Monday, December 22, 2025
The Epstein puzzle
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Hilltop Lutheran Church, gone but not forgotten
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
"Elvis" sang for us at the Estates
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.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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."Monday, December 15, 2025
And it's not even the first day of winter yet
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.
Friday, December 12, 2025
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
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Today's Public Service Announcements from me
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."
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
That's different than
"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.
Tuesday, December 09, 2025
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.
Monday, December 08, 2025
What is affordability; less inflation?
Sunday, December 07, 2025
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
Thursday, December 04, 2025
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 CentralManganese: 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
Can you really cook meme?
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
Affordable. We've heard this before about health care.
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.
Monday, December 01, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Bible reading
Friday, November 28, 2025
What the Democrats told us in the 1990s about WMD
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.
Advent--almost
To make it easy on myself I looked up how that is determined and self was told:
"The first day of Advent in 2025 is Sunday, November 30, 2025. This date marks the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity and is the first Sunday of Advent, which is always the Sunday closest to St Andrew’s Day (November 30).
Advent will conclude on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, leading into the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ on December 25. Many churches observe this season with Advent wreaths, lighting candles each Sunday to symbolize themes of hope, peace, joy, and love."
"What can I give him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb,
if I were a wise man
I would do my part,
yet what I can I give him,
give my heart."
Our facility, The Estates at Knightsbridge, is swarming with Christmas elves who have miraculously put out wreaths, ribbons and trees to make this place look like, maybe not home, but festive and cheerful as we look forward.
Also, it's Black Friday when retailers make it or break it (are in the black), and you're crazy if you go out to shop or buy a quart of milk. It's also the day before OSU and Michigan fight it out in Ann Arbor; the streets of Columbus will be quiet and safe.