Lucky Monday the 13th!

The stock market headed back up today and we had no bills in the mail -- hurray! Then, the sunset put a nice end to the day. Hope the rest of the week goes as well or better.

Polished Rednecks

Sound like an oxymoron? I'll explain. A polished redneck is one who usually dresses and acts like a professional -- white collared vs. blue-collared. They fit in with non-redneck society until they are amongst their own. Then its a matter of anything goes. Sarah Palin seems to have unleashed the polished rednecks in American society and they are aspiring to new lows. No longer are they afraid to express outright disdain for those not like themselves. Whether it's the rifle-toting-Cheney-types or David-Duke-racist-types, they're pouring out of the woodwork to voice themselves during Palin's campaign stop. Their rancid rhetoric is broadcast far and wide because of the media's infatuation with Palin. She is a conundrum. On the one hand, McCain is desperate for the women's vote and Palin seems to appeal to the distaff side of the polished rednecks. On the other hand, her maverick talk is turning off many who understand that trying to do business that way in Washington simply won't work. The federal government is a sometimes puzzling, interdependent, and convoluted machine. Three, distinct branches make it impossible for a maverick to take the reigns in his hands alone. Of course Dick Cheney made an impressive attempt at this, but that's another story. A maverick mentality may appeal to the masses, but it won't cut cheese on Capitol Hill. I'm not saying that the status quo couldn't use some tweeking. But our government has worked well for a very long time. Politicians all too often forget that it's the bureaucrats who keep our system running. It's the department heads, managers, and secretaries who turn up day after day, year after year, administration after administration who keep the machine of government oiled and running. It's easy for someone like Governor Palin to bad-mouth Washington. I shudder to think of the fallout if she and Senator McCain make it to the White House. Not only will our financial system remain in chaos, but our already tarnished reputation in the world will plummet even further. Even worse, our integrity as a fair and caring nation will suffer. We cannot afford to have polished rednecks as ambassadors, cabinet secretaries and more. Congress would have a hell-of-a-time trying to vet them and any goodwill other nations feel for the U.S. could become unsustainable.

How To Kill A Mocking Fruit Fly

Spouse's and my retirement savings have been pummeled in recent weeks. We've lost tens of thousands yet I remain optimistic that THIS calamity will turn around. In any case, I just don't want to think about it 24/7. Fruit flies, on the other hand, are proving to be an everlasting pain in the butt! I'm not sure just which piece of fruit we brought home spawned an over-population of the little, black buggers. I've tried Heloise's suggestion of putting out bowls of apple cider vinegar mixed with dish liquid. A single fruit fly, probably the village idiot, drowned. The others continue to sweep back and forth and around my head. Dad used to be good at catching flying insects in his big hands, but I am not as gifted. I've had a little success with wet hands, but the availability of water and the over-splash don't always coincide in a convenient fashion. Rinsing out my oatmeal bowl in the kitchen sink yesterday, a fly buzzed me and landed on a cabinet next to the sink. Good source of water and no problem with over-splash! Got the cabinet, but not the fly. Then it dawned on my -- maybe they know when I'm coming because I look directly at them. This morning -- same routine, but no eye contact. GOT the little bugger! Seems they don't notice peripheral vision. Chalk one up for a not-so-dumb-blonde!

Rudeness to the Nth Degree

How does a man who claims to be the right person for the job of POTUS remain any one's choice when he continues to demonstrate his inability to be civil or even polite?! John McCain is NOT "my friend." I cringed every time he used that term and the people to whom he addressed it seemed equally uncomfortable. His snideness, impatience and inconsistencies are not qualities I want to see in a president. His open disdain for Senator Obama -- at one point calling him "that one" -- was beyond ugly. I have to wonder what would have happened had Tom Brokaw allowed any back and forth between the two candidates. He was a disaster as a moderator, cutting off discussion when it might have provided just the information voters are seeking. Or -- did he see signs that a discussion might trigger out and out war between the participants? I don't know what to make of his behavior. Senator Obama did an admirable job trying to fend-off Brokaw's interruptions, but it wasn't enough. Neither candidate made use of the opportunity to truly discuss their policy ideas. Perhaps it was the way the debate was organized, but the rhetoric sounded too familiar and not at all ground-breaking. Very frustrating for everyone. When I tuned-out at 10:30, I was disappointed to say the least, and more convinced than ever that John McCain would make a dreadful POTUS!

Reason for hope. . .

The past several months have been rough for my extended family. Numerous parents of inlaws have died and we're starting to feel overwhelmed by grief. In the last two weeks alone, there have been two memorial services for loved ones.

As if by design, my piece of my late grandfather's oxalis plant suddenly bloomed in white profusion. It's delicate flowers don't last long and I've never seen so many bloom at one time before. I'd like to think it's a signal from Poppy that the family will weather these sad events together.

Gratuitous Cuteness XI

This first, crisp autumn day reminded me of a similar day while visiting Patty back in Illinois. Some years ago, she took me to visit a friend's newest litter of puppies. When we arrived, Sue asked if we could help during "poop duty". Well, uh, sure. . . The puppies were old enough to take care of business outdoors and needed to be watched. Once they did the deed, she would check their "deposits" then place them in a fenced enclosure. Twelve, half yellow and half black Labradors stumbled and staggered around the yard, exploring and sniffing at everything. They loved to have their little pink bellies scratched and rubbed, but didn't stay still for long. The yellow puppy had found a branch of leaves with a red flower still attached. He carried it around for quite a while then settled in to gnaw on it. The black puppy was content gnawing on my nephews baby shoe. Mike was quite perplexed by that though unhurt. Climbing stairs on such short legs required a rigidly held tail, reassurance from humans and extreme energy and determination. By the time each had pooped and climbed the stairs, they were ready for a nap. That's when we took our leave.

Going for the "two-fer"

It didn't take me long to decide that I'll vote for Barak Obama. As a compassionate intellectual there IS no other way to go. The debate between McCain and Obama locked-in my choice. A man who refuses to make eye contact is a man I cannot trust. McCain's disdain for his opponent was evident throughout the debate. Not once did he look at Mr. Obama except for a few, brief smirking glances. Not only that, but his arguments were weak and condescending. Now for the "two-fer". . . Cindy McCain is an attractive woman who makes a nice backdrop for her dour husband. She is, of course, not running for elective office, but she seems unable to contribute more than a supportive smile and a nod of her head. A woman's perspective can be useful, but I wonder if Mrs. McCain has any. Even if she did, I'm not sure Mr. McCain would consider them. Michelle Obama is also an attractive woman, but she is no backdrop. Her enthusiastic support for her husband's campaign while trying to keep their two young daughters from falling for the hype and adulation are admirable. She is intelligent and involved and will be a real asset should her husband be elected the next POTUS. I will watch the Biden/Palin debate tonight. I'm actually looking forward to it. Each seems to provide the yin to their running mates' yang and both of them are a little off the straight and narrow, so it should be interesting.

Hard Questions

Do we really want two more self-proclaimed mavericks running the nation in our names? Can good sense trump experience when nothing has been learned from history? Where has all the cash been hiding while Americans go hungry and homeless? Should failed C.E.O.s of failed companies give some back? Should people with a history of "working" all the loop-holes be appointed to the SEC and IRS to help sort out and eliminate the loop-holes? Should there be a limit on Social Security benefits for the wealthiest of the wealthy? Should those who lacked opportunity, education and/or popularity receive larger benefits to help compensate for disparities in their earning power? Will the U.S.A. continue on it's path of eliminating the middle class while increasing the number of poor and consolidating the control of wealth among the few? I admit I don't know the answers. I do hope, however, that greater minds are considering these issues. They are but a few that are crucial to our return to a nation of thriving, fair, and caring people. Our reputation in the world may depend on the answers.

After Yesterday's Stormy Weather

A Remembrance

The first time I met Loretta Hefter was at my family's dining table. My Mom's brother, whom we know as Uncle Bud, brought her to meet some of his family members. She was a petite, delicate-looking, well dressed lady with a nervous smile planted firmly on her face. She seemed timid around our rowdy bunch, so she remained close to my uncle's side. It was apparent even then that they were forming a tight bond that would sustain and nourish them through the rest of their lives together. Theirs was the first wedding I had ever attended. Aunt Loretta looked like a demur, beautifully gowned, porcelain doll. It may have been the formal pageantry in the church and the pomp associated with weddings, that put me in awe of her. Their beaming faces as they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife were unforgettable! Over the years, Aunt Loretta developed a penchant for aqua everything. That color seemed to suit her and certainly was her favorite. It appeared in her art work, everyday china, walls and anywhere else she saw fit. It was a good thing fire engine red wasn't her favorite color! Aunt Loretta and Uncle Bud were active in their church and community - always together. Her absence will be felt by many. To her devoted, loving spouse and children I would remind them of how proud she was of them and that her spirit remains with them because the bonds of love cannot be broken.

Cue the "Twilight Zone" theme song.

On my way to get an estimate on a repair for our car, I caught a red light on route 50 at Pershing Drive. Glancing across the road at Fort Myer I was surprised to see six soldiers, in khakis, walking in what looked like curlicues -- carrying a casket. I figured they were new members of the Old Guard practicing for one of the way too may funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. I bit my lip and moved on once the light changed. Driving back home, same route, reverse direction, there was a long line of flag bearers with perhaps 25 different flags, lined up along a road inside the Fort fence. Then I spotted uniformed soldiers and realized they might be preparing for the funeral of some V.I.P. I said a short prayer and continued home. I had a quick bite to eat then checked my email. One from Mom had just arrived and the subject line read Sad News. My Aunt Loretta died of a massive stroke this morning. Saturday night, an inlaw's mother died, months after his father died, weeks after another inlaw's mother died and mere months after my Dad died! I could almost say they're dropping like flies, but it's just too sad to joke about. Some say that bad news comes in threes. I think we've had enough bad news for a very long time! Godspeed to each of them . . .

Stream of Consciousness - Sunday

I'm glad Bounty paper towels come in half-sheets. I wish Dad could have seen the clouds this morning. Why do the Cubs have to play the Cardinals again after winning their division title? Redskins lost -- big whooping deal. I do like the new coach, though. Need someone to rescue my dying African violet. Must write condolence note to Phil. Heard a Cardinal (the red, feathered kind) for the first time this season. Some kind of bug has burrowed into a piece of my drift wood. Trees look much less stressed after all the rain we've had lately. I hate having to rely on reading glasses! Cicadas are still at it, this first day of Autumn. Damn - the days are getting shorter. . .

What is it in some humans that allows molestation and rape of babies and children?

I very seldom turn on the TV during the day but yesterday was different for some reason. When I heard Oprah introduce the topic of her show I knew I had to watch. Being one of many grown women I know who were molested as children, I hoped to hear and learn something positive. A law enforcement officer who specializes in tracking down on-line pedophiles revealed that daily, thousands of men [and maybe some women] provide live, on-demand footage of themselves raping babies and children, replete with the baby's screams. If that wasn't repulsive enough, her studio audience was shown a pedophile-produced video on how to train little girls to perform oral sex. Choking back outrage-induced bile I had to wonder whether or not this behavior, deemed despicable and illegal by modern society, was ever acceptable. If it is as wide-spread a problem as we see with more and more victims coming forward, was there ever a time when humankind accepted this behavior as normal? Is there some crazy gene that prevents predators from discerning right from wrong? Scientific research indicates that once a pedophile/always a pedophile. But why is it so prevalent? I don't for a minute believe pedophilia is a modern phenomenon. It IS, however, no longer a topic spoken of in hushed tones and never around children. It's always been there and it makes me wonder HOW it came to be. The advent of home video cameras and the internet can't explain it all. Traditions can exert considerable control over otherwise smart people. For examples: so-called honor killings; female genital mutilation; forced marriages of young girls to older men. The victims are females, yet other females often support and take part in these traditions. Is it a case of "I had to go through it, so you will too!"? Are we becoming aware of ancient, sexual rites because they've moved outside of darkened rooms and onto our computer monitors? Oprah pleaded with her viewers to write to their members of Congress to support a bill to increase funding for law enforcement against pedophiles. I applaud that plan. BUT, what are we going to do with all the captured creeps? There are not nearly enough prison cells to hold all of them. Also, since some deem child molesters less dangerous than murderers, will they be paroled back into our communities? Remember: they are able to carry out their nefarious activities because they are such good manipulators. Will it take genetic re-engineering to curb this crime?

My Day in Court

As anxious as I was about going out today, I got myself in gear and headed to the District Court for jury duty. My last experience, less than a year ago was a disappointment. After two days of deliberations one juror refused to listen to reason, so we could not render a verdict the rest of us felt was so genuinely deserved. When I arrived on the 3rd floor, the line into the jury office was about 200 people long. A couple of us speculated that since jury-scofflaws were now being hunted down and fined, more were showing up. A handsome, distinguished man was in line in front of me. All of us were sweating in the over-crowded hallway and jurors' lounge. This gentleman, dressed in a beautifully taylored suit had just a slight dampness showing on his forehead. Behind me were two women about my age, both fanning themselves as I was also. I quietly kvetched about 8 years of hot-flashes and they nodded knowingly. Next thing I knew, this gentleman discretely said his wife was going through it, too and why didn't I sit down; he would save my place in line. I gratefully took his advice. We had brief conversations throughout the hours-long voir dire process and were excused at the same time. Walking back to the jury office, several more people greeted him as had during the morning. I asked him if he worked there and he said he worked across the street. As we walked past a handsome bronze bust of the late Judge Carl Moultrie I mentioned my fondness for him. I was priviledged to have knows him during a previous job. It turned out that Moultrie had been my walking companion's mentor for the 13 years he served in the District Court. By that time, we were making our way outdoors. As I turned to say how much I had enjoyed his company he asked my name. I told him and then he told me his -- Ric Urbina. I stopped in my tracks and stammered that I was honored to meet him and to have almost served on a jury with him. He seemed genuinely surprised that I knew who he was. I was still bug-eyed when he warmly shook my hand and repeated my name as if he really wanted to remember it! The Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina is a highly respected U.S. District Court judge and a gracious, gentle man.