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?