dughlas

Bet the neighbors are impressed and pleased.

The benefit of being in lockdown is plenty of time to do yard/garden work.

Mum had leftover Chicken Carbonara and I had a tossed salad.

Thanks Page. I hadn't seen this.

But then that's how life is ... day to day regardless of the pandemic. Yes it's a very serious and very sobering situation but rather than focusing just on the dire aspects consider too the bright spots. I saw the Easter Bunny today. I was on my way to pick up Thistle from Doggy Kamp and passed one of the local Sheriff's Beach Patrol pickup trucks. The Easter Bunny was riding in the back waving to folks just as he has in years past. Didn't matter that most folks are hunkered down indoors he was busy waving to those outside in their yards. Life continues as it always has. There are babies being born. I know this because it's my daughter-in-laws job to catch them when they come into this world. There are a pair of local teenage brothers who because of restrictions can't visit their grandma in her care facility. So they with their mother's help bake dozens of cookies to take to her and to share with the other residents sequestered there. The residential home where my mother-in-law lives hasn't had any cases of the virus. Some of the local hospitals have patients recovering from the virus ready to discharge but with no place to go. The home decided to convert one of it's medical wings to caring for recovering COVID patients. They took the steps to create a negative pressure dedicated treatment facility with specially trained staff not because they needed it but so they could invite folks there to complete their recovery. For every dark and frightening aspect to this pandemic there is counter balancing bright spots. I understand being concerned even frightened I am too. Mum is closer to her 85th birthday than her 84th. She has a wonky heart. You all know about my migraines but might not be aware that I have chronic kidney disease. In some studies the percentage of those with chronic kidney disease who develop severe cases of the virus are even higher than those with heart and respiratory issues. My plan is for us to not become sick so I take precautions. I can't do more than that. I also refuse to fret over what I can't control as it serves no useful purpose and does nothing to keep us safe. Oh, I also refuse to place any faith in the fat red-faced liar and his daily briefings. Uhmmm, does anyone know where I should put this soapbox now that I've finished with it?

Sapling bender is one I don't think I've heard before though it does sound like something oldtimers in my area might say. It may be more common amongst the Plain Folk and a translation from their German dialect.

Discretion seems to be the order of the day here. Basically anywhere that people might gather has been closed. There is a "Go to Work or Stay Home" order in place. The big traffic alert signs over the local highway currently say "GO HOME! STAY THERE!"

I remember your note of warning and our subsequent conversation. I remember telling you I thought your handling of Henk's suicide was well done and your readers would see it that way too. You are a thoughtful and caring man or as Gov Cuomo might say you're a tough enough guy to be tender.

I was privileged to read this chapter in it's early stages and I cried. The addition of the damage to Henk's garden is excellent. The change in Henk's demeanor from that point suggests a life that has lost purpose and dammit, I cried. There was an enormous amount of love expressed in this chapter. There was the obvious in the interactions between Brad and Patrick and again with Carson, CJ, Owen and Leibe but what struck most poignantly was Brad's refusal to give up on Henk despite every obstacle. We talk about what a remarkable group of young men the Squad is and yes they are blessed ... but dammit we too can each of us refuse to overlook the Henks of this world. They and we are souls of equal value in the eyes of God. My my mum and grandmother before her taught me ... there but by the grace of God go I ... it is time I/we remember that ... My apologies to those who might not share my beliefs but my faith is too much a part of me to keep it from you. It would be like keeping the fact I'm gay from you. It's who I am.

Hi bro.

You aren't gonna catch me climbin' some mountain range for a pack of cigarettes ... now a pack of plaid ginger lads 😋

Do folks in your area refer to a late Spring snow like that as an "onion snow" or that a Pennsylvania Dutch thing?

There's glitter in the mulch I just put down.

Remember when he needed you to reach the things on the upper cabinet shelf?

We had some brief showers this morning but the skies are clearing for what is forecast to be another unseasonably warm day before an overnight cool down to a couple days of unseasonalby cool temps. Hoping to finish mulching mum's flower gardens today.

Don't be too worried it's a short stake.

You're gonna nuke the lads ... you sound remarkably like some other wannabe emperor.

Following the fine example set by my WQ Val I have moved the plaid lads into secure containment ... er, I mean quarantine as a measure against depredation ... er, I mean possible infection. In an additional step they have all been issued new kilts. Their previous garments have been donated to a charity for God-Emperors with taller nephews.

Wikileaks 🤭

That means the boy has outgrown his uncle. He doesn't want to confirm it and he can't deny it ... the boy is taller.

Nope, nope, not a chance and nope ...

I bet if he was really hot and called you "Baby" you wouldn't mind but if he called you old ...

Sorry but now that you're older you need to understand that you can't have everything you want ... the plaid lads are MINE! I am an anarchist and atheist ... Happy Birthday Texy!

Hmm, if I had to choose a favorite Headstall story I'm not certain I could. Morningstar was such an intriguing departure and yet classic Headstall. I think though that the one that started it all Cards on the Table is the one I enjoyed most. Perhaps because it was the first and we all, Gary and his readers, were learning to know one another. Some very special friendships resulted from that story.

It reached 84/29° today with bright sunshine and a breeze. That's a bit above normal for this time of year.