Fried Green Tomatoes redux

The film at The Estates (formerly the Forum) on Sunday was Fried Green Tomatoes, a very popular 1992 retelling of Fannie Flagg's best setting novel (1987). All four of the women who star in it are winners--Kathy Bates (as Evelyn), Jessica Tandy (as Ninny), Mary Stuart Masterson (as Idgie) and Mary Louise Parker (as Ruth). It takes place in two eras, the 1920-30s and 1980-90s. Ninny tells Evelyn the story about Idgie and Ruth, thus bonding them as Evelyn slowly gathers the strength to become as strong as the two women in the story

 
It was funny in a sly way. Maybe more relevant in the 80s. In some ways it was a bit off putting because the story telling takes place in Ninny's residence--a nursing home, and Ninny is 83. It reinforces the image of the elderly--need I tell you what that image is? Or the image of blacks being victims, who rise up and destroy the dim witted, nasty white men. And women can't be real women with authentic friendships unless they are lesbians or brow beaten closet feminists with stupid, bumbling husbands (named couch).

I'm not playing the victim here, but the book is almost 40 years old and the movie almost 35. No wonder generations have grown up with this vision of race relations in our country. It's been a theme in their culture.

The White House Ballroom

" . . . But the biggest White House remodel to date started in the 1940s. That's when President Harry S. Truman fully gutted and rebuilt the interior in response to concerns about severe structural damage. When the Trumans moved into the Executive Mansion in 1945, engineers warned them that the building was on the verge of collapse. His family relocated to temporary quarters nearby during construction, which took around three years.

 
Other presidents have directed smaller projects, like President Barack Obama. He adapted an existing tennis court so it could be used for basketball. In his second term, President Trump has already undertaken several projects — including an entirely remodeled Rose Garden. That feature was first added by First Lady Edith Wilson in 1913 and updated to its most iconic form during the Kennedy administration." (WPTZ)

And here's what Teddy Roosevelt did to it.  https://www.whitehousehistory.org/theodore-roosevelts-white-house?  

And because of the hissy fits, the WH put out a complete list.  https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/10/white-house-ballroom-proud-presidential-legacy/?   

Let's face it, folks, If President Trump had regrouted the bathroom tile, the Demikratz would have been screeching because this is about hate, not remodeling, not even money, They stomp on the unborn, mutilate children, import sex slaves, allow thousands to be poisoned by drugs, ignore terrorists crossing our borders, and elected an auto-pen to lead us. Do you really think they are bothered by some bricks and mortar?

Market Outlook, October 2025

 From our broker's report. "U.S. stocks extended their rally into the third quarter, led by strong recoveries in technology, consumer discretionary, and communication services-sectors previously pressured by tariff concerns. The S&P 500 has surged over 30% since the April 8th low, highlighting the resilience of markets and investor confidence amid ongoing uncertainties like tariffs, Federal Reserve scrutiny, cooling consumer spending, softening job growth, and the recent government shutdown.  Despite volatility, our strategy remains anchored in broad diversification, deliberately avoiding overconcentration in any one sector or stock, while hedging against inflation and stagflation risks."

Then says Yahoo. S&P 500 INDEX (^SPX) Historical Data - Yahoo Finance

Then says U.S. Bank:  "President Donald Trump has prioritized domestic manufacturing while extending key tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, leading investors to question the stock market’s direction. After the inauguration, President Trump announced and implemented numerous tariffs, causing the S&P 500 to drop nearly 20% in just seven weeks. However, the market rebounded strongly; after reaching its lowest point of 2025 on April 7, the S&P 500 has surged more than 34% and remains near all time high."  Stock Market Under the Trump Administration | U.S. Bank.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Last night the movie at the Estates (formerly The Forum) was The Wizard of Oz. I had a front row seat in our community living room (the couch with my own blanket) and could really see and admire all the advanced technology and make-up for the era (1939). I noticed that the Scarecrow had actual burlap marks on his face so decided to take a look at how they did all that. I remember years ago reading it was toxic and caused health problems. This account is AI generated--I'm afraid that like others, I too will settle when it comes to quick and dirty searches.

"The makeup used in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was elaborate and often hazardous due to the materials available at the time. The Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by Margaret Hamilton, wore a copper-based green makeup that was poisonous, requiring her to live on a liquid diet during filming and carefully cleaning the makeup off her face each day. This toxic makeup caused her skin to remain green for weeks after filming concluded.

The makeup for the Tin Man, originally intended for Buddy Ebsen, was a white face paint coated with aluminum dust, which caused severe health issues, including lung infections and shortness of breath, leading to Ebsen being replaced by Jack Haley after only nine days of filming. Haley’s makeup was reformulated into a paste, but he still experienced an eye infection that caused him to miss four days of filming.

The Scarecrow, played by Ray Bolger, wore a latex-based "rubber bag" mask that was so tightly adhered to his skin that it left permanent waffle-like burlap patterns on his face, particularly around his mouth and chin, after being peeled off daily.

The Cowardly Lion, portrayed by Bert Lahr, wore a heavy costume that made him drenched in sweat by the end of each shooting day.

The intense heat from the Technicolor filming process, combined with the heavy makeup and costumes, made working conditions extremely difficult, with reports of people fainting on set.

The makeup for the Munchkins was also unusual and required specialized application. Despite the risks, these techniques contributed to the film’s iconic visual style."

Gives me a new appreciation for an 86 year old movie, and the hazards the performers put up with.

I've been told that this is my son-in-law's favorite movie, and they have a special Christmas tree with only Wizard of Oz ornaments.

 

Our trip to Rock Mill

Yesterday about 12 hardy residents (it was cold and windy) went to Fairfield County, Ohio, to see Rock Mill, part of the county park system. Our "docent" on the bus was one of the residents of The Estates (formerly The Forum) Joe, a soil scientist, who had worked in that county (then very rural) for 14 years. The mill had been an 18th century marvel of technology and entrepreneurship, first built by Joseph Loveland and Hezekiah Smith. There were several owners in the 19th century, but when things like canals and railroads made it outdated it and the fields were all drained for agriculture, it fell into disuse. It was partially restored by a local residents of some wealth, Rita and Bob Stebelton. Then came community support to make it part of the park system. And of course, there were a few miracles along the way. This is a PBS documentary about the restoration. And our friend Joe is even in the film.

https://youtu.be/Q1QXvh1zI94?si=9HgNjOpV5OaHhJd2

fairfieldcountyparks.org

On the way we drove past the Lockville Canal Park and could see the remains of Ohio & Erie Canal Locks South 11, 12 and 13.  Since we live close to the Riverside / Ohio Health complex  we saw a wide range of technology on that trip. To get there we also drove the outskirts of Canal Winchester and saw many of the places we used to see when Phil lived there.

IVF and ART

"As Ari Schulman, editor of the New Atlantis, noted on X, “Cancer screening prevents disease by helping the patient live. Embryo screening prevents disease by killing the patient.” (The rise of consumer eugenics by Emma Waters, The World)

We're living in a society that discards imperfect or inconvenient humans, particularly the unborn and the elderly. This will not end well. What's next? Create multiple embryos through IVF to develop and implant one embryo that will have no cavities, no dysphonia, no diabetes, no blonde hair or blue eyes and discard the others? IVF and ART (assisted reproductive technology) have provided a murky and muddled mix of political and medical policies in a culture that can't even define "what is a woman?"

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/eugenic-legacy-nobel-ivf/?

Catholic bishops criticize Trump’s IVF expansion: Every life is ‘sacred and loved by God’ | Catholic News Agency

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/trumps-ivf-announcement-was-the-final-blow-to-one-of-his-wildest-campaign-promises/ar-AA1OUkcy?

Thomas Sowell, American thinker and hero

 I watch Sowell videos whenever I can. At 94 he makes far more sense than most American "thinkers", academics and former Marxists. I think I was still a Democrat when I first read one of his columns back in the 80s. Maybe a seed was planted.

https://youtu.be/KMTWDEYsRVE?si=g1HFOIIaVZxfchSg

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."