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.

Advent--almost

This is an important day. It's the penultimate day of the church calendar. (Ultimate means final or farthest and pen means almost.) So it means next to the last. Advent, the first day of the church year, is Sunday, November 30, and we look forward to the coming of our Savior and Lord who took on our flesh as a helpless baby.

 
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."

Advent hymns are lovely and thoughtful--not exactly Rudolph and Santa. One popular hymn was written by Christina Georgina Rosetti and ends,

 
"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.

Yesterday morning we got an update on our dishwasher/paper plate problem. It wouldn't be fixed in time for the big Thanksgiving Day dinner. But Hallelujah! Wednesday at dinner we had full table ware and weren't eating with plastic. I don't know what got fixed (needs 180 degrees on rinse) but we are all relieved. Also rent announcements for next year came out, and we're so thrilled that Trump's economy is working and the inflation I expected didn't happen. I think the hype we're getting about "affordability" is last year's Biden left-overs and they smell bad.

Word of the year is Parasocial

BBC – “Parasocial” is the Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year, defined as a relationship felt by someone between themselves and a famous person they do not know. Its examples include the parasocial interest displayed by fans when singer Taylor Swift and American footballer Travis Kelce announced their engagement. The term dates back to 1956, when American sociologists observed TV viewers engaging in “para-social” relationships with on-screen personalities. Chief editor Colin McIntosh said it had recently been used to describe “a type of relationship, between a person and a non-person, for example a celebrity”. “It was originally coined as an academic word and was confined to the academic sphere for quite a long time,” he added. “It’s only fairly recently that it’s made a shift into popular language and it’s one of those words that have been influenced by social media.”  The Cambridge Dictionary said its word of the year is “parasocial” – beSpacific

Although I passed the AI quiz

 . . . it didn't pass the grammar quiz.  I spent about 30 minutes with a tech support staff member at The Ohio State University yesterday and finally have reinstated my password, which needs to be frequently updated.  While I was browsing, I saw the department offered a quiz on AI with 12 questions and the "chance" for a prize.  It's intended for OSU faculty and students who will be using AI tools in research.  I answered the 12 questions correctly and read the explanations about why the answer was right (important since I was guessing). However, I did suspect whoever wrote it needed to proof her work.  For instance. "What is a important to consider?" That sentence had at least 2 errors--the "a" should be "an," and "important" is an adjective modifying a missing noun.  Also, the singular nouns such as person or teacher or researcher were followed by they/them/their but I think that is a concession to woke and is probably the standard lest we leave out a woman or a trans-something, or even a furry, in the discussion,

A friend of Phil

 Cecilia Fernandes Obituary (1938-2025) | Columbus, OH

We remember the kindness of the family in our time of need in 2020.

Is there really a housing crisis?

Why is everything a crisis? Like the affordability crisis? The age of first home purchase has increased to 38. We were 22 when we bought our first house, a run down duplex. Dual incomes were the exception until 2nd wave feminism in the 70s when women were told to go to work to have value (and to pay more taxes). We were thrilled to have renters pay our mortgage! It needed a lot of sweat equity and a loan from my dad.

 
Young people today want much more. They marry later and have huge college loans--even their parents are still paying off loans! They want nice cars--and need 2 or 3. We didn't take trips, buy nice cars, go out to eat, or dress well. For a long time we were "house poor." I get this uneasy feeling that when the government steps in to "fix" housing, things get worse, like 2007-2008 subprime crisis, or building "affordable" neighborhoods (that aren't). We had run away consumerism and inflation--keeping up with the Jones. In America, you really can have it all--just not all at the same time.

This complex https://www.apartments.com/fox-and-hounds-columbus-oh/cvfs42e/ is about 50 years old. Based on inflation since 1967, it's less than the 2 bdrm 1 bath unit we rented in 1967 after we sold our house in Illinois and moved to Columbus . What is affordability? We had one income (because a wife's income wasn't factored in the housing costs in those days). The dollar had an average inflation rate of 4.00% per year between 1967 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 869.99%, or our $140 rent would be like $1360 in 2025.

Chicken or Chicken Little?

Have Democrats lost their minds by circulating a ridiculous video encouraging active duty military to defy orders? Trump told his supporters to go peacefully to the White House on Jan. 6, 2021 and they screamed insurrection. And now they ask active military to defy the chain of command? But they blame Trump for their outrageous, unpatriotic behavior. And no, I don't think the voting Democrats will hold them accountable; they elected them because they hate Trump. Yet not a one of them can cite anything Trump has done that is illegal or beyond his powers. They let some lowest court judge in podunk do their dirty work.  Are they chicken or just chicken little who cried the sky is falling and incited panic and alarm.

Do you ever play Euchre?

The word "euchre" is likely not directly related to "eucharist" in terms of etymology, despite their similar spelling. The card game "euchre" is believed to have originated from the Alsatian game "juckerspiel," with early forms of the name appearing as "uker" or "yucker" in American English by the early 19th century. The modern spelling "euchre" may have been influenced by the word "eucharist," possibly due to a phonetic resemblance or a deliberate attempt to give the game a more formal or ecclesiastical sound, particularly by individuals with a church background.

However, this similarity is considered coincidental or a later adaptation rather than a true linguistic connection. The Oxford English Dictionary notes the etymology of "euchre" as uncertain, and while some have speculated about a link to the Spanish phrase "ser yuca" meaning "to be the best," no definitive connection to "eucharist" has been established.

The word "eucharist" itself comes from the Greek "eucharistia," meaning "thanksgiving," and is rooted in religious context, whereas "euchre" refers to a card game with no such religious connotation.

The 613 Commandments and the number of Federal regulations for automobiles

I have probably been in 613 Bible studies in my adult life, the number of rules/laws in the Old Testament for observant Jews. I often hear (and maybe I said) one didn't need so many laws to be religious, or to please God. I had hoped to be writing a blog about this, but just thinking about today, 6 a.m. when I got up to 9:30 a.m. when I drove to a hair appointment, I thought I could come up with 613 federal, state, municipal, township, plus thousands of regulations that will affect my life. That doesn't count the general commonsense rules we and our culture expect for us. Like brush your teeth; comb your hair; dress for the weather; check the rear view mirror before backing out.  Imagine that people living 4000 years ago could get by with only 613 and yet survived to the 21st century.

Since I would be leaving my apartment in the car I thought I'd just ask AI an easy question, "How many federal laws and regulations apply only to automobiles." Co-Pilot and I really got into an argument, and I kept feeding back to it its answer and telling Co-pilot that was not what I was asking, especially when it finally came up with 142 after telling me about all the revisions and subsections of the codes. After about 6 responses, AI began to blame it on me that I didn't accept its answer!! It really got snippy and tried to overwhelm me with BIG giant words no one would know except a government geek. Really, the gall!!

My final response:

Oh please! You can't answer a simple (for AI) question so it's my fault for the way I worded it? Is this Wizard behind the curtain a politician? "142 is an illustrative approximation, not an authoritative count, and any analytic or policy discussion should recognize this limitation and contextualize the number within the broader, dynamic regulatory environment."

Questioning the question mark

Every Wednesday morning for the last 4 years I've been logging my husband into ZOOM for his men's Bible study, but I have to write down the password. It's only 6 numbers, but for some reason it just doesn't come to mind. Yet on Wednesday I remembered my locker code for MMHS, Mt. Morris High School, which has been closed for years. The mind is a strange and wonderful thing. I wonder what else will pop up. I also wonder why that last sentence didn't need a question mark, because Facebook corrected it. So, I asked and Copilot told me "I wonder" questions are indirect and don't need a question mark. Did we learn that at MMHS? I've been doing it wrong all these years.

Shutdowns and Food Banks

The Schumer Shutdown may have been paused but the Obamacare funding problem won't go away, and neither will hunger if political interests decide to use the misery of our people to wield power. Democrats openly admitted it--they needed the shutdown to punish Trump and his supporters for a bad medical insurance plan they created!  "Leverage" some called it. Some agitators are furious today,

"Feeding America" is an organization almost 60 years old with noble goals--feed the hungry. It began with one man (some sources say one woman) as Second Harvest, a charity to collect and distribute food that might have gone to waste and redistribute it through food banks to local food pantries. I remember in the late 1960s attending a meeting in Clintonville about establishing a central location for food to be stored for local pantries. Recently, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called the local resources a "short-term approach to a crisis" [the shutdown] and said it was up to the federal government to fully fund food assistance. I don't call 60 years a short-term approach. Food banks have become a hallowed institution. Our food bank system here in central Ohio is massive. Our Commitment | MOFC

But low income people who are "food insecure," the current term for hungry, aren't stupid. They too are resourceful and want what's best for their households. As food programs expand, those households factor that into their budgets, leaving more cash for non-food items such as rent, utilities, clothing, alcohol, cigarettes, gasoline, cell phone contracts, etc. Studies show that even with the lowest unemployment rate since the early 1970s, food pantries are still an important resource for many households, some increasing their visits from occasional to regular. That in turn allowed for many small businesses to make a profit from the various food programs.

Right now, with the longest government shut down, we're in a situation that we've taught people to use food sources outside their income which includes government assistance. Was it a mistake for us to be charitable? No. Charity is required from good people, but we need to remember that good intentions don't always bring good results.

Schumer Shutdown--is it over?

It looks like the Schumer Shutdown is over for now. The disastrous Obamacare increases will still need to be solved, and the payment for illegals worked out. A CR would have been the smartest thing to do although once the gov't gives a freebie it doesn't go away, Schumer will still be attacked by his own party because they want the female youth vote that seems to go with AOC grabbing his Senate seat.
There are still people who are missing a paycheck or SNAP and will be relying on food pantries. For the most part, these are run and staffed by churches, but the "donations" are probably government and non-profit managed. The slack is picked up by the people--YOU.

Unveiling the Truth: Are Food Pantries Funded by the Government? - PanFlavor

Empire Wild at the Estates (aka The Forum)

Tonight, at the Forum (aka The Estates) we enjoyed the music of https://www.empirewild.com/ Empire Wild, 60 minutes of 2 cellos and a pianist. Ken Kubota now lives in NYC, but grew up here in Columbus (Worthington) and also Michigan. Here's his bio https://www.kenjameskubota.com/bio He has a large social media (YouTube) following. He also has a video series. Check it out.

The old home town--Mt. Morris, Illinois

J. J. Slayback posted his travels in northern Illinois on Facebook, including Mt. Morris, Oregon and Byron. Here's the piece on Mt. Morris.

"The clouds had thickened into a dull gray blanket as raindrops began to pepper my windshield. I flicked on the wipers, smearing the drops with the dozen or so bugs that had comicozied themselves against the glass during the long drive into Ogle County earlier that day. Running low on daylight, I came to a complete stop that my drivers ed techer would be proud of at the crossroads of Illinois Route 2 and 64. I nudged my friend Dave awake and fished a quarter from the cupholder, the one usually reserved for a rickety Aldi cart

“Heads, Mount Morris. Tails, Heyworth.”

The coin shot off my thumb, ricocheted off the cloth ceiling, and disappeared into no man’s land between the seat and console, where most fast food french fries go to die. After retrieving it, I made sure not to muff the next flip. With the concentration of a receiver on special teams waiving for a fair catch in the Super Bowl I caught the quarter. Flipping it over to reveal the results. Tails it was. Ignoring the Father of Our Country’s advice to head home, I cranked the steering wheel right and drove toward Mount Morris.

When I pulled into town, the aura was the complete opposite of the one I had left behind [Oregon], where the sounds of celebration of Byron still faintly echoed in my ears. Mount Morris was silent with the hush only interrupted by the late fall wind rustling leaves on the ground. I felt a bit like Burgess Meredith in that Twilight Zone episode where he's the last man on Earth, except here there was no ruin, no fallout, just a stillness that felt otherworldly.

The towns square layout was unlike anything I had seen yet, especially for a village of barely three thousand. Where you would expect a gazebo, or a rusty teeter totter, there stood a cluster of distinguished old brick and stone buildings, the remnants, as I soon learned from a plaque, of an old college. Not just any college, either, but the first institution of higher education in northern Illinois, founded in 1839.

Ivy had conquered the limestone, red and deep green leaves clinging stubbornly to the façade, holding out hope for one last day of summer, like we all do this time of year. Standing there, I felt like my lone semester at community college had not earned me the right to admire it, as if I needed a master’s degree just to qualify to look at it. Locals still call it “the campus,” and it was not what I expected from a non stoplight town, but I have learned to never underestimate a place where life doesn't hold itself in such wreckless abandoned of "maybe I should speed up on the yellow turn of the light." Each building stood as beautiful as the next, almost begging students to return for one more semester that would never come.

Walking back to Wesley Street where the businesses made their home, I found a small town history buff’s dream, plaques. One after another. I could barely take thirty steps without sliding my reading glasses down from the top of my Red Sox cap to absorb the next free history lesson.

There was a bandshell just off the road, the back of the stage reading “One Nation Under God.” A plaque on it honored Warren G. Reckmeyer, director of the Kable Concert Band from 1957 to 2015, a band that, in fact, will be celebrating its 130th year in 2026, covering everything from pop and classical to, my favorite, big band. I have been a swing nerd for over thirty years, so I pursed my lips like a trumpet out of tune and hummed a shaky version of The Band Played On. Most folks prefer the Stones or the Beatles. Me, I am a sucker for Guy Lombardo.

Mount Morris did not just host one of the oldest colleges in northern Illinois, it also printed its way into American history. The Kable brothers built a publishing powerhouse here in the early 1900s, and at its height the presses roared day and night, turning out magazines, catalogs, and books that ended up on kitchen tables across the country. So much so that during the 1930s, it was one of only two towns in the United States that did not feel the weight of the decade. Hershey, Pennsylvania, had chocolate. Mount Morris had ink, paper, and the relentless rhythm of a printing press. While the rest of the country tightened its belt, this little village kept the lights on and the presses rolling, proof that sometimes a small town with a big idea can outlast the biggest storms, even one as menacing as the Great Depression.

Where most towns I visit celebrate the trails of the 16th President, here I stumbled across the 40th. Ronald Reagan was in Mount Morris on a cold day in 1963 for the dedication of the Freedom Bell. He was closer to Bedtime for Bonzo than ending the Cold War at that point, but that doesn't hinder the town from proudly displaying a jacket in its museum that he borrowed from a local on that blustery April day. Point blank‐ all towns have history, but I’ve never been a fan of chasing it on my phone or sitting in an old dusty library. I prefer to see it celebrated openly, just as Mount Morris does. From its ivy clad halls of higher learning to the enduring power of the printed word, to a Freedom Bell rung by Ronald Reagan himself. The band still plays on in Mount Morris Illinois - And to think i almost took the advice of a shopping cart quarter.

Did you go to the polls?

Tuesday was election day. Sure, you've heard a lot about Zohran Mamdani and NYC. He wasn't on your ballot, although Communism was--subtle, but it was there. There were many local issues and candidates in Columbus, and it was our first time to vote here--we'd been living in the suburbs about 1/2 mile from here. But the critical issue on our ballot and yours was the school board. It was not the zoo, although I did vote for that renewal; it was not the roads, which are awful. I don't know anything about the Columbus school system (shame on me for thinking it didn't matter) but I had seen what was happening in our suburb--moving to the left and costing us more for the slippery slope to progressivism. This is not an accident; there is a plan and it is very well-funded by people, non-profits and foreign actors--specifically China. The candidates may not even know they've been ensnared in a plan to collapse the USA. You start with the children.

Mamdani is an immigrant with inherited wealth from his Indian parents (one Hindu one Muslim) who was born in Uganda and grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. He's had no employment experience but did begin his career just a few years ago as a volunteer in a senate campaign. Not a school board, but small. Someone knows the funding source, but not me.

The importance of education to fight Communism

How important is K-12 education? Very. Extremely. Critical. We've got citizens under the age of 40 who didn't live during or learn about the Cold War and never learned about Communism, or the 100,000,000 citizens of Europe and Asia who were killed by their own socialist governments. Symbolically the Iron Curtain fell in November 1989. Thirty-six years ago.  We've got 3 generations who had DEI/multiculturalism/gender confusion stuffed down their throats. They are now educated to be stupid and ignorant and voted for a Communist Islamist in more than one "blue" city. There are not enough homeschooling parents or Charlie Kirks to match the power of the leftist teachers' unions and funding by Soros.

The under 40 products of the schools don't see one of the major parties of the U.S. going under and drowning in lies because they have never learned the truth about Marxism. They wave their tiny, itsy bitsy American flags and salivate over words like Democracy and Justice, and yet have no understanding, no learning, no wisdom and no experience.

Gracious, did you hear the latest insanity of Nancy Pelosi. Sure, she's old and maybe demented, but I think she's also addled by Trump hatred. They blather on about Nazism and Hitler and don't realize those are socialist roots. That's why it's called National Socialism, aka Nazi. They scream about intifada and Palestine while we (sensible, conservative, wise) were naive enough to believe anti-Semitism in the U.S. had died with the KKK and Jim Crow, other scourges rooted in the Democrat party. The Democrats have gone from Cancel Culture to Assassination Culture, and the ignorant voters went along with it. Marxist playbook all the way. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/pelosi-rants-about-trump-calling-him-vile-creature-calls-republicans-puppets-of-trump/

Communists, thugs and radical Muslims have taken over the Democrat Party

Why are Obama and Politico defending or endorsing Democrat Jay Jones? Saying "sorry" just doesn't cut it when he fantasized about killing his opponent's children. Yes, he should be sorry, should apologize and should never, ever run for public office. And shame on Politico. Mentions the scandal but doesn't say what it is. "Jones fantasized about shooting Todd Gilbert, the Republican who was then-speaker of the Virginia house; talked of pissing on the graves of Republican officeholders if they predeceased him; and expressed his belief that Republicans would only change their views if they experienced personal pain, and allegedly gave as an example the wife of Todd Gilbert watching her child die in her arms.

Rather than slinking away somewhere upon the revelation of these disqualifying messages, Jones responded with defiant misdirection.

“Like all people,” he said in a statement, “I’ve sent text messages that I regret.” Yes, who among us hasn’t hoped to see people we disagree with get shot or suffer the loss of loved ones via text message? . . ." Virginia: The Jay Jones Misdirection | National Review

No, "all people" don't fanaticize about killing children or pissing on graves. What a ghoul. A disgrace to his party. Virginia Democrats should be ashamed, as should NYC Democrats and Democrats all over the country be ashamed of running a Communist as Mayor of the so-called premier city. Democrats are afraid of their Leftist base (aka foundation) and Muslims. Fear has driven them to cowardness. They can't even kick these guys out, they only know how to gaslight and lie. 

E. T. phone home

Tonight's movie, E. T., was originally going to be outside--sort of a Halloween treat--but it was too cold and rainy. So, we gathered in the "living room" of The Estates (aka The Forum) with popcorn. I was apparently the only person in the world who'd never seen it when it came out 43 years ago, because only two of us showed up! I won't go through it since you've all seen it, but as I was watching it, I wondered what the writer's real motive was. I rarely watch or read science fiction--I tend to live in reality. Immediately I noticed the family divorce was essential to the story. Even before the fantastical extraterrestrial part starts the atmosphere of the film is eerie and morose. As the little boy Elliott (played by Michael Taylor) develops a relationship he was going to lose I kept wondering if this story was about him and his "lost" father. There's a very moving scene where he and his brother reminisce about playing ball with their dad, but knowing he isn't coming back. When I returned to my apartment, I looked it up and sure enough it was inspired in part by Steven Spielberg's parents' divorce. He wasn't the writer but was working on something and turned his ideas and emotions over to the writer, Melissa Mathison. She developed it into a wonderful science fiction tale. Much later Spielberg did a movie about his parents called the Fabelmans (2022).

A (too) sweet breakfast

Bob and I both had oats for breakfast. I had a bowl of Kellogg's low fat granola with raisins, and he had oatmeal with a few raisins made in the microwave.

His oats had one ingredient--whole oats. Mine had whole oats, sugar, brown rice syrup, rice crisps (made with sugar) and molasses (aka sugar). Mine was 28% sugar (32 grams) and his was 0% (1 gram). Mine had 3 grams of fat and so did his. Mine had 115 mg of sodium and his had 0 mg sodium. Mine had 6 grams of protein and his had 5 grams. Mine had 4 grams of fiber and his had 6. Mine had 240 calories per serving and his had 150 calories. Serving sizes (in grams) were not the same probably because my serving size (larger) included raisins and he added raisins to his, so some of the nutrients were hard to compare.

But still, what part of my cereal was low fat, the most prominent phrase on the box? Compared to what--a candy bar? Who needs that much sugar on/in their cereal? US population consumes more than 300% of the recommended daily amount of added sugar. Since 2000 the rate of consumption of sugar is actually slowing down as is the increase in obesity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6959843/

Julia Danison, founding member of UALC

We sat behind Julia for many years in the early service at UALC.  Also we used to see her in Lakeside where she and some lady friends would visit in the summer.  She also enjoyed winters in Florida.  In 2009 we traveled together to Israel in a "Steps of Paul" tour. A fun lady and a strong Christian. Today at her memorial service we saw many old friends and met her grandchildren. I have a 1976 church photo directory that shows Julie, her husband Don and youngest son Doug (then a little guy) who spoke at the service sharing many memories.

"Julia A. Danison, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025 with family at her side. She was born on November 6, 1930 in Thornville, Ohio to the late Fred and Esta (Helser) Edmund.

Born and raised in Thornville, Julie was the youngest of three children and the only girl. Julie worked in the local pharmacy and had fond memories of watching an owl that lived outside her bedroom window, leading to a lifelong love of owls.

Julie met Don Danison of Glenford, Ohio, and they were married on June 10, 1951. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Julie graduated from Capital University with an Associates Degree in Secretarial Studies. Don’s career took them to Dallas, Texas, and Durham, North Carolina before settling back in Columbus to raise their family.

Don and Julie were charter members of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. They built deep and lasting, lifelong friendships at church and in the community. Julie loved going to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where Don and Julie bought a condo. She knew everyone by the pool, and everyone knew Julie.

Julie loved her family. She invested everything she had into being an amazing Wife, Mom, Mom-Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Even as her memory was failing in her final years, she would regularly say, “I loved being a Mom,” with a bright smile on her face and a glow in her blue eyes.

Julie lost Don in January 1997 and lived for nearly 30 years as a widow. Beneath Julie’s friendliness was an incredibly strong woman who endured despite the loss of her father, a brother, her best friend, and her husband all at young ages.

Julie will be greatly missed by her three children and their spouses, Deb (Bill), Dean (Tracey), and Doug (Joy), along with her eight grandchildren Samantha, Jacob (Jennifer), Zachary (Allie), James, Andy, Naomi, Saideh, and Matthew; and her five great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Ethan, Owen, Hunter, and Brayden.

A memorial service for Julie will be held at 1 p.m. October 28, followed by a reception, at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. All who loved Julie are welcome to attend. Private interment will occur at a later time at UALC Columbarium, where Julie will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Don.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Julia Danison Obituary - Columbus, OH

My new church lady dress

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Light, breathable chiffon
Ruffled mandarin collar with picot edge
Keyhole neckline with self-covered button and elastic loop
Long sleeves with shirring at the shoulders
Elastic waistband with self-tie belt
Tiered maxi-length skirt for effortless movement
Pullover style for easy wear

That's what it said in the review, and it looked blue so I thought it might be nice.  However, it was very sheer and the weather had turned cold.  I looked for a jacket, but instead of blue, it really looked dark gray. My solution was to wear a very dark gray, long sleeve t-shirt underneath it. I was nice and toasty, and no one knew the difference since it was exactly the color of the dress. It's definitely a "maxi," and goes to the top of my shoes.  But I look about 20 lbs. heavier.

  

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.