Wrapping up 2022

Although I've posted nearly every day for the past two months, I am down a bit for posts for the year. This is my 170th post this year and post #2499 overall. My first post of 2023 will be #2500!

I don't know that there is much to glean from my experiences of 2022. I can't look back and see that it was a particularly good year, nor was it a bad one. I enjoyed some time with friends and family, but have also parted ways with a few people along the way. 

I was looking at my social media accounts recently and made a few observations. 
Facebook is my longest held account and now consists mostly of relatives which I apparently have a bunch of! While I don't have many past coworkers as FB friends, my associations through NATCA (the Air Traffic Controller's Union) probably account for the next largest group of "friends." There are fewer friends from church (or past churches) than I would have guessed, and fewer still from classmates and people from my hometown. I think I have way more social media friends than actual friends, but that's probably true for all of us.

Instagram has a lot of crossover followers from FB, plus a bunch of people that I don't really know but like their content. I like that I can follow someone on IG and they don't have to follow me back and vice versa. I do try to limit the bot followers on both IG and Twitter. I could probably tighten up my privacy settings, but haven't. I have fewer followers than on FB, but am I following more accounts that don't follow me back.

Twitter is my most used account as far as where I scroll and look for news or content from others. I follow a few celebrities and authors, but mostly I use Twitter for news content from a number of varied sources. I follow more than twice as many accounts on Twitter than I have as FB friends and also have the most followers of my social media accounts. 

I rarely use the "story" features of accounts and seldom post any original video content. 
I try to assess my social media usage from time to time to make sure it's not getting out of hand and isn't going to get me into too much trouble from a security or content issue.
I do spend way too much time watching the stupid (but often entertaining) videos that are posted. That's the time suck I find myself in most often.

*****

Since I use the Kindle app on my phone for reading, that is most likely the area of greatest screen time. I have read on my Kindle app every day this year (sometimes only a chapter or two) and am up to 495 consecutive days. Even though i do read every day, I have finished just fewer than 80 books (78) this year. I know that is still a lot of books; it's just fewer than I was expecting.

*****

I got a haircut yesterday (the first is several months) and shaved my face. Now all I have to do is lose 60 pounds by midnight and I will look clean and healthy to start 2023!
Maybe I'll get a little more exercise next year. Maybe I'll smoke fewer cigars. Or maybe I'll end 2023 much the way I'm starting it. I pretty much take things as they come and try to enjoy the present moments of life. I hope to see more of you face to face in the coming year. If not, we can continue to meet here or virtually on another platform. 
Here's to 2023!
May it be a good one for all of us!

John

Let's Talk Travel

I've committed to being here in SWMO through the end of March, so we won't be taking any trips until spring. We've only been on one cruise and pretty much prefer travel to a resort or beach community over the cruise experience. And I really do like the tropical beach vacation to just about anything else. We haven't done a great deal of traveling other than a few Mexican cities and a couple of Caribbean Islands.

With kids in Puerto Vallarta, that will probably be a pretty regular visit, but where else should we go that is tropical and has a beach. Where are your favorite places to visit or perhaps places that you want to visit?

John

One Lesson Learned in 2022

It's December 29th and I'm enjoying coffee on the deck this morning! Although I have enclosed the deck with plastic panels, the outdoor temp is 60f (15c) this morning! I would have been out here even without the plastic covered panels.

SWMO is in for a few days of warmer weather to end/begin the year. I fully expect to enjoy a cigar or two over the coming days! The warmer weather also means that my sleep schedule will be back to normal for the next week since the crisis cold weather shelters will likely not be opened. It is weird how often I think about the overnight weather when it isn't cold enough for the crisis cold weather shelters to be opened, but too damn cold or miserable to be sleeping outside. We (the City of Springfield) really do need an all weather shelter for our homeless community. 
I see that Friday night's temperature is now forecast to reach the freezing point. Depending on when that happens (and for how long it will be that cold) determines whether or not the shelters are open. This is one of those times that, although I'd really enjoy having the night off, the shelters need to be open. 
Privilege is less enjoyable when you realize how much others are struggling to survive.

Perhaps that will be my great take away for 2022.
What's yours?

John



 

Wednesday Wisdom

 

So, how was 2022?

We started the year emerging from the pandemic and dealing with post-pandemic COVID. In the US we were looking forward to the midterm elections and how they might reinforce or begin to tear down the Trumpian influence over the GOP. Worldwide inflation and high gas prices had our attention and the world was watching the Russian invasion of Ukraine which began in February.
It's been quite a year.

In my little corner of the world life has been pretty good.
We managed trips to Colorado Springs and to Puerto Vallarta to see the kids, and Chris made a Canadian trip to visit friends in Nova Scotia. And I managed to make a couple of trips to reconnect with old friends. We enjoy life at home and I am still loving the deck and my quiet time there on most days. I am back to working in the overnight cold weather shelter this season - this time as paid staff rather than as a volunteer. 

I have to admit that I am torn between the need for more to be done for the unsheltered community and the selfish desire to sit on my deck and enjoy my privileged retirement. I am so ashamed that the local and state community does so little for this growing and yet largely invisible segment of the population. 
I am also becoming aware that age and retirement makes these overnight shifts a little more difficult to adjust to and recover from. I may have to reconsider how I help in the future. 

All-in-all, 2022 wasn't a bad year for me.
We survived.
I don't know that we managed to thrive, but we did okay and are in a good place looking forward to 2023, ...but that's another post.

How was your '22?

John

Christmas Question

It's not a question that I expect anyone to answer. It's just something that's always bugged me - even as a kid. It doesn't mean much to me anymore because I know that Jesus probably wasn't really born on December 25th, but nevertheless, it is still a curiosity.

Christmas is the day we've chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus, right?
But why do all of the Christmas Eve pageants, programs and festivities have Jesus being born on Christmas Eve? 
We don't celebrate our birthdays on the day after we were born. If we did, then on June 14, 2023 someone might say, "Sixty-three years ago yesterday John was born. Let's celebrate today!"

Yeah, I know. 
I'm probably just weird and nobody else ever thought about it like that.
Or maybe some of you have...?

John

Christmas Eve 2022

It's late evening on Christmas Eve in SWMO. It's cold outside, but the fireplace inside is comfy and cozy. On the other side of the globe, my Filipino and Aussie families are already deep into Christmas morning. Our Santa stocking holder letters have been rearranged to spell Satan, just to remember the presence of an impish son that now lives in another country. Chris is cleaning because that's what Chris does and I am chilling with a spiked egg nog and typing out a Christmas Eve blog.

My mood tonight is not as joyful as one might expect on Christmas Eve. That "Peace on earth, good will to men" thing is sort of bringing me down. I've heard it argued that it was originally written as "Peace on earth to men of good will," but I never really checked that out. Either way, I am often dismayed that there doesn't seem to be much of either - peace on earth nor men of good will.

I struggle with the feeling that I should be doing something to bring about more of both versus the feeling that I've had enough of humanity and just want to be left alone. I sometimes wonder if God ever felt like that - struggling to help bring peace to humanity or leaving us to ourselves and our own destruction. Maybe Christmas is the result. I don't really know.

It's been a long week for shelter workers in SWMO. I'm tired and maybe not thinking straight. I hope that we have given some peace and rest to a few people that would have struggled greatly through the bitterly cold temperatures. Our Christmas will be small and simple. I wouldn't even call it a celebration, more of an observance, I guess.
I hope that your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebrations/observances give you peace and perhaps, an opportunity to share some good will towards others.

Merry Christmas,
John

Long night; short day.

It's only fitting that I had a long night and a short day on the day that the rest of the Northern hemisphere did, as well. Because of the weather and extreme cold, Chris opted out of her early shift at the shelter yesterday. One other volunteer also couldn't make it in. I went in early to cover part of Chris's setup shift and then worked my own 12 hours, plus a little bit at the end. There were just three of us in the evening, two of us overnight, and three again in the early morning. 

Our volunteer staff is the best!
The overnight isn't usually tough work, just long with enough drama that it isn't boring.
And the guests are mostly cooperative and gracious.

After nearly 16 hours of working and 5 hours of sleep, I'm up and getting a few things done before heading back for my normal 12 hour overnight.
Geez! It's almost like having a job!

The thing is -- the guy I worked the overnight with had spent the entire previous day working on arrangements to add temporary emergency shelters to house the unsheltered community during the extreme cold. Then, along with others that had worked all day, he and those other tireless workers worked all night (or at least late into the night) getting people to and caring for them in shelters across the city.
It has been an amazing accomplishment.

One guy, a newly homeless guy was so thankful for having a place to stay. This morning he repeated his gratitude and said that we had truly saved people's lives last night. It's true. Many people that would have normally braved the elements were looking for shelter for themselves and their pets. 
Our normal open for the night shelter has been open all day today. Additional volunteers have stepped up and given part of their holiday preparation time to serve others in the community. I'll be back again tonight and more people will be there for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

In a very real way, it is fitting that we are making room and providing care for others on this most sacred holiday. Many smaller churches have joined the effort by opening their buildings to house unsheltered persons. I am a little (okay, a lot) disappointed that none of the larger, evangelical churches or Catholic churches have joined in the effort to meet the needs this weekend. I trust that they have their reasons.

I say this over and over again -- The team of people that I get to serve with are the best! I am a much better person when I am around them and influenced by them.

All right. I've got things to do before getting to it again.
I am happy that the nights are going to be getting shorter and the days, longer. Spring cannot get here soon enough!

John

Passing the Time

How do you pass time when you have time to pass?
Electronics have given us some pretty mindless ways to pass the time - playing games, watching reels, scrolling social media, etc. Even reading has become an electronic habit as I do most of my reading through the Kindle app on my phone. My Kindle reading streak is at 486 consecutive days, with 68 Kindle books read this year. I'll probably finish a couple more, but even by adding in actual paper and ink books I'll have fewer than 80 books read for the year.  

As for games I play - well, I usually have one or two that I play until I get tired of them and then I find a new one. I've been playing cribbage but I'm ready to move on from it. Any suggestions?

I don't watch much TV, but I do have a few shows that I follow and seem to watch an episode or two while staying up overnight at the shelter. Last winter I watched the first three Harry Potter movies but then the shelter season ended and I haven't been back to them. I suppose that watching TV shows and movies is sort of like reading. It's a different way to input stories into your brain; maybe even easier. Personally, I like reading. It does take longer, but I get to use my own imagination in picturing the characters and environment of the story. I think there is more of a connection to both the characters and the authors when reading versus watching. I also believe there is more stimulated brain activity from reading versus watching and I need all the brain help I can get. 
I even prefer reading news (mostly via the internet) versus watching it.

I should spend more time on some physical activity. This old body needs stimulation even more than my brain. I know there are many cyclists, runners, hikers, kayakers, and other outdoor enthusiasts out there. My idea of enjoying the great outdoors is sitting on the beach, smoking a cigar, and enjoying a tequila and lime on ice - not exactly a picture of good health!
I should start walking again, but the current 14f (feels like -7) and light snow isn't conducive to even thinking about outdoor activities!
Maybe next week.

How do you spend your idle time?
Got a show or series to recommend?
What's the go-to time killing game on your phone?

John

It just occurred to me that I didn't even mention getting together with friends for drinks or dinner (or any other activity). That doesn't even cross my mind when thinking about ways to pass the time. In fact, all of the activities I mentioned are things you can do alone. 
Hmmm...

Wednesday Wisdom

This Helen Keller quote was shared by one of the leaders of our combined church crisis coldweather shelter. It truly takes so many kind hearts to do this great work. 

Solstice - Already?

It seems as if the equinox was just a few weeks ago, but this afternoon the earth and sun reach the point of the Winter Solstice for the northern hemisphere and the Summer Solstice for our friends Down Under. I rarely wish for time to speed by, but it would be okay with me if the time to the next equinox passes as quickly. 

This year winter is announcing its entrance with tomorrow's high temperature a degree or two below the freezing mark and the overnight low (tomorrow night) at -8F (that's -22C to the rest of the world)! Friday's daytime high will be around 4F (-15C). 
The temperature will fall below the freezing line around 10 o'clock tonight and won't crest that mark again until sometime Monday afternoon. We're expecting a little light snow tomorrow, but I doubt we'll have a white Christmas. The high winds and dry air will probably take care of the little bit of snow.

I've committed to being here throughout the winter, but I'm thinking I need to start planning for an early springtime tropical trip. I'd even be happy with a Gulf coast trip here in the US. The trick will be to avoid the college spring break crowds.

I suppose I can spin the old saying and choose to find joy in the coming winter. If I choose not to find the joy, I'll still have the winter, but without joy. This is going to take some work!

Have a joyous Winter Solstice!

John

Healthy Perk

If you google "health benefits of volunteering" you will see several articles that explore both the physical and mental benefits of volunteering. I've found an additional perk of serving at the shelter -- I walk a lot.
In spite of spending much of the night sitting on my ever widening ass, I am easily hitting 10,000 steps on the days that I am there. It's weird because it mostly happens over the course of a 12 hour shift and it never really feels like I'm doing that much. I know that the bulk of steps happens early while people are checking in and getting snacks,  drinks, and settled in for the night, and again in the morning when they are checking out and we are cleaning up. Because my step counter works on a midnight to midnight timeline, I don't always hit 10,000 steps on the first day of working overnight, but I still manage plenty of walking.

I'm not expecting to hit that today.

John

That Elusive Christmas Spirit

I'm writing this a few minutes before midnight so it will be published on Tuesday morning. It's been a bit of a long day, but it has also been a good one. After a short nap this morning, I got to help our lead Chaplain at Mercy Hospitals of Aurora and Cassville. I had a few deliveries of food and gifts to folks around the area of SWMO. It was like being Santa's helper. Because the area is a largely rural area and there are lots of miles between Mercy Clinics, I logged over 150 miles in making my deliveries.

Although I often travel without a radio or music, I did find myself singing a few Christmas songs as I thought of my role as Santa's helper. Maybe that's just what I needed to move me along in my long journey to getting into the holiday spirit.  

Fake it 'til you make it, right?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

John

Monday Motivation

 

Time is Short

One week from today is Christmas.
Two weeks from today is 2023.
If you set goals for 2022 or still have Christmas shopping to do, the time is getting short.

I don't have any 2022 goals to achieve, but if I can manage to lose a few pounds between now and New Year's Day I won't be at my heaviest weight to start a year. Fortunately, I don't have any real health issues (that I'm aware of) other than being overweight. My blood pressure is borderline and I need to get it down a bit or go on meds. Other than that, I've managed to be a pretty healthy fat guy, but I know it's only a matter of time until it catches up to me.  

As for the Christmas shopping--
We've said we're not going to buy Christmas presents for each other, but I think that Chris will get me something and I should probably get her something, too. 
Hmmm...

I've got a week, sort of.
The 12hr overnight schedule at the shelter (tonight plus Thursday and Friday nights) kind of messes with my normal do what I want when I want routine. It's not too bad, but it does screw up my sleep more than I remember. Either I'm just not used to it or the additional years are a factor. It may be both factors having an impact. In any case, I probably need to figure something out pretty quickly.

Got any last moment things to do for Christmas or before the end of 2022?
Any party plans to bring in the new year?
How are you coping with the holiday stress?

Happy Holidays, indeed!

John

Guitar

I was pretty young when I got my first guitar for Christmas. I don't know how old I was, but it was a year when my mom mis-tagged all of our gifts so we wouldn't really know what we were getting. I ended up opening my baby sister's doll; I'm not sure who opened my guitar.
I'm sure somebody (Theresa) has that pic somewhere.

Recently, I've been thinking I should take it up again.
I was never very good but I did enjoy playing for myself. Truthfully, I don't know what I'd play. I mostly listen to old stuff and I don't know how much I'd play or try to pick up newer music. I'm not very motivated about it. I just think about it once in a while.

I haven't done much in the way of practicing magic again, either. Maybe I should consider leaving the past in the past
Or maybe it's okay to just enjoy a little of the past from time to time.

I gave away an old guitar a few years ago. If I take it up again I'll need to hit a local pawn shop. I don't even know what a guitar and strings would cost these days. Maybe I'll check into it.

John

An Interesting Question

It's late afternoon and I'm just getting around to writing. My normal morning routine has shifted to the late afternoon/evening hours since I just got up after working the overnight cold weather shelter last night and will be back again for tonight. 

One of the overnight guests asked me an interesting question this morning -- Do you still enjoy this as much as you did when you first started?

Hmmm...
I don't know what her reference point is about when I first started. This is my third winter working in some capacity with the unsheltered community -- ranging from serving meals and coffee at a warming center, to volunteering at an overnight shelter, to my current work as a staff person at an overnight shelter.
I don't know if she is talking about this season (since Nov 1) or some time prior to that.

She followed up her question with her reason for asking it -- We can be such assholes sometimes.

I might know a little something about being an asshole. It could be that this is a bit of trying to make up for those poor attitude days of being a more privileged and less aware person of society. I wonder if there was something in my voice or manner this morning that made her think that I don't enjoy serving as much as I used to. 
Gosh, I hope that wasn't the case.

In truth, I don't know if enjoy is the word that I'd use. It's really kind of sad that this is a necessary work.
I am fulfilled by the work and service that we accomplish and extremely honored to work with a dedicated team of selfless volunteers and a staff that champions the causes of society's marginalized communities. The people and the work has truly made me into a much better person. 
Even Chris noticed that I am a much different person at the shelter. I guess that's not necessarily a good thing. I need to be that patient, caring person all of the time. 

Still working on being a better me.
I hope you are working on being a better you. 
Question like -- Do you still...? are beneficial if we are serious about how we answer them.

John 

December in SWMO

Damp, dreary, and warmer vs. sunny and cold.
From the inside, I'll take sunny every time.
If I have to be outside, it's a bit of a toss up.

Today is sunny and cool. It is the first time we've seen the sun in over a week. With the clear skies we will also have colder nights. That means the shelters will be open and I'll be back at work. In all honesty, I'd rather have it be cold enough at night and have the shelters open than to be just above the cutoff temperatures and have people sleeping in the cold. 
It does mean that my sleep schedule will be a little whacked this week, but it's not too bad. I adapt to sleeping when able pretty well and it is definitely a worthy cause.

*****

It's hard to believe that it is only 10 days until Christmas. There won't be much going on at our place for Christmas this year. We have a tree up, a wreath on the door, and stockings hung on the fireplace. The nativity scene is ready for display but hasn't been put up yet. That's it. There aren't even any presents under the tree. 
I'm okay with it. Simple is cool. 

*****

In other news I am working on getting the deck closed in for the coming winter and cold weather. I tightened the plastic on the lower frames yesterday and will work on finishing that project today and tomorrow. It doesn't get too warm out there, but on many days it does get comfortable enough with a little sunshine and a space heater. It is a little noisy on windy days as the plastic rattles and pops with the wind, but most of the winter wind tends to come from the northwest and is shielded a bit by the house. 
In any case, it gives me some outside (sort of) days that I wouldn't normally have.
The cold weather streak that is just getting started will last for a couple of weeks and won't make it above freezing for a few days near the end of the year. I'm going to have to rethink this wintering in the Ozarks for next year.

We already decided not to exchange gifts for Christmas this year, so I'll just put this as an early idea for next year's Christmas list.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

Getting in the Spirit

I started listening to a little Christmas music yesterday. Maybe that will help get me into the Christmas Spirit. I'd probably have to say that O Holy Night is my all time favorite Christmas hymn (and I do really think of it more as a hymn than just a song or carol). Many different artists have recorded it. This old one by Jim Nabors is a favorite of mine.

What is your favorite Christmas hymn/song/carol?
Leave a link so we can all listen along.

John

Beloved Bad-Ass

It's two days before her 85th birthday and I should probably wait to post it, but I'm writing it now because it is what I'm thinking about this morning, I do not know anyone that is loved by everyone like my mom is.

A couple of years ago, my daughter-in-law made the comment about my mom that she (Mom) is the nicest person she's ever known. Mom's response: I'm tired of everybody thinking I'm so nice. I want to be a bad-ass!
I bought her a necklace that says she's a bad-ass. Others have bought her t-shirts and socks proclaiming her as a bad-ass, and she embraces her title even if she is unable to pull off and embody the real character of a bad-ass. One of my highschool classmates and lifetime friends says she's the sweetest bad-ass to ever live.

Distant relatives stay in touch with her. Grandkids vie for her to come visit their distant homes or travel long distances to visit with her. Neighbors miss her dearly when she is visiting family, and even strangers seem drawn to invite her to travel or to care for her when she is out and about.
I talk to her just about every day and it is truly one of those things that just lifts my spirit. 

I think that anyone that knows her well would agree that her strong and persistant faith is what shapes and defines her character. Her love and compassion for others is born out of her deep love and relationship with God. To most of the world she is Leticia. To family she is usually Mom, Aunt Bebe, Tita Bebe, Grandma, Lola, or Great-grandma. 
My oldest brother once asked the question - Is there anyone as beloved as our mom?
The answer is - No, there isn't.

She may like to think of heself as a bad-ass and we may indulge her with gifts and humor her idea, but nobody would ever truly think she is in any way mean-spirited much less a bad-ass.
Although the 14th is her birthday, it will be sometime on the 13th that she reaches 85 years on planet Earth due to her birth in the Philippines and the International Dateline thing. 
The world is a better place for her presence in it.
If you know her, you are probably a better person just for having met her.

I'm lousy at sending birthday cards. The best you can hope for is a Facebook wish or a text message. 
This is my birthday card substitute for Mom.
...And it's early!

Happy birthday, Mom
I love you.

John

Sunday morning message

Might be my favorite...

John

People and beer vs. Home and bourbon

People and beer includes listening to some friends play music at a Springfield brewery.
Home and bourbon includes watching the UFC fights and snacking on whatever is available at home.
It's a real struggle!

Chris already has plans to go to a Christmas party with a friend so I'm on my own for the evening.
I really do like listening to my friends' band play, and even though I'll be going alone, I know that I will know several people that will be there. The brewery has decent beer, but I'll be my own driver for the night so I'll have to limit myself on consumption. The weather tonight will be cool, but decent so the motorcycle is an option. Riding is always a factor in favor of going.

On the other side of the coin...
I do like watching the fights and it is my normal Saturday evening thing as there are fights on most weekends. Also. I'm good with being left home alone. 

I could skip the prelims, watch the band for their first set, and make it home in time for the main card, but that seems like a lot of work - getting dressed to go out, going out, changing back into home clothes - you know what I mean.
Besides, I've already been with people once this week, and we have a Christmas party to go to next week. People-ing is hard work for some of us. 

Right now I am leaning towards the compromise of doing both, but odds are probably more in favor of me staying home for the night.
We'll see.

John

Final Thoughts (or Is There an Afterlife)

What happens when you die?

The question sort of came up in a recent conversation with a pastor/university professor about a class she teaches. Different religions have different beliefs about the afterlife. Even different people within the same religion have differing thoughts about it. And of course there are those that don't believe anything happens - just the big dirt nap.

Having lived through differing Christian traditions - Catholic, Southern Baptist, and skeptical follower of Jesus - I do believe in an eternal afterlife, but am finding that Jesus taught more about how to live life in the present than about how to gain a particular life in the future. I guess (maybe) they are supposed to be connected. Frankly, I am a little disturbed by the fear of hell motivation or the gain of heaven lure to follow Jesus rather than the simple teaching of loving each other and loving life as we live it. 

I find the philosophies of other religions to be pretty fascinating and observe that most share some pretty common beliefs and practices with each other. Many out date Christianity by thousands of years. Many focus on a supreme being or beings, while others look to the collective intellect of humankind as a sort of god or guiding principle.

What do you think?
Is our human experience like some sort of spiritual amusement park that some souls never experience, while others visit once and it is enough, and still others visit repeatedly?
Are there other planes in the universe that we can experience after this life?
Is there an eternal reward called heaven or an eternal punishment called hell?
Or are those inventions of men to control us in the present life?
Does what happens next (if anything) even matter?

I don't know.
But I do wonder about it from time to time.
What about you?

John

Venting

If you are looking for a happy, feel good post you probably want to scroll on past this one. 
If you are keeping the negative bullshit out of your day, scroll on.
Don't want to read political crap? Scroll on.
You've been warned.
Here we go,

First - railway workers
How the hell does workers wanting sick leave pay turn into the workers are willing to shut down the economy for their own benefits? Why isn't it that the multi-million dollar profit railway companies are willing to shut down the economy to make a few more dollars rather than treat their employees decent enough to allow sick leave?
And why the f#@k is a Democrat/back-the-working-class president signing a bill to force workers to accept a contract they don't want? If you can't side with the workers then stay the f#@k out of it, Uncle Joe. 
Yeah, that really pisses me off.

Second - terminate the Constitution
I've pretty much stayed off the political rants this year, but the silence from the right over a Presidential candidate that wants to terminate the Constitution is really all anyone that was in doubt needs to hear to know that democratic rule isn't the objective of that political party. If you are still supporting this party in ANY WAY, you are complicit with traitors to the country and are as treasonous as they are.
Why isn't anyone speaking out about this?
If they want to keep the GOP intact, they need to cut ties with Trump, cooperate to see him prosecuted for all of his illegal and treasonous activity, and move on without him. It is possible that they have waited too long to be able to salvage anything, but such is the fate of corruption. 

I think the midterm elections are indicative of how Americans feel. There was no red wave and Democrats lost control of the house. Both houses of Congress are pretty evenly divided, but rather than take that as a sign that they need to work together, each majority party - no matter how slim the margin is - sees it as a sign that they move on their party's agenda without compromise. Our legislature is no longer about governance; it is about power and who gets to rule.
Ugh!

Whew!
I needed that. A controlled vent is sometimes needed. Just writing it out makes me feel better. Now I'm debating with myself over whether or not I should post it. I think I will - not to stir up shit or anything, just to give you permission to vent as well. 
By the way, I've cut back on my social media use a little bit and think I'll continue to do so. I may be lurking in the background a bit, but I hope to slowly fade from some platforms. We'll see how that goes. I'm afraid I'm pretty hooked.

I should probably stay away from people for a few days (including virtual contact).

John

Chipolte Chocolate Hot Sauce

I have a lot of hot sauces. I get hot sauces nearly every year for Christmas. Most sauces that you buy at the grocery store or in variety packs aren't very hot, but they do have some interesting flavorings. One such variety pack (Hell's Kitchen) had this Chipolte Chocolate hot sauce. 
It might be one of my favorites for flavor and a little heat (like Tabasco level heat).

Unfortunately, I pretty much used the last few drops of it last night.
It was a late night snack, one of my go-to favorites - peanut butter toast. I don't know why I have never tried it before, but it dawned on me - What would this taste like with just a little heat?
Looking in the 'fridge I saw the almost empty bottle of chipolte chocolate hot sauce and thought - Yeah!

For the record, it was good. I should have added a bit more, but I tend to be cautious when trying new flavor combos. 
I've had spicy peanuts as snacks in the past. I don't know why I never thought to spice up my peanut butter. I don't think I'll always use a little heat in my peanut butter, but it was a nice addition to the peanut butter toast and I'll look for different varieties to use on this and other pb snacks.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

Firepit

My son thinks I need a firepit.
I'm not sure that I'd use it often enough to justify building one or buying one. 
But I am considering it. 

I do like the idea of an outdoor living area. A firepit would be a nice central focus for such an area. We live far enough out from friends that I don't think it would really become a gathering place for people. I see that both as a plus and a minus. Having a few people over every now and then to enjoy drinks and conversation around an evening fire might be enjoyable. I don't think it is something that I'd use by myself very often and don't think that Chris would be a big fan of it for just the two of us either. 

In any case, it's not going to be a winter project, so I have some time to consider it.
One of my brothers has a nice firepit that gets used often enough. We had a fire at my daughter's home on a couple of nights over the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Any friends/readers have firepits?
How often do you use them?
Do you use them just for yourselves?
For gatherings of friends?
Both?

Just wondering.

John

The Simple Life

I'm enjoying a cup of good coffee (Ethiopian) next to our ventless gas fireplace after a good night's sleep in my own bed. It's true -- I'd rather be sitting outside, looking at the ocean from a tropical beach or balcony, but this isn't too bad.
I don't know if there is a great difference between content and happy, but I am definitely content this morning.   

I know that I'm not too motivated to do anything today, so I'm going to enjoy the moment and worry about motivation later. 

What are the simple things in life that you enjoy?
Even though I do like an occasional lunch with a friend or meet for coffee, most of the simple things I enjoy seem to be things that I enjoy in solitude:  reading a book, enjoying a good cigar, sipping bourbon, listening to music, taking a ride on the motorcycle, etc.  
I enjoy watching MMA fighting, baseball, hockey, and even soccer, but wouldn't list those things as something that brings me joy or even contentment. They are more just ways to pass time. 

I don't really have any hobbies. I don't have a regular job that I go to. I have no real routine in life and I kind of like it that way. I know that many people need structure and routine to get by from day to day. I'm pretty happy that I'm not one of them,
Maybe life for you is better if it is busy and complex.
Maybe your preference isn't for a simple life.
Maybe you are one of those people that have to be moving and doing to be happy -- making a do list and checking things off one by one until it's completed.

So...
What are the things in life that make you happy?
Do that.

John

Home, hopefully for a while

Another weekend on the road is in the books. I think this is the last one for a little while.
Typically, I don't really mind the time on the road. This past weekend was a little tougher since I was operating on very little sleep. I am really looking forward to a good night's sleep in my own bed tonight.
I really wish advances towards a Star Trek like transporter system would hurry up and come about. It would certainly make travel easier-visit anywhere in the world and sleep at home every night!

This past week I was back working at the overnight shelter (the reason for the travel on little sleep). The temps are forecast to be warmer for the coming week and the shelters will likely be closed, but it is my week for service at the hospital in Aurora, serving as the on-call chaplain. I really do feel good about these two areas of service and it rarely feels like work or something that I'd rather not be doing. Given that the shelter gig is seasonal during cold weather, you might say it is my winter activity of choice (see my post from a couple of days ago).

I hope to use the warmer days this week to seal up the deck for the winter weather. I sure do miss the warm afternoons and evenings out there. Wednesday night's forecast nighttime low is 52f (11c) so maybe I'll plan on sleeping outside that night.
I should probably think about putting up some Christmas decorations during the nice weather. 
Meh
I suppose that's today's Bah, Humbug. 
Whatever.

I hope you have a grand week. I plan on getting a good night's sleep and facing the week ahead with a fine attitude and great expectations.

John

Thumb tap blogging

I'm thumb tap blogging on my phone today. I'm a passenger in the car and heading eastward toward the area and hour or so south of St Louis.

Interstate 44 is always well traveled with lots of big trucks. Today is no different. The highway follows much of the old Route 66 highway. It generally overlays or parallels the old road across the state. The old Route is marked, but not real well if you're interested in following it. I think it would be an interesting ride on the motorcycle. I may need to plan that sometime soon.

The billboards along the Interstate advertise plenty of Route 66 attractions and many old motels, diners, and other roadside attractions remain in the small Missouri towns along the way. Maybe I should find the best burger or BBQ on the old highway.

Maybe not.

Interstate highways make for much faster travel than the old highways that made their ways through the towns along the way. But there is certainly a charm and a bit of nostalgia on the old roads.

John 

Winter activities

If you know me, you already know that winter ain't my thing.
If I were to choose a favorite winter activity, it would be traveling to a tropical beach. Since I've taken on a seasonal job this winter, traveling to a tropical beach isn't on the table of potential activities for the coming months.  

Fortunately, SWMO doesn't typically get a lot of snow. It makes the winter long without much opportunity for sledding, skiing, outdoor ice skating, or other snow and/or ice related fun. 
So, what do you do for winter fun?
Maybe it's the same thing you do for summer fun, but with more clothes on!

I need to run into Springfield today. Google Maps says it's 16 miles to the coffee shop where I'm meeting a guy. It will be a cool ride, but I think I'll take the bike. Motorcycle riding is a summer activity that I do in the winter, but with more (or at least warmer) clothes on. 

I still need to enclose the deck if I'm going to make use of it this winter.
I have a few magic effects I'd like to work on (although, I haven't been too serious about it). 
I also have some woodburning tools that I received a couple of years ago that might be fun to experiment with.
I read, but inside rather than outside.

Where do you live and what are your go-to winter activities?

John
#readyforspring

December 1 and a shout out to The Connecting Grounds

I never did make it out of the house yesterday. And since I didn't make it out of the house, there was no reason to get out of my pajamas, either!
Unfortunately, that won't be the case today.

After my morning coffee, I have a delivery of coats, clothes, and blankets to make. My cousin sent a bunch of things home with me for donation to The Connecting Grounds (TCG). 
The Connecting Grounds Outreach Center is a pretty cool place. It is primarily staffed by volunteers and is always a hive of activity. Much of the work is "paid" for by giving credits for bicycles, bus passes, or other items that are available. There is no cost for clothing, food items, or survival stuff. 
It is a resource for medical care, job placement, and other everyday needs such as haircuts and laundry.
The above link is to the Outreach Center site. If you want to find out more about TCG as an organization, click the "home" link.

If you would like to support TCG's Outreach Center, go to the above link and click the support button (upper right) to see the different ways that you can contribute.

One might think that TCG is there solely to provide care and support to the unsheltered and underprivileged of the Springfield community. Truthfully, TGC and Pastor Christie Love have given me more than I ever could have expected. Through my connection to them and through them I have learned to "Love Outloud" and become a much more aware and loving person. I will forever be grateful for what they have given to me.
It is through them (and others) that I find myself working at the Crisis Cold Weather Shelter for the third winter season. I am finding that I am a different person - a better person - when I am there, and I need to incorporate shelter John into the more isolated John that I am the rest of the time. 

By the way, I think The Connecting Grounds would be a great name for a coffee shop, don't you?

Have a grand day.
Find a way to give a little. 
Support my friends at TCG or a charity or cause of your own preference.
You'll be glad you did!

John