DEAR MOM AND THE BALANCE OF POWER

Dear Mom and the Balance of Power

A message for Andrea, Stephanie, Danielle, Aurora and any other young people who may be agonizing over the recent show.

In February of this year, I penned a blog spoofing a letter to Mom, and complaining about the ridiculous "password" procedures with which we are presently challenged.  Although it was intended as pure spoof, except-of course-for the existing "password" debacle, I found that my "letter to Mom" did alight upon the hearts of a few as much more serious than this old guy intended.  I was, in fact, reminded and advised that minds decades-or even generations younger than mine-can and will process the message in codes other than which intended.  To elucidate, you may want to refer to the offending blog penned February, 2016.

Now, for the current subject.  Results of the 2016 Presidential campaign and election.  It is obvious that multitudes are unhappy and disgruntled to say the least with the results of the campaign.  I would like to chip in with some generations old experience and remind everyone that :

        1. All that glitters is not gold

                   and

        2. No matter how great the storm, the world will not come to an end

We all should have faith in our form of government.  The Republic, and its balance of power, will prevail and we all will survive.  The people have spoken, even though through the questionable "electoral college" process, and the people will prevail.

Each one of us, from the youngest to the oldest, is and will be responsible for his own future.  Neither the government, nor any elected individual, will be responsible for our individual future success.

Let us not "agonize" over results of one electoral process.  It is one drop in an ocean of future that each one of us has.  Concentrate on our individual efforts and I believe that the "balance of power" will take care of the rest.

PROMISES, PROMISES AND GLOBAL WARMING

PROMISES, PROMISES and GLOBAL WARMING

My good friend and, incidentally, my long time dentist, Dr. Jim Fritsche, always advised me that he wanted to keep my teeth for as long as I lasted.  He never told me I would still be raking leaves this long.  This year has been a bumper crop as far as leaves go.  And, I think, as far as most things thriving on water and sunshine go.  I did think of having a yard sale on leaves, but someone, smarter than I, suggested the market would be flooded and prices suppressed so I abandoned that idea.

How many leaves are there on a Schwedler or Silver Maple, or perhaps on a Green Ash or Sweetgum?  Perhaps a Million, or even a Billion, or could it be a Trillion?  Oh, well, regardless, could it be possible that all those leaves, performing the miracle of "PHOTOSYNTHESIS" could have produced enough oxygen to partially offset the balance of offensive gases in the atmosphere and curtail the threat of "GLOBAL WARMING"?  If, so, perhaps all the blowing and raking and stuffing could have been worthwhile.

Thanks, Doc, for helping to keep my teeth this long, but you never did warn me about the leaves.  But perhaps the global warming thing will make up for it.  And, of course, this is not to be considered editorializing on Presidential positions.

THE KEYS

We all have heard of the KEYS OF THE KINGDOM movie, the FLORIDA KEYS, or Hemingway’s KEY LARGO and KEY WEST adventures. Well, I have an old story, albeit with a new slant. This one is entitled “THE CAR KEYS”.

Last Saturday was what I describe as a “normal” hectic day.  The day we pull the boat from the big lake and put it away for the season.  It means readying the trailer and trailing down to the the Lake Michigan ramps, retrieving the boat from its slip, loading it and bringing it back for winter storage.  It takes a bit of doing and requires some formidable help.  This time, in the company of son, Kevin, brot in law, Ray, and dependable buddy, Stan.

In the process, I encountered the usual glitches, which required several scamps to the basement, workbench, garage and toolbox.  After an hour or so of preparation, we were ready to depart on our mission.  But, lo and behold, my “CAR KEYS” were nowhere to be found.  The ring not only held the car key, but also various other keys of substantial importance (at least to me, if not the rest of the world).  I did have the keys when I hooked up the trailer, so they had to be somewhere near.

An intense search commenced by all present.  Many items were found in the car, like loose change, candy wrappers, assorted used napkins, pine needles (white, red and scotch), eleven maps (mostly outdated), but no keys.  A search of the house and yard yielded nothing, so we used a spare car key and went on our primary mission.  The boat was retrieved, brought home for a power bath and taken to its spot of seasonal repose.

Then the search for the vanishing keys commenced.  One has no idea how many places keys could hide, until one starts a search.  But all to no avail.

I was about to call “missing persons” or place an “amber alert”, when the door opened and in popped my sweet Granddaughter, Erika.  After vocalizing my dilemma, she “casually” asked “DID YOU CHECK THE GARBAGE BASKET UNDER THE SINK?” She, just as casually, reach into the can and, “VOILA”, pulled out the KEYS.

Now, an entire entourage searched every nook and cranny, and Erika pulls keys from the garbage bag.  If I didn’t know better, I would have thought they were in her sweater pocket.  Nah, she wouldn’t do that to me.  She’s just psychic.  Psychic or not, thank you Honey.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SUMMER?

September 9, 2016

Not so much the weather.  Who can complain?  But, someone mentioned Labor Day.  I thought that came in September.  I was then reminded that "it was September"....Better get out and replenish the wood pile.  Between Graduations, Birthdays, Weddings, Visits and Arrivals (Welcome Mason), time slots were crowded.  All for good, except Summer was pretty much used up.  But Fall has always been the favorite, so we had better plan accordingly.

Got the Curragh races in at Irish Fest again, got in a few rounds of golf and spent some time at the cabin and in the trees, so how much more does one need?

Well, better get back to the program.  I forgot the "to do" list is still tacked to the wall, although I noticed a couple of guys named Craig and Kevin did inflict damage to said list recently.  It's a good thing there are still some young kids around like those guys.  Lately, It seems that things are getting lower when I bend to pick them up or higher when I reach to get them.  Reminds me of a blog I penned several years ago.  Time marches on.  Well, better dig out the chain saws and the clearing saw. I hear the buckthorn calling from the Forest.

TYPICAL 4TH OFJULY, 2016

July 5, 2016

IT WAS LOCK AND LOAD...NO PROBLEM... TOO LITTLE HELP TO CHAINSAW DEAD TREES....AND TOO MANY TO IGNORE THE PREVAILING WARMTH AND SUNSHINE. A PROMISED WEEKEND OF MORE FUN, LESS WORK.

Upon arrival, it was apparent that an unexpected visit of family Gremilin Craig had occurred. It was apparent because few could or would want to pierce the perimeter of our compound without some knowledge of the evils lying within. Weeds were mowed, and a multitude of delayed chores were defeated, making it look like a shoo-in* for fishing with the kids and basking in the sun.

The engine on the old pontoon turned over beautifully, and we slowly cruised out to boating -depth when -suddenly- Nah, even you couldn't guess-the engine stopped.....thanks OLE.** Well, many admonitions later, rather than laying it on Ole, we will lay it on old gas, or ethanol, or corn, or something.

Regardless, the scheduled itinerary was substantially altered, but as is always the case, the multitude of intellects surrounding us, saved the day. We managed to accomplish the required minimums (barbequed chicken, cocktails and a multitude of accompaniments usually adorning this type of fare).

Now, back to the boat........Initial assessment laid the problem to bad gas. Pulled the tank,dumped the suspect gasoline, replaced with new gas, and after many attempts, the engine did start. After a test run to assure reliability, I asked if anybody wanted to venture out on the lake. Several volunteered, so off we went. About thirty minutes later, after a smoothe voyage, we headed for the pier when-who would guess it- the engine stopped again. Guided by powers above, the breeze shifted and took our dead beast and its passengers right into its home port.

Back to the maintenance manual and further deliberations as to what is ailing our little craft. I have a feeling it is simply exhibiting its contempt for being largely ignored this season. I heard that animals can be that way. Perhaps boats can too.

* shoo-in: for those of more tender years meaning easy to decide

** Ole: referring to Ole Evinrude, inventor of the Outboard Motor

Don't Tell Me There Is No Such Thing As A Tooth Fairy

Only a week ago, there was a boat of considerable size in our driveway.  There was also a pier on shore at Wilson Lake and a lonely Pontoon Boat next to the garage.  All reminiscent of the much referred to "To Do List".  Today, thanks to the help of  a platoon of many,  The driveway resident has been relocated to its slip at McKinley Marina, and the Pontoon is tied up to its Pier at Wilson. Someone mentioned "it takes a village", but perhaps not that many, but it certainly took many good friends to substantially reduce the items on the "To Do List" this week.  I hope they all realize how much that effort is appreciated.  Thank you, and now let me see if I can find that list again.  There must be something left for me to do.

GOLF AND LIFE SCORES ARE SIMILAR

I admit that I am not the greatest detail guy.  My plants die from lack of watering. My garden becomes overgrown with weeds, the stain wears thin on the deck.  And, yes, even the buckthorn escapes my attention.

But, I have become a pretty good analyst of seeing what went wrong---after it happened.  Of course, this talent will be of no value unless I share my observations.  Unfortunately, this requires divulging both victory and defeat, as such, but it will be worth the time and embarrassment if it ends up being constructive.

It’s like not noticing the blades of grass behind your golf ball.  They interfere with the club face’s contact with the ball, negating the necessary spin on the ball and allowing the ball to careen over the green into a more treacherous hazard than you started from.  Just one or two little blades of grass.

Blades of grass are barely noticeable, much like patience “wearing thin”.  But if you don’t adjust your approach and swing, your contact with the ball will be affected and your ball could very well end up as an “unplayable” lie.

Where is this all going you ask?  It has occurred to me that, with our very busy-and yes- hectic at times, life styles, it could become quite easy to relax our attention to detail.  This could result in weeds overgrowing the patch, plants drying out, and even the buckthorn infringing on the trail. It could also affect our relationships with persons near and dear to us, lest we take care to watch for those small blades of grass before each swing at the ball.  

Every swing we take in life contributes to our score.  It therefore also contributes to the quality of the game.  Before each swing, we should try to carefully analyze the lie and make certain that nothing lies between the ball and the club face that could prevent a clean shot and a winning score.  A good shot will make the game more enjoyable and prevent loads of friction in our “game of  life”.  The resultant rule from this dialogue:  

“MAKE SURE YOU ANALYZE YOUR LIE BEFORE TAKING YOUR NEXT SHOT IN YOUR GAME OF LIFE”.

TREES HAVE BIRTHDAYS TOO

Some species of trees are known to live and thrive for very long periods of time. In fact some Giant Sequoia specimens are estimated to be over 3500 years old, although exact age is difficult to determine.  Other species have considerably shorter potential life spans, depending upon the various conditions in which they exist.  Some species of aspen, for example, may reach an ultimate lifespan of only 30 or 40 years, or less.

The trees of our cultivated forests, however, may have life spans determined by the intended use of the tree and planned harvest.  I like to think that the life of the harvested tree goes on indefinitely in the shape and form of its intended use.  Like the Big Black Oak Tree in the forest explained to Mari, Lari and Cari ,* in the form of a main log in a great cabin, or even as a fine piece of lustrous furniture, or the pages of a fine book. 

There are other factors that affect the life of trees, however, and I am now thinking about those factors, such as storms and disease.  The giant eighty foot Black Oak that is standing sentry duty out near the shoreline at our cabin is upper most on my mind.  It is succumbing, gradually, to the threatening Oak Wilt Disease, which is imperiling our country’s existing crop of Oaks.

If it were out in the “Forest”, it would serve as a fine condominium or apartment structure for our feathered and furry friends* for years to come.  Unfortunately, even though it has claimed its homestead on our lakeshore for an estimated one hundred plus years, it does represent a clear and present danger to piers and boats, if and when it should fall.  Consequently, it will probably have to come down, leaving a large empty spot on both the shoreline and in our hearts.

The shoreline, I am sure, will recover as nature always does, if properly nurtured.  We too, will recover when we take advantage of the many cords of firewood which will serve to warm both the cabin and our hearts for several years to come. Such is Nature-you take care of it and it will take care of you.

• reference to the Big Black Oak’s message to the little pine trees in “Gee! A Story From A  Forest “.  Do you remember?  www. gee! a story from a forest

I JUST KNEW THINGS WERE GOING TOO WELL

It was like never breaking a yolk on a dozen over easy eggs, or still having the blood running on a “truly” rare steak.  I had gone through a pot full of pancakes without flipping one out of the pan.

I had almost finished crimping the crust on a beautiful apple, cranberry, peach pie-----when it happened….   Somehow, an evil leprechaun reached in and jerked the pie pan off of the cutting board, landing it upright on the floor, but shifting the filling and top crust over in an uncanny angle.  Alas, my artistic efforts saved the product, but placed it into what could be regarded as a “factory second” category. It seems as though most of my baking efforts end up that way.  Oh well, close your eyes and you will never know the difference.

Dear Mom

Dear Mom, Sorry I didn’t write you sooner but my computer was down. Windows wouldn’t let me in. Said my password was expired. I don’t know who expired it—I didn’t. I tried to call them, but no phone number. It said email them, but I couldn’t without a computer. I went to a friend to use his, but couldn’t get into my email, because I couldn’t remember the password. They said It had to have numbers, upper case and lower case letters and a punctuation mark. Tried one, but they said it was already taken. After a few tries, they cut me off. I’m not sure why, but I think it was because I couldn’t remember uncle Fred’s middle name. I have two pages of passwords, but now I don’t know which goes where.

Incidentally the cash machine at the bank lobby locked me out too, so would appreciate it if you could send me some of those Raman Noodles and Mac and Cheese packs to keep me fed until the bank gets straighten away. Anyway, Hope you are doing better than me. I’ll try to be home for Christmas. Your loving son, Junior.

PS: Hope this snail mail reaches you before then, and I sure hope somebody solves this password calamity soon. What’s this “SensiPass” thing?