

"Carol J. Steele, age 79, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025. Carol was born on April 21, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Charles and Hazel (née Stevens) Staudt.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Carol was an active and lively member of Mentor Plains United Methodist Church for over 40 years. She embodied scripture passages like Ephesians 4, exemplifying her call of humility, gentleness, patience, and love, to all who crossed her path. She dedicated her vibrant energy to many passions, including Sew for Service, her many Bible study groups, and her book club. She also found joy participating in her Parkinson's support group, and loved her work with Mary Kay Cosmetics, empowering others to feel appreciated. Carol adored sweets, knitting, reading, film photography, hosting for the holidays, and sightseeing during her many travels. She was an avid crafter, lifelong learner, dear friend, Lakesider, and lover of life. Her servant's heart affected so many, and will be missed for years to come. Above all, Carol was profoundly dedicated to her family and the Lord, creating a sense of "home" whenever in her presence.

Carol is survived by her devoted, steadfast husband of 57 years, Scott Steele, and their four children: Julie Steele, Eric Steele, Jennifer Eberly, and Brian Steele. She was a cherished grandmother to Alexander, Hunter (McKenzie), Taylor, Isobel, Ian, and Isaac, and a proud great-grandmother to Silas. She is also survived by her siblings: Mary (Creighton), Charles (Sandy), and David (Anya), as well as a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Monreal Srnick Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, OH 44095. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM, also at the funeral home. Carol will be laid to rest at Whitehaven Memorial Park."

The Associated Press and the President

As I've mentioned before we have a small digital news alert from AP on our elevator TV (about the size of a 1949 TV screen). Probably the most important international event in the last 60 years is taking place today (signing of the Gaza peace plan), but it is showing 2 stories about the death of Dianne Keaton, 2 on football and I think I saw something about JD Vance, but it was not about the historic accomplishment not only of Trump but indeed all the countries in the middle east. What a worthless waste of someone's investment, career and time is Associated Press.

So, I checked to see what its beef is about Trump--and among others it is suing for its First Amendment rights because the Trump Administration blocked 2 reporters on reporting on a White House event. Oh goodie. It gets to ignore important history and pouts that there are consequences for bias, middle school nastiness and disinformation. Wikipedia (not always a good source, but it's handy) says it is a not for profit association made up of members who report news.

 

"As a cooperative, the Associated Press is owned and governed by its members. There are approximately 1,300 U.S. newspaper members and thousands of television and radio broadcast members.

These organizations are the collective owners. They elect the board, contribute to the cooperative's news report, and in return, gain access to the vast amount of content produced by AP journalists worldwide.
This structure is designed to support journalism, not generate profit for investors. Revenue generated by the AP, including from licensing its content to non-members, is reinvested back into its news-gathering operations." (SEOAves)

1300 newspapers and thousands of TV and radio members. Hmmm. I wonder what percentage have ever had a good word to say about President Trump or conservatives? Yet AP's reports are the "backbone" of all news reporting.

Happy birthdays, anniversaries 2025

After being delayed by colds, we finally got to celebrate two birthdays and two anniversaries at Hyde Park Restaurant. Upper Arlington | Hours + Location | Hyde Park Restaurants | Steakhouse in the US

 

I'm wearing my new birthday jacket from my kids--navy and white

A day with the horses

One of the biggest sports events in Columbus is the Quarter Horse Congress. It's about a month long in September and October--attracting more than 500,000 people, and generating $429 million for the central Ohio economy. I think I went in 2000. I petted a lot of noses, and didn't buy any $400 boots, but did get a cook book. 

Although it's not as fancy, today at The Form we went to "Dreams on Horseback Ranch." It was a little chilly, so we dressed in layers. We didn't ride, but we were able to engage with the horses.  We got there about noon so we began with a box lunch right at the entrance to the barn area and near a lovely woods. We had a tour of the barn area and were introduced to the various horses and told what they did.  Some were leased and were residents until the owners needed them. One horse, the size of a pony, had just returned from visiting special needs children at a school. One horse performed some "art" for us.  Blobs of acrylic paint were placed on small canvases which were then covered with plastic wrap. A dollop of applesauce was placed on that and the horse licked it off, spreading the paint around.  We plan to matt and frame ours.

  

Needs sunglasses

  

Haflinger we groomed

Rate of falls in elderly increases

This is odd. Falls are a big risk for people my age--that's not news. But I wonder why the rate is so much higher now than when my grandparents were in their 80s (died in 1983). This author's opinion is the soaring use of prescription drugs. Fall risk drugs are called FRIDs. Mortality from falls has increased much more in the US than other high income countries. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2837039? 

"The surge in deaths from falls in the US reflects a new phenomenon. There is no reason to think that older adults today are much more likely to be physically frail, have dementia, have cluttered homes, or drink alcohol and use drugs than age-matched adults 30 years ago, and the percentage living alone has not changed much since 2000. On the other hand, there is plenty of reason to believe that the surge in fall deaths may be tied to the soaring use of certain prescription drugs,3 which is a risk factor that, unlike most other factors, clinicians can readily modify."

Dick Durbin, pro-choice Catholic Senator

Dick Durbin, Catholic Democrat, is not just pro-choice, he's super charged with killing the unborn. The pope knows that, knows he violates long held Catholic moral teaching, and he waffled on being questioned. I have no horse in this race, but we hear enough blather from politicians--no reason to have it from the pope who probably has no problem speaking out about climate or immigration on which there is no Catholic dogma.

Pro-choice politicians, Catholic teaching and the lessons we still can’t learn - America Magazine

I also dislike the so-called moral equivalency of comparing the failings of Communist/socialist ideals with failings of free market/patriotic ideals. Illegal immigration also involves drugs, rape and trafficking. That straw man is also rampant in non-Catholic Christian groups who then equate violence against someone with words they don't like.

"Senator Durbin’s track record of supporting the human dignity of immigrants is worth celebrating, but it cannot erase the moral failure of his support for abortion. We also ought to be equally concerned about the many Catholic elected officials on the right who may accept church teaching on abortion but are even now cheering on, to use the Holy Father’s language, “the inhuman treatment of immigrants.” " (the article)

Another change of address story

I went to a branch of the massive system where we only have a credit card to change my address (we get points to reduce the balance amount). I showed my DL which has the new address and current card. As it turned out I got a trainee, who seemed sort of bored. He spent some time bringing up the correct screen. I told him I also wanted to change my email, and he told me they don't have an email for me. "Then why do I get all these messages from you?" I said. "Must be a scam," he replied. In truth it alerts me to my balance and any specials available on the card for the month. I didn't argue with him--but I hope he's not in training for a bigger job. Then I said I wanted to be sure the phone number was correct, so he read back our old land line and one we have not had for 23 years, predating when we took out the credit card. So, I gave him my cell phone number. Then I asked if he could print out for me all the changes. He didn't know how to PRINT a page!!! He called his supervisor for help. The supervisor had probably 5-7 studs in his face, including little silver balls hanging out his nostrils. That's rather distracting for 86 year olds. Takes you back to your kids' runny noses. He advises him to "print screen" which I would have done if I could see his computer screen. By this time I really needed to sit down I'd been standing so long, but I escaped to the 85 degree weather.

The reason I went to that branch in person was another branch had not allowed my husband to make the changes for me, only himself.

Changing addresses and emails

One of the biggest frustrations in this move to the Forum (other than trying to shelve 70 photo albums and hang 100 paintings) is trying to make address/email changes for organizations, magazines, etc. I've yet to find a form that includes that information slot. I first have to unsubcribe then resubscribe. However, since my old email is no longer active, I don't have a form to use nor do I have the original mailing material so I can include an account number or even the form of my name. There's a big fail here, and I don't think it's mine. Someone in the career field for subscriptions/memberships form design never thought that a member/subscriber would both move AND change the email/password.  Today I was notified of lunch with retired librarians.  My request (I was notified) can't be processed because the listserv (whose owner is deceased) doesn't recognize my new email.

 
One interesting quirk is I think it was one of my doctors' offices did notify the board of elections, something I didn't do. I'm now properly registered.  If I'm not mistaken (will research) my husband worked in the firm that designed/built the school (Winterset in Columbus) where we'll now be voting.

DesMoines school superintendent to be deported

The superintendent of DesMoines schools has been arrested to be deported. I know the Left will go crazy, but the charges against Ian Andre Roberts are considerable and he was actually ordered for deportation under Biden, not Trump. (a rare catch?)  Roberts has existing weapon possession charges from February 5, 2020. Roberts entered the United States in 1999 on a student visa and was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May of 2024. What happened to all the security checks schools should be doing? What agencies are schools using to do those background checks, and how many other criminal aliens are paying to have fake credentials and authorities are relying on them. 

This is not new. I recall that in the fall of 1955 a sex offender was hired by the school board of Mt. Morris, the little town where I went to school. I think it was one of the moms of a football player who got suspicious and blew the whistle. Unfortunately, in those days, these characters were just dismissed and moved on to another school, or church, or business.

https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-criminal-alien-serving-des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-prior?

My elevator AP news feed

I know how much AP hates to announce anything positive about Trump, his economy, his tariffs, his supporters, his values, his patriotism or his family, so that's why I used the AP article. Our elevators at the Forum use a news feed from AP (left of center) and I just wait for it to switch to volleyball or pick up sticks tournaments. It's all in the verbs. https://apnews.com/article/economy-gdp-spending-trump-federal-reserve-rates-97346d37c4edaa00f519e45941f75264?

"An uptick in consumer spending helped the U.S. economy expand at a surprising 3.8% from April through June, the government reported in a dramatic upgrade of its previous estimate of second-quarter growth.

U.S. gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — rebounded in the spring from a 0.6% first-quarter drop caused by fallout from President Donald Trump’s trade wars, the Commerce Department said Thursday. The department had previously estimated second-quarter growth at 3.3%, and forecasters had expected a repeat of that figure."

PBS--who should judge information for children

This is why PBS does not have my support. They fear "right wing" but not "left wing" influence on education. To them, right wing is telling the truth about the universality of slavery, or using the words of the founders. I've watched hundreds of Prager U videos and usually have learned more in 5 minutes than hours/years in the classroom. But this article itself is narrow, one sided and just ridiculous. My opinion is just as valid as the "actors" in this script. Unlike the author of the article, I've actually watched them. Leftists rule our culture from education to entertainment to the judicial system, from sea to shining sea. Name the critics. I'm not alarmed if children see a Prager Video. Who are these "critics" and what is their political affiliation? What is the writer's standard? The 1619 project?  As far as not being a "real" university, would that be the ones rioting and not allowing Jewish students in the classrooms and libraries while screaming Free Palestine?

      https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-critics-are-alarmed-about-the-influence-of-pragerus-educational-videos

https://www.prageru.com/videos/dennis-pragers-reaction-to-charlie-kirks-memorial?

Charlie Kirk's last interview

On Saturday I watched the final interview of Charlie Kirk which I think was the assassination day at a conference for entrepreneurs. I guess I shouldn't be surprised since he started his non-profit while a teen-ager, but he also has started businesses and mentored others. I didn't know any of this although I'd heard him on a number of different conservative podcasts and seen some of his videos. This was a business audience, so there was nothing particularly evangelistic about it, however, even if I'd known nothing about him or his fame, I would have known from watching this or attending that conference there was something different about him and how he treated people. Watch: Charlie Kirk's last interview right before the fatal event was all about entrepreneurship, Gen-Z, and Elon Musk - US News | The Financial Express

Friday's All-In podcast also was devoted to him--it's a group of 4 venture capitalists--also featured his life and story. Remarkable man, Charlie Kirk. Jason Calacanis, the so-called liberal of All-In, was shocked and respectful, but I doubt he understood the enormity of what our nation has lost. The other three do. Charlie Kirk Murder, Assassination Culture in America, Jimmy Kimmel Suspended, Ellison Media Empire

The aftermath of the Kirk memorial

Don Lemon, formerly of CNN, wasn't happy with the over 100,000 who turned out to memorialize Charlie Kirk, according to a brief clip I saw. He's desperately afraid of the First Amendment. You know, the one that guarantees him the right to sleep in on Sunday and talk smack all he wants. I wonder if he noticed millions were attending church that same day, and no one seemed to show alarm at that.

Joe Biden closed down our churches and schools (technically it was governors) and most haven't recovered. Did Lemon complain? Nearly all churches have returned to in-person worship since the lockdowns ended in addition to their online services. Yet most churches still have not returned to their pre-pandemic attendance rates. Maybe we'll see an uptick, maybe not. But it wouldn't be a bad thing for people to return to regular church attendance. Interestingly, 23% of pastors of small churches (fewer than 50 in attendance pre-pandemic) report being up to 90%-100% of pre-pandemic attendance rates! This is much higher than for larger churches. (Lifeway Research)

Yesterday, I watched the Kirk memorial prelims and then 7 hours of the memorial itself. I'm feeling grief and sorrow for the likes of AOC, the Squad, the View, Jimmy Kimmel, Tim Walz, Kamala Harris and all the "leaders" elected or not of the Democrats. They know so little and have missed so much. In a nation of winners, they are losers. In a nation of abundance of good will and honorable people, they are poverty stricken, they are beggars with empty cups. It's so sad.

Why history matters

Interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin for Echoes Magazine, July and August 2025, p. 34.  "Lincoln was worried as the Revolutionary generation was dying off, and it was a very tumultuous time. It was in the 1830s when there were abolitionists being killed and lynchings being done in the South.  And Lincoln was afraid that when those people died, we would forget the ideals of the Revolution.  He recommended that mothers read history to their children, that pastors talk about it from their pulpits, that we had to teach history in the schools--the history of the Revolution--so those ideals would remain strong in our countrymen's minds and hearts." 

Sunday at Central at the Forum

Although it isn't Sunday, today at the Forum we enjoyed the musicians from the "Sunday at Central" Symphonic Group playing Bach. Fantastic flutist/flautist. Description: "Sunday @ Central’s mission is to expand the audience for classical music through imaginative and interdisciplinary programming, and to promote the appreciation and enjoyment of music in the Central Ohio area by funding and presenting the highest quality musical events. Sunday at Central is positioned as a top-caliber nonprofit classical music organization that strives to be accessible and inspirational to all arts appreciators in the Central Ohio area." 

If you hustle over to Broad Street Presbyterian tomorrow at 3 pm (September 21) you might see the same program. There is a YouTube site you can subscribe to. 

https://sundayatcentral.org/event/6164963/727092495/bach-brandenburg?

Sunday At Central - YouTube

Remember Roseanne Barr's firing--they even killed off her character!

 

AOC slimes Charlie Kirk

AOC says Charlie Kirk disenfranchised millions of Americans. I think she should be required to prove that she lies. Lying got Kimmel fired.

 
AOC slimed Kirk: “...His rhetoric and beliefs were ignorant, uneducated, and sought to disenfranchise millions of Americans, far from the 'working tirelessly to promote unity' asserted by the majority in this resolution.” AOC and other Kirk detractors love to call him "uneducated" because he didn't go to college. She did, and worked as a bartender.

How did Charlie Kirk keep millions of Americans from voting, or citizenship? He encouraged the highest values of citizenship--and that was definitely voting. Does AOC realize that Congress controls those laws? Not a preacher? What AOC means is that Charlie didn't suggest anyone vote for her. Perhaps she means Charlie said illegals shouldn't vote. But that wouldn't be disenfranchisement--that would simply be following the law.

Just to remind her. Before 1830 white men had to be property owners to vote. Black men got the franchise (to vote) in 1870. Democrats did all they could to stop that with Jim Crow local laws and the KKK terrorist groups. Women didn't get the franchise until 1920 and based on AOC's political acumen and support for a Communist for NYC mayor, that was perhaps a mistake.

Time to renew the DL?

Today I renewed my drivers license and changed my address and encountered a really nasty BMV employee. I almost cried. I almost told her she was nasty. I almost reminded her some day she would be old. I almost told her I'd call my daughter for back up. But, I didn't. Maybe she's a caregiver; maybe she's sick; or maybe she's a Democrat.

 
On a happier note, while I was waiting for my number to come up, I had a nice chat with a woman returning to the Philippines to build a home in her family compound. She's a US citizen so will need to return annually to keep her citizenship. We had a lovely chat.

On Golden Pond again

The movie at the Forum tonight was "On Golden Pond" (1981). I know I'd seen it several times in the last 44 years, but I'd forgotten most of it, especially the character Billy (Doug McKeon), the 13 year old who bonds with Norman (Henry Fonda) the emotionally distant father of Chelsea (Jane Fonda), the girlfriend of Billy's father. And goodness, I had no recall of Dabney Coleman, who I think has had some great comedic roles. Henry Fonda was really playing to type based on what I've read about his relationships with his own children--distant and remote. In real life he was married 5 times and not the loyal husband of the movie. He was actually 76 when he made this award winner, but now that I live with a lot of 80+ and 90+ year olds, I thought he was trying a bit hard to "act" 80 in the movie. It was well attended and I think we laughed and sighed in the right places.

Tonight I had dinner with a woman who moved in today, so we're becoming the experienced residents as I had the opportunity to give her some tips and introduce her to our table mates and the dining room manager.  But the main topic of conversation was her missing 19 year old cat, who has either gone into hiding or slipped out the door as the movers were arranging things.

In mid-afternoon four men performed on piano and brass with a lively sing-along and the theme of Oktoberfest music.  We have some really fine voices among the residents who thoroughly get into the singing of "Autumn Leaves," "Beer Barrel Polka," and Auf Widersehen," among others. The musical group played a lot of polkas, too.

I caught a cold on Thursday and Bob came down with it yesterday, so we've had most of our meals in the apartment and have enjoyed some quality time on the deck in the beautiful weather. Mine is clearing up as Bob's is settling in. 

Bye, bye Jimmy

So Jimmy Kimmel has been closed down. His numbers were appalling and even in a leftist industry like late night TV, the company answers to the investors. What's that saying? You dance with the one who brung ya. Now the Democrats discover the First Amendment. They shut down the country (except for powerful Democrats and people who could work by laptop), and allowed Twitter, Google, Instagram, etc. to control our speech, jobs, travel because private companies can do what the government can't--deny speech, assembly and religion. They so intimidated us that pastors closed churches and didn't stick up for us. Those who told the truth about life and sexuality were called hateful and totalitarian by politicians and government agencies. To this day Democrats named Pelosi, Harris, Clinton, Watters, Crockett, Pritzker, Walz and Omar call conservatives Nazis and fascists. Jazzy Crockett, a rich kid who went to private schools, all of a sudden speaks black English and acts like a pompous ass, yes m'am, that's free speech. That's free speech, and their reckless behavior gets people killed. However. When capitalists hire a skinny man to dress like a woman to sell beer, they get to lose their profits. When capitalists hire a one note political comedian who was nasty and not funny for years they were losing money for their non-coastal affiliates, they are allowed to say bye bye Jimmy.

The Nation magazine lied about Charlie Kirk

 JD Vance On Democrats & George Soros Paying Political Violence in America Full Speech #shownewtrend

The left continues to lie about the assassination and reputation of Charlie Kirk, and insult conservatives and put their lives in danger. There are not two sides to this issue because in this era, the violence is on the left. That is, Democrats, shame on you, for allowing these violent people to take control of your party.

Democrats are besmirching their reputation and history

 What the Left calls divisive, polarizing and hateful is saying that men can't be women and that no one needs to play the victim to be worthwhile. What the Left believes is hateful is proclaiming Jesus is Lord. There is no record of Kirk being a racist, saying racist things or being nasty to people. That's a myth passed along by the media or people who hate free speech they don't like. It's secondhand Trump hate.

https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/09/11/mainstream-liberal-media-covered-themselves-in-shame-after-kirks-assassination/?

It's not easy being the judge of the whole universe or the mind of God

I've just read an article by Brandon Ambrosino who doesn't like President Trump for a number of reasons, and hopes he doesn't get into heaven. Yet, his autobiography sounds like the most pompous, arrogant liberal Christian who has decided he can take on Jesus' job of judgment. He needs to look in the mirror.

"I’m a theological ethicist currently teaching at Villanova University. I am also an award-winning journalist and essayist whose work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including POLITICO, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Globe & Mail, BBC, Playboy, The Economist, Commonweal, and the Boston Globe. I am also a columnist for Christian Century. My first book — Is It God’s Will? Making Sense of Tragedy, Luck and Hope in a World Gone Wrong — will be published in September by Morehouse Academic."

I quickly glanced at a few interviews and learned he was raised Church of God Cleveland TN (Pentecostal), attended Liberty (Baptist) and is now a Catholic but married to a man. The Trump assassination attempt a year ago bothered him--in a sort of childlike way--like why did God save Trump and not the firefighter since he thinks Trump is bad. And this man teaches theology and ethics! I wonder if he's pondered why God allowed 100 million people to die from socialism/Communism in the 20th century and will he ever speak up about it, or will he just bash Trump?

Kirk means church

Charlie Kirk's message was the same words our pastor used in a letter to the congregation, "The way of Jesus is the saving alternative to the cycle of escalating violence in which everyone loses." The word KIRK means church. Charlie offered facts and evidence to answer the lies of his enemies who stalked and threatened him. He told them about Jesus. Unfortunately, there are people in many churches that hate President Trump so much, that they'll not hear the message of Kirk or anyone else who admired or worked for the President. In fact, without the filter of MSNBC or CNN or the liberal MSM they'd probably never heard Kirk speak on campus or at a conservative gathering. We supported his organization "Turning Point" primarily for Kirk's pro-life and pro-family views, including his outspoken facts about sexuality. We didn't listen to his podcast. We missed a lot. Some, including the New York Times are rushing to correct the lies they printed or said.

Words actually are violence, even with the guarantees of our First Amendment. "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery," Mark 7:21. The week before Kirk was killed, there was the murder of the Ukrainian woman, the murder of a retired veterinary professor at Auburn walking her dog, and the murder of an elderly couple in Queens who were tortured, killed and set on fire. Maniac who killed elderly NYC couple inside their home makes chilling admission  And shortly before that children were murdered in a Catholic church during Mass. Three of the men were black with criminal records, and prior charges, released into the public to commit more crimes by liberal judges. Two of the men were white and had their minds twisted by leftist lies about sexuality, supported by the Democrat party. Christians should be speaking out about why half the nation votes for the people who allow this.

Happy Anniversary--65

 

  

Here we are at an afternoon concert at the Forum, Bill Cohen and his wife, musical story telling

Be Charlie. Make a difference

MSNBC has fired Matthew Dowd for being a hate-filled SOB for what he said about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I've never watched him, never knew he existed to spew lies to the public. Did he ever listen to Charlie Kirk? Charlie believed in Jesus and preached it without apology. He believed that marriage was between one man and one woman and that one's sex cannot be medicated or surgically mutilated into changing to the other. He believed in American values and cared about the issues that affect young people--like abortion, economy, war. He challenged young people to think critically. When he talked to young adults he treated them with respect and with the truth. He believed in the first amendment--freedom of religion and freedom of speech. That first amendment is an anathema to Democrats and other leftists "serving" in Congress. As a teenager he had a dream that the future of conservatism was with the youth, And he changed the direction of our nation. It's why they hated him. Be Charlie. Make a difference.

Democrats in Congress couldn't even pray!

"When you cover everything in the world through the lens of Donald Trump, and Trump must not only always be wrong but the avatar of ultimate evil, outlets like the Times and CNN are forced forever to find opposing angles to anything he criticizes. A horrific murder can’t just be that, but an “accelerant for conservative arguments about the perceived failings of Democratic policies.” " Matt Taibbi. 

He wrote that about the murder of Iryna Zarutzka. But it applies even more so to the terrorist murder of Charlie Kirk, a man who joyfully preached and demonstrated our first amendment right to freedom of religion and speech. It drives the Left absolutely bonkers and around the bend senseless to have our form of democracy actually lived and demonstrated to others. They want us quiet. Dead quiet. Democrat/socialist/Communist quiet.

Charlie was very dangerous in the demented minds of the Leftist media, the Democrats, the agitators and uglies who won't even allow us to say, "all lives matter." He loved Jesus, his family, his country and American values of political, religious and economic freedom. For that the leftist media called him divisive on the day of his murder. Communists can't tolerate it--we should rejoice in what Charlies did in his short life. The Illinois governor, the California governor, the Squad, the candidate for mayor of New York, the Maxines and Hillarys and Nancys and millions of Americans who are slouching toward socialism are morally bankrupt. 

Mike Johnson said tonight that Democrats in Congress couldn't even agree to have a verbal prayer for Charlie--that how great their hate is for Trump.

My second trombone gone to auction

I knew what was happening, but it was still a shock to see my personal items on an auction site so we could move. I need to remind myself they are just things. It wasn't even my original trombone--that had been sold in 1967 when we moved from Champaign to Columbus. I think Bob surprised me with this one on my 50th birthday, which means I had it a lot longer than the one I played in high school band. Some lucky kid will get to use it for learning and practice before she moves up to a good one. I did try it a few years ago at in a summer class at Lakeside. I couldn't even play Twinkle twinkle little star, as I recall. Collecting My Thoughts: Trombone review I rechecked my blog and see that in January 2019 I made a New Year's resolution to play it and then crossed it off the list.

The yoga bandit

Did you hear about the Yoga Bandit? Just heard this on "Live with Kelly and Mark." A woman comes late to Yoga class, tells the desk clerk she'll come back at a later time, then steals from the belongings of other class members and doesn't return. All caught on video. The victim of the theft found this out when he reported the theft (including his phone) to the police. I recall a number of years ago this was happening at churches with late comers stealing from purses in the choir rooms at churches and a lot of choir members left their purses and coats when they went out to the sanctuary.

Google's loss my gain?

I don't check my blog stats too often because I write for myself, not others, but recently I'd noticed a huge increase in the hits on my blog. The last year or two they had dropped from 200-300 a day to 15-20. Oh well, I thought, blogging is just not a thing these days. Now they are back up around 200-250. Do you suppose the lawsuit that went against having Google be the default search engine had anything to do with it?
"In a ruling aimed at restoring competition in the search engine market, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta refrained from ordering Google to sell off Chrome, the world's most popular browser, but ordered the tech company to end exclusive deals that make Google the default search engine on phones and other devices." (Sept. 2, NPR)

Communism has never been successful

Communists like Zohran Mamdani of NY believe the basic Marxist lie: wealth is stolen from the poor and his supporters are victims. The Marxist lie of the last 50 years has moved from worker to race: white man bad. The shift allows for more victims, since the ethnic Europeans are vastly outnumbered. Making the victims intersectional, only adds to the millions they've conned. Although if you've noticed, Mamdani is white and wealthy. He had a huge elaborate wedding (don't know the sex) back in his home country of Uganda from which his parents had to flee so he could grow up a rich kid in the U.S. His lies and those of Bernie, Pelosi, AOC and others, only work on the ignorant and those who've forgotten the 100,000,000 killed in the 20th century by his Marxist lies. For all its faults, free market capitalism has liberated more people from poverty than any other system. The middle class in the U.S. isn't disappearing--they've moved up. "Between 1820 and 2015, extreme poverty plummeted from 90% to 10% globally in that span. This statistic is one of the greatest accomplishments of mankind and should be celebrated as such."

Another tenet of Communism in addition to victimhood, is destruction of the family. This is one they work hard on through social media, entertainment industry, school system. Loyalty must be to the government, not God.

Communists like Mamdani and his colleagues called Democrats, Socialists and Progressives lie, cheat, steal the wealth of others, maim and enslave, as seen with our border crises, for their own gain. Those of you old enough to remember Stalin, it's the same lie with some definition changes. Their attraction is to the uneducated and the over educated at our universities.

More changes--we've been transitioned!

Yesterday, all the residents of The Forum were "all shook up" when we discovered that our "corporate" had transitioned to new management. Five Star is the operating division of AlerisLife which is selling its assets, which includes 17 communities

"Diversified Healthcare Trust (Nasdaq: DHC)  [a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in healthcare and life sciences properties] today (Sept. 3) announced that it has entered agreements with AlerisLife Inc. (“AlerisLife”) and seven different operators to transition the management of 116 of DHC’s senior living communities managed by Five Star Senior Living (“Five Star”), the operating division of AlerisLife. The transition of these management agreements will occur in tranches beginning in September and is expected to be completed by year end. AlerisLife is also selling all its assets, including its 17 owned communities, and expects to complete a full wind-down of its business and operations in the first half of 2026. In connection with the sale of AlerisLife’s assets and after repayment of debt and payment of estimated wind-down costs, DHC expects to receive estimated net proceeds of between $25 million to $40 million for its 34% interest in AlerisLife. DHC plans to use these net proceeds to reduce leverage and for other general business purposes, including reinvestment in its SHOP segment."

Even our own staff here didn't see this coming, and just a week ago we had a party for our new director! As new residents Bob and I and 2 other newbies were introduced to the community in a special reception at 4 p.m. yesterday, however it was sort of overshadowed by the news of our management arrangements.  I had seen articles going back to 2023 about AlerisLife and Five Star, but didn't see a final conclusion, We are being told there will be no changes, but the rumor mill is churning.

Cemetery monument at French Broad Church of the Brethren Tennessee

In sorting files, I found this in my genealogy file, source unknown, but the handwriting looks like my father's and I know he visited cemeteries in Tennessee while visiting relatives, but there is no signature on it. We also talked a lot about genealogy and family stories which makes sense of the final sentence.

"There is a monument in the cemetery at French Broad Church of the Brethren which reads (near Oak Grove, Tenn.) "French Broad Church of the Brethren

Charter Members              Side 1

Jacob Wine, Minister

Elizabeth Wine

Geo. W. Hepner

Martha Hepner

William Finck

Americus E. Finck

Thomas Finck

Sabrina Hepner

Maggie Satterfield

William Silvis

Betsy Forder

JNO. A. Collins

Mary A. B. Sloat

Mary Steadman

J. McClure

---------

Ministers Elder                    Side 2

Jacob Wine

Sterling W. Noe

JNO. A. Collins

Emanuel Newcomer Elder

JNO. Satterfield

W. R. Williford [our family name] Rev William R. Williford (1873-1938) - Find a Grave Memorial

Revel B. Pritchett Elder

                                                        Side 3

In memory of Alexander Mack 1679-1735 Founder of the Church of the Brethren (Dunkers) in Schwarzenau Province of Wittgenstein in Hesse-Cassel on River Eder, Holy Roman Empire 1708

"Dunkers were pioneers of religious education and Sunday School on this continent. Printed first religious magazine in North America and the first Bible in a European language in the new world, 1743, 1763, 1776.

Emigrated to America in 1719-1724-1729

Tennessee in 1783

Jefferson County in 1870"

Thought this might be of interest to you after our conversation the other evening."

NB: On Facebook I found the current name of the church, "Established in 1875, French Broad Community Church (formerly French Broad Church of the Brethren) is about continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together."

 

Group singing with YouTube

Today at The Forum I did something I hadn't done in a long time--2006--I sang with a group. Yes, apparently there are singalongs on YouTube and our activity director gathers a group and we do singalongs. It was quite a variety like Moon River and Yellow Rose of Texas and Take me home, Country Roads. So, I looked it up, because that's what I do, right? I found a 2025 review article on the cognitive benefits of singing.

"Results: Key benefits of singing include improvements in verbal fluency, executive function, and episodic memory. Structural changes such as increased white matter integrity and enhanced auditory–motor integration highlight the potential of singing to stimulate neuroplasticity. Among individuals with dementia, singing fosters episodic memory, mood enhancement, and social connection, while healthy older adults demonstrate improved verbal flexibility and cognitive resilience. However, methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes and cross-sectional designs, preclude definitive conclusions about long-term benefits. Conclusions: Future research should explore the specific neural mechanisms underlying these effects, with an emphasis on longitudinal studies and diverse populations. Tailored, inclusive singing programs could address individual cognitive and physical abilities while fostering sustained engagement and social connection. As a low-cost, scalable intervention, singing holds promise for addressing cognitive and emotional challenges associated with aging, offering an accessible avenue to support healthy aging and enhance quality of life across diverse populations." Brain Sci. 2025 Feb 21;15(3):227.

There is also a choir here as well as three different church services and a Bible study. So, I'll work on that white matter. Another article I looked at suggested that amateur musicians may benefit even more than professional musicians in lowering the brain age (pros have more stress). Well, I sure qualify in the amateur department.

Jon Martin, class of 1957, obituary

Jon Robert Martin, 86, a Marco Island, Florida resident since 1994, formerly of Roselle, Illinois, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Cape Coral, Florida. He was born July 27, 1939, in Rockford, Illinois to Vivian and Robert Martin, now deceased.

Jon was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Marco Island, Florida. He was the former owner and president of Martin Funeral Home in Roselle, Illinois for over 29 years.

He is survived by his companion of 13 years Nadine Thornton; two beloved children, Kip Martin and his wife Gwen of Fort Myers, Florida and Mitzi Sanders and her husband Todd Biddison of Cape Coral, Florida; one brother, Roger Martin of Mt. Morris, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Brittani and huband Ben, Sydney, Elysia and husband Stephen, Clarissa and husband Austin, Alexis and husband Jaen, Cassandra, Blake and Samantha; three great grandchildren, Kasen, Briella and Braxton; as well as a niece, Shawn and a nephew, Chad.

In addition to his parents, Jon was preceded in death by his wife Dixie Martin in 2012.

Memorial visitation Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 11:00am until time of service 1:00pm at his former funeral home, now Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 333 S. Roselle Rd. (1/2 mile south of Irving Park Rd.), Roselle, Illinois.

Sad news for Honey Dip Customers

 My husband and his Romeo (retired old men eating out) friends have been meeting here for years. It's sad to see small businesses chased out for what I presume will be yet another ugly, multistory, prison architecture building. Story was on Facebook.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share difficult news. For over 50 years, we’ve proudly served the Columbus community at 4480 Kenny Road. But now, we—along with our small business neighbors—are at risk of losing our home to redevelopment.

Unfortunately, our landlord’s property went into receivership due to internal disputes, and a court-appointed receiver has quietly arranged to sell these buildings as part of a package deal to developers—without giving us notice or a fair chance to purchase the spaces we’ve occupied for decades. 

We are heartbroken, feel blindsided, and have been left without a voice in this process. If this sale and redevelopment move forward, our businesses—and a piece of Columbus history—face permanent displacement. 

We need your support now more than ever.
* Sign and share our petition. https://chng.it/CVR6hdjdfg
* Post your favorite photos and memories at Honey Dip over the years. (We'd love to see them!) 

Together, we can fight to preserve our legacy and support the small businesses on Kenny Road that have been part of this community for generations. 

With gratitude,

Honey Dip & The Kenny Road Tenants

Ask a Librarian redux

 I was looking for something else, but found this article in my blog about a carpet cleaner I'd written about in 2008. Turns out the moving service we used for our move to The Forum this month used him in 2025. Collecting My Thoughts

Memories from 1957--Grandma's fall

 Repacking my genealogy files today, I found a 1957 letter from Leslie, my mother's brother, describing an incident I'd heard about from Mom--my grandmother's fall after I'd left for college.  The envelop has a 3 cent stamp, no zip code, and no street address for Mrs. Elbert Trent. 

Franklin Grove, Ill   Sept. 14, 1957

Dear Cousin:

Your letter was much appreciated informing us of the passing of Martha Klein, which we received on Tuesday before the funeral.  Mother & Father were planning to drive out to the funeral Wednesday morning. In the excitement of making plans, Mother fell down the porch steps on to the cement sidewalk.  She suffered a broken nose, which necessitated a cast, and various other sprains & bruises.  Of course, she spent a few days in the hospital and could not attend the funeral. She has recovered almost entirely now except for a general overall weakness which the doctor describes as "after effects."

Martha Klein's partner Addie was in sick bed when Mother last visited them some months back.  She wishes to send her sympathy to relatives & friends who cared for illness & final arrangements for Martha & Addie.

Martha seemed to be quite well at that time of their last visit, so it was of considerable shock to hear of her death.

She had hoped to see Marian (Marianne Michael?) while she was in this country but it did not seem to work out.  We are glad to hear of your son Norman, and his being set up in practice so near by in Mason City.  We are sorry to hear of your son Dee, having a painful accident.

As for me, I can remember rather faintly of stopping at your place about 1919 or 1920.  I have spent the last 31 years with the Bell Telephone Co--in, and also near Chicago at present.

Sincerely

Leslie . . . 

Written for Mary & Charles . . . 

----------------------------------------

As for me, Norma Bruce, the Trent name didn't come to mind as a relative, but it is addressed to "Dear Cousin." All my other genealogy resources are not unpacked, so I can't check the relationships. I know that Marianne Michael's mother who was widowed later married a Trent, and my mother called Helen Trent a cousin so possibly that will connect somewhere. Marianne, Norman and Dee were siblings.  Marianne was a missionary in Nigeria which would account for being "in this country."  It was from Helen Trent my mother learned a lot of "lost" family stories.

A new exercise class

Today at the Forum I decided to try the class on chair exercises. After all, I go to the gym, so how hard could it be? Very. We were holding little weights, and doing breathing and bending and stretching for a half an hour. While sitting.  I was pooped. Went back to the apartment and took a nap. Later I saw the woman who'd been in the chair in front of me who knew the routine and complimented her on knowing what to do. She told me she was 97.

It's moving day

 I haven't been wild about my "page a day" table calendar this year. I went from birds to horses. Hmm. Love horses, but birds are certainly a more colorful wake me up greeting for the day. Also, the quotes were sort of boring. But today's horse was back lit with a hazy sky and a showy canter in a corral (or so it seemed). Not a fabulous photo, but the quote for August 14 seemed appropriate. "Simply enjoy life and the great pleasures that come with it." Karolina Kurkovd

It's moving day for the Bruces.

Yesterday was our final day at Kenbook Hills, the prettiest place in Upper Arlington, Ohio, in our opinion. We first saw it during a rain storm in July 2001 with a decor that shocked and energized us--splashy faux everywhere--including the ceilings--brown/gold living room, orange dining room, red family room, some wild fuchsia trim wall paper in one of the bathrooms and black carpet in one bedroom. But it was the landscape that grabbed us. Turkey Run Creek, huge trees of many varieties, wild life (we're not gardeners so that didn't bother us) and a fabulous layout for the 30 condos in 5 styles, unlike other boring developments we'd seen. And windows. Oh my. So many condos have windows front and back and borrow the rest of the light. This unit had windows in every room, a deck in the trees, and as we were to find out later, wonderful, helpful neighbors.

Bob still had his own architectural firm in 2001 and the lower level famiily room became his office, studio and client space with north light and an outside entrance. The former owner had her OSU student living there with private bath and entrance. It was perfect. In the last 15 years it evolved into an art studio for his watercolor hobby with massive storage for bulky frames, mat board and finished paintings.

But time marches on and we're not as frisky as we once were for 3 floor living, so we're moving to a much smaller space in The Forum, just up the road a mile or two in our familiar neighborhood. It feels a bit like moving into my first college dorm, Oakwood, at Manchester College in Indiana. Close to my Illinois home, but not too close. My sister Carol was near-by at Goshen College where they locked up the Coke machine on Sunday (a joke, but true). I could hang out with old friends from childhood like Sylvia and JoElla, my roommate, but could enjoy new adventures and community meals. We'll have three meals a day at The Forum, and I hope I don't gain the weight I did my freshman year in college!

The Forum sits on 14 acres and we'll see the treetops from the 3d floor, just like we do in Kenbrook. Packing and sorting has made me too tired to prepare meals, so we've been stopping by and being served in the lovely dining room. We've met many new people but also some from our past, including the first neighbor we met in 1967 in our first apartment on Farleigh Rd. and one of the engineers Bob worked with.

And so we hope to meet the expectations of the calendar page, "Simply enjoy life and the great pleasures that come with it."

Getting ready for the move

 We are moving to a retirement community, and frankly my dear, I'm pooped.  And so is my husband. On Friday we had a quick trip by ambulance to the ER because he was wrestling a painting off the wall which got tangled in the wire and he became short of breath.  He has 4 stents so rather than self diagnose, I called the squad. I had been at the bank depositing cash I'd found around the house (over $3,000) and had gone downstairs to enter the deposit.  Then I noticed he was on the floor "resting his eyes." We were discussing the seriousness of his symptoms and just decided to call rather than be sorry.  So our daughter, son-in-law and I spent the day in the ER admittance with him, and got home about 4 p.m. Today he feels fine and went to church, but I'm still a bit frazzled so I stayed home.

We had 34 paintings on the first floor and 260 total.  That's a lot of wrapping after deciding the locations for safe keeping (our apartment, our daughter's home, or put up for sale). We have not found 3 floor living a problem until this move prep.  We were always careful and limited our ups and downs to about 3 or 4 trips during the day. But the move has put that at more than 30 trips a day. This is definitely not good for either of us.  Today I was moving our emergency food to the kitchen to be disposed of.  I'd carry up a can of tuna, a can of soup, and a can of vegetables.  Then I'd sit down and do something else, or talk to a neighbor.  Then I'd make another trip. I've been emptying them and running the disposal before getting rid of the cans in the recycle bin.

Our wonderful neighbor Barbie brought us dinner last night--a scrumptious Salmon salad and wedding soup with warm bread.  The salads are so large we'll have two meals from that, and we had the soup for lunch after church. She may even help us with some things to take to Indianapolis because she goes there every week to babysit her grandbabies! I've got some genealogy to share with our niece who has shown some interest in that area.  For years people--Aunt Roberta, Aunt Babe, Cousin Jim--have been sending me stuff, now it's time to pass it along.

Today some of our neighbors have been coming by to see if they want to purchase the paintings we don't have plans to use.  My parents 1947 maple twin bed suite with a chest and a dressing table with all the bedding have been given to friends of ours who have lots of grandchildren who come to visit. They were so kind and helpful when Phil died 5 years ago, we know it is going to a loving family. That set started out in Forreston, IL, then moved to Mt. Morris, IL, then to Franklin Grove, IL, then to Columbus, OH, then to Lakeside, OH, then back to Columbus.  A well-travelled bedroom suite. They were also able to use the quilt rack that held Phil's quilt for 5 years that cousin Jeanette made for him shone in the lower photo on the futon.  

kitchen  

Office/den 

Feeling sorry for myself until . . .

 Downsizing isn't fun.  Everyone (almost) says so and has advice. There's a lot of sadness in going through items packed away and forgotten. Bob has old architectural drawings (masterpieces in my opinion in this day of computer generated plans and materials from classes he taught) and I have old essays, notebooks, poetry and memorabilia to sort through.

As I drink my morning coffee today I'm going through Christmas 2019 letters and cards. They were temporarily packed away in 2020 because of their notes and letters, but not repacked in the "big" box of treasures (going back 50+ years) because we had all of Phil's things to take care of that year of Covid. I stopped to re-read this one from Marion.

Marion is gone now; she died a few months after dictating this message. We met at Lakeside years ago at a lecture on healthy eating. The room was packed, and we were side by side in the back row. That's unusual for me--but a long friendship developed.  I noticed she carefully made notes in a small notebook, and as it turned out she was also a librarian, and we had many of the same interests. Our husbands became acquainted, and they also had similar interests like sailing and Lakeside history and architecture and served together on the Design Review Board. Shortly after they sold their adorable Lakeside home (perhaps 2017 or 2018) she was diagnosed with ALS. This was her Christmas 2019 message:

"Although I can't walk and my speech is limited due to the progress of ALS, I am grateful for many things this Christmas season.  My philosophy of living with ALS is to focus on the living and what I can do.

We have a handicapped van with a ramp so I am able to get out of the house. I go to church, the grocery store, shopping, and weekly to have my hair done.

I was in nursing care for five weeks after a week in the hospital with aspiration pneumonia but now I am so happy to be home again.  We were able to make home modifications such as a ceiling lift to get me in and out of a hospital bed.

I look forward to monthly ALS support group meetings and communication with other patients who are mostly men.  I am often the only female attending with ALS. I can read and my book club comes to my house for meetings.  They even came to the nursing facility to do a book discussion.  Friends call, come to visit, send beautiful cards, and bring food and flowers.  Thank you, dear friends.

I am able to go to monthly Lucas County Retired Teacher meetings and still serve as secretary on the Board of Directors.  A hospice nurse checks on me at home each week.  I can help prepare meals by making salads and fruit for lunch.

Jim is with me every step of the way.

Remembering you this Christmas with a wish and prayer for all the best."

A big move to a smaller space

 We are downsizing for a move. I expected a lot of dust, mustiness, foxing, mystery computer and TV cords and clothes that will never fit again, but was unprepared for grief, sadness, and bewilderment on what to do with "treasures" no one wants, or things we want but can't store. How can 2 people have 70 photo albums.

Blueberry pie tip

Another cooking tip. I'd forgotten this one. My children were adults, but I still wrote an occasional "Bruce Times" to catch them up on what we were doing. This edition was all about our Lakeside vacation programs in August, and my retirement plans for October 2000. This pie tip was in the P.S.

"P.S. This week I also learned not to mix blueberries with sugarless vanilla pudding to make a pie--it turns olive green, sort of the color of split pea soup then fades to gray."

Retirement residential check list

I made up this checklist to use when looking at retirement apartments or assisted care facilities.  I looked at some on the internet, but listed the ones important to us. The additional considerations were AI generated.

Affordability: Consider whether the facility is within your budget, including any additional charges for services. Ask about past rate increases and whether costs are clearly outlined in the admission agreement. Know what your current living arrangements are so you can compare.

    Buy in,

    Rent

    Contract

    

    Extra costs

    Wait list. Right to refuse.

Contract Review: Obtain and carefully review the admission agreement, especially clauses related to transfer policies and extra charges.

Technology and Communication: Are there provisions for internet access, phone lines, and emergency call systems?

Personalization: Are residents encouraged to bring their own furniture and personalize their rooms? Is there adequate storage space?

Library, church services, lectures, concerts, activities, etc.  Ask to see month/weekly list.

Recreation/hobby areas.

Parking, garage, costs?

Laundry

Will the unit be repainted, carpet, are hanging systems allowed.  Keys.

Location: Is the facility close to family, friends, and medical providers? Consider ease of visitation and proximity to local amenities.

Resident Compatibility: Ask yourself if you or your loved one would feel at home here. Consider lifestyle compatibility and whether residents seem happy and engaged.

Dining Experience: What is the meal plan.  Required/optional.  Check if meals are appealing, fresh, and offer variety. Ask to see menu for week/month Ask about dietary accommodations and whether meals can be served in rooms.

Visiting Hours: Determine if there are strict visiting hours or if family and friends are welcome at any time.

Unannounced Visits: Visit at different times, including nights and weekends, to get a full picture of daily life.

Reputation and Feedback: Ask about the facility’s reputation in the community and whether current residents or families are willing to speak with you.

Staff Stability: Inquire about staff turnover, particularly for key roles like the administrator, cook, and nurse consultant.

Staff Interaction: Observe how staff treat residents—whether they are respectful, know residents by name, and respond promptly to requests.

Additional Considerations

Outdoor Access: Check for safe, accessible outdoor areas, including walking paths and seating.

Transportation: Does the facility offer scheduled transportation for medical appointments or shopping? Extra cost.  

Care Services: Ensure the facility offers necessary services such as dementia care, medication management, and access to doctors and hospitals.

Care Plans: Confirm there is a written plan of care for each resident, and that it is reviewed and updated regularly by qualified personnel. (for assisted care)

Health and Safety: Ensure the building is safe, with non-skid flooring, handrails in bathrooms, and adequate lighting. Confirm there is a disaster plan and regular drills. Visiting nurse?

Privacy and Dignity: Residents should have privacy in their rooms, especially in shared spaces, and staff should knock before entering. (assisted care)

Activities and Engagement: Look for a planned activities program that includes individualized options and weekend events. Check if calendars are posted and if residents can influence activity planning.

Cleanliness and Maintenance: Inspect the overall cleanliness of the facility, including bathrooms, common areas, and resident rooms.

The Chef-o-Nette

We took a step back in time today. The little restaurant near our former home on Abington Rd. has reopened (closed for over a year with new owners). It opened in 1955, was refurbished in the 70s, and that's about the decor today. We went there for lunch after church. Some of the old favorites are on the menu, except the sandwiches which used to be $1.50 are now $11.95, and they don't have their fabulous tapioca. I had the "Hangover," which is/was their signature sandwich. Hamburger with slice of ham, and cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Bob had a big waffle.  Breakfast is all day, but they close at 2:30 p.m. We moved here in June 1967 to an apartment on Farleigh Rd. and after the movers left, we cut through an alley and found a shopping center with a little luncheonette. We had our first meal there. Phil and I had our last meal together there the last week of September 2019 for my birthday and he was diagnosed on October 1, 2019, with terminal cancer.

Just looking

This week we visited "The Forum," a retirement facility that's about 3 miles from here. I remember when it was built, about 35 years ago. It was sort of on the edge of our community with not a lot of housing and apartment buildings nearby, but now it is surrounded. I'd made a check list of what to look for based on some I'd seen on the internet, but I rearranged it a bit. They were all for "mom" and that was not our concern, and most lists were for assisted care or memory care. The Forum stopped doing nursing care during Covid so that section is vacant. Memory care and assisted care are across the street in a different building, so that's a separate concern.

So, I had things on my list like staffing, cleanliness, security, activities and proximity to the things we already knew. For proximity it gets A+ as our primary care doctor is on the same street. If we were 5 years younger, we could walk there. Also, the pharmacy, the stores we are used to are within a mile, and it's maybe one more mile to church than our current home. The big shock was it sits on 14 wooded acres. We've been driving past it all these years and didn't know that--I'd seen trees but I guess I thought there were houses in there. There's nothing prettier than a woods this time of year in central Ohio, So, that was a plus. Now I suppose that could change as land prices shoot up. Around here they are building very ugly multi-story apartment buildings in every open space.

I had picked out a floor plan from their website, and we toured the model, and also 2 that were empty, and not updated. It's 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living/dining area and a one person kitchen. that's 856 sq. ft., although there are some models that are over 1200 sq. ft. with a den and a dining room. One perk is a lovely balcony or deck. No washer/dryer--there are several on each floor. Some larger units do have a stackable in a closet. That would be hard to get used to, although they launder sheets. Elevators, of course. Beautiful dining room that looks into the woods. It was well appointed having been recently "refreshed" in contemporary colors and new chairs and flooring. We didn't have a meal, but there is a chef on site. There was a group of residents waiting in the lobby to go to a state park for a picnic, and it turns out the bus driver (an employee) is a member of our Sunday School class. Each unit has free parking at the entrance closest to that unit, but you can rent garage space. The word has it that many people use their garage for storage! Imagine that.

I was expecting some sort of meal plan in the cost, but it is full throttle--3 meals a day. I'm an apple and walnuts or cottage cheese breakfast person myself, and Bob is boring oatmeal with raisins guy. We'd probably put on weight. That might solve one problem--I have a bit of a china fetish--5 sets, and with no cooking, I won't need but a few dishes. As I thought about it, it started to sound like a good idea. If we have guests, just take them to the dining room.

And storage is definitely a problem for us. It's different for everyone, but in our case it's paintings. Hundreds. Other painters, plus both of us. If you're familiar with "flat files" which architects use, that's another problem.  I won't mind packing up and giving away the bazillions of nails and screws we've moved from house to house over the years, but paintings are a bit more personal. Books are a smaller problem, but we've been whittling that down for the past year.

Work on that, Republicans

I'm so tired of Republicans, conservatives, media mavens and "influencers" all twisted up in the Epstein files. You're being conned and the Trump haters are delighted.

 
They showed no interest in it during the Biden years, so right there is your clue. It's only being used to divide and you're falling for it again. I don't care if Tucker or Kirk or Kelly or Bannon or Bongino are chattering and unhappy. Get over it.

 
No president has ever had six months like the first half of 2025, and you are pouting on social media because your pet project wasn't solved? Pedophilia involving rich celebrities. There were thousands and thousands of women and girls trafficked for sex during Biden's open borders--work on that. Democrats are weeping and visiting those rapists in prison and complaining about their toilets and food. Give me a break! And Trump has put a stop to it by closing the border which everyone said couldn't be done. Every day in Africa's civil wars women and girls are raped, assaulted and kidnapped. Work on that! Every day our universities are getting foreign money to destroy the minds of young Americans. Work on that!. Every day hospitals are committing sexual mutilations and abortions. Work on that! There are still agencies, non-profits and colleges allowing men to beat up women in their sporting events. Work on that!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/dan-bongino-back-at-work-as-trump-fumes-over-epstein-clash/

Tucker Carlson blames Pam Bondi for Donald Trump's Jeffrey Epstein backlash

Setting the record straight by Jarod Lennis (Facebook)

"Here To Set The Record Straight"

So disappointed in all the lies, blaming of religion, pointing of fingers, and political agendas that have been spewed all over the news and social media after this historic flood.

First off, I live right down the road from the Guadalupe River between Kerrville and Ingram Texas. I spent the evening after the flood searching for survivors. As the days have passed by I am now out searching in an effort to recover victims of the flood. My point is that I am here and have been knee deep in the horrific disaster.

 
Warnings *

 I was given Warnings from my phone all night long. I went to bed as rain poured down. I was awakened several times throughout the night by my phone giving me an emergency flash flood warning. To be honest, it was annoying. I immediately shut it off and went back to sleep. This is hill country, we get flash floods all the time. No one could of imagined what was coming. It came so fast. The river rose 29 feet in one hour. There is Nothing that anyone could have done.

Emergency Response *
Before I could fully comprehend what happened there were the sounds of sirens and helicopters overhead. Local Emergency response was immediate. Emergency response from neighboring towns was immediate. Emergency response from DPS, Texas Game Wardens, Coast Guard, Military, Search & Rescue, and so many other groups was immediate. Not to mention the incredible amount of local people and local businesses that came out in full force to help in every way possible. Within a day we had people and businesses from all over coming to help in any way they could.

Religion & Politics*

Not one single time as we were digging through piles of debris as big as a house looking for survivors or while trying to recover victims did anyone mention a single thing about blaming religion or politics. All we had time for were prayers over those missing and those looking for the missing. Those out there on the news and social media pointing fingers at local officials and blaming this tragedy on religion and politics should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.

 
In Closing*

If you do not have your boots laced up and on the ground looking for victims. If you do not have something positive to say. If all you are doing is pointing fingers. Then you need to go sit your ass down and shut your mouth."

Jarod Lennix (copied from FB)

Podcasts--they must be easy to make with the right tool

I've become a fan of podcasts, but I've got a lot to learn. I only listen, I don't create. Today I found a podcast of a publication of mine, "AI Podcast of "Annotated Bibliography on Agricultural Credit and Rural Savings: IV". I don't know how it's done, but it is fascinating to listen to--even I didn't know all this stuff (written in the 1980s), but somehow this AI generated, British accented (?) voice managed to find "fascinating highlights" and amazing details in what I wrote about Thai farmers or Latin American banks. I'm not sure you can access the link because I've joined the platform, but it is free to sign up for the basic level. I've been using it for Biblical scholarship, but it covers all topics. If you've published something, it may now be on a podcast.

https://www.academia.edu/ai_podcast/116016187?

The Epstein files--what happened to the list of clients?

I'm not going to get in a froth about the Epstein files. When Trump stood up after being shot, he said fight, fight, fight. I don't know what that means to you, but I think he meant fight for the country. If Republicans allow the enemy to get them sidetracked, then they might as well quit now. He has his eye on preserving the United States, an idea or promise that over half the country can't even comprehend.

There are lots of strange things in politics. Some are still questioning all the theories about the deaths of JFK and RFK and MLKjr. I'm still questioning why both parties ignore the years 2020-24 and all we citizens suffered as victims of BOTH parties with the Covid epidemic. Trump gave us CARES ( Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act) a clearly inflationary "benefit" to save jobs and lives and he also pushed for the vaccine (untested and unproven still). He thought he was right to do so, to save the country. He also paraded Dr. Fauci before us on TV for many weeks to explain the ever changing research and rules. The Democrats who first maligned Trump for attempting to get a vaccine out quickly, then ignored their own lies, shut the country down and deified Fauci! Yet today, neither party will even speak like it was important (individuals yes, but not the party), nor will Pres. Trump, nor former Pres. Biden.

 
Democrats get the faints when discussing an "insurrection" that wasn't yet ignore what's going on in our blue cities and social media today with riots and deaths. Mysterious deaths occurred in Minnesota and Walz goes mute. The hypocrisy is so thick it is gagging intelligent people so they can't speak or don't know who to support.

 
I never thought I'd see anti-Semitism raging on our elite campuses either, and certainly not Jewish legislators and celebrities keeping quiet about it. I never thought I'd see Democrats running a professing Communist to manage our premier city.

 
I never thought in our sex saturated national culture people would tolerate the genital mutilation and body damaging medical experiments on children which would make Dr. Kinsey blush. We've sunk that low and I can find several such clinics right here in Columbus--so I should be alarmed about teenagers being lured to a life of excitement with celebrities? Compare that to what--sex trafficking with our open borders?

So yes, I should stop being surprised or asking for all the answers. There are no answers for evil, duplicity, envy, greed, hatred, obsessions, and mental illness.

Damaged brains caused by TDS

There are lots of hoaxes and fakes on the internet these days. I just saw one of those free automobile fake offers on Facebook by just clicking. But the climate hoaxes combined with TDS are really swarming with the Texas flood.

There are actually fewer weather crises these days than 100 years ago, but there is more commercial and home building in areas prone to flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and fires so the death toll and costs are higher. We're actually in a cooling period.

Then add that misinformation to their Trump hatred and they've decided that warning systems weren't working because of Doge! Doge cuts target fraud, waste and DEI. So, riddle me this. Are Democrats so addled by years of climate hoaxes and TDS, that now they believe flood warnings would be more effective if more women, trans and minorities were there in the middle of the night to warn sleeping people about water that rises 25 ft in 45 minutes? All those DEI WOKE grants and scams made no one safer; they did make some richer. It was billions going to bureaucrats and politicians as a way to buy votes.

The old rugged cross--a Michigan gospel song

The publication I use with my morning meditations is called "The Magnificat" and is Roman Catholic using a liturgical year theme. I enjoy it because of its excellent stories, history, scripture and art. I was surprised that the hymn for today was, "The old rugged Cross," by George Bennard published in 1913. I was baptized in the Church of the Brethren and since 1974 have been Lutheran (ALC, ELCA, NALC synods but all the same congregation). That gospel hymn in the 50s and 70s when my hymn books were published was not sung in our churches, although I'd always known it. So as often happens I got sidetracked and researched this hymn which was consistently named America's favorite gospel hymn in surveys between 1925 and 1960. After reading about it in my own sources, I switched to podcasts, and found this one by Randy Melchert and his interview about the Old Rugged Cross Church and Museum in Pocagon, Michigan. Some of these interviews have been on TV. Enjoy--this hymn has a very interesting background. And if you live in the mid-west, it looks like a great site for a trip.

https://www.vcy.tv/our-christian-heritage-with-randy-melchert/videos/the-old-rugged-cross-church-with-bob-molly-shafer

A follow up on VBS at UALC

 This note was sent to the congregation:

"In the midst of June's heat wave, UALC had the opportunity to welcome people from all across Columbus to the Oasis of God's kingdom that we call our church home. Each day, nearly 240 adult and teen volunteers were able to welcome about 650 children and their families to Mill Run for Young Kids and Big Kids VBS. From greeting participants in the parking lot to singing on the stage, each volunteer role played a huge part in welcoming these families into the house of the Lord and assuring them that we could dwell in this space with our good shepherd forever!

During our week of VBS we had the opportunity to see a special kind of spiritual growth form in the lives of the children who attended Big Kids VBS. They worked on memorizing ten different verses from David's portion of the Psalter (including the six verses of Psalm 23), heard David's story with a fresh perspective on his journey from shepherd to king, learned how his story points forward to the work of Jesus Christ, and explored the very character of our Lord as they heard Jesus' invocation of the title "good shepherd." Conversations sparked all over the place about trusting God as we walk through difficult things, being able to go to him in prayer, trusting Jesus to walk with us into school buildings, onto soccer fields, or in friendships and family relationships.

While all the excitement of Big Kids swarmed the building, 180 preschoolers and their parents were singing, dancing, and shouting Jesus' name in the Fellowship Hall! Our Young Kids VBS program was full and thriving this year. Each morning, kids from birth to five years filed into the building with their parents and guardians to be led by 22 amazing teens in songs, crafts, games, and worship. They saw the story of King David played out on stage, heard the gospel over and over, and had the words of scripture sewn into their hearts throughout the week. There were many parents there who had participated in VBS as a teen or as a child, and they brought their kids to experience the fun. There were also many parents there who don't have a church home or didn't know the gospel, and they got an invitation into Jesus' family. After YKVBS each day, preschool parents gathered on the playground for free iced coffee and play time, as well as time to connect with each other and our church staff.

One of the best parts of the week was watching the confidence of the preschoolers grow each day. In the first two days of learning songs and motions, they generally stayed close by their grown up's side. But by the end of the week, there was a huge group of preschoolers gathered together at the edge of the stage, dancing their hearts out, confident in their worship, shouting out "He's my good, good shepherd!" It was a beautiful picture of heaven and the uninhibited worship that our hearts and bodies are made for."