A Long Way

Happy Presidents' Day!

Or maybe it's Happy George Washington's Birthday!

Whichever it is, I hope you had the day off.

We're hanging loose here at the farm, with the husband still hobbling around after his ankle fusion. He's out of his cast and walking boot and into physical therapy. He's having pain, still, which is a concern, but the doctor didn't seem to think it was a problem.

I have not been pleased with the follow-up care with this surgeon. At the moment, I wouldn't recommend him, but to be honest I would rather die than have a Carilion doctor operate on me, so I suppose one must take my anger and condescension toward Carilion physicians into consideration.

At least I'm honest about it. I will be really upset when I wake up one day and find someone from Carilion has performed a heart catherization for that heart attack my primary care doctor insists I am going to have before I am old enough to have dementia.

Anyway, the saga of the husband's foot began on November 22, which was the day of his surgery. We're coming up on 3 months of healing up and being at home.

It's been a long process and much more intense than my husband anticipated.

It is has been exactly what I anticipated.

My husband had arthritis in his ankle and he was walking on the side of his foot. It was painful to watch. He'd been getting worse in the last two years but wouldn't listen when I suggested doing something about it. Finally, it pained him more than he could stand and this surgery was the result.

This is a video I took back in the summer to show him how he walked. I cringe every time I look at it. For some reason it is sideways, sorry about that.

 

Mostly he's been a good patient. Once the anesthesia was out of his system, he felt a little better. Then he was in a hard cast and he was able to get around on a knee scooter. After a while he grew bored so he started helping with the laundry. I did not complain even though I have never in my life seen someone fold towels like he does. I cringe when I see them but I don't say anything and I leave them alone. It isn't the end of the world if the bathroom closet looks odd.

The fact that he still has pain is frustrating for us both. I did not expect him to magically recover but he seemed to think that would be the case. He wasn't counting on having to relearn to walk, to have to have me standing there constantly going "keep your leg straight" while he walks across the room. He slips easily back into dragging it like he was before the surgery. His hip and knee are accustomed now to the odd limp, not the new gait created by the ankle fusion.


I consider this long extended home-stay to be a trial run at his retirement. Hopefully when he does retire, he will be more active because if I have to watch one more episode of Bitchin' Rides I am going to cancel the DirecTV without telling him. How many car shows can one man watch, anyway? Sheesh.

As regular readers know, I am not a TV watcher. I don't have it on all day when I am alone.

He has it on ALL THE DAMN TIME.

I shut the door to my office a lot now. I can't think straight when I hear the TV running or when I am listening for him. Even after three months, I am not used to having him in the house and I can round a corner to find him standing someplace unexpected and scare myself.

Sometimes, I confess, I've pitched a fit and told him to turn the TV off. Well, more like I demanded he either turn it off or I was going to throw a rock through it.

I listen to music when I'm home alone. I miss my music. He doesn't like my music, because it interferes with the TV racket. 

He needs a mancave. One that is not close to the house. Maybe a real cave with bears in it.

Just kidding.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

Have you ever:
 
1. Broken a bone? Yes.

2. Broken a window? No.

3. Been on TV? Yes.

4. Had a friend who shared the same birthday as you? Yes.

5. Locked your keys in the car? Yes.

6. Accidentally sent a text or email to the wrong person? Not that I recall.

7. Sat in the back of a police car? Yes.

8. Fallen asleep at work? Yes.

9. Made a snow angel? Yes.

10. Ridden in an ambulance? Yes.

And other questions:

11. What is the worst household chore? Cleaning the toilet.

12. What is the worst color? Orange.

13. What is the worst pizza topping? Black olives.

14. What is the worst weather? Wind.

15. What is the worst self-care job (e.g. dressing, washing, shaving, teeth, toe nails)? Flossing.

16. What is the worst game? Horseshoes.

17. What is the worst school subject? I liked them all, even math, so I don't know.

18. What is the worst animal? A stubborn mule.

19. What is the worst season? Winter.

20. What is the worst TV show? Anything on Fox.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: Secret Valentine

Saturday 9: Secret Valentine (2008)

In honor of Valentine's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics talk about a song that's so romantic it "turns out the lights." Are the lights on in the room you're in right now?

A. Yes, even though it is daylight outside. I need a lot of light to see by these days. I used to read practically in the dark and kept the lights off all the time - my husband thought I was part vampire. But as I have aged, I find I need more light.

2) In the video, our heroine's Valentine's Day adventure begins with a note slipped into her pocket. What's in your pocket right now?

A. Lint.

3) This week's band, We the Kings, are proud sons of the state of Florida. Bradenton, to be exact. They even called one of their CDs Sunshine State of Mind. Have you ever been to Florida? If so, where have you visited?

A. I went to Florida as a child to visit a great-grandparent, but I have no idea where in Florida that was. I was quite young and the only thing I remember about the trip is a long drive, a cat had a litter of kittens underneath a porch while we were there, and palm trees. In 1993, my husband and I went to Disney in Orlando for a few days to celebrate my graduation from college.

4) Lead singer Travis Clark has a pierced lip but doesn't always wear a lip ring. Do you have any piercings? If yes, are you wearing jewelry in your piercing(s) right now?

A. I have a hole in each ear but I don't have on any earrings at the moment.

5) The band's name comes from a cheer they did when they attended Martha B. King High School. Have you attended your high school reunion?

A. I attended our 30th high school reunion in 2011.

6) Hearts are the symbol of Valentine's Day, so here's a little heart trivia: whales have largest heart of any animal. When we say a person is "big hearted," it means we think of them as generous. Think about the people in your life. Who would you describe as big hearted?

A. My husband, some of my friends, my brother when he wants to be.

7) It's estimated that 9 million people buy Valentine's Day presents for their dogs and cats. Have you ever purchased a holiday gift for a pet?

A. No.

8) Valentines to teachers are also big sellers. Did you ever have a crush on one of your instructors?

A. When I was in school, all the girls swooned over Barry Kinzie, who taught 5th grade, I think. But I did not have him as a teacher. I was almost always the teachers' pet in class; I think I loved all of my teachers but not as a "crush." They were nice people who took an interest in me.

9) With the popularity of e-cards, fewer Valentine messages are sent via the USPS. What's the most recent thing you dropped into a mailbox?

A. I mailed off a batch of the county's 250th magazine to several folks who'd asked me for copies.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.

Thursday Thirteen

Things I like:

1. Dreams

2. Guitars

3. Music

4. Reading

5. Writing

6. Talking

7. Hugs

8. Computer games

9. Chocolate

10. Puzzles

11. Newspapers

12. Strong heroines in stories

13. Fantasy


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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 643rd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Movie Nights

We recently watched the Downton Abby movie and Tolkien.

I liked them both, but I think I liked Downton Abby best.

The Downton movie was rather plotless - basically the entire plot revolved around a visit from the king and queen - but it was fun to revisit the characters. The coup by the staff to keep the royal staff from taking over Downton was cute and clever. But good theater? Not really. Just entertaining.

The Tolkien movie, from what I understand, was not sanctioned by the family of the famous writer. This movie delves into Tolkien's early years and uses metaphors from his writings to imply that the legends of Middle Earth were, at least in part, Tolkien's way of getting World War I and his early orphaned state out of his system. I have no problem with this; I do not believe a writer can be entirely separated from his or her work, no matter the subject. I have seen this argued both ways in many different forums.

Since I have read a biography or two or three about Tolkien, I knew what to expect. I think the theatric choices were reasonable.

For some reason, the Tolkien movie reminded me of the Dead Poet's Society. I think it was the young men's grouping that brought that about. I wonder if there are young men today who sit around and talk about the classics, look into literature, and discuss the values of Henry James or D. H. Lawrence. I rather doubt it; we're all too busy looking at our phones now to have much discussion.

At any rate, these movies were both set in England, which was about they only thing the two had in common.

We enjoyed them and they certainly were better than watching another round of Bitchin' Rides. (If I never see another car show I will be fine with that.)

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. Is it more important to love or be loved?

A. They are equally important. Loneliness is at an all-time high and is a known stressor, adding to early deaths of many, especially the elderly. They probably do love many people, but are not shown love in return (forgetful sons and daughters). But if they did not love, they would not generally be loved in return. They might be idolized or something, but that is not love.

2. If you had the chance to go back in time and change one thing, would you do it?

A. Yes.

3. If a doctor gave you five years to live, what would you try to accomplish?

A. I have a friend who has this diagnosis; she has been magnificent to watch, making the best of her life. She has traveled, visited all 50 states, and worked hard to maintain her quality of life. She's very inspiring - and I suspect, probably a better person than I am in this instance. I would probably continue floundering along. I like to think it might make me actually write that novel, but I doubt it. It is hard question to answer until you're actually faced with it for real.

4. What is the difference between innocence and ignorance?

A. Innocence is not knowing that there are different things, thoughts, and feelings about something in particular. Ignorance is knowing that there are differences and ignoring them without consideration.

5. What is the simplest truth you can express in words?

A. I am.

6. What gives your life meaning?

A. My writing, making other people happy, and chocolate.

7. Can there be happiness without sadness?  Pleasure without pain?  Peace without war?

A. Yes to all three.

8. What’s the one thing you’d like others to remember about you at the end of your life?

A. "She did the best that she could."

9. Is there such a thing as perfect?

A. Only if you are #45.

10. What do you love most about yourself?

A. My ability to be observant.

11. Is it more important to do what you love or to love what you are doing?

A. If you love what you are doing it stands to reason you are doing something you love to do. Are they not equivalent?

12. What do you imagine yourself doing ten years from now?

A. In 10 years I will be 66 years old. Hopefully I will still be writing, be healthier (and thinner), and maybe I will have traveled a little more.

13. What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?

A. My dentist saw me on a Saturday.

14. To what degree have you controlled the course your life has taken?

A. About 180 degrees.

15. If you looked into the heart of your enemy, what do you think you would find that is different from what is in your own heart?

A. Lies, deceit, and a lust for power.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: Two Divided

Saturday 9: Two Divided by Love (1971)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? You can hear it here.

1) Sam's teacher told her she'd use math every day. What's the last math problem you solved? (Did you add to/subtract from the balance of your checkbook ... use division to figure out how much you'd save with 25% off that sweater …)

A. I think it was to calculate a tip on at a restaurant bill. I do it this way for 15%. The bill is $25.75. Ten percent of that is $2.57. Half of that is 1.25 or so. Add those together to get $3.75, which I round up to $4. Yes, I know, those are not exact numbers but they are close. If I wanted to leave 20%, then I'd double the $2.57 to $5.

2) The lyrics tell us that if you take away the rain from a flower, the flower just won't grow. Do you have any indoor houseplants? Could they use a drink of water this morning?

A. I have one cactus out in the garage. Someone gave it to me last year and it is still alive even though I planted it in what was mostly mulch and not dirt. Occasionally I give it a bit of water. It's a cactus. It doesn't need much.

3) This week's artists, The Grass Roots, are introduced in this video by country music superstar Kenny Rogers. Who is your favorite country music singer?

A. I don't listen to country music now. I stopped when I discovered I could turn the channel on the radio to a pop music station. I liked Dolly Parton back in the day, though. I also like Ann Murray. I still listen to some of her music on a CD.

4) The two unmarried members of the group -- guitarist Warren Entner and drummer Ricky Coonce -- competed for a lady's affection on a 1968 episode of The Dating Game. Neither of them won! She chose Bachelor #1. Anyway, have you ever appeared on a game show? Do you know anyone who has?

A. I have never appeared on game show. I know some people who appeared on the local version of Classroom Quiz, but by the time I hit high school, that show was over.

5) The Grass Roots were originally called The 13th Floor. They chose this cheeky name because many high rises do not have a 13th floor since 13 is considered an unlucky number, and they were thumbing their noses at superstition. Are you superstitious?

A. I think the weather affects you with headaches and I do think the full moon makes people a little more weird sometimes, but I think there are scientific explanations for that, some of which we simply haven't figured out yet. However, I do not venture out of the house unless I have to on Friday the 13th. I have had three car wrecks and every one of them occurred on a Friday the 13th.

6) At the time of his death in 2011, group leader Rob Grill was still playing music, touring with a reconfigured Grass Roots. His widow Nancy referred to him as "one lucky son of a gun" because he'd been able to support himself as a musician, doing what he loved for 45 years. In what ways do you consider yourself fortunate?

A. I married a nice man and I was able to have a career as a freelance writer. Most writers cannot support themselves with their writing and I was able to for a good while. I don't now because of health issues, but at one time I did okay. I never got rich or anything but I was able to pay my share of the bills.

7) In 1971, the year this song was released, Walt Disney World opened in Florida. The Epcot Center was added in 1982. Have you ever visited this, or any, Disney theme park?

A. We went to Disney in Florida in 1993 to celebrate my graduation from Hollins College (now Hollins University). We went in June and it was incredibly hot and humid (I think it was like 107 or something). We could only stay until about lunchtime and then we had to return to the hotel and get out of the heat. I turned 30 while we were there. (It took me 8 years to get my degree because of health issues.)

8) Fresh chicken was just 43¢/lb. in 1971. Do you prefer the breast or drumstick?

A. I prefer the thigh, actually.

9) Random question: Do you work well under pressure?

A. I wrote for newspapers and magazines for 20 years, so I must. Nothing like a weekly deadline to keep you writing.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.

Thursday Thirteen

Right now, we are supposedly in the "Information Age" (1970 - present).

Other ages that you may have heard of include the Age of Enlightenment, the Bronze Age, the Industrial Age, the Victorian Era, etc.

I wonder what people in the future might call this time period. (That's provided humanity manages to last another 1,000 years, something I doubt.) Here are some guesses.

1. The Technological Age

2. The Age of Dictatorships

3. The Age of Ignorance

4. The Age of Me-ism

5. The Dark Times

6. The Doomsday Age

7. The Digital Age

8. The Discombobulated Age

9. The Era of Arrogance

10. The Age of Multimedia

11. The Age of Endless Wars

12. The Bubbleheaded Period

13. The Graceless Age

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 642nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

The Evils of Social Media

I do not actually do a lot of social media. I have my blog, a Facebook account, a LinkedIn account, and a Twitter account.

I check the Twitter account probably less than once a month. I'm just not a fan of it. I can't remember the last time I looked at my LinkedIn account.

My blog I consider my personal space. If you want to read it, you come here. It's not in your face or anything. I think it is the best way to air my feelings and to say things I want to say. If you come here and read it and don't like it, you don't have to remove from your newsfeed or anything. You just don't come back. If you don't like my politics or my religion or whatever, then simply move along. I don't need you to tell me how awful I am and that you're never coming back to my blog. Just go. I know of people who no longer read me for whatever reasons, and while I initially wondered what the problem was, after a while I no longer missed them. I doubt they miss me.

Facebook is difficult. I look at it but don't post a lot. I read what other people are doing, although in the last three years more and more people have been "unfollowed" than I ever thought I would think about doing that to, because they've proven to be racist bigots in their political posts. Sometimes I go back and re-follow everyone, but then my FB page fills up with some pretty vile stuff, so off they go again.

I've also blocked a lot of people I don't even know because I saw something they wrote in comments on a newsfeed page. Yikes. Some folks are just downright nasty.

My point, and I do have one, is that there is someone on the other end of your nasty email or your nasty post or your nasty feed or your nasty blog or whatever it is. Your words might be breaking someone's heart. 

I don't write nasty blog posts. I might write that I disagree with the current administration and I wish things were different, but that's opinion, not nasty.

Nasty is calling the Obamas monkeys, or saying that black people get what they deserve, or saying that the Superbowl half-time show was unAmerican because it had Latinos in it (I saw several people say this. Good grief.). Sorry, but we're a melting pot. You get to have your opinion but I don't have to read it the next time, because I may have unfollowed you if you say things like that in a particularly vile way.

I have always been a nice person and tried to play nice and by the rules. It is true what they say, that nice girls finish last. I'm ok with last. I can sleep at night, I don't have to worry which lie I told to which person, and I know in my heart that I've done everything I can to ensure growth and prosperity not only for myself and my family but for others. I know that I used my forum on the newspaper to try to educate and promote goodness and kindness. I can't help it if people could not or did not read or comprehend. (Would newspaper writing be social media? Maybe so. Never thought of it that way before.)

Anyway, the nasty words people write to others can leave hurt feelings, broken hearts, and total dismay in their wake. I presume the people who write these things don't care. Political correctness, after all, has become a bad thing, but I'm talking more about manners and graciousness in general. You know, being polite, which is something that many United States citizens are not very good at.

You, dear reader, always welcome to read what I write and to disagree. That doesn't mean I have to approve of your disagreement or that I will leave your comment on my blog. It doesn't mean you have to follow me on Facebook - you're welcome to unfollow me or even block me and unfriend me if you want. That is your right.

But please do remember that words have consequences. If what you say might hurt someone's feelings, then is there a reason to say it at all?

I would like a nice world. This current one, where to me it feels like bullying and meanness is the rule of the day, is pretty scary.

Some of the rules I grew up with:

• Mind your manners.
• Play nice with the ball.
• Be kind always, because it is harder to be kind than to be mean. Mean is the easy way out.
• Find your inner goodness, let it shine.
• If you have to stand up for something, stand up for something that makes the world better, not tears it down.

I wonder what happened to those soft little rules.

Happy Birthday, Botetourt!

Saturday, Botetourt County held the opening event for its 250th birthday. The event was charming and totally Botetourt County in its tone. It was inclusive, patriotic, and it spoke to both our past and our present. The 250th anniversary committee, comprised of Donna Vaughn of Eagle Rock, Lois Switzer and Angela Coon, both from Fincastle, and Wendy Wingo of Blue Ridge, did an outstanding job in coordinating not only this effort but also in helping me put the county's 250th celebratory magazine together.

The program for the event.

Inside of the program.

 

 

The event was held at the Lord Botetourt High School auditorium.



It was a full house. By the time the event started, it was standing room only.

Brent Watts was master of ceremonies. He is the Chief Meteorologist at WDBJ7.

 

The Sheriff's Department and Botetourt County Fire and EMS Departments presented the flag, and Boy Scout Troop
211 of Daleville led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Teresa Hamm, right, sang the National Anthem

Students from Cloverdale and Troutville Elementary Schools sang patriotic songs.

Virginia House of Delegate Terry Austin gave a speech. He used to be a member of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors.

The combined choirs of Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church and Lapsley Run Baptist Church rocked the house.

The Anniversary Address by the Honorable Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo, retired Circuit Court judge and former Virginia State Senator, addressed the county's history and explained how we really are, as Robert Douthat Stoner named his book, "The Seedbed of the Republic."



David Austin & Friends sang the 250th Anniversary Song, which they wrote. The song is called "Where My Home and My Heart Meet."

 

This is the cover of the official 250th anniversary magazine.

There were additional displays in the cafeteria, along with punch and birthday cake. The magazine wasn't given out until the end, because the Sestercentennial Committee didn't want people leafing through the magazine during the event ceremonies. I gave out the magazine and many folks asked me to sign a copy. Because I was busy I didn't get to see the other displays in the cafeteria.

I thought this was a very good event and a great start to our year-long celebration.

Happy birthday, Botetourt!

Sunday Stealing #320

Sunday Stealing

1. How do you like your eggs?

A. Scrambled.

2. How do you take your coffee/tea?

A. I put a teaspoon of sugar in my tea once a day. The rest of the time it is unsweetened. I do not drink coffee.

3. What are your favorite breakfast foods?

A. Bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and grits with butter.

4. How do you prefer your peanut butter: smooth or crunchy?

A. Smooth.

5. What kind of dressing do you use on your salad?

A. Olive oil or Thousand Island, usually.

6. Which do you prefer, Coke or Pepsi?

A. I don't drink either anymore, but at one time I was a Coke drinker.

7. You feel like cooking. What do you make?

A. I can't imagine that I have feelings of wanting to cook very often, but I don't mind baking too much, so something like brownies or a coffee cake.

8. You’re feeling lazy. What do you make?

A. I open a can of soup or have a sandwich.

9. You’re feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order?

A. Chicken alfredo.

10. Is there a food you refuse to eat?

A. I do not eat coconut. I'm also not a fan of olives.

11. What is your favorite fruit & vegetable?

A. My favorite fruit is a banana, and my favorite vegetable is peas.

12. What is your favorite junk food?

A. A chocolate bar.

13. What is your favorite between-meal snack?

A. Sigh. A chocolate bar.

14. Do you have any weird food habits?

A. I don't think so. Well, I eat popcorn with a spoon and I have been told that is not normal, but at least my hands aren't greasy.

15. You’re on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on?

A. Nuts and salad.

16. How spicy do you order Indian/Thai?

A. Not spicy at all.

17. What is the perfect nightcap?

A. A glass of water.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.  (#320)

Saturday 9: Waiting All Day

Saturday 9: Waiting All Day for Sunday Night (2012)

Happy February! White Rabbits!

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's Saturday 9 has a football theme because there's a big game Sunday. Will you be watching?

A. I doubt it. Sunday night is Supergirl night. This girl has her priorities.

2) The Super Bowl is a big day for food consumption in the US, second only to Thanksgiving. What's on your menu this weekend?

A. Nothing in particular.

3) The NFL has decreed that the Super Bowl will never be played in a city that has a median February temperature of less than 50º. Would your hometown qualify for the Big Game?

A. I don't think so. We have a temperature range usually from below freezing to 45 degrees in February, although this year it could be like June since January was like March.

4) This version of the NFL theme song mentions the Steelers and the Broncos. During the regular season, which team do you root for? How did they do in 2019?

A. I don't generally watch football. I do root for the Virginia Cavaliers (University of Virginia) in college football.

5) This version of the Sunday Night Football song is by Faith Hill. She also has ties to the MLB, since her husband is Tim McGraw, son of the Mets' pitcher Tug McGraw. Which sport do you prefer -- baseball or football?

A. Neither. Baseball is boring and football is violent.

6) Faith has performed live at more than one The Super Bowl in the past, performing both "America, the Beautiful" and "The Star Spangled Banner." What's your favorite patriotic song?

A. America the Beautiful.

7) She has a perfume line with Coty that was a big seller at CVS during Christmas 2018. What's the last item you bought at a drugstore?

A. Bandages for my husband's ankle incision, which is healed but still tender where his specialized walking boot cuts across it.

8) Faith Hill is the producer of a talk show on CMT called Pickler and Ben. Is the TV on as you answer these questions? If so, what are you watching?

A. My TV is off because my husband is napping while I answer these questions.

9) Random question: You've got a chip in your hand and three dips to choose from -- guacamole, salsa, and onion. Where does your chip get dipped?

A. Onion.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.

Thursday Thirteen

1. Saturday we have big doin's happening in my county. This year, we are 250 years old! The kick-off event is Saturday afternoon and I have been asked to be there.

2. That's because I was responsible for putting out a 100-page magazine that celebrates the county.

3. In other news, my husband continues his recovery from his ankle fusion surgery. He is walking in a boot but not exactly moving fast.

4. In fact, he's reading his third novel. Mind you, this is the third book he's read in the 36 years we've been married!

5. January has been a weird weather month. Too warm, for one thing, for this time of year.

6. I was listening to a history podcast this morning and it was about Auschwitz. The speaker noted that Auschwitz didn't start with gas chambers. It started with "the othering" of people.

7. That's where we are now, in a great divide that has people unable to compromise or reach common ground, not only politically but now personally.

8. You have to sit down and talk in order to understand one another. For example, all of these people protesting proposed gun laws - you do know there are already many, many gun laws in the Virginia Code, don't you? They've all passed the sniff test and nothing being proposed in the current legislative session has been upended in federal courts. You're upset because you're "othering" and not thinking things through. You're not an "other" to me. You're my neighbor. Let's chat.

9. I've been an "other" since the day I was born, I'm afraid. Female = other in the minds of some men. Guess what. We're human beings too, and you wouldn't exist without us.

10. At the supervisors' meeting Tuesday, someone called me the "Dragon Queen of Botetourt." I don't know whether to be honored or offended.

11. Someone else told me to be honored, because no one should fail to take me seriously. I don't misstep often, and I'm usually right when I call someone out.

12. Also the other day, someone told me he didn't trust press people because his father was able to go into a tornado-damaged area by creating a fake press badge. I told him it wasn't my fault his father was a liar and a cheat. That did not go over well. I don't think this person and I will be friends.

13. These days my time is spent looking after my husband and doing our bookkeeping for the 2019 year, which I let slide but now must do so I can get things to the accountant. But soon I will need a project and a change of direction. What will I do, I wonder? My future in my crystal ball looks unclear.



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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 641st time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.