Building a Mountain

As I headed over to my father's the other day, I noticed that the cement plant is building a new mountain.

Maybe it's just a really big mound of dirt. Maybe it will be moved. I don't know, and don't care enough to ask.

At any rate, that dirt popping up over the trees wasn't there a few months ago. But now it is there.

I know they have been blasting a lot - it shakes the house occasionally even though this is probably at least 1.5 miles from me - but I didn't realize until I topped this hill that they were doing so much "landscaping."

The cement plant, which is the only one in Virginia, is the county's dirtiest industry, though they try very hard to pretend they are "green" and win awards in their industry for being energy efficient. Their website touts all kinds of Energy Star awards, and maybe for a cement plant they are "green" and energy efficient. The dust that gathers on the furniture and the dust that I pick up in my HEPA air filters that I have to run 24 hours a day because of my asthma tell me that they aren't exactly non-polluting.

I can see the crap that blows out of their stacks.

They occasionally are fined for noncompliance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regulations, but not often. That doesn't mean they are always in compliance, it just means they don't get caught. It also doesn't mean that the compliance regulations aren't too mild. For me, with my asthma, they're not strong enough.

The thing that really burns me? Most of the cement plant property once belonged to either my ancestors or my husband's ancestors. Oh, great-great-great-grandpappy, did you know what you were going to be bringing about one day?

My Brother's Peacock

My brother has two male peacocks. He did have a little flock, but the others "up and left," according to my brother. I suppose they were killed or something in the woods as this is not a native area for them. At any rate, there are no peahens for the guys. Despite the lack of females, during mating season, they still strut and do their stuff.

They also attempt to make out with anything that moves, like squirrels, blowing trees, the dog, etc., from what my brother has told me.

One of the peacocks (whom my brother calls Kevin) came to see us while we sat on the deck while we were visiting my brother for his birthday the other week. I could not get a photo of the bird from the front when he was all fanned out. I ended up with these. I really like the first picture, it's like some kind of weird dance.

I took these with my iPhone 5SE, which is ancient but still serviceable.

The India Blue peacock, scientifically known as Pavo cristatus, has resplendent plumage and a majestic demeanor.

Renowned for their extravagant tails, India Blue peacocks possess a remarkable display of iridescent blue and green feathers. The male, or peacock, proudly flaunts his elaborate train, which can extend up to five feet in length. Each feather is adorned with eye-shaped patterns, known as ocelli, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. During mating rituals, the peacock fans out his tail and dances gracefully, attracting the attention of peahens, who evaluate the potential mate based on the quality of his display.

These magnificent birds are native to the Indian subcontinent, where they are deeply ingrained in the country's culture and mythology. In Indian folklore, the peacock symbolizes immortality, grace, and protection, often associated with gods and goddesses. Their presence in ancient Indian art and architecture further exemplifies their significance in the cultural heritage of the region.

Moreover, India Blue peacocks exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism. While the males showcase their extravagant plumage, the females, known as peahens, possess more subdued feathers with shades of brown and gray. This striking contrast highlights the natural diversity within the species and emphasizes the evolutionary importance of attraction and courtship.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, India Blue peacocks contribute to the ecosystem by controlling pest populations. Their diet consists of insects, small reptiles, and vegetation, making them valuable allies in maintaining ecological balance.*

*ChatGPT assisted with the latter portion of this blog post.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. Have you tried anything new this year?

A. I have started playing music with my father and a friend of his a few times a month. I consider that new. Playing with other people is different from playing by yourself or with an electronic gadget.

2. What would you do if you don’t have Wi-Fi for a week?

A. Rejoice? I imagine I'd have a little withdrawal for the first day or so, but then I'd probably get a lot more done around the house, read more books, play more guitar. The Internet really is a time suck.

3. Do you like summer, why or why not?

A. I like summer better than winter, because it is warm and there are flowers, vegetables, and green-leafed trees to look at. I am not a fan of the heat and humidity, however. It would be nice if it would stay a pleasant 72 degrees with low humidity, but that doesn't happen anymore. It seems like the weather was like that through most of June when I was a child, but no longer.

4. What’s one restaurant that you like in your city? What food do they sell?

A. We eat a lot at Bellacino's, which has pizza and grinders.

5. Do you prefer digital books or real paper books?

A. I prefer real books, but I read digital books also. Real books quickly become clutter.

6. What’s one thing that you are interested in buying, but it’s a bit expensive, so you haven’t bought it yet?

A. I would love to have a new desktop computer and monitor. My computer is not that old, but I purchased on the cheap. The monitor is at least 10 years old. I'd like to have a really nice gaming computer with a good graphics card and all of that.

7. What tea brands do you like?

A. We always buy Lipton.

8. What’s one food that you can binge eat?

A. Potato chips.

9. Write one random thing that happened to you this month.

A. I saw a car crash in the parking lot last week.

10. How many long-term penpals do you have right now? (people who pen pal with you for more than 3 years)

A. I write to one person and my cousin. I'm not sure how long I've been doing that. At least since the pandemic.

11. If you owned a small food trailer, what food do you want to sell?

A. I have no wish to do this, but if it were something I ended up doing, I would want to sell desserts. Maybe something like funnel cakes or cotton candy.

12. What’s one handmade gift that you received and really liked?

A. I have some paintings that I am fond of.

13. What’s your ideal Saturday like?

A. My husband and I wake up, he fixes breakfast, we make the bed together, and then we dress, go to the farmer's market, visit with someone, perhaps his mom, and then we come home and just be lazy.

14. What things do you like to buy on Etsy?

A. All I have purchased on Etsy are masks that I bought during the pandemic.

15. What kind Asian food do you like?

A. All we have around here that I am aware of are Chinese food places, which I suspect is so Americanized as to be unrecognizable, but I'll go with that. 

__________

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: Big Spender

Saturday 9: Big Spender (1966)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
 
1) In this song, Peggy Lee invites a gentleman to join her for fun, laughs, and a good time. What will you be doing for fun this weekend?

A. I'm going to dinner with my father and his wife, my brother and his girlfriend, and my husband, of course.
 
2) Peggy was blessed with perfect pitch. It's estimated that just 1 in 10,000 has this gift. Tell us about something that comes naturally to you.

A. Reading has always been easy for me. I was reading by the time I was three or so. 
 
3) Peggy was an influential performer whose fans included singers as diverse as Carly Simon, Petula Clark, and Joni Mitchell. Bette Midler even did a Peggy Lee tribute album. What songstress do you listen to most often?

A. It's a three-way tie between Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and Stevie Nicks.
 
4) Paul McCartney was also a big Peggy Lee fan. In the 1970s he was invited to meet her in her London home. He arrived with a carefully chosen hostess gift: a bottle of champagne and an original song ("Let's Love") which she recorded and he produced. Have you more recently given or received a gift?

A. I received lots of gifts on Thursday for my birthday.

5) Cy Coleman wrote the music to "Big Spender." Unlike Peggy Lee, who never took a music lesson, Coleman was classically trained and studied composition, conducting, and orchestration at New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts and at the New York College of Music. If you could take classes in anything that interested you, what would you choose to learn more about?

A. I would love to take classes in archeology to learn more about various aspects of civilizations that have come and gone.

6) Coleman met lyricist Dorothy Fields by chance, at a party. Though Fields was more than 20 years his senior, they hit it off immediately and he invited her to work with him. Their collaboration resulted in two Broadway shows including Sweet Charity, which featured "Big Spender." Think about the person you spent the most time with last week. Were they older, younger or about the same age as you?

A. Older.
 
7) In 1966, when disc jockeys were playing this record, consumers were discovering garage door openers. These transistorized devices weren't cheap. Typically about $150 in 1966, that would be more than $1,000 in today's dollars. These days garage door openers are far more affordable and common. Can you think of something that was a luxury item when you were a kid that today you take for granted?

A. Telephones, televisions, microwaves.
 
8) 1966 found Jacqueline Susann atop the best seller list with her steamy novel, Valley of the Dolls. Though it was savaged by critics, countless Americans enjoyed the book. Do you have a similar guilty pleasure? Is there a book, movie, TV show or song you enjoy, even though you know it has little artistic merit?

A. I have read all of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books. They really have no redeeming quality. I have also watched nearly episode of Survivor, and I have no idea why.

9) Random question: When at a Mexican restaurant, what's your go-to order?

A. I have never been in a Mexican restaurant (I know, I know). If I went, I'd probably order a salad.

__________

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.

60 plus 1 day

Yesterday, I had a nice day for my birthday.

My husband's radio alarm went off at 5:00 a.m., and it was playing a Melissa Etheridge song. That much registered, but I don't remember the song. Just that it was one of my favorite singer/songwriters.

My friend took me to lunch! I had the first piece of chocolate cake I've had in at least three years.

The pearls around my neck were my birthday present from my husband. I have on earrings to match.

I received lots of cards.

And over 100 people said Happy Birthday to me on Facebook! I also had phone calls and texts from various friends and family members.

My brother visited me, which would have been present enough, but he also brought me a cool gift - a box of retro candy from the year I was born.

Inside were things like wax lips, red hots, Smarties, candy cigarettes, a bubble gum cigarette, and other things that I had long forgotten.

I received a few gift cards, too. I am thinking about what to purchase with those.

Additionally, I received some books!

My husband took me to dinner Wednesday night, which was a very good thing as he got hung up on one of his contracting jobs and didn't get home until almost 9 p.m. I didn't mind the time alone; I put on a Fleetwood Mac concert we have on the DVR and read a book. Then I made a phone call to a friend whose birthday is today and learned about the former guy's indictments. I watched the news about that for a little while but then went back to my book until my husband came home. I made him a chicken sandwich, he took a shower, and we went to bed.

All in all, a very satisfactory 60th birthday. Many thanks to all who helped make it special.

Thursday Thirteen - The "I" Edition

Today I am 60 years old. There was a time when I never thought I'd see 30, much less 60, so yay.

Since it's a big deal birthday, I am going to list 13 things I've accomplished over the last 60 years. This is actually harder for me than it sounds, because I tend to focus on the things I've done wrong, not the things I've done right. Anyway, let's see what I can come up with.

1. I chose a good man for my mate.

2. I have three college degrees, and I was an honor student.

3. I have written and published approximately 2 million words and oodles of photographs for various publications. Most of those were nonfiction articles, but I've also published poetry and a couple of short stories. I also wrote the county's official magazine for its 250th birthday.

4. I am a loyal friend. I consider my friends family.

5. I am a good sister to my brother and have worked hard to keep that relationship going.

6. I am a good daughter. I certainly could have been a lot more trouble than I was.

7. I am a good wife even if I don't like to cook or do housework. I still do it.

8. I'm a good nature photographer.

9. I'm a good aunt to my nephews and niece.

10. I'm a decent musician, playing guitar and writing songs. I can usually play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on any instrument I pick up.

11. I do ok with computers, including using word processing programs and gaming.

12. I'm well-read and knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects.

13. I make great fudge.

__________________

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 811th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Crash and Burn

Yesterday, I wheeled my grocery cart from Food Lion and as I approached my car, I hit the trunk opening.

A woman was walking by just as I hit the button, and it startled her. I called, "Sorry, I didn't realize you were so close to the car," and she said, "I thought I must've touched it or something." We laughed about it, and she climbed into her car.

I proceeded to start putting my groceries in the trunk. The woman had parked beside me and was driving a white van/SUV type vehicle. I was trying to figure out how to keep the hot rotisserie chicken away from the cold items when I heard a slight beep of a horn and then I heard, "crunch, crash, bang." I said, "Oh crap," and ducked. I turned around to see that the woman had backed right into a smaller vehicle with North Carolina plates.

They each pulled back into their parking spaces, and the woman climbed out of her car. "I just didn't see him at all," she said as she walked by me.

She said something to the man, and he somewhat loudly and angrily replied, "I don't have a job, I can't absorb this." Then he asked where he was, and she told him Botetourt County, and he wanted the police called, and wanted to know who would respond, and she again said, "Botetourt County."

I pushed my cart to the rack and as I walked back, I surveyed the damage. The car from North Carolina had taken the brunt of the blow, with the rear side being caved in. The white vehicle had scratches but was otherwise ok.

The woman was heading to her car with her cellphone in her hand. "Do you want me to stay?" I asked her. She shook her head no. Had she said yes, I would have stayed even though I didn't really see anything as I was focusing on my grocery unloading task. I didn't know her but I'm sure she was shaken. I know I would have been. Had I thought I'd been a good witness I would have stayed, but since I really didn't see anything but the aftermath, I left.

Since this occurred on private property, the police won't have done anything other than referee and ensured that insurance information was properly passed along by each party. At least there would be a paper trail.

***

The other thing that happened yesterday was something that I am occasionally confronted with, and it always makes me uncomfortable.

Someone I know asked me if I wanted to write their life story. 

For free.

I know many people are not writers, and I believe everyone has a story. But I do not want to write someone else's life story, not for free. I know they mean well, but they have no idea what kind of time that would take.

If the person had said, "I'll pay you," or mentioned anything like that - even a barter for services - I would have responded more enthusiastically. Instead, I said, "I think you should write it. Get started on it. I'll be glad to give you advice later on if you need it."

My friend said she wasn't a writer, but I said, "You should try it anyway. That's more real, more in your own voice."

Fortunately, she dropped the topic and we moved on. (I hope she doesn't read my blog.)

Many years ago, a good friend stopped talking to me after I declined to write her life story, so this is tricky. It's not something I want to lose friends over, but it's like asking a lawyer to take your case for nothing. Or asking your doctor to see you without charge. Those are extraordinary circumstances if you have to do that. Writing a life story is not an extraordinary circumstance, and writing has been how I've made my living. I have done enough volunteer work for various causes. I don't need to do free work for other people.

I remember another guy who asked me to write his life story - he had been involved, peripherally, in NASCAR - and he stopped talking to me as well when I declined. These things are not going to make any money, so offering to split the "big bucks" with me isn't going to cut it. If someone writes something, I am more than happy to read it and make suggestions for a meager amount*, but if they want copyediting or involved, in-depth work, then I need to be paid for my time.

*I charged the last person $100 to read through and make suggestions. That is way too little for what I offer, but I consider the circumstances. If you don't want to invest $100 in your creation for a read-through, then you either already know it's no good or know deep down you're not going to listen to my suggestions.

Smoke From Distant Fires

For the last month, we've had smoke from fires from Canada, and now we're getting smoke from fires in the upper eastern part of the United States. 

They make for interesting sunsets. Last night it looked like I was living on a different planet as I watched an incredibly red sunset.

He's All Grown Up

June is a big month for birthdays in my family, and today is my brother's turn.

Happy birthday, Brother!

My brother, age 8 or 9

I don't remember the day he came home, or my mother's pregnancy. I would have been two - almost three - when he was born.

He was a rascal from the start, though. My very first memory of him is this: when he started walking/crawling/moving around, he pushed a chair over to the counter, climbed up on it, and proceeded to eat an entire bottle of aspirin. 

I told my mother what I'd seen him do, and she whisked him off to the emergency room to have his stomach pumped. He was probably a year old. (I remember this because I was a hero for a day or so.)

Around the same time, a dog chomped on the leg of a very large stuffed doll that I loved, and my mother laid it next to the oven while she tended to other things. She was going to repair it. My brother, again with the chair, turned on the stove and set the doll on fire. We're lucky he didn't burn the house down.

When he was around 6, he took a pair of scissors to the hair on all of my dolls - including some old Barbies and a Midge that I wasn't supposed to play with because they'd belonged to my mother - and made them bald.

I imagine I made it difficult for him at school without meaning to - I was a straight-A student (and quiet and generally well-behaved) and he had to follow that legacy.

But those are old memories, and I want to talk about the wonderful man he has become. He raised three children - a stepson and two of his own. He runs a big company (yet still answers the phone when I call), and he is devoted to our father.

He likes to hunt and enjoys being in the woods, alone with his thoughts, I suppose. He also likes a good meal. He works very hard - too hard. He's always on the go, always doing something.

High School Senior

When my husband caught his hand in the hay baler, my brother stayed with me, brought us hamburgers when we tired of hospital food, and fixed the hot water heater for me when it broke the day I brought hubby home from the hospital.

He helped me out when husband had his ankle fused, and last summer when husband had his hip replaced. All I had to do was ask.

A few months ago, when I was having a problem, I talked to many people about it, but it was when I called him that I burst into tears and sobbed.

With his son, 1997

He's a caring fellow, and I have always loved him. So happy birthday, brother! (And yes, I know, you'll always be younger than me.)

In April 2023

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. What are your plans for June?

A. Have a birthday, get a mammogram, see my doctor, work on the bookkeeping, do some writing.

2. What are your mid-year resolutions or goals?

A. I don't have any. 

3. Are you good at taking care of plants?

A. Yes.

4. What makes you feel nourished?

A. Hugs, phone calls, time alone, and chocolate.

5. Which animals do you see most in your area?

A. Deer, squirrels, turkeys, birds.

6. What books are on your summer reading list?

A. The Princess Bride, which I am reading now, Tarzan of the Apes, and any of the 100s of books on my Kindle. I would like to read a good biography of Eleanor Roosevelt. If anyone has a recommendation, please leave it in the comments.

7. What projects do you want to tackle this summer?

A. I would like to redo my office, but I don't know that I have the umph to do that at the moment.

8. Do you have any weddings, graduations, summer celebrations to attend?

A. Just birthdays in June.

9. Which summer snacks are you excited to enjoy again?

A. Watermelon.

10. How much time do you like to take for vacations?

A. We haven't had a vacation since September 2019. We generally only go away for about 5 days if we go. We have a farm to run and can't be away long.

11. How much has changed since last summer?

A. My husband has a new hip. That was a big change. He's doing great.

12. Name something that would be out of character for you.

A. Running.

13. What do you miss about winter?

A. Nothing.

14. What are your favorite free / cost effective ways to have fun?

A. Take a walk, read a book, play a video game.

15. Who do you trust most to house & pet sit?

A. This is not a service I generally have a need of, although there are folks we trust to help with the cattle should it become necessary. That said, I'd trust my brother or some of my friends with most things.

__________

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: The Best

Saturday 9: The Best (1991)

In memory of Tina Turner, who died on May 24, 2023.

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

 

1) In this song, Tina Turner sings that she can think of no better place to be than her lover's arms. Since we're entering summer vacation season, let's switch it to: What's the best place you've ever traveled to?

A. We have had lovely vacations in Charleston, SC, Williamsburg, VA, and Myrtle Beach, SC. However, the trip I took to Madrid and Paris when I was a junior in high school is hard to beat, even if it was so long ago, I barely remember much of it now. I loved Paris. I could live there, if I had to move to a city.

2) Songwriters Holly Knight and Desmond Child originally offered this song to English pop singer Paul Young. He declined it. Can you think of a time when you said "no" when "yes" might have been a better answer?

A. One of the stupidest things I ever did was leave a law firm in 1984. I'd only been there a little over a year and had been promised a raise in March. When it didn't come, I went looking for another job. I should have stayed where I was and not worried about the raise (which likely would have come eventually). I should have not said, "No, you're not going back on your word," and left (which is what I did). I have a thing about people breaking promises. Once someone says they're going to do something and then they don't do it, I lose all trust in them. It's a terrible way to go through life and I've tried hard to overcome that, but it still rears its ugly head as a niggle when someone says they will do something and then they do not. I try not to let it ruin relationships or cause me to do things rashly now, though. I learned that lesson.

3) Tina Turner was born in Nutbush, TN. In 1973 she recorded a song about it called "Nutbush City Limits." Is there a song about your hometown?

A. Not that I am aware of. However, Fincastle is the location of the first bluegrass festival ever. It took place in 1965. 

4) It was at Nutbush's Spring Hill Baptist Church that very young Tina began singing with the choir. She credited those early performances with giving her confidence in front of a crowd. Are you comfortable with public speaking? 

A. I am not.

5) When she was a teen, her mom relocated the family to St. Louis. It was here that Tina played on the high school basketball team. Can you make a free throw?

A. Maybe. I haven't tried in at least 45 years. I'd probably have to do it granny style.

 

6) Tina met her second husband, Erwin Bach, at the airport. A record exec, Erwin went to Heathrow to meet her flight and help her prepare for her London appearances. The last time you were at the airport, were you a traveler or were you meeting or dropping someone off?

A. I would have been picking up someone.

 

7) In 1991, the year this record was released, Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury died. What's your favorite Queen song?

A. Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

 

8) Also in 1991, Disney's Beauty and the Beast became the first animated movie to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. What's your favorite Disney movie?

A. I don't really have one, but I'll go with either the animated version of Aladdin or Finding Nemo.

9) Random question: What's your perfect day, weatherwise?

A. Sunny, with blue skies, temperature about 72 degrees with a very mild breeze occasionally. And no pollen.

__________

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.

He's My Number One

Many happy returns to my beloved, who today celebrates his birthday.

We are celebrating by having fertilizer put on the hayfields this afternoon.

Tomorrow night we will celebrate more with hamburgers and apple pie (his request).

I gave him tools this morning for a present, along with a card.

So happy birthday to my fellow, one of the good ones, and he's all mine!

Bing Image. Tractor Birthday Cake.

An Outing

The evening took us away from our house and to an event hall filled with people, many of whom we knew.

The occasion was the celebration of a friend's 25th year in business. She is a massage therapist (with emphasis on the therapist), and now about 64 years old. I saw her for many years, and sent my husband to see her, and gave gift certificates to friends and family to enjoy her services (though I suspect most of those went unused, stuffed in some drawer).

It is unusual for a massage therapist to last so long; they generally wear out, from what I understand. Bing says the average career of a massage therapist is 5 to 8 years. The fact that Karen has worked for long - and kept herself in shape so that she was able to do it - was indeed something to celebrate. Giving a massage is hard work.

Despite the fact that we have 33,000 people in our county, it's really a small community. The event was held at the Kyle House, once known as Bolton's Store, in the county seat. The building is an events venue, and there were easily 50 plus people there when we arrived.

Since the most public places I have been since 2019 are grocery stores, this was a bit much for me; the sweet, cloying scent of perfumes, powders, and colognes, so many people in a smaller space than a massive market.

But I had accepted the invitation knowing that I am trying to claw my way back to civilization, having become almost - but not quite - agoraphobic during the pandemic, seldom leaving the house, only venturing out to purchase food. As for other items, let's just say the UPS man and I are on a first-name basis.

So, this was a personal test, which I passed. I am grateful that I went, happy to have seen so many familiar faces after so many years of seeing only scowls in the supermarket. These people were happy, caring on pleasant conversations, and enjoying themselves.

The people I knew included my physical therapist, whom I hadn't seen since 2019. She suffocated me in an embracing and long hug the moment I walked in the door. I stiffened at first, having determined previously that I didn't want physical contact, but she was so sincere, and I like her so much that it was only a moment of light panic, and then I hugged her back with similar intensity. 

I also saw a former county supervisor, whom I'd really enjoyed working with and was sorry to see retire many years ago, a cousin who said she wants to meet for coffee, my dear friend Leslie (another hug) and her brother, who informed us he had retired as a surveyor that very day, (I also called him by another brother's name, oops), and an ex-husband of another dear friend. I also greeted a former employer and his wife, a contractor and his wife, both of whom have known my husband most of his life, a former high school pal, a former firefighter's wife, and of course Karen, who was throwing herself this bash.

I had a couple of chicken salad sandwiches and a cookie, along with water. A pile of articles about Karen sat on the end of one table, and I only had to flip over a page before I saw my byline, again and again. I've written so much about this county and its people over the last 30 years. Of course I'd written about Karen. In fact, I wrote the first article about Karen's business, I think.

My former employer (a lawyer then, retired now) saw one of the articles and then chased me down to show me. "Here's your name," he said, thrusting the story at me. He pointed it out to someone I didn't know. "She wrote this."

Yes, I wrote that. It was nice to know it meant something to someone, or several someones, even though it was years old.

No one had on masks, including me. Everyone is over that, although I still wear one when I go pick up drugs at the drug counter. If there are going to be germs anywhere, it's in there. I had a mask in my pocket, but I didn't put it on (I admit it was tempting).

Almost everyone was dressed up, in nice work clothes or church clothes, including us (although I had on my sneakers because I can't get my orthotic in any other shoe). I enjoyed myself. My husband enjoyed it. We left after an hour, with things still going full swing, when I finally felt the perfumes and smells seeping into my lungs and felt an asthmatic wheeze coming on.

I guess I'm coming out into the world again.

Thursday Thirteen #810*

Thirteen Reasons to raise the national debt ceiling:

1. Economic Stability: Raising the debt ceiling ensures that the government can continue paying its bills and obligations, thus maintaining economic stability. Failure to raise the debt ceiling could result in a government shutdown, default on debt payments, and a severe financial crisis.

Bing generated.

2. Avoid a Government Shutdown: Raising the debt ceiling prevents a potential government shutdown, which can have detrimental effects on essential services, government operations, and public trust in the functioning of the government. Government services include things like keeping up the federal highways, social assistance programs (SNAP, etc.), the federal court system, environmental protections, all of the workers who make up the government to keep things running (air traffic controllers, for example), federal recreational services such as the National Parks, the Smithsonian, etc., and research for new technologies, such as funding for research for various diseases as well as NASA, which has brought many technological advances to humanity.

3. Preserving Creditworthiness: By raising the debt ceiling, the government maintains its ability to borrow money and meet its financial obligations. This helps preserve the country's creditworthiness and prevents a downgrade in its credit rating, which would increase borrowing costs for the government and potentially the entire world economy.

4. Supporting Social Programs: Raising the debt ceiling ensures that critical social programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, continue to receive funding. These programs provide vital support to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals.

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5. Investing in Infrastructure: Raising the debt ceiling can enable the government to fund infrastructure projects that create jobs, improve transportation systems, enhance public facilities, and stimulate economic growth. Investing in infrastructure is crucial for long-term economic competitiveness and development.

6. Emergency Funding: Raising the debt ceiling allows the government to respond effectively to unexpected emergencies, such as natural disasters, public health crises, or security threats. It ensures that necessary resources are available to mitigate the impact of these crises and protect citizens.

7. National Defense: The debt ceiling increase can ensure adequate funding for national defense, including the military, intelligence agencies, and veterans' programs. Maintaining a strong defense is essential for safeguarding national security interests and protecting the country from external threats.

8. Debt Refinancing: Raising the debt ceiling provides the opportunity to refinance existing debt at favorable interest rates. This can lead to cost savings for the government, freeing up resources for other critical priorities or reducing the overall burden of interest payments.

9. Economic Stimulus: Raising the debt ceiling allows the government to implement fiscal stimulus measures during economic downturns. Increased spending on public projects, tax cuts, or targeted subsidies can boost economic activity, create jobs, and help accelerate economic recovery.

10. Maintaining Government Operations: Raising the debt ceiling ensures that government agencies and departments can continue their operations without disruption. It enables the hiring and payment of federal employees, maintenance of public facilities, and delivery of essential services to the public.

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11. Research and Innovation: Increased debt ceiling capacity can support investments in scientific research, technological innovation, and development of new industries. These investments lay the groundwork for future economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness in the global market.

12. Education and Workforce Development: Raising the debt ceiling allows for investments in education and workforce development programs. These initiatives can enhance the skills of the workforce, improve access to quality education, and ensure that the country remains globally competitive.

13. Social Safety Nets: Raising the debt ceiling enables the government to continue providing social safety net programs, such as unemployment benefits and food assistance, to those in need. These programs help mitigate the impacts of economic hardships and provide a basic level of support for individuals and families facing financial difficulties.

ChatGPT assisted with this list.

Bing AI created the images.

*I thought last week was #810 but the blogger counter says it was 809. I have no idea, I just go by what the blog label counter says. Maybe I misread it last week.

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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 810th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

I Want Pockets

Why do they make women's pants without pockets?

I bet there isn't a pair of men's dress pants anywhere that doesn't have pockets, yet I have trouble finding pants with pockets. Especially at my size.

Women need pockets too. It's a place to put a tissue. Or your car keys. Or your hand.

No pocket in my pants means I have to carry to some kind of purse or pocketbook. I generally do anyway, but I carry a much larger one than I would have to if my pants all had pockets.

My pocketbook has things in it like my inhaler, tissues, ink pens, Tylenol, Dramamine, and the other usual things one must have, like a driver's license and a credit card. I know wallets are lifted from men's pockets, but it seems safer to carry a wallet in a pocket than it does throw a big honkin' purse over your shoulder.

Not only that, but the dress pants I have on today have FAKE pockets. If they're going to all the trouble to sew in a line that looks like a pocket, why not make an actual pocket? What's the point of a fake pocket?

Give me pockets in my pants!