Thoughts of a Common Man

It was early in the week when I asked the question that is the title of this post. “Our freaking anniversary?” Was the question I was asked in response. “I mean, when is our wonderful anniversary?” “Saturday.” “So, it’ll rain,” I said. From our wedding day forward it seems that we get drenched every May 31st. And it’s something that we’ve been able to add year after year to our marriage resume. I’m not sure how many couples make it 25+ years nowadays, but we have stayed on track. Marriage is a journey, and it’s not always Camelot, but how a relationship evolves is pretty amazing. The excitement of youth gives way to the work that is done through middle age, and is topped off by the mutual dependence of the later years. We’ve heard all the stories. “I knew you were going to say that,” is something that gets said often… …but marriage and commitment and being there day after day, for one another… …in sickness and in health… …whether you’re pissed off or not…. …is truly the amazing part of...

A reporter actually had the guts to mention to the Orange stain that Wall Street has figured out his tariff policy. “Trump always chickens out.” T.A.C.O. And much like the Brandon crap with President Biden, I think this little nickname will stick.  The sad thing is that it isn’t a question of chickening out… …the tariff scam is a way to manipulate the market and rob the place blind. “There are trillions pouring in from other countries!” The liar lied. Then he scolded the reporter. Then someone in his cabinet mentioned that referring to him as TACO could result in criminal trouble. Now, that’s funny! Here’s the great thing about American politics - we are free to say anything we’d like. Well, we have been free… …I’m not sure it’s going to stay that way, to be honest! But for now. Trump Always Chickens  Out A better one might be: T A L S A C Trump Always Lies Steals  And Cries.

Every sports talk show in the country wastes a lot of time talking about who is the greatest of all time - or G.OA.T. I’ll save you some time and give you my GOATS in each sport, but I must admit that the subject can get everyone up in arms. Basketball is the one that drives me nuts because there is a clear choice by most fans: Michael Jordan. Yet, there are arguments to be made. Floppy James has certainly had the greatest career - bar none, but everyone that thinks he’s the GOAT takes a beating by Jordan fans. I wasn’t a Jordan fan when he played. I often argued that Bird was a better shooter (he was) and was a better passer (he was because Jordan passed as often as me) and Bird was also a better rebounder (he was). Problem was Bird split his titles with Magic. And don’t get me started on Wilt Chamberlain who so dominated the game that they changed rules to try and stop him. People ignore that he averaged 50 points a game, or grabbed 55 rebounds in one game - not to mention scoring 10...

Miller finally made it to the groomer. My poor cat. He’s a tad overweight, and he was having trouble in the nether regions because his hair was too long. “Miller has dingleberries,” was a common refrain. We ordered a carry case to get him to the groomer, and then we set the appointment. Sam and Kathy hauled him away and two hours later we got the call. “Miller is all cleaned up!” The overly excited groomer said. Of course, I had to pick him up because I was paying for it. Did you know it costs $110 to groom a cat? A shampoo and a hair cut. “Miller was very excited to have me clean his butt,” the groomer said. “Who wouldn’t be?” I asked. (Thankfully she laughed). So, I have a cleaned, freshly shaved cat. He seems happy. We definitely are.

Saddened to hear that the Piano Man has a brain disorder, and had to cancel some of his shows. His career rise was part of my childhood and I’ve continued to enjoy his work all these years later. He’s also a great interview, and I enjoy listening to him speak about his creative process. Certainly hope he fully recovers. In the same vein, I was talking with a younger co-worker who suffered a heart event. He just turned 50 and is in good shape… …or so he imagined! He’s on his way to a full recovery, but with his life stretched out before him… …”Scared the shit out of me!” He confessed. And the health news is coming during a week when I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled - just a routine check-up. “Why do I have to go?” I asked. “I feel fine.” Now, I know better, but I’ve never been great at heading to the docs as often as I probably should. Bill Burr’s latest special began with thoughts on being in the ‘Drop dead’ age group. And that’s the problem with creeping up on retirement age. S...

It was only about 65 degrees, but the sun was shining, and I felt good around the 12th hole. The ball stayed in the middle most of the day, and the company was good. It makes you appreciate the fine days when it’s been miserable and raining all the damn time. The news of the day remains absolutely pathetic, and I wonder if the media is going to say anything about the mental failures of the current president, or are they going to keep talking about how diminished Joe Biden was two years ago? Perhaps the words of the speeches should be published. The West Point speech was called the worst speech ever made by a sitting president…. …but that record only stood until the Memorial Day speech which was a festival of slurred words and incoherence. Tariffs on. Tariffs off. The big beautiful bill passed the house, but will be DOA in the senate because it does nothing for anyone but the ultra-wealthy. And in the middle of it all, the sun arrived. Bruce is being attacked by MAGA for standing up to ...

The weather hasn’t been great, and one of the ever-consistent tasks in my life is clearing clutter. I’m also one who doesn’t put off tasks and I believe that when there’s a huge task, doing it a little at a time, with consistent effort, will finish it in no time. We have clothes all over the house. The kids don’t live here anymore, but their closets are filled with clothes they wore in freaking grammar school. I’ve made comments about getting those closets cleaned out, but I also realized that I have clothes that I won’t ever fit in again. I decided to clean out my own stuff first, and this is where I ran into a dilemma. I have journals. Every year - from 1976 on - 1 book for each year - a paragraph written about every day that I’ve lived. They’re tucked in the back of my closet and my initial thought was to gather them and bury them in the bottom of the trash bin. I didn’t write in them each day with a grand plan to go back and read them. I don’t have a lot of interest in reading what...