What was life like in Mt. Morris, IL, in the 1940s?

This is an AI generated answer.

"Life in Mount Morris, Illinois during the 1940s was shaped by its role as a printing and publishing hub, which insulated it from the worst effects of the Great Depression and continued to drive its economy into the post-World War II era. The Kable Printing Company was the town’s economic cornerstone, producing affordable periodicals and newsletters that were in high demand nationwide.

This industrial stability provided steady employment and sustained the local economy through the 1940s.

The end of World War II brought a housing shortage, which Mount Morris addressed by becoming home to 18 Lustron homes—prefabricated, steel-framed houses designed for quick assembly and low maintenance. These homes, clustered on First Street, Hannah Avenue, and Sunset Lane, were part of a national effort to house returning veterans and their families affordably. The town embraced modernity while maintaining its small-village character, with a population that grew from 1,902 in 1930 to 2,304 by 1940.

Community life centered around local institutions, including Mount Morris College (formerly Rock River Seminary), which occupied the town square before closing due to economic pressures. The town’s demographics were predominantly white, with a strong sense of community and family life reflected in its schools, churches, and civic organizations.

Mount Morris’s relative prosperity during the 1940s laid the foundation for its mid-century growth, distinguishing it from many rural communities that struggled during the era."

Pretty close, although the college closed in 1930 during the Great Depression after a fire. 

Mount Morris College | lost-colleges

Collection: Kable Printing Company Records (Mt. Morris) | Special Collections and Archives

Then for the High School, also AI generated

Mount Morris High School in Mount Morris, Illinois, was a public high school that operated from 1868 until 1994. It was officially known as the "Mounders", with school colors of red and black and a school song titled "Mounders". The school was located on Illinois Route 64 in Ogle County and served as a central institution in the community for over a century.

After the school closed in 1994, the district merged with Oregon School District #220. The former high school building is now David L. Rahn Jr. High School, serving grades 7–8 as part of the Oregon CUSD 220 district. The school building was previously used as Black Hawk Junior High and is the only school currently located in Mount Morris, following a 2004 fire that destroyed Rahn Elementary School. [dated information--the school has closed]

The Mounders were particularly successful in boys basketball, winning three IHSA District Championships (1924–25, 1926–27, 1970–71) and eight Regional Championships, including four consecutive titles from 1973 to 1976. The team’s most notable game was a six-overtime victory over Polo on January 5, 1968, winning 79–77. The school also had strong programs in football, golf, cross country, baseball, softball, bowling, and track & field.

Alumni can stay connected through a Facebook group: Do You Remember This in Mt. Morris?. A virtual yearbook and alumni directory are also available online for former students.

The fungus like growth of the Epstein story

From the beginning of the Epstein death reports (called a suicide but most thought it was murder) in 2019, I've puzzled that the public and our ghoulish media were more interested in a few teen women being used as sex toys by rich men than the millions of women and girls trafficked over our own border to make money for rich cartels in Mexico and their partners in crime in the U.S. The proportions seemed out of whack.

 
Now as more and more is uncovered, the "cancelling" of careers of prominent (mostly) men sounds strangely familiar going back to the Tulip Mania of the 17th century, the MacMartin Preschool scandal in the 1980s, DEI hysteria in the 2000s, the "me-too" movement and the Ivermectin ban for Covid stories in the 2020s.

Recent disclosures (by whom?) brought out that Epstein was also interested in the sexual transitioning of children and funded academics those maiming experiments then became standard care in many prominent university hospitals. More careers down the toilet.

 
I smell a giant hoax mixed with evil and lust to keep these stories going to make more money for the two bit players who want their cut of the profits. The growth of this story is an expanding poisonous black fungus. Frankly, I don't see how one guy got that rich and so diversely evil. Perhaps it's been franchised and may be the cover up for something/someone else to keep us busy looking away from the actual story?

The State of the Union, February 24, 2026

Can't believe we watched the whole thing--the SOTU--one hour and 48 minutes (I can hardly stand for 10 minutes). Even Spectrum Cable early news today led with the beating up of the few Democrats that showed up, and not the important news of Trump's successes. Usually, it is a rather bland and middle of the road source, good for weather, but the lead matters whether in print, video or audio. Every news program, writer, essayist, dramatist and entertainer has a bias, but please be a bit more subtle and remember who pays your salaries. You are a capitalist.

I have a 2" x 3" 60 p. "The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America" on the desk behind me. I just read it--very short and sweet put together by a genius class from the past. Democrats were absolutely wrong in not agreeing that their responsibility is to represent the citizens of the U,S, and not foreign and alien peoples, criminals and agents of other nations. But not a one of them would stand when the President asked them who they represented. Shocking. Outrageous. But completely in character by the (no longer) fringe element of their party. Their hatred for Donald Trump is being manipulated to destroy the Constitution and everything it says.

Affordability and inflation

I'm not sure why anyone thought that if Trump stopped the rampant inflation that things would actually go backwards. We crunched numbers when we sold our home in September which we bought in 2001 and based on 2 decades of inflation and all our improvements and repairs, we lost money. Yes, prices were up, but it just wasn't a recent thing.

 
The Biden era inflation was real--I saw food increase 40% on items I was accustomed to buying. I didn't buy a house or a car or fancy clothes, so I can't speak to that. Those grocery prices have not increased under Trump but they haven't gone down either, and I don't think they will.

 
Also real was the Covid shut down of the economy and throwing money at people who could have been working but weren't. Both parties (remember PPP--that was Trump) were responsible for the irresponsible throwing free money at people who wanted to be at work. It also created the ripe fraud atmosphere such as we have now in Minnesota and California, but which probably is robbing us all.

My advice is the same as it was 25 years ago. If prices are too high and you don't feel rich, stop eating out, taking destination vacations, buying clothes you don't need, and give up those manicures. Maybe someday if you work hard and save like your grandparents did, you'll live like they do,

Finally, know that Democrats will scream no matter what. Don't listen to their complaints. They are sliding into the Communist mind set of their fringe. They hate Trump (and their fringe are using that mental state against them) and if he could walk on water they would complain he can't swim.

Jeanne's 90th birthday party

We had a fabulous weekend in Indianapolis celebrating with Bob's siblings (Rick, Debbie, Jeanne and Bob, L to R seated) and families his sister's 90th birthday. It was touch and go for us with getting last minute approval that Bob could travel. Nothing like all those hugs to make one feel good. Thousands of photos, but this one of the sibs with spouses is a favorite. This is a group that really loves to party. Thank you, Kimberly Rosenberg for the photo. Our niece Joan had planned a lovely dinner party held in the school gymnasium and there were many of her siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. We stayed in a hotel along with brother Rick and his wife Kate from Arizona. Bob's sister Debbie brought her children and grandchildren, her partner Gary, and her friend Sue from California. We're so glad we went.  Even the weather cooperated.

  

Use of the word Jehovah

This morning in my devotions I was reading Ps. 104. Fabulous. The book was, "Meditations in the Book of Psalms" by Erling C. Olsen. Mr. Olsen wasn't a priest, pastor, or professor, but a businessman. His work began as a radio broadcast in the depths of the Great Depression in the 1930s. Eventually those broadcasts were distributed in print and then in book form (1939) that went through many printings, and I found it (4th ed. 1967, 1985 printing) in one of those "little libraries" that are sprinkled around the country. Some items are delightfully dated, like comments on the current news, which was the Depression.

 
Use of the word Jehovah really stopped me, yet it was common in the 40s and 50s when I began reading the Bible and still appears in favorite hymns. So, I asked AI when did Protestants stop using "Jehovah," why, and who decided what was the right transliteration (we generally have trouble agreeing on anything including baptism and communion, or even Ash Wednesday which is today.

 
Catholic Answers had the most convincing response (I always check AI's responses since a slight rewording of the question can make a huge difference and AI didn't tell who and when).
"In Hebrew the name of God is spelled YHWH. Since ancient Hebrew had no written vowels, it is uncertain how the name was pronounced originally, but there are records of the name in Greek, which did have written vowels. These records indicate that in all likelihood the name should be pronounced “Yahweh.”

Shortly before the first century A.D., it became common for Jews to avoid saying the divine name for fear of misusing it and breaking the second commandment (“You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain” [Deut. 5:11). Whenever they read Scripture aloud and encountered the divine name, they substituted another Hebrew word, “Adonai” (which means “Lord” or “my Lord”), in its place.
Eventually Hebrew developed written vowels, which appeared as small marks called vowel points and were placed above and below the consonants of a word. In the sixth or seventh century some Jews began to place the vowel points for “Adonai” over the consonants for “Yahweh” to remind the reader of Scripture to say “Adonai” whenever he read “Yahweh.”

About the 13th century the term “Jehovah” appeared when Christian scholars took the consonants of “Yahweh” and pronounced it with the vowels of “Adonai.” This resulted in the sound “Yahowah,” which has a Latinized spelling of “Jehovah.” The first recorded use of this spelling was made by a Spanish Dominican monk, Raymundus Martini, in 1270."

 
There's more to this interesting word study. https://www.catholic.com/qa/is-gods-name-yahweh-or-jehovah

But if you're reading an English Bible translation you're not saying anything the way Christians spoke in the first century. God knows when you call on his name, no matter the language.

The Democrats battle over ICE and DHS

Democrats in Congress don't like how DHS is obeying the laws they put in place. It's a form of TDS--but the shutdown they demand to stop ICE arresting violent criminals in Democrat sanctuary cities is hurting those who protect your air travel and clean up the damage of hurricanes, fires and floods of the non-Trump years. That's what hate and revenge can do. Something about "cutting off the nose to spite the face. "

"One of the most cited origins of the phrase involves Saint Æbbe the Younger, an abbess in 9th-century Scotland. According to legend, when Viking raiders threatened her convent, Æbbe and her nuns disfigured their faces by cutting off their noses and upper lips to make themselves undesirable to the invaders. While their actions were intended to protect their chastity, the Vikings, enraged by the defiance, burned down the convent, killing all inside. This tale exemplifies a self-destructive act intended to thwart an enemy, aligning closely with the idiom’s meaning. Source: theidioms.com"

I don't specialize, I just fill in the gaps

"When I graduated, one of my favorite professors pulled me aside and told me I wasn't done learning. My education framed the house, and I would spend the rest of my life finishing the house. I've never forgotten that, and strive to learn more and fill in the gaps of my knowledge. I also remember a quote by the science fiction author Robert Heinlein: "Specialization is for insects." And so I do not confine my research to a single area, as I've found that knowledge is interconnected, and that specialization closes one off to life's richness. " (from the author's comment about, "The Development of the Canon" by Kristofer Carlson, preprint 2019)

I like that. I've got a lot of gaps in my education and I certainly don't specialize. Now I have to look up Robert Heinlein, but not until I figure out all the other canons.

The killer was not a woman--Canadian school shooting

Wake up, Canadian liberals and U.S. Democrat crazies. People identified as trans have a very high rate of violence and murder. They are mentally ill and instead of helping them, you are egging them on. They consume large amounts of prescription drugs that drive them crazy and get horrible advice from peers, doctors, teachers, celebrities and the internet. They have been lied to by academics, drug companies, media, and political powers, to say nothing of the so-called LGB community which decided to adopt them and the XYZs to increase the funding base for their agenda.

Check the Epstein files. He was funding "science" intended to create these Frankensteins (or his own fetishes), using vulnerable children and gullible parents over 15 years ago.

Tumbler Ridge mass shooter ID'd as 18-year-old transgender ex-student Jesse Van Rootselaar

Jeffrey Epstein Was Into 'Trans Kids' - by Matt Osborne

February 10, St. Scholastica

On February 10 Christians honor Saint Scholastica, sister of Saint Benedict. She was born in the 5th century and is known mostly for her famous twin brother and a miracle at the end of her life. If I were to write about her, I'd have to include the word "traditionally" in just about every sentence, because there just isn't a lot known about her. If you have a famous sibling, spouse, grandparent or cousin, you may know the feeling. Although being a Saint, she may have just prayed about it if she felt overlooked.

At The Estates where we live in an apartment, I've noticed a lot of widows and widowers, of course, but also sibling groups, twins, cousins, in-laws, and former neighbors. One woman told me that as children she and her cousins always played together in the neighborhood and then went on to establish careers and families, seeing each other only on special occasions because of distance or busy lives. Now they have breakfast together daily. Women who used to carpool their kids' swim team or soccer club together now 40 years later share stories of the old days at table. I would have expected that at Pinecrest in Mt. Morris, IL where my parents lived. Dad and his Uncle Orville were able to enjoy their final years together sharing stories because they were close in age and Dad had been his best man.

I actually do have a first cousin once removed on Dad's side, Joy, right here in Columbus. I saw her in 1993. We really should get together while there is time.

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-10-saint-scholastica-virgin/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholastica

https://faith.nd.edu/saint/st-scholastica/

Cardioversion

 Today my husband went to Riverside (Ohio Health) for a cardioversion. Although he had 4 stints in 2020 and 2021, in recent months he had developed atrial fibrillation. My personal, non-medical opinion is it was due to the stress of moving.

"Cardioversion is a medical treatment that uses quick, low-energy shocks to restore a regular heart rhythm. It's used to treat some types of irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. An example is atrial fibrillation (AFib). Sometimes cardioversion is done using medicines." Mayo Clinic

I spoke with the doctor after the successful procedure about the causes and future care.  Got a little of this and a little of that. Mostly things we can't change like genes and age.

Cardioversion: Procedure, side effects, and recovery 

The hospital is constantly under construction. When we got there today the Red parking garage/drop off had a detour, so we had to return to the main road and go around the building to get to the drop off. In 1980 a book was published titled, "The Hospital that Ate Chicago." I think there's one in Columbus.

                    

 

Ash Wednesday, 2026

It's hard to believe we're talking about Ash Wednesday already. I should have read our pastor's meditation before I bundled up and went out to scrape ice off the car and move it slowly around the neighborhood. I needed this reminder,

"In a couple of weeks we will mark a Christian holiday called Ash Wednesday. For some of you this might be a new experience. For others, it might be deeply familiar. But whether this is new for you or a long-established habit, Ash Wednesday confronts us with a truth we have worked hard to forget. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

It’s a stark and sobering reminder. And we don’t only hear these Biblical words, we feel them. We experience them as they are marked onto us in the sign of an ashen cross on our foreheads. Our mortal bodies are marked with the sign of Jesus’s cross. And it’s a reminder of a truth that our hearts so deeply need.

 
We need it because some of us are sick and dying, and we need to know that Jesus has gone ahead of us. We need it because it helps us make sense of the ridiculousness and tragedy of the world around us. We need it because it reminds us to live for the eternity that lasts and not for the trivia that fades. We need it to remind us that earthly power is so often corrupt, but God’s power is infinitely different and greater. In this and many other ways the Holy Spirit applies the truth of the cross to each of us individually, applying the same profound truth to each different moment of need in each of our hearts.

We need this reminder because we never really do forget. Our mortality and deep need will not always be at the front of our minds, but the ache is always there. And Ash Wednesday speaks to us with merciful candor. The crosses on our foreheads are there to name the problem we know we have. But crosses are not just crosses. They are Jesus’s empty cross. They are the sign of the death which has been put to death, so that life might triumph and go on forever and ever and ever." Senior Pastor Steve Turnbull, Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Feb. 5, 2026.

I will be rereading this many times.

Darlene Dimitrovski, Obituary

 Darlene Reese Dimitrovski Obituary March 30, 2025 - Beggs Funeral Home

I was reading through my blog and came across a 2018 message from my UALC friend Darlene Dimitrovski. We had met in a Bible study many years ago--she was beautiful, joyful and full of the Spirit of God. Life hadn't been easy for her, but her light was always shining.  I remembered she had moved a few years ago and for a while I heard from her regularly via her newsletter.  I included her message in one of my blogs about Praying for our leaders written in 2018.  She died in March 2025.

Collecting My Thoughts: How to pray for friends and family

Church of the Acronym: On praying for our leaders

Collecting My Thoughts: Darlene's prayer for the Border Control

Now, Voyager (1942) with Bette Davis

Last night at The Estates we saw the movie "Now, Voyager" which stars Bette Davis and Paul Henreid (1942, B&W). She develops a sense of self confidence and independence after a nervous breakdown through the course of the story. (". . .the themes abound in this tale, including metamorphosis, mother guilt, emotional blackmail, pioneering concepts of psychotherapy and psychiatry, conditional love vs. unconditional love, and unconventional love.") It is based on a book (1941) of the same name by Olive Higgins Prouty who had two nervous breakdowns and draws on some on her own experience. I had never seen the movie, and I find the background of the author almost as interesting as the film. I discovered a podcast that compares books with the films on which they are based. So, if you've had an opportunity to curl up on cold nights with a good melodrama, and see this one, you might also enjoy two women talking about the book vs. film. https://youtu.be/A3ow2pF33Wc?si=qIO__ZmO3Ch5i5LB

All Of Bette Davis' Best Movies, Ranked By Fans

Storytelling. It's the big thing.

I've noticed for several years that "storytelling" is all the rage, Not dry facts and data. And in all fields. We had a lecture yesterday on "Drawing with Sound," where we listened to the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique which left me thoroughly confused about someone's fantasy/addiction. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique) The host said it was storytelling and better than music appreciation.

 
Then today I get a message from the University of Illinois Library inviting me to a "visual storytelling webinar" "drawing from archival materials, such as letters from alumnus John C. Houbolt who served as Chief Aeronautical Scientist at NASA—the visit shaped how students transformed dense, abstract information into engaging typographic systems, visual explanations, and narrative-driven design artifacts."

 What?

I don't know if it's the popularity of Ted Talks or ancient peoples archeology or the riots in Minnesota, but I think that substituting telling stories for facts is a result of poor schooling or an agenda.
Or. Story telling is what we hear every day at lunch in retirement living.

 

https://scicomm.plos.org/2025/04/08/say-it-simply-see-it-clearly-the-scientists-case-for-storytelling/?

storytelling with data

Speaking Russian

Today when I checked the mailbox downstairs, I saw that the bulletin board had been decorated for Valentine's Day, "I love you" written in many languages. That's Bob's favorite and only phrase in Russian, Я тебя люблю:  ya tee-BYAH lyoo-BLYOO.

I taught him to say it years ago, but we don't remember when. When we were in Russia about 20 years ago no one seemed impressed. 

Mr. Blandings builds his dream house (1948)

 Tonight's movie at the Estates almost didn't happen. "Mr. Blandings builds his dream house" is a post WWII tale of "affordability" and "housing crises" that seems made for today's 21st century housing  woes. Many scenes reminded me of the tales of apartment dwellers in NYC--tiny living spaces, high costs and inconvenience. And it seems that teachers ridiculing capitalism and the lifestyle of their students' parents (who pay their salaries) is not new to our age.

It was supposed to be shown on Saturday, but there was no one to set it up because one of our buildings had a broken pipe and flooded due to record cold. All the staff had rushed across the street to help on clean up. So, Connie our sweet activity director rescheduled it for Monday which usually doesn't have a movie. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Our morning (Feb. 2) didn't have a good start either. Due to a water leak, our building also had the water shut off about 3 a.m., which few but the early risers (like me) found out until trying to flush.

"Cary Grant and Myrna Loy played a Manhattan couple who, tired of city life, decide to build a house in the country. The process, however, is marred by numerous problems, including cost overruns and shoddy workmanship. Grant’s character, a harried ad executive, discovers his dream home is more like a nightmare, all while having to deal with a hellish commute. The situation is further complicated by troubles at work and his suspicion that his wife is having an affair with his best friend (played by Melvyn Douglas).

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, which was adapted from Eric Hodgins’s popular novel of the same name, was timely, given the post-World War II housing-construction boom. To promote the film, the studio built 73 exact replicas of Mr. Blandings’s “Dream House” across the country, which they sold or gave away in raffles." Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House | Comedy, Cary Grant, Romance | Britannica

Why is it so much worse if Epstein is involved?

Still the fascination with Epstein, but not the thousands of underage sex and labor slaves brought across the border during the Biden years.

 
Also, are rioting Democrats and virtue signaling celebs as concerned about the welfare of the children of ordinary, home-grown criminals who are NOT illegal aliens? Why would they want them held in police vans or jails with their criminal parents instead of child service agencies? What are they doing with the children of aliens violating laws who are not in sanctuary cities? Do media report on them?

And it's as though they believe the victims of illegals don't matter at all. Would they take in or hide a murderer or rapist who has fled Ireland or Germany?

Our dear friend, Betty Zimmer

On January 21, 2026, our dear sweet Betty went to be with her Lord and Savior.  She probably greeted every artist in heaven by name. Over 50 years a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art, Betty had probably talked to and educated thousands of people. 

Obituary information for Elizabeth L. S. "Betty" Zimmer 

"Betty successfully managed a lifetime career as wife and mother to two children with her professional work as a home economist in business, interior designer, educator, and community service volunteer. Recently she was recognized for serving over 50 years as a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art. Other volunteer organizations were Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Ballet Met, Kelton House, Thurber House, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center/Advisory Council.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years Howard Zimmer, Jr., their daughters Cheryl (Christopher) Miller and Marcia (Aled) Greville; grandson Rhys Greville, and many nieces, nephews, and friends."

Heart healthy diet, sodium and potassium

 Now that we are watching sodium for Bob's congestive heart failure I did an AI search on sodium and potassium,

"Balance sodium and potassium intake to support heart health by reducing sodium and increasing potassium through whole, unprocessed foods. Most Americans consume too much sodium (averaging ~3,400 mg/day) and too little potassium (averaging ~2,300–3,000 mg/day), creating an unhealthy imbalance linked to high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk.

Reduce sodium intake by limiting processed and packaged foods (e.g., deli meats, canned soups, fast food), which are major sources of added sodium. Aim for less than 2,300 mg/day, ideally 1,500 mg/day, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Boost potassium intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Aim for 3,500–5,000 mg/day of potassium, as recommended by the American Heart Association for blood pressure control. Examples:

Sweet potatoes (500+ mg per medium potato)

Bananas (450 mg per medium fruit)

Spinach, winter squash, white beans, tomatoes, and pumpkin

Consider potassium-based salt substitutes (e.g., blends with 75% sodium, 25% potassium chloride), which can help reduce sodium intake and increase potassium. Consult your doctor first, especially if you have kidney disease or take certain medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics).

Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean proteins—naturally rich in potassium and low in sodium.

The ideal sodium-to-potassium ratio is not fixed, but higher potassium relative to sodium is consistently linked to lower blood pressure and reduced heart disease risk. A ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 (potassium to sodium) is considered beneficial.

Key takeaway: Prioritize whole foods, minimize processed items, and focus on increasing potassium-rich foods to naturally balance your sodium-potassium intake for better heart health."

 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10759559/  

https://extension.missouri.edu/news/for-a-healthier-heart-balance-potassium-and-sodium

https://youtu.be/8ZbiA_Akvgk?si=BAiihiAlq0Y40BBN  Potatoes a good source of potassium

USDA-Sodium-Content.pdf   26 page chart of USDA

HighPotassiumFoodList_sglpgs.pdf High potassium foot list by mycardiologist.com

The Minnesota Mobs

Every time I hear or watch an account of the Minnesota mobs I wonder if they care that much about our homegrown criminals. . . you know, the average Indianapolis citizen bank robber or child molester, or Fargo fake schoolteacher, or the doctor who killed his ex-wife and her dentist husband with two kids in their house here in Columbus? Would they riot for them because they were neighbors or employed or sat next to them in church? Or would they riot for the smash and grab at their gym who robbed THEIR car? There are laws to follow when illegals are detained; the governor and mayor are not following them, and they are encouraging riots--all for the cover-up of their own crimes. If we can thank The Donald for nothing else, it's that he kept Walz and Harris out of the White House.

 
Since they are participating in the riots, or just standing around watching, do they want to sit in jail for 2 years like the J-6 folks who didn't commit a fraction of the crimes or terror they have?

Patti Foley of Toledo, obituary

 https://www.coylefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patricia-Foley-8/?  We came to know the Foleys in the 1990s when they hired Bob to be their architect for their new home at Lakeside where they were active members of the community.

Ohio is buried in 11" of snow and other problems

 Our car is immobilized for a while. Churches and schools were closed by the latest storm that has swept across the nation, and particularly those areas south of us. Even if we could get to the car, sweeping off the snow would cover us up, and I suspect the wipers and doors are frozen shut.

"COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Good Sunday evening! [Jan. 25] Most snowfall totals across Central Ohio have been around 10–11 inches as of 5 PM. We did have a few 13-inch reports from New Albany, Zanesville, and Coshocton County. Southern and eastern Ohio had some sleet and freezing rain mixing in during the day, with reported snowfall totals around 6–8 inches, but we are not done with the snow just yet."

These are AI generated reports I found on internet:

"Schools and colleges across central Ohio, including Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, and Columbus City Schools, canceled classes for January 26 and 27 due to snow and extreme cold.

Businesses and government offices closed, including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Franklin County courts, and Columbus VA clinics.

The City of Columbus declared a Level 3 snow emergency on January 25, which was downgraded to Level 2 by January 26 as snow removal crews worked to clear roads.

Mayor Andrew Ginther confirmed that over 16 inches of snow fell in some southern and eastern parts of the metro area, and crews were actively working to improve road conditions.

Wind chills dropped to -15°F to -25°F through the week, with a Cold Weather Advisory and Extreme Cold Warning in effect, posing risks of frostbite and hypothermia.

No new snow is expected through January 27, but blowing snow and icy conditions remain hazardous, and temperatures are forecast to stay below zero for several days."

 Then to complicate things Bob was in the hospital January 21-24, getting out in time to grab a few new prescriptions.  There wasn't time to stock up on food--and we live in retirement independent living where meals are provided,   If the employees can get to work! A few did make it in, but it's more like picnics and the new menu for Bob includes less salt. Some of the staff spent the night.

Get rid of your personal information on Google

 “If bad actors get their hands on your personally identifiable information (PII), they can use it to swindle, impersonate, or even endanger you on the internet—and in the real world. One of the prime places to find PII is on Google, and while Google can’t stop that info from appearing on other websites, you can try to remove PII from the search giant’s results." PC magazine explains it.

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/psst-you-can-remove-your-personal-info-from-google-search-heres-how?

Benefits of local honey

Never a dull moment at The Estates. 

I couldn't get the jar of our homegrown (Upper Arlington, Ohio) honey open this morning to make my delicious chocolate-honey de-caf. Even when I was a strong 65, I couldn't get these open (home processed). So, I tucked it inside my waxed amaryllis box and went down to the night watchman (it was about 6:30 a.m.) and asked for help. I even took with me two plastic jar opening strips. Big guy, he  huffed and puffed but he couldn't do it either. So, I told him we needed hot water to loosen the ring seal, so he took it to the back room and did that. After much effort, he was successful. Then there was the sealed lid, so he found a pair of scissors, and finally, success!

"Benefits of Local Honey

Local honey offers various health benefits that can enhance daily wellness. This natural sweetener not only tastes good but also provides important nutrients that support a healthier lifestyle.

Nutritional Advantages

Local honey contains essential vitamins and minerals. It includes vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which contribute to overall health. This sweetener also provides carbohydrates, giving a quick source of energy. Unlike processed sugars, local honey has fewer additives and preservatives, making it a cleaner choice for sweetening foods. The presence of local pollen in honey can boost immune responses. This helps the body build tolerance to local allergens, which can be especially important during allergy season. Choosing local honey means enjoying a product rich in nutrients while also supporting local beekeepers.

Antioxidant Properties

Local honey is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can lead to chronic diseases and aging. Antioxidants found in local honey primarily come from plant compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Consuming local honey can aid in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. Studies show that honey's antioxidant content can be more effective than those in many processed sweeteners. Regular use may help improve overall health by boosting the body's defenses and promoting better well-being. Local honey stands out as a natural choice for enhancing health and combating oxidative stress." . . . 

Why Is Local Honey Better for You? Key Health Benefits — Blythewood Bee Company

Sainte Chapelle in Paris

 Visiting Sainte-Chapelle in Paris: What to Know Before You Go - City Or City  A story of this chapel was included in my reading this morning,

Finding a service opportunity

Don't ask God if you don't want an answer. Like in 5 minutes. After my devotions Sunday morning I reread a post Christmas letter from our friends John and Sue. They moved to Yakima some years ago but he was a pastor at our church and we've known them since 1974. They too had recently moved to a retirement community, so I was reading about their interesting, challenging life of service in their new community. I sort of sighed a prayer, something like "Lord I'd like to be of service like John and Sue." Then I picked up my phone to take my morning walk through the halls, down the stairs, past the front desk and back. I stopped to look at the Columbus Dispatch and read about the governor's race (Vivek Ramaswamy). Then I heard something--some people have pets and my first thought was a Siamese cat. Sort of howling. So I redirected my usual route to follow the sound, and after a few turns saw a door was open and someone was yelling for help. I found a resident on the floor covered in blood, grabbed her hand and told her I'd get help. Because of the blood I didn't recognize her, but as soon as we spoke, I knew her voice. I alerted the security staff. She was soon off to the hospital via the Columbus squad, and I hope she'll be OK. She was lucid enough to talk to me and I stayed with her until they took her out of the building. For being 98, she's a tough gal. Pray for her. And me. I was a bit shaky. My mornings are usually not this eventful.

The mess in Minneapolis

With the help of Hakeem Jeffries ["We must reform our broken immigration system and create a pathway toward citizenship for the millions of undocumented (illegal aliens) hardworking individuals who dream of becoming Americans"] and the left-wing, never-Trump media, Gov. Tim Walz allegedly covered up fraud [theft of federal benefits] in Minnesota. Ms. Renee Good chose to disobey lawful orders so ICE could remove dangerous criminals preying on innocent citizens, and lost her life.

Food costs--eggs and walnuts

Remember about 2 weeks after Trump took office and the price of eggs (about $5 a dozen) was beginning to fall, Democrats complained he hadn't fixed it yet. Today, I bought a dozen eggs for 87 cents. Yet they act as though food prices haven't changed!

Speaking of food costs. There is one very healthy food that didn't go up during Biden's reign and has stayed stable all during Trump's. Walnuts. I usually buy them in 16 oz bags (California, whole). They've either been 3/$10 or $3 a bag for probably 6 years. Very good for heart and brain. For breakfast today I had a sliced banana, about an oz of walnuts with milk. Also cheddar cheese on toast with butter.

https://earthsidefarms.com/blogs/earthside-blog/nutritional-value-of-walnuts?

Egg Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Diane's question about Presidents Obama and Trump

"Here's a question for all of my Democrat/liberal friends who are decrying the US capture of Maduro in Venezuela. What’s the difference between President Obama ordering US forces to enter a sovereign nation, without their permission, to intentionally kill Osama Bin Laden, who was under a US indictment (issued in 1998, under the Clinton administration) and President Trump ordering US forces to capture Nicolas Maduro—unharmed--to prosecute him under a US indictment for narcotrafficking issued in 2020? If you have a cogent answer other than “Orange Man Bad,”

I would be delighted to hear it.

Don't forget Manuel Noriega in Panama when George HW Bush ordered troops on the ground to capture him."

Did Santa bring you any good books?

Did you get any books for Christmas? I got one--an ESV archeology Bible. My NIV was lost in the move, so rather than fret every day I just asked for a different one. But here's what Bob got. I'm reading the one on the far left, "An inside job" by Daniel Silva (2025). It's not a genre I like, but I'm really enjoying it. He's a good writer.

As I age, I read less and less, although I have plenty of time. I just can't find a comfortable place with good light.

Mamdani tries to make NYC Venezuela

Not my words, but exactly my thoughts from the newsletter of investment advisor Joel Ross:

"Mamdani has only been in office a few days and each day it gets much worse as he announces his appointments. They are all far left radicals who will destroy the city. Their policies are socialist to communist and anti-capitalist and anti- landlord. The result will be a much worse education for poor kids and a far worse rental apartment situation. No developer is going to want to start a new multi project. Dealing with evictions has just become totally impossible. Schools will experience a downgrade in education in the name of diversity. The homeless will begin to reappear in parks and on the streets in spring. Tisch as police commissioner is all that prevents crime from going way up again, and we will see how long she lasts. Now Mamdani has lashed out at Trump for arresting Maduro. That is right out of the Socialist manifesto. He already is virulently anti-Israel. He knows nothing of how to run the city but suddenly he thinks he knows about geopolitics. He is dangerous because now he has a bullhorn and will be read and followed on social media. We can expect much more of that. He abolished the Adams committees and definition of anti-Semitism. His father is a rabid outspoken anti-Semite who actually is a professor at Columbia-where else. This is going to bad or worse than we all expected."

So true about Mamdani's parents. All bad ideas come from academe, and it's probably worse when they are Communists who flee from India via Uganda.

He's appointed a "tenant advocate" who thinks home ownership is "white supremacy." Landlords should be fleeing the city. Zohran Mamdani’s new NYC tenant advocate called to 'seize private property,' blasted homeownership as 'white supremacy'

This corruption didn't begin with the Somalis

Before tracking down "root causes" and supply chain history of the Somali day care fraud, I hope Congress stops and looks at two basics: Head start (turned 60 in 2025 in the failed War on Poverty which we lost ) and the corruption in the nonprofit arena (got really bad during Bush I who wanted to reduce federal employment with "faith-based" solutions).

By any definition and all the studies, Head Start has failed miserably--40 million children, their parents and the tax payers. Not every daycare is a head start model, but it's been ingrained in generations that children will be better off if mom leaves home to work and someone not family takes care of the kids. That's the old south slavery model, isn't it? By 2nd grade all academic gains are lost.

 
The whole nonprofit grants from the federal government model so the money is controlled locally is riddled with corruption, nepotism and graft, The Somali thing is the tip of the iceberg, and it's not just day care. It's good intentions gone bad.

https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/fbci/qr3.html?

Some think the Head start failure is a result of this year's fraud investigation (60 years), but it was declared a failure at 50 years and 40 years,  It's never passed the smell test. Head Start is in turmoil - The Hechinger Report

Epiphany, January 4

I remember when I first learned about Marco Polo, the 13th century Venetian diplomat who lived in China as a young man. I was about 10 years old and we were living in Forreston, IL so it was probably 5th grade. I just loved history. And it was about that age and this time of year we were also singing, "We three kings of Orient are," the hymn that tells about the 3 Magi arriving to worship the new born king led there by a star. I learned about 50 years later, there weren't 3 kings, but 3 gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, so no one knows how many Magi showed up. The 19th c. hymn writer wrote it for a children's play.

 
We celebrate that event on January 4, so I was reading today about an illuminated French manuscript of 1410 of "The Book of the Wonders of the World" by Marco Polo written in 1298. The original no longer exists, but there were hundreds of copies and translations and it was a best seller, some beautifully illustrated. Over the years, many people have doubted certain stories in Polo's travel account.
I was quite surprised to read that while traveling through Persia (Iran) the locals told Polo a "true story" of the 3 Magi and told him to visit a fortress to see their tombs. The 3 bodies were together and still intact with their hair and beards. The story known in that area was "they set out for a distant land in order to adore a prophet who had been born and to offer him 3 gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. . ."

Of course, even as a teen, Polo knew the Bible story, and perhaps he wanted to enhance it--but still, he thought there were 3 Magi just like the guy in Pennsylvania who wrote the hymn hundreds of years later.

  

Cover, Magnificat, January 2026

Ending the old, beginning the new--while sick

 We had plans to go to a friends' home for dinner last night (prime rib and the trimmings) but Saturday I felt a cold coming on and by Wednesday it was really out of control. So Bob went alone. He also went out for orange juice and kleenex this morning, but I'll be down probably the rest of the week. I've watched some Hallmark movies but am too tired to read. Bob is sleeping through all the football games, so it's not an exciting New Year. Back to bed.

Happy New Year anyway! May 2026 be good to you.

The $9 billion fraud in Minnesota "for the children"

I've heard but not researched that some MSM are complaining that MAGA type citizens are overly concerned about $9 Billion fraud in child learning scandal in Minnesota. But I do know that the investigation began during the Biden administration, that the NYT has had a story about it, that local watchdog groups were investigating and the buck didn't stop at Walz's desk. He says he's been working on it, so why is $9 billion the tip of the iceberg and the learning centers are still open?

Hey, that's Bill Maher

 Bob has taken to watching old reruns of the TV series, "Murder She Wrote," and today I looked up from my blogging and said, "Hey that's Bill Maher, the late night political commentator."  "You mean the one who got fired and then rehired?" "No, but it's Bill Maher with long curly hair,"

So I looked it up and sure enough, it's "Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble" Episode aired Feb 19, 1989.

Is it affordability or the economy?

Steven Moore said on Fox News the U.S. has 4% of the world's population and 1/2 of the wealth. So, I looked that up (separate sites) and it's true. It's called capitalism, ambition, hard work, entrepreneurship, and wealth accumulation through family networks (i.e. marriage). Other sites quibble. I looked back 20 years in my blog (Dec. 2005) and the Democrats were saying the same ugly things about the George W. Bush economy, only then we called it BDS. Democrats prefer Communism so 99% of us can be poor at the same time and they can acclaim a victory for equity and inclusion.

"The United States 2025 population is estimated at 347,275,807 people at mid-year, equivalent to 4.22% of the total world population." Worldometers.info

 
Aljazeera wants to quibble with Moore using a figure of "adults" but I'll take Moore's word for it. His books explore the impact of taxes, energy, and worker freedom on economic outcomes. The U.S. is the land people are dying to flee to for opportunity. Maybe people are sneaking into China or North Korea and the media just don't report it?

Why is there a Bye Week?

I hear a lot about bye/buy/by week in football chatter. So today I asked the coach at our breakfast table. And he explained it, but I wanted to know the origin, not the meaning. I've seen it spelled three ways.

This is what Why Do We Say Teams Get a 'Bye'? | Merriam-Webster site says:
"In sports, bye refers to a team automatically advancing to the next round of tournament play without competing and bye week refers to a scheduled off week for a given team. The term is not related to goodbye but is instead believed to be an alteration of by, as in the team is "standing by" to play later, or "bypassed" while other teams play. One early sport to feature a bye is coursing; the b-y-e spelling is likely influenced by an existing term from cricket in which a wicket-keeper misses a ball."

By vs. Bye: What's the Difference?: Grammarly says:
"The term bye is commonly used in informal conversations as a short way to say goodbye. Additionally, it has a specific application in sports, referring to a situation where a player or team advances to the next round of a competition without having to play."

So "advancing without playing" (which still doesn't make sense to me) seems to be the meaning of "bye" in tournaments, and it's not just football.

Where I live, I hear more sports talk in a week than I used to hear in a year,

Phillip Markwood, architect, 1937-2025

I see that local architect Phil Markwood died December 20. He was well known for his churches in the Columbus area and was a Christian. I seem to remember that he may have been the architect for a past remodeling of UALC. Bob knew him through AIA. I liked this testimony in his obituary,

"During the firm’s 47 years existence, Phil was always designing a faith-related project. He described his passion for church design as follows: “I gravitate towards church work for two reasons. I am a believer, so I get a chance to work for ‘The Big Client’ while working for His servants and I get to create spaces that touch the spirit. We’re all spiritual beings and churches are places that prepare you for your own experience with God.” He said he found that what he was doing was bigger than the project, the people and himself and that the main authority is God. He always felt like he was working for Him.

Those who knew Phil recognized him as a man of humility, patience, kindness, and selflessness. He was a deep thinker, a wise counselor, and a committed man of faith. He connected with people through compassionate listening, always more interested in learning about others than talking about himself. He led a purposeful life evidenced by a deep devotion to wife and family, commitment to his relationship with Jesus and studying His word with close friends for years, and application of his God-given abilities to create enduring spaces to enjoy life and worship. And if he was at a gathering where a prayer was required, he was inevitably asked to speak, as he was also informally known as Pastor Phil to many." 

Phillip Markwood Obituary - Columbus, OH

What's for Christmas Eve dinner tonight?

 What's for dinner tonight? "Holiday foods are especially powerful because they’re tightly bound to episodic memory – the brain’s record of personal experiences. “When we taste those foods again, the hippocampus and amygdala bring those emotional memories back to life,” said Traster. Experiences encoded in childhood are particularly durable, especially when they’re paired with strong emotion and repetition. Christmas foods often meet both criteria, becoming deeply embedded early in life."

Maybe, but we're having Italian restaurant take-out for Christmas Eve dinner from DaVinci's in Upper Arlington, not traditional (in our family). We're living in a retirement facility called The Estates (formerly The Forum) so hosting is a bit difficult for us. But we do have our 1963 dining room table that has a leaf on which we can eat our non-traditional dinner. On Christmas Day we'll all be eating in the dining room for a traditional buffet with Italian left-overs for the evening.

Why Christmas Food Tastes Better – The Brain Science | Technology Networks

https://youtu.be/y1xFD89xio0?si=Tzchxn8caMBsORra  Holiday dinners in 1961 -- remember Jim DeMott's oyster dressing and deviled eggs?

Sharing Legacy Recipes: A Holiday Potluck in Memory – Oaktree Memorials

The Epstein puzzle

Why do Democrats get so excited about underage women being sexually abused by Epstein and politicians and entertainers, but cared not at all or would not even admit to the crime of young women and girls that were trafficked over the border during the Biden administration? They don't seem to worry about the sexual abuse in the trans activist movement where body parts of the underaged are mutilated or removed by university hospitals and doctors. But oh the outrage at the Epstein name.

"According to Pew Research 79% of Republicans now support making it illegal for health care professionals to provide medical care for a gender transition for minors. This compares with 72% in 2022. On the same question, 35% of Democrats now express support, up from 26% in 2022. (These figures include independents who identify with or lean toward each party.)" Pew Research Center Feb. 26, 2025

"Demands by [California] Democrats on an Assembly committee that people who solicit 16- and 17-year-olds for sex be treated less harshly than those who target younger teens marked the second time in two years that Democratic state lawmakers, who firmly grasp Sacramento’s levers of power, were caught on the defensive as Republicans lambasted them for blocking or watering down bills addressing sex crimes against minors. Democrats tried to parry the assault, saying a solicitation law that treats younger and older teens equally would do more harm than good, tying the hands of judges and others." Politico, May 2, 2025

Frustrations mount among survivors about House Democrats’ selective releases of Epstein files and photos | CNN Politics

Charles Schumer accuses Justice Department of violating Jeffrey Epstein disclosure law

Trump supporters angry over Justice Department's Epstein memo - ABC News

On policies restricting trans people, Americans have become more supportive | Pew Research Center

California Dems’ crime problem is coming from inside the house - POLITICO

Hilltop Lutheran Church, gone but not forgotten

Today we'll be attending our final noon Advent/worship/lunch service at our church, Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, UALC. I had a few minutes last Thursday and put my coat and purse down in a pew near the front and noticed something I hadn't seen before. Hymnals with a red stamp on the top edge from Hilltop Lutheran Church (west side of Columbus) that used to be part of UALC, but which is now Veritas Community Church. I walked between several pews and checked the hymnals and the memorial plates inside--each had been purchased and plated long ago. Those hymnals (green, Lutheran Book of Worship) came out about 1978. Some were dedicated to deceased parents, or an anniversary or a member of a women's circle. I didn't recognize any names. I saw Becki our congregational care staff member who also selects the hymns we use for worship and asked her about it. She said that so many of our hymnals were worn out that we used the LBW from that building when it was moved to another congregation. Sitting there I felt I'd been joined by a whole congregation that had never worshipped in our building.

Collecting My Thoughts: The long good-bye

Collecting My Thoughts  Hilltop Lutheran

"Elvis" sang for us at the Estates

Elvis [Lonnie Jay Freeman] came to The Estates to entertain us yesterday afternoon. I won a scarf for knowing the name of his first movie. . . Love me Tender.

Ginny (97) and I both got scarves. She was an M.K. born in India and went to a British run boarding school, went to college in Wheaton, IL and settled in the Cleveland area to raise her family. She still drives--never misses church or our local Bible class. We are 3rd floor neighbors.

I really didn't care much for Elvis when I was in High School but over the years and I've seen so many shows by reenactors he's grown on me. There are quite a few Christmas and holiday songs.

  

10 Best Elvis Christmas Songs of All Time, Ranked

No fake civility from Trump for Rob Reiner

 This was written by Carl and appeared on Facebook comment.

"Trump issued a statement that did two things at once, and that’s what broke people. He acknowledged the tragedy, and he told the truth about who Rob Reiner was and how he lived. He didn’t sugarcoat it. He didn’t play the fake civility game. He didn’t suddenly pretend the last ten years never happened. People on the right wanted Trump to give them a pause button. A soft moment. Something they could hold up to the media and say, “See, we’re better people.” Not because it mattered, but because they’re tired. Tired of defending. Tired of being attacked. Tired of living in a constant political war they never signed up for. That exhaustion is real. But it’s also part of how we got here. For decades, many of us trusted institutions that didn’t deserve it. We believed in a two-party system that wasn’t real. We believed wars were necessary because officials said so. We believed men like Romney and McCain were opposition when they were just controlled alternatives. We went along to get along, and the country paid the price. Trump didn’t create this mess. We did, by falling asleep at the wheel. He forced us to wake up and see it. And when he speaks plainly, especially in moments where polite fiction would be easier, it makes people nervous. Not because it’s wrong, but because it removes the comfort blanket. It reminds us that this fight never pauses just because tragedy happens."

And it's not even the first day of winter yet

Our Christmas programs at the Estates are coming fast. We had two! today. I think I know all the words now for Frosty and White Christmas. Earlier today it was a couple—baby boomers, I think—spreading holiday cheer, except it was billed as Hanukkah, which was sort of ironic considering the tragedy yesterday in Australia. This evening we enjoyed a 13 piece band in the lobby which has soaring ceilings. Bob took out his hearing aids because it’s dangerous to have them in when it’s so loud. The singer was really talented and cute as a button. She was a great MC and knew all the history and back ground of the songs. It really brings back memories of caroling in the snow and junior choir and singing at “the old folks home” in Mt. Morris. And who could forget those 4 cute Corbetts singing for the women's club in Forreston. 

Yesterday we had “Mrs. Oppenheimer’s Piano class” Christmas recital—each child had 2 songs plus a duet with the teacher, and then we all sang Christmas carols accompanied by the teacher. Last week we had a kindergarten class from a Christian school and also a men’s quartet, except the trumpet player may be permanently out of a career—I didn’t know that a trumpet can cause a retina problem from the pressure, and he was at the doctor as the rest played and sang.

Saturday there was a party for children—breakfast with Santa. Pancakes and presents. I’m not sure where the children came from—maybe from the staff? I did skip that one, but Bob went and had several photos taken with Santa, one on (her) lap. And of course, there have been some fund raisers, like bake sales and the money raised is used to buy presents for kids, and a present drive where someone takes new things to an organization.

Our snow over the week-end has kept us inside (5” of snow on top of the car) but by Wednesday it should be about 50 degrees and we’re just going to let it melt off. We’ve been seeing a lot of Christmas movies too. Yesterday it was "The Christmas Story," and although I’ve seen it many times, it’s the only time I saw it all the way through in one sitting because I was always leaving the room for something. We saw two really forgettable Dolly Parton Christmas special movies. We also saw Bing Crosby (and Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Allen) in "White Christmas" (1945).

Getting my fall letter out early with address changes was a good idea because all the cards are coming to the right address, along with some long emails from those who probably wouldn’t have written before. Our apartment was on a “home tour” last week so people could see the decorations. Ours were somewhat limited since the space is small, but it looked cute and we have an unusual number of paintings—maybe 65.

Rogan interviews Jelly Roll again

 https://youtu.be/UWz6_CXt5T8?si=n9qLfNCCq-psBiRW

Several years ago, I had a subscription to a streaming service called Hulu and one night I watched a documentary about Jelly Roll, a rock n roll, CW, funky fat performer.  It was an engaging story--fat kid grows up to be a modestly good performer and along the way becomes a felon.  Fast forward, he became obese, but still quite popular.  He had periodically dieted but the first time he appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast he had lost about 120 lbs--now he's lost over 300 and so this interview is about how his life has changed and how he's controlled his addiction.   I'm not sure when it was recorded, but it aired around December 10.

I asked Co-pilot what his style is called: "Jelly Roll is a multifaceted performer known for his unique blend of country, rap, gospel, and Southern rock music. He has gained significant recognition in the country music scene, winning awards such as the CMT Music Awards for "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor" and being nominated for a Grammy Award for his album "Beautifully Broken". Additionally, he has made appearances in WWE, showcasing his passion for the sport and performing at major events. Jelly Roll's music often reflects his personal experiences, resonating with fans who appreciate his authentic storytelling and soulful delivery.

Poor Michigan fans

Poor Michigan fans. Heads must be exploding. This coach Serrone Moore disaster is worse than the last scandal. What did the administration know and when did they know it? Her raises should have been a clue. How does this affect the athletes? And how crazy can this guy be to throw away a 30 million salary and an incredible wife and kids? Dump wife Kelli, who is also a soccer star athlete for another blonde? Was the girlfriend black mailing him? And the media? "Inappropriate relationship"-- Is that like the congress member who called an assassination of a national guardswoman "a tragic accident?" This guy was an unfaithful husband, making the other woman a slut, and he fires her when he's caught and she spills the beans and he's suicidal? Good heavens.

Sherrone Moore's Family: All About the Ex Football Coach's Wife and Kids

Today's Public Service Announcements from me

Here are my 2 PSA for the day.

1. If you have a Roadrunner account for your email, migrate now. Some people still have my old columbus.rr account because of group chats. At first (August) I could get it, but with some delay. Now, not at all. Don't use it. New Spectrum users don't get it at all, some older ones are spotty, but mine was probably from the old Time-Warner days and it's totally gone. Unfortunately, for some people my record of your email address is gone too because I can't get into my old archived e-mails.

2. Don't pay any attention to the on-line gossip about celebrities; especially Erika Kirk. And she should also stop defending herself online or on talk shows like Fox's Outnumbered. Not that she'll take my advice. It just fuels the fires under the folks who hated Charlie. And the mainstream media are probably as unbiased as the latest "influencer." 

You noticed I hope that TDS used to be BDS and anyone who supported W used to be a Nazi or racist. Now they love Bush.

That's different than

My email grammarian checked me today. I wrote "different than." It's OK, but not the best.

"The phrases "different from" and "different than" are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions:

"Different from" is the more widely accepted usage, especially in British English, and is preferred in formal writing.

 
"Different than" is commonly used in American English, particularly when introducing clauses, though it is less formal.

 
In general, "different from" is considered the standard form, while "different than" may sound awkward to some.

 
In summary, while both phrases can be used, "different from" is the safer choice in most contexts."

My bad.

Getting ready for Christmas 2025

Yesterday The Estates had a residents' apartment tour of Christmas decor. I was sort of grinchy in August when we were moving, so all the bulbs went to resale, but we kept the ornaments that had memories--like things my mom and sister had made, homemade crafts from the kids' first grade teachers, mementoes from our travels, and some table decor from the days we went to parties really dressed up. We even kept and put out our Lazzy Bear from 1986. In November we bought a really skinny tree to fit our small apartment. Our daughter strung the lights for us. About 15 people stopped by--we were so busy, we didn't get out to see the decor of the other 6 or 8 who had also decorated. We've put out some candy for the strollers on the floor. Our activities director, Connie, took a photo, but I haven't seen it yet.

What is affordability; less inflation?

I do little shopping these days because we live in a retirement community, so I'm not up on inflation and "affordability." I noticed the eggs in my refrigerator had a November "do not sell by" stamp, so I bought a dozen and threw out 7. At Aldi's a dozen eggs were $1.25 Sunday. I remember when Democrats were blaming President Trump for egg prices still being $5/doz when he'd only been in office 3 weeks! Gasoline in Columbus is about $2.70 a gallon today--about the same as last year.

Christmas 1946 The Public Square

 Christmas in 1946. I listened to this podcast today, December 7--really interesting. Jimmy Stewart--remember him? An angel named Clarence. And Frank Capra. Harry Truman was president. The Public Square does an old fashioned radio show, remember when, each year. https://thepublicsquare.com/tps-60-christmas-in-america-1946/ I think we had Christmas that year in Forreston. The film didn't become a seasonal favorite for almost 30 years.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Wonderful_Life? More information on the movie

Oatmeal for breakfast

 I've seen a lot of very negative ads about oatmeal flash by on internet ads, and I have a friend who is always pushing something healthy and he says oats are not good for human consumption.  He says they are sprayed with something (isn't everything?). Before moving to The Estates (aka The Forum) I rarely ate oatmeal, but now that someone else makes it and serves it, I do have it about once a week.  Sometimes I take a small amount of walnuts and raisins with me and add those, plus about 1/4 C whole milk. So I looked it up.

Half a cup (40.5 g) of dry oats (from USDA website) Cereals, oats, regular and quick, not fortified, dry - Nutrients - SR Legacy | USDA FoodData Central

Manganese: 63.9% of the daily value (DV)
Phosphorus: 13.3% of the DV
Magnesium: 13.3% of the DV
Copper: 17.6% of the DV
Iron: 9.4% of the DV
Zinc: 13.4% of the DV
Folate: 3.2% of the DV
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 15.5% of the DV
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 9.1% of the DV
smaller amounts of calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B3 (niacin)

The nutritional profile of one cup of prepared oatmeal (one half cup dry oats with water) also includes:
27.4 grams (g) of carbs
5.3 g of protein
2.6 g of fat
4 g of fiber
153.5 calories

Dear EWG, This Is Why Real Scientists Think Poorly of You | American Council on Science and Health

Can you really cook meme?

I saw this oldie on Facebook today. Thought I'd give it a whirl. I don't cook at all anymore, so digging deep into the memory for this.

Who can really cook? Who can cook real food, not stuff prepackaged or in a box? (No Kraft Mac N Cheese or Stouffer’s Lasagna). I look forward to seeing your surveys, on YOUR OWN blog. I thought it would be fun! Thank you

My score: was 39, however I couldn't claim that after I made it that it was all eaten! Like the pot of beans--never got good at that and gave up after several tries.
What's your score?

 
HAVE YOU EVER:
1. Made bread from scratch? Yes
2. Cooked fresh okra or squash? Yes
3. Made homemade soup? Yes
4. Fried chicken? Yes
5. Made spaghetti sauce from scratch? Yes
6. Made homemade rolls or cinnamon rolls? Yes
7. Baked a cake from scratch? Yes
8. Made icing from scratch? Yes
9. Cooked a pot roast with all the veggies? Yes
10. Made chili from scratch? Yes
11. Made a meatloaf? Yes
12. Made potato salad? Yes
13. Made mac/cheese from scratch? Yes
14. Made any pies from scratch? Yes
15. Made sausage from scratch? No
16. Made fudge? Yes
17. Made cookies from scratch? Yes
18. Cooked a pot of dried beans? Yes
19. Cooked a pot of greens? Yes
20. Made cornbread from scratch? Yes
21. Made a pie dough from scratch? Yes
22. Cooked a whole turkey? Yes
23. Snapped green beans & cooked them? Yes
24. Made mashed potatoes from scratch? Yes
25. Prepared a meal for 30 plus people? Yes
26. Made homemade tortillas? No
27. Made pancakes from scratch? Yes
28. Roasted vegetables in the oven instead of boiling them? Yes
29. Made pasta from scratch? Yes
30. Made tamales from scratch? No
31. Made tuna or chicken salad? Yes
32. Fried fish? Yes
33. Made baked beans? Yes
34. Made ice cream from scratch? Yes
35. Made jam or jelly? Yes
36. Zested an orange or lemon? Yes
37. Made grits from scratch? Yes
38. Made an omelet? Yes
39. Made homemade pizza? Yes
40. Lived in a house without a dishwasher? Yes
41. Apple sauce from scratch? Yes
42. Biscuits from scratch? Yes

After thought--not part of meme. I think our idea of "from scratch" probably differs from our grandparents or our great grandparents. If you look at a recipe for grits, someone has done a lot of work on that corn before you bought the package! And anything from a "fresh" egg isn't fresh at all. If you've ever had an egg that hasn't been refrigerated, it tastes like nothing you've had before. Although I grew up with margarine, I only use butter now, and even the packaged butter you buy isn't like fresh butter. So, "from scratch" can itch your curiosity.

Affordable. We've heard this before about health care.

Although President Trump is best in his field as a business man, he's fast becoming a politician. The latest plug about cars being affordable if the government gets involved is a page out of Obama's book on affordable health care. Barack gave us neither affordable nor healthy and left it to others to write the gazillion rules and stab us in the back. With cars, remember what they did the last time to make them "green?" They destroyed the older non-green models so there were no used cars to be "affordable." Only the rich benefitted. What will they do now? Manufacturers are owned by investors, and although it always looks like they go along with whoever is in power, they need to dance with the one who brought them.

https://youtu.be/ZCPId-2CABs?si=nvfIOwpJ-8kAsPAEAsPAE

You got to dance with who brung you
Swing with who swung you
Don't be a fickle fool
You came here with a gal, who's always been your pal
Don't leave her for the first unattached girl, it just ain't cool

You got to dance with who brung you
Swing with who swung you
Life ain't no forty-yard dash
Be in it for the long run
In the long run you'll have more fun
If you dance with who brung you to the bash

I had a friend in Texas
He really had some style
He sang that good old Western Swing and drove 'em wild
Then a talent scout from Vegas said,
"Boy, play and sing this way"
And in one short year he was broke in L.A

You got to dance with who brung you
Swing with who swung you
Life ain't no forty-yard dash
Be in it for the long run
In the long run you'll have more fun
If you dance with who brung you to the bash

You gotta be real careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get
The whole darn thing
Be sure what you want is really something you can use
Or you might wind up half dead
Just singing the Blues

You got to dance with who brung you
Swing with who swung you
Life ain't no forty-yard dash
Be in it for the long run
In the long run you'll have more fun
If you dance with who brung you to the bash (yeah)

Dance with who brung you to the bash (yeah)

Who wants to be 18? Not me.

I haven't heard anyone at The Estates (formerly the Forum) say this--"I wish I were 18 again." But I've enjoyed listening to some of the men (widowers, usually) talk about their kids when they were little--how cute they were, lessons they learned, crazy risks they took. I think I've seen men in a whole new light. If you're young, don't miss that part. https://youtu.be/81FjrGwkhi0?si=DR9jjtonqwH4ULmn Burns was about 85 when this was made.

First Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 40, Pastor Joe Valentino

 https://youtu.be/Tm6lUWcSVkY?si=2U7b39QEumfP95xE

Bible reading

I glanced across the aisle at church today and watched a three year old in her mom's lap. She almost made it to one of our Christmas cards some years ago when she was in the womb. She would have been a fabulous subject, but a different painting of Bob's won out. She had a pew Bible on her legs and was quietly studying the pages, intently moving her little fingers across the page, nodding her head and moving her lips. Perhaps she didn't know the words but in a family of 11 she's got those values down pat, like sharing, forgiving, mercy, justice, helping, caring, loving, trusting and looking to the future.

What the Democrats told us in the 1990s about WMD

Because I used to print and bind my blog entries, it's easier to look back and read them than skimming a computer screen. I was looking at November 2005 (20 years ago) and found a fascinating collection of a blog called, "Who said it game--Iraq Style." It looks like it ended in 2005, or perhaps changed names. It clearly shows our populace what intelligence and information President Bush had from 20-30 years before we got involved there. Direct quotes from Clinton, Reed, Gore, Kerry, Pelosi and others who later blamed Bush and lied about him. Before they were smearing Trump, they were smearing Bush, and some of the same players. Then we called it "Bush Derangement Syndrome" and the hate, anger and evil were the same. It's not about Trump, it's about Democrat ideology.

John Kerry, December 14, 2001, Larry King Live: "Oh, I think we clearly have to keep the pressure on terrorism globally. This doesn't end with Afghanistan by any imagination. Terrorism is a global menace. It's a scourge. And it is absolutely vital that we continue, for instance, Saddam Hussein."

John Kerry, 2003 CBS Face the Nation: "Well, it wasn't only on that basis. ... Saddam Hussein could not be left to his own devices based on everything we learned about him for seven and a half years while we were inspecting in Iraq. People have forgotten that for seven and a half years, we found weapons of mass destruction. We were destroying weapons of mass destruction. We were, the United States of America, together with Ambassador Butler and the United Nations."

Bill Clinton, Address to nation, Dec. 16, 1998: "Heavy as they are, the costs of action must be weighed against the price of inaction. If Saddam defies the world and we fail to respond, we will face a far greater threat in the future. Saddam will strike again at his neighbors. He will make war on his own people. And mark my words, he will develop weapons of mass destruction. He will deploy them, and he will use them.

Let me close by addressing one other issue. Saddam Hussein and the other enemies of peace may have thought that the serious debate currently before the House of Representatives would distract Americans or weaken our resolve to face him down."

Bill Clinton, Presidential Letter to Congress on Iraq May 19, 1999: "Many warnings (referring to April report) on weapons of mass destruction--biological and chemical--" "We are convinced that as long as Saddam Hussein remains in power, he will continue to threaten the well-being of his people, the peace of the region and the security of the world. We will continue to contain these threats, but over the long term the best way to address them is through a new government in Baghdad.

To that end, working with the Congress, we have deepened our engagement with the forces of change in Iraq to help make the opposition a more effective voice for the aspirations of the Iraqi people..."

Al Gore, December 16, 1998. On Larry King Live. "We need national resolve and unity, not weakness and division when we're involved, engaged in an action against someone like Saddam Hussein, who is trying to get weapons of mass destruction and threaten his neighbors... [I]f you allow someone like Saddam Hussein to get nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, chemical weapons, biological weapons, how many people is he going to kill with such weapons? He's already demonstrated a willingness to use these weapons; he poison gassed his own people. He used poison gas and other weapons of mass destruction against his neighbors. This man has no compunctions about killing lots and lots of people."

Madeline Albright, February 18,1998: "Iraq is a long way from [the USA], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."

Nancy Pelosi, December 16, 1998: "Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."

So, you see, it's the same old gaslighting and finger pointing that we have today, then when things get dark and confusing, they bow out and point fingers.