I am Cornered; A Captive.

A few days ago, I had a estimate on a privacy fence and the fella doing the measurements told me that their company was two months behind completing jobs. He told me that it's the busiest his company had been in the 17-years he's been with them. He theorized that people have been in their homes more due to the pandemic and they look around at things and decide on changes and/or improvements. I believe the gent is correct and his thought even supported by my own behavior.

My wife and I returned from Florida on March 9, just about the time the 'coronavirus-hit-the-fan.' Since then, I have filled the auto with gasoline only two times; we don't go as in normal times. We don't eat out in restaraunts. We don't take day trips or weekend jaunts to visit our children. We are stuck at home.

Since I'm not spending monies on the aforementioned activities, I rationalize expenditures on the following: (1) Wild bird seeds and exotic feeders for Finches, Song Birds and Hummingbirds. (2) I am on first name basis with Wayfair agents after buying three patio umbrellas and two yard fountains. (3) this year's flower planting cost set a personal record and now I look to create a 'compound' with a six foot high privacy fence. Some say, "You're losing it." Kinder folks opine, "He's eccentric."

The unfortunate reality of this backyard fantasy escape will end with falling leaves and winter snows. It is then that the emotional frustration and anxiety will set in. I will be 'inside' the house instead of outside. I will be answering the endless soliciting telephone calls from every charity under the sun. I will get frequent reminders about an auto warranty expiration on a vehicle, which was totaled in an  accident nine years ago. I will turned down numerous freebies from cruise company's, casinos, resort hotels and United Healthcare's 'Home Nurse Visit Program.' I will also hear from Rachael regarding my credit card and hear from Social Security that somebody in Southwest Texas is engaged in suspicious financial activities using my Social Security number. (I hate it when that crap happens).

If I buy half of what's offered from telephone solicitors and commit to the plethora of $19 per month television pitches, i.e., St. Jude's (my wife already commits), ASPCA, Shriners, Wounded Warriors, local police fund, State Police Association,  Sheriff's Association and humane society,  I will deplete my monies for going South for the winter if and when this virus evaporates. And I've learned that when packing to go South for the winter, I should take 'half' the clothes and 'twice' the money.

Words From Great Presidents

Following are a few meaningful and telling quotes from American Presidents:

Harry S. Truman (33rd President)..."The Buck Stops Here."

Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President)..."The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

John F. Kennedy (35th President)..."Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do
                                                          for your country."

Donald J. Trump (45th President)..."Person-Woman-Man-Camera-T.V." /  "I Aced It."

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Molly McGee (wife of Fibber McGee)... "T'aint funny McGee!"

Chester A. Riley..."What a revoltin' development this is!"

Can't Decide

I am often times intrigued by the apparent desire of folks to have brief summations regarding people and events. There seems to be an appetite for information as long as it will not require much of our time. We've all heard the interviewer near the close of a conversation with a celebrity ask the question: "How would you like to be remembered?" We've heard the plea, "What one word best describes you?" From a personal perspective, I try not to self-grade because it can lead to self-aggrandizing, which leads to my father's ire and even though he's gone from this earthly journey...I still wish not to anger him on the good chance we shall meet again.

As most good Christians, I do enjoy 'judging others,' therefore I shall attempt to find that one word that best describes my wife of 60-years. There is a problem. I am conflicted choosing one of two words both of which come to mind. Gerry is deeply and sincerely 'CARING' and without question, Gerry is a 'TERRIER.' Let me advance a few examples supporting each word.

If I gave readers a list of family and friends' to contact and those readers asked the question, "Tell me something about Gerry Roustio," they would quickly say, "I have received all types of greeting cards from Gerry over the years, i.e., birthday, Anniversary, sympathy or simply Thinking About You cards, she is indeed most thoughtful and caring." New neighbors soon meet Gerry who offers a kind greeting word, shares endless information and a plate of 'Brownies.' Over the years, Gerry has nurtured children, grandchildren and great grandchildren while volunteering for various church service groups.  She epitomizes 'CARING.' But wait-a-minute...

Gerry could be the poster woman for eagerness and tenacity. That creature that refuses to 'Let it Go!'
She often demonstrates a Terrier mentality...relentless in a mission. If you will, consider: Every grandchild will tell you that if Nana (Gerry) offers that second food helping your best to say "yes" on the first overture because it is non-negotiable. Should Gerry converse with family or friends and asks "How are you?" >You best be prepared to give elaborate and detailed follow-up answers because the rapid-fire questions are coming similar to those asked by a New Jersey prosecuting attorney.

Just last week, I suggested a light supper of eggs over-easy, bacon and toast and Gerry obliged. As we sat down to eat, Gerry noticed one of my eggs was perhaps more over-hard than over-easy and she asked, "You want some of my yolk?" I responded, "No, I'm fine." Within moments, she again pleaded, "Take some of my egg yolk." Again I said, "I don't want any of your egg yolk." Almost immediately after her third offer and my third rejection, I saw out of the corner of my eye a teaspoon of yellow egg yolk being dropped on my plate accompanied by a deep-throated, command-like, directive-voice, "Here take this egg yolk!"  If that ain't TERRIER, "Then grits ain't groceries, eggs Ain't poultry and Mona Lisa was a man," to quote Little Milton.

Well, there you are folks...I can't decide that one word that best defines my wife: Caring or Terrier?

Who Wants to Be President?

We likely know of the basic qualifications to become the United States President: Born in the United States, 35-years of age and a resident of the United States for the previous 14-years. As children, we were told by adults that we could "grow up to be President." Personally, I always thought that was far-fetched and a bit of  'pie-in-the-sky' thinking. I suppose that's why we laughed about various folks over time who were suggested as Presidential candidates. I'm starting to believe what we were told as kids is true...anybody, I mean anybody can become President.

Back in the 1950's and 1960's, Alfred E. Neuman, the fictitious lovable poster boy for Mad Magazine was touted by the magazine and followers as a viable candidate for the Oval Office. You all recall those political posters, "Alfred E. Neuman For President." And then there was the Smothers Brothers promotion of deadpan comedian, Patrick Paulsen who repeatedly offered his vision as President.

Fast forward to the 2016, Presidential campaign and the perfect storm developed, which would catapult an unlikely character into the Commander-in Chief of the United States. Never mind that he was a known fraud, a vulgar self-admitted sexual predator and profoundly lacking in areas of education and political experiences, i.e., governing, foreign affairs, Constitution knowledge and compromising leadership skills.  He was the antithesis of the 'Black Man' who held the office before him. He was appealing to bigots, big business and underachieving people who needed scapegoats. His legacy? The most divided United States since the Civil War.

Now, we have a new budding Presidential wannabe who just might make the grade someday and be our 47the American President...Kanye Omari West. Hells Bells, Why Not? What rapper wouldn't make a great President? Oh, and about the coming storm? That storm is developing and should hit around 2045.

Tell Me How You 'Really' Feel

I was the second person to walk through the Decatur Target Store yesterday (Sunday) morning. When I left 35-minutes later, I was perhaps one of a total 6-shoppers in the entire store; appears to be a good time to shop Target.

After putting away groceries, I watered the garden and brought a few tomatoes and Zucchini's in for supper. Due to the stifling heat/humidity, I passed on yard work and walking. Got on the treadmill instead. I later joined my wife in the family room where she was already immersed in a Hallmark Christmas movies marathon event. I withheld my usual snide remarks and began reading the newspaper.

After my reading, I watched the movie for about 10-minutes, which took it to the conclusion, I guess. Here's what happened, I bent over to pick up Toy Poodle, Yodie and when I straightened up I think another movie had begun with one of the central characters from the previous movie. I said to my wife, "Hallmark should blow a siren between movies so you know when one movie ends and another begins." Whoa, Buddy, the girl was loaded and laying-in-wait as she quickly snapped, "At least I don't have to watch a boring back and forth parade of a free throw shooting contest at the end of my Hallmark movie or the endless changing of pitchers before a four-hour baseball game's conclusion!"

Like Ray Charles sang, "Everybody's got to their own opinion and you know, I SURE got mine..."

Learning From a Pandemic

If one pays attention it should be obvious to them that they are being 'taken-to-school' by this Covid-19 virus. Let me tell you,  I've learned a number of things in recent months and continue to be enlightened:  The coronavirus pandemic has taught me that>>>

 1) Haircuts are overrated.

 2) I'm fortunate to be married to the right person.

 3) Dogs really are your best bet for friendship.

 4) Angry people make bad decisions, especially at the voting polls.

 5) Sports watching is truly a needed tranquilizer for a nation of wannabes.

 6) There appears to be a correlation between the elimination of the military draft and the American
      people's ability to make sacrifices for the survival of a country.

 7) If I make a notation of the best thing that happened to me today, tomorrow seems to go better.

 8) The core reason for adult disagreements is often anchored in childish attitudes.

 9) Television movie channels could do better.

10) First responders and teachers' talents are more critical to a society than professional athletes and
      entertainers' talents AND their compensation should reflect that reality.

11) The lack of leadership and a universal plan to defeat this pandemic will cause the catastrophic
       demise of our great nation if State and local leadership fails to step forward a fill the void.

Pause and Weigh Responses

In this journey-experience called 'life,' I've come to appreciate that many things are both complicated and simple. The key to resolve is understanding that basic truths are found in the most complicated. Unfortunately, too many people don't seek truths in life but instead they seek other people who agree with their preconceived perceptions, thus manufacturing their own truths. Sound familiar?

Our saving grace is that circumstances, good or bad will not last forever. As much as we are often uncomfortable with change be thankful it comes...adjust and adapt and find joy.