Dear Classmates

Must be a rerun. Found it cleaning out my files, too old to be AI, but could still be a fake.

Dear classmates of 1957. Erma Bombeck, one of my favorite writers, said this when she found out she was dying of cancer. We’ve made it this far—near or at 80, so enjoy the ride!

If I had my life to live over, by Erma Bombeck

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s” and more “I’m sorry’s.”

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it…live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Are we doomed or is this just another Fauci psyop?

Have you seen the guy with round glasses who looks like a 20-year-old with a doomsday message about AI? I saw him interviewed on Fox, but I think all the networks had a version, plus WSJ. Although he had no reputation, almost no job history, no social media presence and no one knew who put him up to it, this "Whistle blower" suddenly had about 100 million fans. views, interviews and overnight became more popular than Dr. Fauci. So, I used AI to look him up based by my description. 

"Jacob Coxon, a 27‑year‑old former researcher at Anthropic and OpenAI Gizmodo."

 
There are several doomer psyop groups and if you use the old term "follow the money" you'll find Bernie--maybe--or according to Mr, Coxon it's too late and the beings will just kill all of you because they are reproducing themselves.

This morning I listened to the Friday edition of All-In, and here's how Friedberg summed up how fear of risk and the "new" are built into our beings:

"Friedberg supplies the historical pattern that makes the panel skeptical of the doomer framing generally. Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth leaned on IPCC forecasts that have since proven overstated (15:45). Public health officials predicted COVID would require total lockdown, with consequences that included the inflation and debt spiral that followed (16:12). After the Three Mile Island accident, the United States effectively stopped building nuclear plants, and the price shows it: producing one gigawatt of nuclear power costs about $15 billion in the US today, versus roughly $1 billion in China (16:36). Each case, Friedberg argues, followed the same shape: an unprovable existential claim, amplified until it became the default social assumption, used to justify centralizing control in the hands of whoever raised the alarm.

"The US will be the tribe in the Amazon that has never seen civilization. 'Cause civilization will evolve all around us." - David Friedberg [20:36]

This summary leaves out a lot, but here is a full podcast https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=cvxjqbfLVk0 If I know anything about technology above e-mail, it's these guys.

I wonder where they find their titles

 Ohio Poetry Association.  

Founded in Columbus in 1929, the Ohio Poetry Association serves poets and those who appreciate poetry at all levels. We provide a variety of programs and other opportunities for developing and professional poets.  Ohio Poetry Association | Facebook

Ohio Poetry Journals & Presses

Looking to submit your work or read the work of another poet? Explore these Ohio poetry publishers.

Antioch Review
Ashland Poetry Press
Bottom Dog Press
Cleveland State University Press
Crisis Chronicles Press
deep cleveland press
Dos Madres Press
Full/Crescent Press
Kattywompus Press
Kenyon Review
Mid-American Review
NightBallet Press
Oberlin College Press
Ohio State University Press
Ohio University Press & Swallow Press
The Orchard Street Press
The Poet's Haven
Slippery Elm
University of Akron Press
Writing Knights Press

You can also explore Ohio's book publishers on the Ohio Center for the Book website here.

Affordability--it's a Democrat hoax

Affordability.

I'm really sick of that word. In 2022 inflation was 8%; today it's 3.36% even with the war in the middle east, it is lower in the Trump administration. All week-end the news has reported on the huge crowds traveling--despite high costs. Duh. So, affordability is OK, because prices aren't keeping people home to picnic in the neighborhood park, right?

In 1962 we bought our first house which we (Bob converted to a duplex) bought for $14,000. The government CPI says $14,000 would now be $140,840, about the same for a low income neighborhood in that town that we paid. 1,000% inflation, so I think only the government creates inflation. Fauci fooled both Trump and Biden and messed up the entire country. And from what I hear among Democrats, some of them still believe Fauci and think we are still virtuous for importing illegals to take jobs from Americas. .

Canadian retirement woes

At least he's not blaming it on Trump--the fact he can't afford to retire. Bruce Grierson is a Canadian free lance writer--which has never been a secure, stable job. Affordability. I'm starting to hate that word. I'm not gloating, but I gave up a lot when I was younger so I would have enough to live on when I couldn't support myself.

But I did talk to one of my neighbors this morning at our independent living residence and complained that I was having a problem with the double verification code with my OSU e-mail password, and would you believe my friend blamed President Trump? And he was serious! His reasoning was that if Trump could rename Lake Ontario then he had messed with my e-mail login. And it's a shame too. He's such a nice guy other than that ugly Trump derangement syndrome.

https://macleans.ca/longforms/retirement-is-dead/

UALC is 70 years old and we've been there 52 years

 

We raised our hands by decade this past Sunday in worship at Lytham Road UALC. So, I'll repeat the letter from Pastor Joe Valentino (Lytham Road campus) that came in my e-mail, August 27, 2026. I'm pretty sure that Helen sitting in the pew in front of me raised her hand for 70--she's 100+. We began attending in 1974 and joined in 1976--and the next day Bob lost his job.

"This fall, UALC celebrates 70 years of life together, faithful service, and care for our community.

In July 1956, a group of men and women came together with a shared hope: to build a community rooted in faith, shaped by grace, and centered on the truth that Jesus is enough. What began as a small Lutheran congregation serving Upper Arlington has grown into a community that reaches across northwest Columbus and supports God’s work far beyond our local neighborhoods.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remember that UALC is more than an organization or a building. UALC is people: families, friends, volunteers, staff, longtime members, new faces, and neighbors who bring their gifts, time, and care to something larger than themselves. By God’s grace, we are part of his ongoing work. UALC is you.

Throughout these 70 years, God has brought together people with many different gifts, skills, and talents. He has grown our faith, knit us together as one body, and used this congregation to draw people to himself.

God is at work in our community, and he has chosen each of us to be part of what he is doing. As we look back with gratitude on the past 70 years, let us ask him to continue using UALC for his glory and for the good of our neighbors."

Lake Ontario

President Trump amazes me with the ways he tweaks the noses of both his Democrat Party challengers and our global trading partners. Like renaming Lake Ontario. For decades our woke and DEI advocates have been changing names of schools, sports teams, even pronouns and biological functions (like "chest feeding") to promote their philosophies. They've demanded we call Fred Frederica or lose our jobs. Well, he's a patriot, Has been as long as I can remember. TV -- I remember seeing him on the Oprah show when he was just a Democrat celebrity--maybe 40 years ago.

 
https://youtu.be/bFrpsx3r--Q?si=dYjeUX7-ECU8FIYX

Donald Trump's wardrobe hasn't changed, his beliefs about other countries "Ripping us off" haven't changed but look at that audience. 40 years later we all look like we're dressed for a circus or working in the garden.

Our poetry group at The Estates

We use AI a lot more than we think, but my most recent "event" was asking it, "How to start a poetry group at a senior living facility." We're ready for our 3rd meeting. Got some good stuff going.

https://www.statista.com/chart/35426/how-americans-want-ai-to-support-them/?

Syncope in older adults

 Syncope in Older Adults - What You Need to Know

Or why are you fainting?

What is syncope?

Syncope is also called fainting or passing out. Syncope is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, followed by a fall from a standing or sitting position. A syncope episode is usually short.

What causes or increases my risk for syncope?

Syncope is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain. When blood flow to the brain decreases, oxygen to the brain also decreases. Any of the following conditions may cause syncope:

Medicines such as blood pressure medicine or antidepressants, or use of multiple medicines

A medical condition such as severe anemia, a nerve disorder, asthma, or hyperventilation (breathing too quickly)

A heart condition, such as a narrow artery or an irregular heartbeat

Dehydration

Problems with the blood vessels of your brain

Bleeding, especially in your stomach or intestines, or a blood clot that passes through your lungs

A rapid drop in blood pressure after a body position change, such as moving from lying to sitting or standing

Straining during bowel movements, a cough or sneeze, or a stressful or fearful situation

What signs and symptoms may occur before syncope?

Cold, clammy, and sweaty skin

Fast breathing and a racing, pounding heartbeat

Feeling more tired than usual

Nausea, a warm feeling, sweating, and lightheadedness

A headache or dizziness

Tingling sensation or numbness

Spots in front of your eyes, blurred vision, or double vision

How is the cause of syncope diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Tell your provider everything you know about your syncope episode. Include where you were when you fainted and what you were doing before symptoms started. Your provider will ask about your medical history, including any heart conditions in your family. Ask anyone who saw you faint to come with you to tell the provider details of what happened. Your provider may order the following tests to find out what is causing your symptoms:

Blood tests may be done to find the cause of your syncope.

Telemetry is continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm. Sticky pads placed on your skin connect to an EKG machine that records your heart rhythm.

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure and function of your heart.

A stress test may show the changes that take place in your heart while it is under stress. Stress may be placed on your heart with exercise or medicine. Ask for more information about this test.

A Holter monitor is also called a portable electrocardiography (EKG) monitor. It shows your heart's electrical activity while you do your usual activities. The monitor is a small battery-operated device that you wear. It will show how fast your heart beats and if it beats in a regular pattern. Your provider may recommend this if you have syncope often over 2 to 3 days.

How is syncope treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your syncope. To prevent syncope from happening again, you may need any of the following:

Medicines may be needed to help your heart pump strongly and regularly. Your healthcare provider may also make changes to any medicines that are causing syncope.

Tilt training involves training yourself to stand for 10 to 30 minutes each day against a wall. This helps your body decrease the effects of posture changes and reduces the number of fainting spells.

What can I do to manage syncope?

Keep a record of your syncope episodes. Include your symptoms and your activity before and after the episode. The record can help your healthcare provider find the cause of your syncope and help you manage episodes.

Sit or lie down when needed. This includes when you feel dizzy, your throat is getting tight, and your vision changes. Raise your legs above the level of your heart. Your provider may also recommend that you keep the head of your bed elevated. This can help keep your blood pressure from dropping too low.

Check your blood pressure often. This is important if you take medicine to lower your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure when you are lying down and when you are standing. Ask how often to check during the day. Keep a record of your blood pressure numbers. Your provider may use the record to help plan your treatment.

Use assistive devices as directed. Your provider may suggest that you use a cane or walker to help you keep your balance. You may need to have grab bars put in your bathroom near the toilet or in the shower.

What can I do to prevent a syncope episode?

Know and avoid your triggers. Certain events may bring on syncope. These events may cause you to feel under pressure, upset, or fearful. When you feel the symptoms, you can make movements to prevent a syncope episode. For example, make a fist, cross your legs, squeeze your thighs together, or tighten your arm muscles.

Move slowly and let yourself get used to one position before you move to another position. This is very important when you change from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. Take some deep breaths before you stand up from a lying position. Stand up slowly. Sudden movements may cause a fainting spell. Sit on the side of the bed or couch for a few minutes before you stand up. If you are on bedrest, try to be upright for about 2 hours each day, or as directed. Do not lock your legs if you are standing for a long period of time. Move your legs and bend your knees to keep blood flowing.

Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. 

Your provider may recommend that you drink more liquids to prevent dehydration. You may also need to have more salt to keep your blood pressure from dropping too low and causing syncope. Your provider will tell you how much liquid and sodium to have each day. Your provider will also tell you how much physical activity is safe for you. This will depend on what is causing your syncope.

Watch for signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, nervousness, sweating, and fast or fluttery heartbeats. Talk with your provider about ways to keep your blood sugar level steady.

Do not strain if you are constipated. You may faint if you strain to have a bowel movement. Walking is the best way to get your bowels moving. Eat foods high in fiber to make it easier to have a bowel movement. Good examples are high-fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, and whole-grain breads. Prune juice may help make bowel movements softer.

Be careful in hot weather. Heat can cause a syncope episode. Limit activity done outside on hot days. Physical activity in hot weather can lead to dehydration. This can cause an episode.

https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/vasovagal-syncope-age65-causes-prevent-fainting-37123exp4

Advice about nutrition from Tufts

Advice from the Tufts Health and Nutrition Letter (Aug. 22) 

I think these are probably correct--I've known a long time that plant burgers are processed food, and that lunch meat wrapped in anything contains a lot of sodium, and that granola bars are really candy bars, but they are all on our senior living company's recommended diet.

PLANT-BASED BURGERS

Plant-based burgers that look and taste like meat are all the rage. But the truth is these "meat" products are highly-processed foods that bear resemblance to the plant foods from which they come. [These are served in hospitals and retirement and nursing homes and schools.]

TURKEY IN A SPINACH WRAP

Contrary to what you’ve read, turkey in a spinach wrap is not a wise choice. Deli turkey is sky-high in sodium and the wrap typically contains refined grains and only trace amounts of spinach.

GRANOLA BARS

Granola bars seem healthy, but many are just crunchy delivery mechanisms for sugar. Chocolate and other coatings can easily bring the total to 20 grams per bar – the same as a Snicker’s Bar!

BUT, I really wish I could find out what Tufts advised about Covid and what money it took or whose careers were ruined 5 years ago. I haven't been able to dig it out. 

Jim Wigtil, a friend met late

 About 9 years ago I began chatting with a woman at the gym and we became friends.  We started having long talks about our careers at Ohio State, our childhood years (we were the same age,) and faith, and I often went out for coffee with her and her husband, Jim.  They had a full and active life. In recent years be had periodic illnesses and JoAnne, his wife, turned her time to care giving. Then we moved a year ago to a senior retirement community, and meeting became difficult. Recently he died and I'll be attending his funeral. We met late, but it was a good friendship.

James Wigtil Obituary - Columbus, OH

Should it be so hard to buy Folex?

I wonder why people buy on-line. Well, I know why, but the math doesn't work.

 If I drive to Lowe's and buy one bottle 32 oz of  (carpet spot cleaner) I don't know exactly what it costs, but recall it's about 6 or 7 dollars. On line one 32 oz is $6.88 (although it varies), and on line 3 bottles same size are $34. Let's round up--I'm not the best in math--but isn't $21 less than $34? Couldn't I buy 5 singles for about the same as 3 singles if sold together?

 
Are customers so math challenged that they think larger or packaged together is cheaper? And why if I specifically ask the AI whozit "cost of Folex at Lowe's" I first get every imaginable product and size I don't want not in Lowe's and not in the store?

Who is dumb? Customer? Algorithm? AI?

Although I can't verify each claim, I've read about most in "updated" science articles

If you had trusted the settled science of the day, here is how it would have gone.

1890s: you dose the baby with Bayer's new cough syrup, the non-addictive alternative to morphine, marketed for children. It was heroin. They named it after the German for heroic.

1900s: you rub calomel teething powder on your infant's gums. It is a mercury compound, and it leaves a generation with pink disease. Swollen, peeling hands and feet, screaming for months, and some of them died.

1910s: you cook in Crisco, launched by a soap and candle company, because cottonseed oil is modern and lard is what your mother used. The process that made it solid produced trans fat, banned outright a century later.

1920s: you drink Radithor, certified radioactive water, on prescription. Eben Byers took fourteen hundred bottles for his vitality. His jaw was removed in pieces and he was buried in a lead coffin.

1930s: a chemist dissolves a new sulfa drug in diethylene glycol, which is antifreeze. It kills 107 people, mostly children, and only then does America give the FDA power to demand safety testing.

1940s: your doctor lights a Camel in the surgery. More doctors smoke them than any other brand, and the advert runs in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which sold him the page.

1950s: DDT is sprayed over your kitchen, your garden and your children at school. The man who found its insecticidal properties has already been given a Nobel Prize.

1960s: your wife takes thalidomide for morning sickness because it is remarkably safe. More than ten thousand children are born with missing and shortened limbs.

1970s: the country puts down the butter and picks up the margarine, on the instruction of the American Heart Association. The fat everybody switched to was banned in 2015 as unsafe at any level.

1980s: the fat comes out of everything and sugar goes back in to make it edible. Obesity begins a climb it has never come off.

1990s: your father is prescribed OxyContin, because fewer than one per cent get addicted. The company later pleads guilty to criminal misbranding, and the overdose count runs into hundreds of thousands.

2000s: you take Vioxx for your knee. It is pulled in 2004, and the FDA's own safety officer estimates tens of thousands of excess heart attacks.

Not one of those was fringe. Every one had a professional body, a literature and a man in a white coat standing behind it.

Nobody who followed that advice was stupid. They were obedient, to the most qualified people available.

Settled is a word about money. It means the questions stopped being funded, so they stopped being asked.

So which of today's instructions will your grandchildren read out in disbelief.

The oil washed in hexane and built into every cell you own. The statin that blocks the pathway making your hormones, to prevent one heart attack per hundred people. The injection where a third of the loss is muscle. The infant formula built out of vegetable oil.
All settled. None of it funded to be otherwise.

https://x.com/samahoole/status/2088832696155820150?s=46
See less

Sama Hoole on X

Remember what we were told about butter, coffee, and eggs? And look what has happened to the obesity rate based on "science" and "nutritionist" advice,

Women being assaulted by women in WNBA

I've been watching the latest WNBA antics and the Sophie Cunningham neck chop. Bunch of violent lesbian owners and players. And back in the day when you could trust domestic violence statistics, it was clearly reported 2 decades ago that rate of domestic violence was highest among lesbians/bisexuals within all the combinations--but that includes verbal assault. Today no one can define a woman, including a DEI appointee Scotus justice (the president even said that), and their idiocy has come home to roost on the basketball court.

 
There are former NBA gentlemen who have decided to step up to demonstrate the silliness of the women, On August 7, 2026, Enes Kanter Freedom announced via X that he is “officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect” for the 2027 draft, saying he has “carefully examined” the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and believes he meets all requirements. They were outdone years ago by Zuby, a professional British weightlifter who entered competition as a female, and no one could stop him. He cleaned house, just to prove a point about "trans." He's an author, podcaster and musician. I adore him. He was born in England, raised in Saudi Arabia and is a graduate of Oxford University. His parents are ethnic Nigerian, and he has an American accent. He's definitely a man.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/08/updates-sophie-cunningham-speaks-after-chicago-sky-player/

Enes Kanter Freedom Declares For The 2027 WNBA Draft: "I Meet Every Requirement Necessary" | Video | RealClearPolitics

About | ZUBY: Independent Rapper

Fauci got the rights we didn't

I believe Dr. Fauci should have pled the 5th. And he did. He destroyed our Constitutional Rights but that's no reason to return the crime. It doesn't solve what we will do the next time the government and the media collude. And will our churches stand up and object the next time?

"What we do know, though, is that Anthony Fauci has finally come to see the value in the Bill of Rights, having spent the COVID years routinely trying to trample the First Amendment rights of those who would dare publicly disagree with him.

His ire was routinely on display whenever the Great Barrington Declaration reared its ugly head. The authors of that declaration simply asserted that “Adopting measures to protect the vulnerable should be the central aim of public health responses to COVID-19.” Fauci and his merry band, on the other hand, pushed for and got lockdowns. The healthy and the sick, the strong and the vulnerable, all fell into the same bucket, and that bucket was placed behind a locked door.

And anyone who disagreed was to be silenced, First Amendment be damned." 

Anthony Fauci (Finally) Discovers the Bill of Rights

Medicare increases for 2027

Notes from Kiplinger's on the 2027 Medicare increases

https://hwww.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/medicare-2027-how-much-premiums-are-set-to-rise

"Medicare premiums are set to rise again for 2027. The latest Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report (page 207) estimates that Part B premiums will climb 3.5% in 2027, reaching $209.50 per month, up $6.60 from 2026. While another price hike is never good news for retirees, the increase is a relief compared to the almost 10% spike experienced in 2026.

Unlike Part B, Medicare Part D is sold through private insurance companies, either as a standalone drug plan alongside traditional Medicare or as part of a Medicare Advantage policy.

Because individual plan costs vary, the average premium enrollees pay is typically lower than the base beneficiary premium. According to the latest Trustees Report, the Part D base premium is projected to reach $41.33 per month in 2027.

Medicare Part B pays for doctor visits, outpatient care and some home healthcare. When enrolled, you pay both a deductible and a monthly premium. For 2027, the premium is currently projected to rise 3.5% to $209.50, up $6.60 from $202.90 in 2025.

The Part B deductible is projected to reach $292 in 2027, a $9.00 increase from $283.00 in the previous year. On a percentage basis, it's an increase of 3.2%, in line with the estimated increase of the Part B premium.

The projected Part B increase impact on Social Security benefits

The 2027 Social Security COLA is projected to rise 3.8%, after accounting for the June CPI. In terms of dollars, if implemented now, that would translate into an increase of $79.14 per month or $949.68 per year, when using the average Social Security check amount for May 2026 ($2,082.76) as the base amount.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically deducts the Part B premium cost from the Social Security benefits of most Medicare recipients. For 2027, the average Social Security check would fall from $79.14 to $72.54, subtracting the projected Part B increase ($6.60) from the projected COLA raise (79.14). In that scenario, the Part B increase would consume approximately 8.3% of the monthly increase.

Understanding Medicare Part D premiums

Unlike Part B, there isn't a single "standard" Part D premium, as it varies by plan. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishes a standardized base premium amount used to calculate late enrollment penalties and to determine Part D IRMAA surcharges. For 2027, the base premium is $41.33.

Most final premium and deductible amounts won't be announced until late October or early November; however, most of the Part D amounts have been finalized.

Annual deductible: The standard Part D deductible will increase to $700 in 2027, up from $615 in 2026. That's a steeper increase than in 2026, when the deductible rose to $615 from $590 in 2025, a $25 increase.

Out-of-pocket spending cap: On a positive note for 2027, Medicare Part D's annual out-of-pocket prescription cap will rise to $2,400, up $300 from the $2,100 limit in 2026. Once beneficiaries reach this cap, they no longer pay out-of-pocket costs for covered prescription drugs for the rest of the year.

Premium protections and stabilization: To shield enrollees from steep rate hikes, the premium stabilization provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) caps annual base beneficiary premium (BBP) growth at 6% yearly through 2029, while limiting how much extra cost plan sponsors can pass along.

While an IRA demonstration program previously stabilized average monthly premiums, CMS scaled back that support in 2026, stating in a memo that reducing federal subsidies is meant to help the Part D program "return to operating under regular market conditions."

Notes from Newsweek

https://www.newsweek.com/medicare-update-new-estimate-of-how-much-premiums-will-increase-12256344

Five Star no longer exists; we are now part of Sinceri

https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/news/sinceri-discovery-tutera-among-operators-assuming-management-of-116-five-star-communities/

"AlerisLife/Five Star was one of the largest senior living community operators in the United States.

In the 2025 ASHA 50 list of largest operators, AlerisLife was listed in eighth place, with 132 properties and a total of 19,056 units as of June 1.

AlerisLife/Five Star also appeared in sixth place on Argentum’s 2025 list of largest senior providers. That list, released in July with data current as of June 30, 2023, reported that AlerisLife/Five Star had 9,836 employees and 19,492 total units across 138 communities, including 10,123 for independent living, 7,539 for assisted living and 1,830 for memory care.

AlerisLife filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice with the state of Massachusetts on Sept. 3 [2025] indicating that 179 employees would be laid off between Nov. 3 and Dec. 31. In an updated notice filed Sept. 30, the company indicated that the layoffs would take place through March 31, 2026."

Senior Living REITs are hot.

Looking back a 2022 and Five Star/Aleris

"A news-filled 2022

News of the acquisition at the beginning of 2023 comes after a news-filled 2022 for AlerisLife:In January 2022, Five Star Senior Living announced a new name, AlerisLife, for a parent company under which the Five Star name would continue to be used for a senior living management services division and the Ageility name would continue to be used for its rehabilitation / fitness services division. AlerisLife also announced plans to expand into active adult management services and home care and concierge services.

In February 2022, AlerisLife announced that it had closed on a $95 million senior secured term loan to obtain “increased liquidity to use at our discretion and additional flexibility for the coming years as we execute on our strategic business plan,” then-President and CEO Katie Potter said at the time.
In May, AlerisLife announced that Potter had resigned and that Chief Financial Officer Jeff Leer had been appointed to succeed her on an interim basis as the company hired a consulting group to review operations.

Leer’s appointment was made permanent in June as the company announced plans to cut costs and make operational changes to try to increase occupancy. In August, Leer said that AlerisLife would reduce costs by approximately $14 million and invest approximately $4 million under recommendations made by the consulting firm it had hired, to “drive efficiencies and standardize processes that will enable us to better serve our residents and customers and stabilize our financial performance.”
In November, Leer said that continuing progress on the company’s restructuring plan had resulted in occupancy gains in the third quarter that were the largest in recent years.

Also in November, AlerisLife reported that it faced possible delisting by Nasdaq because the bid price for shares of the company’s common stock had closed at less than $1 for the past 30 consecutive business days. The company was given until May 8, 2023, to come into compliance with the minimum bid price continued listing standard.

AlerisLife was No. 6 on the 2022 American Seniors Housing Association’s ASHA 50 list of largest senior living operators, falling from No. 5 in 2021 and No. 4 in 2020. But the company moved from No. 5 in 2021 to No. 4 in 2022 on Argentum’s list of largest operators."

Trump's role in the Fauci downfall

Although I think Fauci is guilty of all they accuse him of, I also believe President Trump put him in power hoping to be the hero of a virus no one understood. Trump was right in the beginning calling it the Wuhan virus, but he appointed the man he thought would be best qualified to control it. He was wrong; his usual good instincts about people failed him and us. Fauci got rid the other advisors who would contradict him.

 
Trump was also the godfather of PPP which was to replace incomes during the shutdowns, which was ripe for fraud and even compromised churches and non-profits. Fauci was then a gift to the Democrats from Trump. Children have lost years of schooling, the elderly died alone, people lost jobs and careers for refusing unsafe "vaccines," and millions of people learned the government should take care of them.

Democrats may be dysfunctional, insane and suckers for falling for Communism, but the Republicans during a crisis were just sloppy and disorganized, terrorized by social media and the traditional media and fractured by their own internal problems.

I also think Fauci should continue to rely on the 5th Amendment. Let that remind us that the "Democratic Socialists" aka Communists, want to dump the Constitution.

Growth in senior living communities real estate--demographics and demad

"By 2035, the U.S. population aged 80+ is projected to grow by 56%, adding nearly 8 million seniors, reshaping long-term housing needs. In the first quarter of 2026, construction on new senior living units fell to its lowest level since 2012, and year-over-year inventory growth hit a record low of 0.4% in the first quarter, down from 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. 2026 first-quarter senior living occupancy increased to 89.5% — up from 89.1% in the fourth quarter — with independent living occupancy higher than 91% and assisted living reaching 87.9%. A rapidly expanding cohort of higher-income seniors is driving demand for premium living environments featuring autonomy, wellness and lifestyle amenities, especially within continuum-of-care campuses." . . 

"Our communities are located in high-growth markets where 75+ populations are expanding rapidly and household incomes exceed national medians, supporting both demand affordability. Our team specializes in the operational and financial intricacies of senior living, partnering directly with operators to enhance care delivery, optimize NOI and elevated resident experience. We collaborate with established regional providers who bring deep clinical expertise, strong reputations and a proven ability to tailor services to local market needs. We actively benchmark performance, oversee capital planning, evaluate repositioning or disposition opportunities and maintain a rigorous focus on financial outcomes."

RMR Senior Living | Communities for Long-Term Demand

Alternative asset management companies are investment firms that focus on non-traditional assets outside of conventional stocks, bonds, and cash. Their goal is to generate returns that are often less correlated with traditional markets, providing investors with diversification benefits and access to unique investment opportunities.  These firms typically work with institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices, designing customized portfolios that align with clients’ risk tolerance and financial objectives CGAA.

What is an alternative asset manager and how do they work?

Trump's days at war against Obama's years

I keep hearing people (Democrats) complain about the number of days of Trump's war, but nothing about Obama's years--eight--a record for any President, seven wars or maybe more. Large-scale, sustained ground wars, or broader military operations including air campaigns, drone strikes, and special operations.

Afghanistan War (including later counterterrorism campaigns)

Iraq War (including 2014–2017 campaign against ISIS)
Libya intervention (2011 NATO-led bombing campaign)
Syrian Civil War (U.S. support for rebels, later direct strikes)
Counterterrorism operations in multiple countries (Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan, etc.)
Some tallies also include Yemen and Somalia as separate military engagements

https://www.warcosts.org/presidents/obama
Obama has a lot to say about everything but his foreign policy | Responsible Statecraft

Craft day at The Estates

I'm not very crafty, but today we made greeting cards with buttons and scraps of yarn and cloth. Mine is the yellow with heels and the green one with a basketball, So, if you have a birthday or a good day you might hear from me.

Trafficking and slavery and Kafala

Before Trump makes deals with Saudi Arabia, he needs some deals to free foreign domestics in that country who are enslaved by their kafala system. Particularly Kenyan and Filipino women. There are many more slaves today than in the 18th century Atlantic slave trade and yet some Americans seem more concerned about racial sneers and DEI than true slavery. It was Arab Muslims enslaving Africans and Asians in the 17th and 18th century and it still is.

  Saudi Arabia: Migrant domestic workers face severe exploitation, racism and exclusion from labour protections - Amnesty International

https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/ofw-abuse-in-saudi-arabia?

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounders/what-kafala-system?

Global: Filipino domestic workers exploited and subjected to sexual abuse in Saudi Arabia - Amnesty International

Obama's key campaign promise to end the war

When I hear members of Congress grilling members of Trump's war advisory group it makes me wonder if they remember that Obama continued a war he promised to end for eight years. Getting out of the war in Iraq was his key campaign promise, and yet he gave them the ability to create the monster that Trump is trying to slay.

From L.A. Times: "U.S. military forces have been at war for all eight years of Obama’s tenure, the first two-term president with that distinction. He launched airstrikes or military raids in at least seven countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan.

Yet the U.S. faces more threats in more places than at any time since the Cold War, according to U.S. intelligence. For the first time in decades, there is at least the potential of an armed clash with America’s largest adversaries, Russia and China.

"Obama slashed the number of U.S. troops in war zones from 150,000 to 14,000, and stopped the flow of American soldiers coming home in body bags. He also used diplomacy, not war, to defuse a tense nuclear standoff with Iran.

But he vastly expanded the role of elite commando units and the use of new technology, including armed drones and cyber weapons."

https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-na-pol-obama-at-war/?

Obama’s Tarnished Legacy in the Middle East – The Cairo Review of Global Affairs

President Obama and the Middle East: a Mixed Legacy : IEMed

Needs or wants in the affordability argument

"When young people struggle to buy a home and start a family, we shouldn’t be surprised to see a loosening attachment to heteronormativity." The American Conservative, June 2023 article about wokeness. 

Just because both the right and the left constantly preach this same affordability myth doesn't make it fact.

I did what the mythmakers should have done. I looked up housing prices and inflation. We bought our first home in 1962 for $14,000 at 6% interest. To call it a fixer upper would be a joke. A gravel driveway, no garage, and a dirt floor basement on a street zoned for business in a racially mixed neighborhood. Based on inflation figures, that would buy a house for $155,500 today. And I found several by checking the real estate ads. In that county one can find a slightly run down 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch in need of a strong 24 year old with a wife and baby, very little money and some home repair skills learned in high school. I'll leave out the part where he hired a young ex-con as part time help who left after one day.

Along with inflation since 1962 there have been a number of generous government programs to add to a low wage job which makes that home very affordable (and btw virtually no adult works at federal or state minimum--realistically entry at McDonald's is about $16/hour with benefits). What today's young homebuyer would have to give up today would be the same things we didn't have--college loan payments, eating out, travel, nice clothes, multiple tech toys, phones, TVs, and leisure activities.

It's not that a house today isn't affordable. It's the lifestyle, and that's something we choose. Get out of New York City or DC or Seattle or LA and there are plenty of places to live and jobs with opportunity. 325,000,000 of us manage to live outside those money pits (Co-pilot figured it out for me).

Soccer. World Cup.

Trump made it happen; the nay sayers have to eat their words. And even I watched yesterday--although I didn't have a favorite and I really didn't understand much. At lunch today our table of 5 ignored politics (some were Democrats) and had a lively conversation on how much FIFA and the World Cup has contributed to not just the sports world but to the U.S. (to say nothing of the economy of the localities).

We also talked about how expensive it is to raise up a little one to play soccer. One couple has a granddaughter entering the teen years and decisions have to be made NOW and it will be very expensive. Another at the table has a granddaughter who is a soccer coach on the side at $50/hour so her players can qualify just for the middle school level.

I wonder why politicians aren't factoring in costs of private lessons and travel to games into the "affordability" school/family costs conversation. All I hear about are houses.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force – The White House

The Lakota language

 Today on Facebook I saw something about a Lakota prayer. I'd seen that before, so I asked an AI assistant whether it was the British or French  who developed a writing system (alphabet, grammar, etc.) for that native American language group.  This brilliant assistant said--neither, "it was developed by missionaries,"  Duh! And what was their language? Oh well. I reworded my question several times and finally left out language and used evangelized and got Jesuits, Franciscans, Baptists, Methodists and later the Lutherans. Since Lakota was upper midwest and Canada and several language groups, I'll just have to let you do the research.

Poetry Jam at The Estates?

I enjoy writing (but not publishing) poetry. There are at least 5 of us here at The Estates who have expressed an interest in having poetry events or Jams occasionally. We did have a gathering in April (poetry month) with readings in a variety of styles. I think 11 attended. Today I came across the story of Anne Channing Porter who published her first book of poetry at 83. Might become an inspiration or our guardian angel. If I were to average our age it's about 92.

Anne Porter's poetry highlights faith, suffering and the wisdom of age | National Catholic Reporter

Anne Porter | The Poetry Foundation

A Short Testament by Anne Porter - Poems | Academy of American Poets

Adam Weybright, 1974-2026

 I was shocked to learn yesterday of the death of the son of my college roommate, JoElla Masterson Weybright, Adam Weybright, of the Seattle area.  I couldn't find an obituary, but I think he died around April 19, 2026 based on a GoFundMe report. There is a TV report on his sudden death because he was a well known teacher and coach.  This is AI generated.

"Adam Weybright was a 51-year-old science teacher at Nathan Hale High School and Lacrosse coach at Shorecrest High School in the Shoreline and Seattle communities.

He died suddenly in April 2026 following complications from a routine medical procedure.

Weybright, who previously worked as a scientist before becoming a teacher, is remembered for his profound impact on students and athletes. His legacy is honored through a "Live Like Weybright" (LLW) campaign by his lacrosse team, an assembly at his school, and a GoFundMe established to support his widow, Elizabeth Weybright, and their three children."

JoElla and I were childhood friends, having met in first grade in Forreston, Illinois, where her father was the school superintendent.  Our parents also knew each other from college days and we attended the local Forreston Lutheran church and were also members of the Church of the Brethren. Her husband Myron (Mike) and I are distantly related--something like third cousins.  Our grandmothers, both Weybrights by marriage, used to correspond. JoElla and I usually corresponded around birthdays and Christmas, but had talked on the phone in the last year or two. I had kept up on her children's activities, education, marriages, children, etc. over the years.  I had only seen Adam as a toddler when JoElla and I were both visiting our parents in Mt. Morris.

Also: Shoreline Area News: Shorecrest lacrosse coach Adam Weybright dies unexpectedly

 

Trump vs. Smithsonian

President Trump didn't attack the Smithsonian; the Smithsonian attacked the United States, so being a patriot, President Trump is suggesting more fairness and honesty in a Report.

Smithsonian-Report-Saving-Americas-Story.pdf
The United States government legally owns the Smithsonian Institution, holding its land, buildings, and collections as a perpetual public trust. Congress created the Institution by statute in 1846 after accepting a private bequest from British scientist James Smithson, and its charter is codified at 20 U.S.C. Chapter 3.

The Board includes members drawn from all three branches of government and the private sector:
The Vice President of the United States
The Chief Justice of the United States
Three Senators, appointed by the President of the Senate
Three Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House
Nine citizen members, appointed by joint resolution of Congress (two must reside in Washington, D.C., and no two of the remaining seven may be from the same state). Sounds like the Board needs a shakeup.

Who Owns the Smithsonian Museum? A Federal Trust - LegalClarity

Read through the report and the riots and attacks on police and the DEI in the classroom might become clearer. No surprise we're being taken over by Communists dressed up like Democrats

Bill Wilcox, architect and friend

 We were talking today about an architect friend and when I checked my blog I see I had not recorded his death--back in 2007.  Back in the 60s and 70s we were very close and knew him through professional and church organizations.

William Wilcox Obituary (2007) - Columbus, OH - The Columbus Dispatch

Victor Melaragno

 We've recently lost one of our residents at The Estates. Victor Melaragno. Victor J. Melaragno Obituary Jul 6, 2026 - Newcomer Columbus

President Trump prays in statement for USCCB for 250th birthday of nation

Considering how anti-Christian the Communists in the U.S. are (colluding with the Democrat Party who were booing God 3 decades ago) and how anti-Catholic the far Right and some Evangelicals in the U,S. are, I suppose I can understand how difficult this story was to find in the news, even with the help of AI. But here it is. A revolutionary action by the current President.

"Members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — which is currently gathered in Orlando, Florida, for its spring assembly — came together for the consecration service on Thursday (June 11) in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The occasion, marked by a presidential statement, is seen as a high point in acceptance of the Catholic Church in the historically Protestant country.

"Today, Melania and I join in prayer with Catholic Bishops gathered in Orlando, Florida, as they consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the occasion of our 250th year of American Independence — a powerful moment in our national story and a poignant reminder that America has always been guided by the loving hand of God,” the president said in a statement from the White House."

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/4605151/catholic-bishops-consecrate-us-trump-melania-prayer/

Trump highlighted the role of faith in shaping the nation’s identity, from Christian missionaries and settlers to chaplains and churchgoers throughout history. He linked the consecration (by the Bishops) to the nation’s founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and noted that the Sacred Heart of Jesus would bless the U.S., protect families, strengthen the Church, and guide the nation for generations.

Even so, 8 states opted out of participating in the 16-day “Great American State Fair” in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the United States’ 250th birthday. They just wanted to thumb their noses at Trump. Those governors denied their own citizens the right to tell the others how great their people and products are (which is what state fairs have been doing since 1841).

I see it as just one more way President Trump has brought warring sides together--the far Left and the far Right--not since the Founding Fathers has a leader managed to so clearly make a shout out to our First Amendment--he didn't establish a religion and he didn't prohibit its exercise and he honored a religious group the right to peaceably assemble.

President Trump's speech on the National Mall

A powerful storm front postponed the speech and fireworks about 2 hours.  The Fox hosts did a valiant job of ad-libbing and singing and small talk, but eventually, a few minutes before midnight, the show went on.

https://www.youtube.com/live/6MgYQnkldTA?si=fjOsLF51lL85jCvK

The President honored many military--one even 107 years old. He spoke out against Communism, which is again rearing its ugly head.  100,000,000 dead in the 20th century, and most of its victims were its own citizens.  He honored Artemis II, with Astronaut Apollo 17 Jack Schmitt and Gold Star Families. 

Brilliant scientist and billionaires still can't figure out what to do with plastics

 36376.jpeg (1200×1200)

More than 52 million tons of plastic waste remain unmanaged every year around the world and developing countries bear the brunt of the crisis. This is according to a 2024 research article published in the academic journal Nature. ( A local-to-global emissions inventory of macroplastic pollution | Nature ) This means that an estimated fifth of all municipal plastic waste in the world ends up in the environment or is burned in an uncontrolled manner.

Looking at the data on a per-capita basis, many nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Central America, the Pacific, Asia and the Middle East let large amount of plastic waste go unmanaged, causing degradation, health hazards and air pollution (in the event of uncontrolled burning). The study found that the lower levels of plastic pollution in the global North were mostly caused by littering, while in developing countries, waste not being collected was the biggest issue.

In absolute terms, India was the biggest emitter of plastic waste identified in the study, with high absolute volumes also set free in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. China, often named as the major emitter in older studies, ranked fourth for absolute volumes, reflecting the progress the country has made, according to the authors. The makers of the report based on their findings suggest a multi-sectoral approach to reducing plastic waste, including reducing plastic use, improving waste collection and better recycling systems.

July 3 at the Estates

 

 

We had a wonderful buffet lunch and a great movie in the evening, Solo Mio with Kevin James.

Usually at The Estates we have old movies, but Friday the 3rd we had a 2026, "Solo Mio."

 Kevin James plays Matt, a groom left devastated when his fiancée, Heather, abandons him at the altar in Italy, leaving only a note explaining she is not ready for marriage. Determined to continue his planned group tour alone, Matt meets Gia, a charming local café owner, and forms a connection with her while navigating heartbreak and self-discovery. The story explores themes of love, resilience, and second chances, culminating in Matt returning to Gia after selling his engagement ring to buy a motorcycle (Wikipedia). What doesn't appear in the reviews are two performers Andrea Bocelli and Jonathan Roumie best known for portraying Jesus in the hit series The Chosen

1776 the musical (film) was our entertainment last night

At the Estates last night, a large group enjoyed the movie, "1776 The Musical" (1972), adapted from an earlier stage play, which was adapted from the history of the drafting and writing/approval of the Declaration of Independence. I hadn't seen it during the bicentennial, and really enjoyed it. I found it about as accurate as a film could be for something adapted from a book/play adapted from actual history. After all, one could fill a library with important books on this event and biographies of all the people of the Continental Congress. Some critics of the time complained the timeline was wrong--too condensed.

So, I checked this "wrong timeline" idea with the Library of Congress which noted there were numerous drafts then 5 men who worked on it, and then about a week when the whole group met. Considering what we get today as "news," I'd call this accurate.

"Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia behind a veil of Congressionally imposed secrecy in June 1776 for a country wracked by military and political uncertainties. In anticipation of a vote for independence, the Continental Congress on June 11 appointed Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as a committee to draft a declaration of independence. The committee then delegated Thomas Jefferson to undertake the task. Jefferson worked diligently in private for days to compose a document. Proof of the arduous nature of the work can be seen in the fragment of the first known composition draft of the declaration, which is on public display here for the first time.

Jefferson then made a clean or "fair" copy of the composition declaration, which became the foundation of the document, labeled by Jefferson as the "original Rough draught." Revised first by Adams, then by Franklin, and then by the full committee, a total of forty-seven alterations including the insertion of three complete paragraphs was made on the text before it was presented to Congress on June 28. After voting for independence on July 2, the Congress then continued to refine the document, making thirty-nine additional revisions to the committee draft before its final adoption on the morning of July 4 . . ." https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/declara/declara3.html

We've been having a film series for the 250th anniversary celebration.

A prayer for our country from 1791 for our 250th celebration

This prayer was composed by John Carroll, the first American Archbishop, in November 1791 and is often used at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but is surely heartfelt as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation. Perhaps the wording sounds a bit formal given our modern-day church services, but it contains what many of us have heard and prayed for all our lives--pleading that the Gospel be spread throughout the world, for the church, for the President, The Congress, for the state governors, for our fellow citizens, our departed loved ones and those who have been the benefactors.

"We pray, O almighty and eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name.

We pray Thee, who alone are good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, the pope, the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, all other bishops, prelates and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct your people into the ways of salvation.

We pray O God of might, wisdom and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the president of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.

Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for his excellency, the governor of this state, for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by your powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to you, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of your servants departed, who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech you, a place of refreshment, light and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior."
Amen.

Note: The U.S. Constitution became the official framework of the federal government on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it, meeting the requirement under Article VII that nine of the thirteen states approve the document for it to take effect. The Constitution had been signed earlier on September 17, 1787, at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, but it required state ratification to become binding. After ratification, the Constitution officially replaced the Articles of Confederation, and the new federal government began operations on March 4, 1789. All states had ratified it by May 29, 1790. So, the country was still very young and fragile--one year old--when this prayer was written, And now it is welcoming Islamists and Communists into the Congress.

Interesting that NH is participating in the Great American State Fair, and it was the State that got the Constitution ratified, yet the Governor of Pennsylvania the state where it was signed is pouting and being disrespectful to its own citizens and all U,S. citizens.

Happy 10th class reunion class of 1957

            

I'm painfully trying to consolidate and sort through computer files moving from Works to Word. This photo didn't make the conversion, but I was able to copy and paste.  It's the 10th class reunion in 1967, and I'm not in the photo because in June, 1967, we moved from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to Upper Arlington, Ohio. Seemed too soon to return to Illinois. It's probably somewhere here in the blog.

Soothing musical memories

This blog is from a January 1989 letter:

I've been using my New Year's resolution and my Prevention newsletter to do walking again. Last week I logged 10 miles in my little book--not up to my old records when I used to do about 4 miles a day. . .

I don't have anything exciting to tell about like the concerts, plays, and museums that my big sister goes to. I guess she'll have to get the culture for the rest of us. The other day I was listening to National Public Radio (which is about all I listen to these days) and I heard a lovely piano solo that I remembered Joanne playing way back when, and I thought what a blessing it was to the whole family that she studied piano for so many years. We grew up hearing the beautiful music of the masters and didn't even realize it.

1959 

1999

Blog on old films with links

 Melanie Novak blog on old films.  We've seen some of these at The Estates. I've starred them.

The Affairs of Susan (1945)
After the Thin Man (1936)
The African Queen (1951) *
All About Eve (1950)
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Anna Christie (1930)
The Awful Truth (1937)
Baby Face (1933)
Ball of Fire (1941)
The Big Sleep (1946)
Blowing Wild (1953)
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
Born to Be Bad (1950)
Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
The Bride Wore Red (1937)
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
The Caine Mutiny (1954)
Camille (1936)
Captain Blood (1935)
Casablanca (1942) *
Christmas In Connecticut (1945)
Christopher Strong (1933)
Cimarron (1931)
Come and Get It (1936)
The Constant Nymph (1943)
Craig’s Wife (1936)
Daisy Kenyon (1947)
A Damsel in Distress (1937)
Dance, Girl, Dance (1940)
Dark Victory (1939)
Designing Woman (1957)
Dial M For Murder (1954) *
Dinner at Eight (1933)
Dangerous (1935)
Dark Passage (1947)
A Day in the Country (1946)
Destry Rides Again (1939)
The Divorcée (1930)
Double Indemnity (1944) *
Dracula (1931)
East Side, West Side (1949)
Ex-Lady (1933)
Father of the Bride (1950) *
Father of the Bride (1991)  *
First Comes Courage (1943)
Frankenstein (1931)
A Free Soul (1931)
From Here to Eternity (1953)
From This Day Forward (1946)
Gaslight (1944)
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Giant (1956)
Gilda (1946)
Gone With the Wind (1939)
Grand Hotel (1932)
The Great Lie (1941)
Gun Crazy (1950)
Hands Across the Table (1935)
Harriet Craig (1950)
Harvey (1950)
The Heiress (1949)
Hell’s Angels (1930)
High Society (1956) *
Hold Back the Dawn (1941)
Holiday Inn (1942)
Honor Among Lovers (1931)
House of Wax (1953)
How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
I Married a Witch (1942)
In a Lonely Place (1950)
Indiscreet (1958)
In Name Only (1939)
In This Our Life (1942).
It Happened One Night (1934)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Jane Eyre (1944)  *
Jezebel (1938)  *
Key Largo (1948)*
King Kong (1933)
The Lady Eve (1941)
Laura (1944)
Leave Her to Heaven (1945)
Letter From An Unknown Woman (1948)
Little Caesar (1930)
Lonelyhearts (1958)
A Lost Lady (1934)
Made For Each Other (1939)
The Male Animal (1942)
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Mata Hari (1931)
Meet John Doe (1941)
Merrily We Go to Hell (1932)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935)
Mildred Pierce (1945)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Mogambo (1953) *
Mutiny On The Bounty (1935)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941)
Mrs. Miniver (1942)
Mr. Skeffington (1944)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
My Cousin Rachel (1952)
My Favorite Wife (1940)
My Man Godfrey (1936)
Next Time We Love (1936)
No Man of Her Own (1932)
Notorious (1946)
Of Human Bondage (1935)
Old Acquaintance (1943)
The Old Maid (1939)
The Other Love (1947)
The Petrified Forest (1936)
The Philadelphia Story (1940)  *
A Place in the Sun (1951)
Possessed (1931)
The Princess Comes Across (1936)
Princess O’Rourke (1943)
The Public Enemy (1931)
Queen Christina (1933) *
The Razor’s Edge (1946)
Rear Window (1954)
Rebecca (1940)
Red Dust (1932)
Red-Headed Woman (1932)
The Red Shoes (1948)
Sabrina (1954)
Sabrina (1995)
Saratoga Trunk (1945)
Scarface (1932)
September Affair (1950)
She Done Him Wrong (1993)
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
The Shopworn Angel (1938)
Show Boat (1936)
The Snake Pit (1948)
So Big (1932)
Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)
Stagecoach (1939)
Stage Door (1937)
Stella Dallas (1937)
The Stratton Story (1949)
The Strawberry Blonde (1941)
Sunrise (1927)
Suspicion (1941).
Swing High, Swing Low (1937)
Swing Time (1936)
Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
Tarzan Escapes (1936)
Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939)
Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)
Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941)
The Thin Man (1934)
This Above All (1942)
The Thorn Birds (1983)
To Catch A Thief (1955)
To Each His Own (1946)
To Have and Have Not (1944)
Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
True Confession (1937)
Twentieth Century (1934)
The Two Mrs. Carrolls (1947)
Vertigo (1958)
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
Waterloo Bridge (1931)
Waterloo Bridge (1940)
White Christmas (1954)
Wife Vs. Secretary (1936)
Winchester ’73 (1950)
The Wizard of Oz (1939) *
The Women (1939)
You Can’t Take It With You (1938)
Young Man with a Horn (1950)
You’ve Got Mail (1998) *

Movies shown at Estates not in the blog

On Moonlight Bay with Doris Day, Sept 4, 2025

You Gotta Believe, sports drama, Sept. 7, 2025

The Way We Were, Sept. 24, 2025

Tea for Two, Doris Day, Sept. 28, 2025

Overboard, Goldie Hawn, Oct. 2, 2025, our copy

Abby's List, ours, Mark Sutherland of our Campfire group, Oct. 8, 2025

Whales of August, Lilian Gish, Bette Davis, Oct. 16, 2015

Fried Green Tomatoes, Kathyy Bates, Oct. 26, 2015

Devil wears Prada

Mr. Blanding builds his dream home

Big fat Greek Wedding

Miracle worker

Elizabethtown

Where the crawdads sing

Auntie Mame

Home Sweet Alabama

Mrs Harris goes to Paris

Mystic pizza

First cow

Now, Voyager  Collecting My Thoughts: Now, Voyager (1942) with Bette Davis

To catch a thief

High noon

Notorius (1946)

Brigadoon  Collecting My Thoughts: Enjoying a night at the movies at The Estates

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Apollo 13

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