Just a thought

Today I read that our pal, 63Mago*, has been blogging for 10 years! Congratulations to him that's for sure! Blogging is so much more fun than that other social media site! Huzzah for him and everyone else who's still blogging!

E@L** is also back blogging. At least, he did today. Drop by and encourage him, if you're so inclined!

Ok, that's pretty much it for me today. I started this to talk about how I started blogging in Nov. of 2006. Go figure, right?

Anyway, stay safe, wear a mask when you're outside, and wash your hands often!***

* check him out on my sidebar

**Expat At Large also on my sidebar

***I've forgotten how to do hyperlinks!

What a Week!

There isn't much to add to the news we've all read and seen about this past week! I am glad we have a chance to not only reconsider the past, but a very real opportunity to change our collective future.

I can only hope that every person who stood or walked in protest will remember to vote in November. 

VOTE as if your life depended on it because it DOES!

Today is his birthday!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the MITM aka Man In The Moon!

Celebrate with us as we raise a glass in his honor!

Hang in there, sweetpeas!

I had another post ready, but after today I figured we just needed to have each other's back and keep on keepin' on as the song said.

Times are tough right now for all of us here on this continent, and across the pond. Hell, everywhere on this planet! But, remember there is goodness and kindness in Blogville!

I love all y'all!
xoxo

I picked the right week to not watch the news

I stopped watching network news earlier this week and even with that small move, I was not untouched by the horrors that filled the screens around the country and probably the world. Between the rantings of Trumpito and his undisguised white supremacist views, there was, once again, the death of George Floyd, a black man, filmed and televised. There was the accusation by a white woman against Christian Cooper, a black man, once again filmed and shared over and over again. 

These are just two things that I know about that happened during my self imposed television withdrawal.

This morning I learned about the arrest of Omar Jimenez, a CNN reporter, and his crew by police in Minneapolis at a demonstration yesterday. This during a LIVE broadcast. You could hear the reporter and his crew cooperating with the police, in fact, asking what did the police want them to do. The reporter and his crew were all wearing CNN identification as journalists do when reporting on any demonstration. 

He is black.

A block away his white colleague was not arrested.

This is not just a black-white issue.

It's not minority communities versus white communities.

It's more than the top 1% versus the rest of us.

This is a moment in time when we as Americans decide what type of a society we are going to be going forward. 

I don't have the answer. But, I think together we can figure this out.

At least, I hope so.

***********

I haven't forgotten COVID-19. I don't think any of us can right now. For every day we have fewer deaths, we still have people succumbing to this new virus with variations appearing in different groups in our society. It seems that there is no longer a demographic that's safe or excluded.

I miss seeing the rest of the Krewe. We are incredibly fortunate that we're with the Cap't, Stretch, The Kid, and Big Boy Chaos! To be in the middle of all of this, to be in the same city, and yet apart would have been heartbreaking. As it is now, I miss the ability we had to just hop in a car and see super nana, Mr Matrix, and Big Girl Matrix. I miss seeing The Doc and The Dancing Lady!

I know, we all miss the way things were.

We'll find a new way.

I know it.

I love all y'all!

xoxo

Holy Moly! I just blogged yesterday and here I am today!

I think I might be on to something here, loverlies! Blogging instead of posting on that other social media site Our pal, FirstNations, has cut the cord (after getting jailed far too many times) and has resumed blogging! I have forgotten how to do hyperlinks, so check her site out from the sidebar (Steve. Because 'Steve' is almost as nice a name as 'Paul' was.) and delight in her words!

So, where am I? Yes, blogging again and reading al y'all and trying to form coherent comments. (I say this because I just had a conversation with the MITM and we were both astounded that I could not remember something he had done just a week ago. Make sense?) Anyway, enough about me (too late) what the hell are y'all up to now? Safer At Home guidelines are being lifted in some areas and not in others, so tell how it is where you are!

The MITM and I have decided (after listening to his scientist brother) that we aren't going anywhere unit there's a vaccine. Cap't Chaos and Stretch, along with the rest of our krewe are in agreement with that plan, so that's the plan here. I'm going slowly crazy, but so is everyone else, I guess.

Memorial Day 2020

The news has called today a Memorial Day unlike any other. 

Personally, if it weren't for the pall of COVID-19 hanging over all of us, it's very much the same as every year. The majority of people see today as the "unofficial beginning of summer" and not a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It has long bothered me that Memorial Day is seen as a great hook for sales of every sort, from sheets to cars to blenders! How crass we've become. But then again, I am not surprised by anything since November of 2016 and sadly, we've come to expect vulgarity and crassness from people. 

So, it was with gratitude that I watched Joe Biden and Dr. Biden lay a wreath at the memorial in Delaware today. Not only were they both wearing masks as the CDC has recommended, their security detail and staff were also masked. It is a sign of concern for the health and safety of those around them which, unfortunately, too many people fail to understand is the whole purpose of wearing a mask in public.

I hope all of you stay safe, stay healthy, and stay hopeful.

I love all y'all.

xoxo

64 days as of today here in Los Angeles

I counted from March 13, 2020, up to today how long we've been under a mandatory Stay-At-Home order from Mayor Eric Garcetti. Capt Chaos and Stretch have been our designated shoppers, so the MITM and I have only been outside in the garden. Walks around the block, always wearing a mask, of course, have been the extent of physical exercise. Physical distancing is being practiced by people who understand why it's still important, but sadly, the news seems to focus on the moronic halfwits who don't give a rats ass about anyone other than themselves! 

I've found it so difficult to understand why people protesting are carrying weapons, waving nazi or confederate flags (or both at times), threatening folks who are masked is patriotic and supportive of America? By what stretch of the imagination is personal freedom defined by putting others at risk? I've heard from the Captain that even though there are fewer drivers on the road, far too often drivers are taking insane risks by speeding, blowing through stop signs, and other dumb moves! Sadly, here in Lalaland, the stats for car crashes under the Stay-At-Home order is the same as last year for the same 64 days! I can't think of a better time to be even more cautious than now!

On a happier note, we've been doing a lot of cooking and baking here! The Kid is making a Cuban style pork roast tonight, the MITM will be making another Chicken and Sausage gumbo soon, and I'm going to roast a leg of lamb this weekend. It's been quite a gastronomic adventure living with folks who love to cook during this pandemic! (Hey, I have to make a few lame jokes to keep from crying - which I seem to have been doing a bit of lately!) 

I've also been doing a lot of reading. I'm in the middle of Erik Lawson's book "The Splendid and the Vile" and have a stack that will keep me busy for a few weeks. What about y'all? What's keeping you busy?

So, there it is, my loverlies, my sort of weekly update from behind the COVID Curtain here in L.A.!

How y'all doing? 

aaaarrrraagggghhhh

i can't believe how irritable i am today.

I had to post that statement because it was just bubbling inside of me! Now that it's out, I'm feeling so much better! Is this happening to you? Even though I know we're staying "safe inside so that we can see all our friends later" the feeling of restlessness is present. I'm missing my other children, my granddaughter, my friends being in my space, not on a screen.

I know, so is everyone else, sweetpea! 

(This was much longer, but I decided to save it for another day.)

May 6th, 2020 (I think)

Well, in case you've been wondering WTF happened to me, here it is in a nutshell:

I killed yet another MAC! OK, maybe it really wasn't my fault this time, but I am without my own personal computer yet again! (I'm using an old one that belongs to Stretch right now) Mr Matrix had loaned me an old one of his, but it's now dead. Given the current restraints regarding our current pandemic budget I'm not buying a new MAC anytime soon. Dropping a few thousand dollars just seems to be the height of folly right now. Especially since I ain't working!

So, how y'all doing?

I expect there to be a ridiculous rise in COVID-19 cases soon given that so many folks have decided that it's their patriotic duty to go out without masks with no thought for anyone other than themselves. I can not understand how this thinking (or not thinking) works! But then again, I'm not going anywhere until there is a vaccine available and/or SCIENCE says it's safe again to be out and about, even if that means wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing! 

I don't know anymore WTF folks are rallying around conspiracy theories or still supporting Trumpito, but I no longer try to explain why I do what I do or what I believe.

(Sweet Mary Sunshine, this is turning into a modified rant which was not my original intent.)

I'm off to catch up with all y'all!

Stay safe, wear your mask, and wash your hands! xoxo

I know it's Sunday

I think I'm starting to slowly go crazy.

Or maybe it's just cabin fever.

I don't know anymore. But one thing is true: we will be doing this for at least another month here in LA!

Stay safe, stay inside, if you must go out remember to wash your hands as soon as you can. 

Of course, if you live around here, put your face mask on when you go outside!

There's more to the guidelines, but I think you've probably learned the drill by now.

There's a meme going around that says something along the lines of

Don't think of this as staying inside, think of it as staying safe.

It's a gentle reminder that we want to see all of our friends when this is over.

I love you all. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to The Dancing Lady!!

Quarantine Birthday Doughnuts 

The Dancing Lady is celebrating her day in her pajamas (which is why the pic is cropped) and having DOUGHNUTS for her birthday breakfast!

Y'all know how much this Krewe likes to party, so as soon as we can there's going be a HUGE CELEBRATION of birthdays, anniversaries, births, graduations, and what the hell, parties just for the pure delight of being together again!

This year it's a world-wide Birthday Party, so help us celebrate her *REDACTED* birthday and leave a good wish! 



P.S. I love all y'all, so remember: wash your hands, keep 6' distance, and wear a mask (but not hospital-grade, unless you're a health care worker) when you go out!

Movie Mania! or What Happens When BGM is Being Homeschooled!

I know it's Monday, but that's about it

I feel as if we're all back in kindergarten and being punished because of a few miscreants acting up, so none of us get to go out for recess!

I'm not serious. 

I KNOW we're coming from a place of privilege because we have homes to stay in, food to eat, soap and water to keep clean. But, honestly, when I look at the news and see people ignoring the physical distancing mandates it just pisses me off! The arrogance is startling and yet, not surprising. As a society, we've become blind to the suffering of others and the inequality that exists. I am hopeful that this crisis has exposed the ugliness that is just below the surface.

This is sort of a downer post, but I've come to realize that we need to roll with the ups and downs of this sequestration and if that means tears, screams, curses, and blessings are contained in one post, well, as BGM says, "Oh well, sorry, boys..."

I'm off to make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! 

xoxo

Be kind, be strong, and take care of one another

Those were the words from Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, just now.

I can't think of anything better to remember today.

We will get through this together.

What day is this? I don't know anymore

Man, it's getting strange around here.

But, seriously, we're inside, we have food, WiFi, we're not alone, and this ain't a damn warzone by any stretch of the imagination!

But, it really does help to have a place to just talk/vent/whine or whatever! I've had some off moments that I know come from watching too much news/talking heads. Like so many others, I look at our family and friends and wonder what lies ahead. There are moments where tears will suddenly spill down my cheeks and just as quickly, stop. I think I'm not alone with that particular experience.

All we do know is that it will get worse before it gets better. 

Stay safe, practice physical distancing, keep in touch via whatever platform you use, and wash your damn hands! xoxo

"Wow. The Covid 19 makes you spit bars. Lol" comment from youtube

Love in the Time of COVID-19 (with apologies to Gabriel García Márquez)

(In all honesty, I am not going to even attempt to write anything as gorgeous as his, but I figured the title was too good to pass up!)

Like everyone else around the world, we're staying home and watching the news/movies/Instagram/Facebook/Twitter. I'm working my way through the stack of books I was planning to read eventually. We're taking advantage of all the virtual museum tours, historic house tours, and national parks. The Krewe has started hosting "The Shenanigans Club" online for all the littles (as they are called, as opposed to the "olds" which is us!) every day after "school" ends. Big Boy Choas is visiting with his school pals via FaceTime. Big Girl Matrix has taken to just standing on the sidewalk and yelling/talking to her pals up and down the street! The kids are adapting to homeschooling without too many issues. I know they are fortunate that their schools have sent home packets for individual study. It also helps that Stretch is a teacher and super nana a former teacher! Local PBS (Public Broadcasting System) stations are, as I think all PBS stations, are providing not only the usual educational programs but also sending newsletters filled with ideas for combating "cabin fever" and maybe a little mental health break for parents/caregivers!

Here in L.A. and across our state, we're a half step away from the shelter in place order that Gov. Cuomo released, but unless idiots who continue to flock to the hiking trails, beaches, and open areas quit and stay inside, that's the next step. We have a chance to flatten the curve right now here in L.A. to protect not only the "olds" but those in the medical field, the firefighters, EMS, police, grocery store workers, pharmacists, and everyone else who continues working to provide essential services for the rest of us! I'm guessing that the same is true for all y'all around the world. 

I don't know what's coming next, but I do know that we will, as global citizens, get through this together. It will not be easy, nor will it be without human loss, but it will happen. Or as Annie sang:




UPDATE: there's something new here in Blogville! There's no hyperlink because I seem to have forgotten how to do that, so check out:

https://write-panic.blogspot.com/

Second UPDATE:

Jon is right. Grace Jones version is WAAAAAY better!

In times of trouble...

I copied this from our friend, John's blog "Going Gently" (I seem to have forgotten how to do links, so check his blog out on my blogroll/sidebar). The comment below is a gentle reminder about what we're all experiencing on some level right now.

Stay safe, stay calm, and remember to wash your hands! I love all y'all and we will get through this!




Brother Richard, of the Capuchin Franciscans

Lockdown

Yes there is fear.

Yes there is isolation.

Yes there is panic buying.

Yes there is sickness.

Yes there is even death.

But,

They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise

You can hear the birds again.

They say that after just a few weeks of quiet

The sky is no longer thick with fumes

But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi

People are singing to each other

across the empty squares,

keeping their windows open

so that those who are alone

may hear the sounds of family around them.

They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland

Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.

Today a young woman I know

is busy spreading fliers with her number

through the neighbourhood

So that the elders may have someone to call on.

Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples

are preparing to welcome

and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary

All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting

All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way

All over the world people are waking up to a new reality

To how big we really are.

To how little control we really have.

To what really matters.

To Love.

So we pray and we remember that

Yes there is fear.

But there does not have to be hate.

Yes there is isolation.

But there does not have to be loneliness.

Yes there is panic buying.

But there does not have to be meanness.

Yes there is sickness.

But there does not have to be disease of the soul

Yes there is even death.

But there can always be a rebirth of love.

Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.

Today, breathe.

Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic

The birds are singing again

The sky is clearing,

Spring is coming,

And we are always encompassed by Love.

Open the windows of your soul

And though you may not be able

to touch across the empty square,

Sing.

things that have happened since we last spoke

the MITM had shingles

then he had a cold

now he has deep muscle pain from the shingles

there was a baby shower for our niece

he missed it

his brother and his wife were in town

they came over

his sister and her husband were in town

they came over

our 51st anniversary came and went

exciting shit, right?


then there's 

Big Girl Matrix playing golf

and 

Big Boy Chaos playing with his Hogwarts Lego days after his 8th birthday in the early morning hours

see y'all soon!