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Deck and patio –

 In typical fashion, M is full steam ahead with the cottage renovation. This week is all about the backyard and deck.  There was a deck stretched out over the water, not attached to the house,  that looked more like a play pen than a water structure.   We removed it as it was pretty intrusive on the landscape and gave the next door neighbors NO privacy in their own yard.  Instead, we’re installing a blue stone patio up higher in the yard.  A  rock wall was built to raise the ground level so we have even ground there. The stones were taken from our farm, so a little bit of This Old House is present.  The second step down will be a garden next Spring.  

The little island you see below out there in the cove has an occupant, a house sits on the rocks – a very tranquil setting but they need a small boat to come and go. That’s a nuisance if you run out of milk or toilet paper or want to go get the Sunday paper, don’t ya think?  Especially if it’s raining.

 We will need to install a railing once the patio is complete. Still tossing around what kind. Each cottage owner seems to have a different preference, so there are a jumble of different railing looks out there.   Should we try to match either of the abutting neighbors so there is some uniformity or do our own thing.

  The decks looked sturdy enough, but upon further investigation there was rot and sagging supports, so M opted to replace them.  We can’t expand on the size but we can fortify it and make the railing a little less imposing.  The lattice under the porches and house frame will be white to match the trim on the house, square design.  The deck will match the light grey stained cedar shingle siding.  I’m looking for a beautiful deep rich blue for the doors.  If you’re bored, google  Benjamin Moore exterior paints and go through the blue hues… there are a zillion to choose from, but I’m looking for a dark but not too dark, rich vibrant blue…..  tell me what you suggest.  Each color has a name, some of them comical.  

  I drove down there this morning to check on progress and take some pics. I cannot express accurately the calm that washes over  us all when we approach the community and drive along its small one lane road among the trees and water views and small cottages, each with it’s own personality. I love the pots of flowers, the little handmade signs, the buoys hanging from garages, the seashells that adorn window ledges, clam rakes leaning on shed walls.  This place does not put on the airs that a wealthy waterfront community does. You don’t feel any NO TRESPASSING vibes….  you feel like you’ve transcended time, back to the days when the average working family could afford a little seaside retreat.  1935 to be exact.  
 I  stood in front of this tiny house and said a Thank You to the Universe.   I put my hand on her doorknob and let her know  we will be very good to her and hope to share many memories under her eaves and out on her landscape.  I promised to honor her quirks as we fortify her very being. 
 
 Once upon a tide.. there was a young girl who dreamed of a little cottage by the sea…… 

Once Upon A Tide…….

       T’is true, I am a water girl. Born a Pisces, don’t ya know.  M & I have often taken long drives in search of that dream of owning a second home – something small and in a location where our family could rest and relax and enjoy the beauty of nature without the crowds, away from the pressures of work and farm and Hillary vs. Trump  OMG WILL IT EVER END. 

*Ahem.    
   Anyway…. over the years we’ve researched a lakefront cabin in Vermont, a small house on Martha’s Vineyard, a Florida Condo right on the ocean, gulf side.  We’ve scanned real estate brochures when on vacation and even spoke with a few realtors in various locations.  We looked at properties along our shores just miles from here in several different towns.  The problem with all those options is there is no such thing as a bargain even if the place is falling apart, because the taxes will kill you if the purchase price doesn’t.  The Vineyard has always been my first choice, but the price of homes has skyrocketed as the island has become more popular with Presidents and celebrities and people like you and me.  If we were going to do that, we should have done it 20 years ago.  Another factor is the commute.  I don’t want to have to drive hours on end to get to that peaceful relaxation place.  M is Type A all the way, and he would want to keep his watchful eye on it and do any maintenance himself.  We’ve got this farm and animals to care for and he runs a very busy company.  Getting away -ain’t easy- so long rides (or flights!)  to check up on a place would be hard to accomplish.   
  My mom has rented a little cottage for the past five years in a little community on the shore just a hop in the car and 20 minutes from here.  The beauty of that community is it’s right on the water and the cottages, when purchased, are AFFORDABLE.  The hitch is… they are on land owned by an old old family dating back to the 1600’s.  AND.. they rarely come available for sale.  AND.. if you ever get the urge to rebuild or expand that 1930’s cottage, you can’t do it.   These cottages have to remain as they are, seasonal, and within their current footprint. Meaning you can’t go up or out or live there year round. AND.. there’s a waiting list.  
  For five years we’ve watched the market, asked around, looked and listened for a possible availability.  A  little bird told us there was an older gentleman who owned one of these cottages and although he loved the place dearly,  his wife wasn’t feeling the love.  I thought… Hmmm… what harm would it do to write him a letter.  So I did.  And he responded.  Had to think on it. (OMG he’s thinking on it!)  So we waited. And waited.  Until finally he returned with a “why don’t you come look at the place and we’ll talk”. 
   Long story a little shorter, we are now the proud owners of a little 700 sq ft. rustic ( and I mean RUSTIC) cottage tucked in a cove off Long Island Sound.   Mike has begun doing what he does best, I’ll share the transformation here.  Keep in mind, we cannot alter the footprint of the cottage, can’t go up or out, nor can we winterize it. 
 Ready for the tour?…. 
Roadside…. the “neighborhood”  is basically a giant rock outcropping consisting mostly of woods and ledge  with a small one-lane road that meanders along it’s coast.  The speed limit is 15 miles an hour and in summer the road is  populated by dog walkers and bicycle riders and pedestrians of all ages.
  Our cottage is a 1935 model. This is the before shot. There is no foundation.  Notice the sagging roof lines. Last week all the cedar posts that were holding it up underneath were replaced. Talk about a dirty job.    

 Below photo is the view from the water…

UNRELATED:  we have a tiny family dispute going, help us with the argument.  Some of us say the front of the house is the street side with the front door, porch and garage. Some of us say the front of a waterfront house is always the WATER side.   What say you?

We have removed all that latticework and the deck is next. The plan is to replace the lattice and  the deck, porch (with the same footprint) and reside with cedar shingle, replace windows and doors and possibly roof.  A new garage door is coming as well.

   It starts………….     
Front porch – screens removed, about to undergo a face-lift. Notice the bunnies next to the bench.  Quite a few little creatures where left behind by the previous owner.  They’ll continue to live here with us.  

Bedroom

Living Room

Bedroom – one of the few things we kept from the previous owner was this awesome bed frame.

Kitchen – the cabinets and that awesome farm house sink will stay.

The wall behind the stove/fridge will be removed – the view will be the living room out to the water, opening up the living space quite a bit.

The bathroom, also about to get a facelift.

The deck  – will be replaced but maintain same “footprint”.

Gas stove in living room, the only heat source.

Some lovely onion lights will remain.

as will all these critters….. 

 Our stairway to the water..

 our platform at the base of the stairs… will make kayak entry a breeze. 

A panoramic view from the yard.. distorted because of the angle but you get the idea

 This picture was taken at very low tide, and revealed we have two oyster beds right in front of the cottage – 
 Coming and going from the community, these are our views… amazing. 
SO.. off we go.  Once Upon A Tide.. there was a little cottage in need of a little TLC…. 

Woodstock, Vermont

     Last weekend we treated the kids and their significant others to a weekend at the Woodstock Inn in Vermont – sort of an early Christmas present.  The Guy and I visited for the first time last February and loved it so much we knew the kids would appreciate it too.   So we booked last weekend well in advance, as it is indeed “Leaf Peeping Season” here in New England.  That means the tourists flood in from all over to see Autumn in all it’s splendor.    When I used that term in the truck on the way up to the Inn, the kids were hysterical with laughter because apparently I used SUCH A DWEEBY TERM!   LEAF PEEPING… A HAHAHAHAHAAAA MOM!!!…      Apparently they haven’t been on earth long enough to know  IT IS A THING –  and I proved it at the gift shop in the center of the INN when the person working the store used the term “Leaf Peepers” referring to the crowds.    A HA! At the very least, I’m not the only DWEEB.    
     Anyway… The Inn is spectacularly New England, the food really good (two restaurants and bars within) and the accommodations wonderful.  The bedding alone is worth the stay.  There are many places for small groups to gather in the halls, entry ways, gathering places…. game rooms, library, the spa which we didn’t even see….   So, even if the weather were miserable outside, the Inn is a holiday all it’s own.  I highly recommend it.  
 Quechee Gorge, the largest in Vermont.   Let me tell ya ’bout that hike down the hill from that bridge you see there.. actually the down was easy.. the going back UP… well.   My calves still haven’t forgiven me. 

Brave kiddo.. notice how the rest of us are dressed… 
The Inn…. 

 The main hall….

 Game room on lower level… these two attempting vintage pacman…

Billings Farm and Museum just behind town… 

   We did some cow kissing and some Pumpkin Ice Cream making….. 

 … and lots of admiring the beautiful scenery.

   It was a wonderful three day weekend spent with this crew.  I love these kids more than they will ever fully understand. What a blessing it is to be together enjoying each others company.   We almost.. ALMOST… got through the mini vacation without talking politics.  That lovely town hall debate happened to be on the tube (insert kids hysterical laughter at moms use of yet another DWEEB term, ’cause it’s coming, I’m sure) on our second nights stay… and we watched in utter horror  or giddy glee.  One thought it was horrendous  .. the other thought it – went well-.   You can guess who’s who in this house, can’t ya.

 Thank you, my family… for a wonderful, wonderful weekend of togetherness.  Thank you to my Guy for treating us all. It’s a beautiful thing.    Except for the Trump signs.  WHY in a Bernie state were there so many Trump signs?!  That’s not really a question, I don’t want to know.

Autumn at This Old House

  Blogging used to be a daily thing around here – When I picked up my editing job again for a local publication I  let it fall by the wayside, admittedly.  There’s just so much time in a day that I  am willing to give up in order to sit in front of a computer screen. For those of you who still drop by and join the conversations, I thank you for your time and sharing of views. 
   The blog was originally a way for me to document the restoration of This Old House here and people loved watching the transformation. I was happy to share. Some idiot on the internet started leaving really odd and sometimes nasty comments so I deleted the whole thing out of fear.   Never let fear get the best of you –  I regret it to this day, and cannot retrieve the archives… I tried and tried again…. Anyway.. I tell you this because there is a new project on the horizon, a renovation that I will share here shortly. Stay tuned…  I was going to start another blog on the transformation, but instead I’ll just keep tabs on it here.  Lets call it… Once Upon A Tide… 
   Have you peppered your home with autumn yet?  I love acknowledging the seasons with their hues, the natural elements brought inside and some whimsy too. This year both my children have places of their own and I have handed over some of the fall and Halloween decor so they can do the same.  They both appreciated the effort when they were younger and it appears they will continue the traditions as well, does my heart good to see it. 

     My son and his girlfriend adopted this beautiful kitten last week. They are head over heels in love.  Her name is Lily and she adores them just as much.  So many cats and dogs at the shelters all across the US – consider adopting when you add a pet to your family.  You are indeed saving a life. 

   Mom has been at a cottage on the water for the last two weeks of summer into fall.  We’ve enjoyed a few amazing sunset dinners on the deck, located on Long Island Sound… doesn’t get any better than that.

 Speaking of dinners.. this dish has been going around facebook in video form – Chicken Caprese- I don’t have the recipe but followed the video and will put it in simple terms below… easy, delicious, and good for you.

Chicken Caprese –  Put some olive oil in a large pan, saute chicken cutlets (or breasts but we prefer the thinner cutlet) in oil six minutes each side or until nicely browned, salt and pepper each piece when you begin.  Remove chicken after browned/cooked on both sides and add balsamic vinegar and chopped garlic to pan. Sautee for a minute and add halved cherry tomatoes… simmer for five minutes, add chopped basil, place browned chicken cutlets over the tomato mixture, place slice of fresh mozzerella on top of each chicken piece, place cover over pan to allow cheese to melt over chicken… remove cover and serve with warm toasty garlic bread.   YUM! 

How low are we gonna go?

 Seems there is no limit.  I wasn’t going to talk about the candidates anymore, but jeez, I just keep getting confounded by the bullshittery.

  Did you watch the debates?  Here was the Tangerine Screams time to proverbially SHINE, if ever there was one.  (there was indeed less of an orange hue to his complexion that night, perhaps someone important finally said something?)  And yet he was just more of the same… because I guess when push comes to shove you can only be you.  Apparently it doesn’t take much to shove him into defense mode either, he is bated very.. very.. easily. For a man to hold such an important office and wield the kind of power he would have, that should make every single one of us nervous. 
And yet. 
So coming away from that debate,  we learned he will always be him, he will never straighten up and fly right, for lack of a better way to say it.  He will not become “Presidential” in any way, shape or form.  He didn’t deny he hadn’t  paid Federal taxes because “he’s Smart”.    Oh, but he’s denying he said that now, even though it came right out of his mouth for all of us to see.  Doesn’t seem to matter! He  didn’t deny calling women some ugly names, saying they *deserved it*.  He never answered any of the questions put to him without having to be asked more than once, and even then… did we come away with any.. answers?   He didn’ t deny being sued twice by housing authorities because he was discriminatory against blacks years ago.  His answer was, in simplest terms, others were doing it too.  He settled with them!    That doesn’t erase the behavior, D*nald.    He was rude with the interruptions, he was bated into anger easily with simple comments. Jeez, you gotta have a thicker skin than that if you’re gonna have your fingers on those nuke codes.  Again.. that should make every single one of us more than nervous… how about scared sh*tless.  
 Two things  I have to give the D*nald… he was right about Trade issues, I do agree with what he has to say on that subject.  I agree that we shouldn’t be the World’s police without some form of payment, the burden of cost on many  levels should not be all ours and it has been in many instances. 
 Hillary was Hillary… I don’t love her.   But I will vote for her this time.   I keep coming to the same conclusion because I don’t like my options… there’s no other logical choice. What’s really pathetic is that these debates are no longer about We The People… the issues before us and solving them.   We all know what they are and know we have to find a better way, real solutions all across the board.   As for the first Tr*mp-Cl*nton debate, didn’t matter who you were cheering for.  It was mostly about jeers and leers and sneers, eye rolls, snorting, smirks, chuckles, insults and even some lies yet again.  For the Great Country that we truly are, how sad that it’s come to this.  Shame on all of us, shame on our government.  
I’m not a religious person but I’m compelled to say, God Help Us All. 
 

*Sigh – lets catch up, shall we?

   My thoughts on the jack*ss who refuses to stand for the National Anthem at sporting events is exactly this…. 
 Hey there, sir… you’re damned lucky to live in this U.S. of A, and one of the many reasons you should pick some other form of peaceful protest is the very reason you are able to do that despicable act in the first place.  And yeah, I think it’s a despicable act because MANY PEOPLE DIED in order for you to have that right.  They died serving their country, they believed in that flag, in what it stands for.  The reason you make that obnoxious salary for PLAYING A SPORT, yes indeed you play it well,  is because you live in this amazing country. You should consider it a privilidge. You should be grateful to those who gave their life so that you could do such an ignorant thing and not be penalized for it, severely if I had my way.    Let’s talk about that for a minute… If I had my way.   If I were the owners of the NFL teams or any other team for that matter – one of the rules in the contract, because I own your ass in that contract, is that you stand for the Anthem, you pledge allegiance to your flag and country and you show respect for it and the people who gave their lives for your freedoms.  If you do not, you’re off the team. That big fat paycheck you think is owed you.. is not. You earn it, and that’s one of the ways that are expected of you. 
                         ___________________________________________________
In other news… although this seems petty, trite, sooo non-issue compared to what we’re looking at on the political scene these days…   I can’t help but feel a little vindication for Team Aniston after all these years.  Just that. 
                          ___________________________________________________
   And Last for today, but certainly not least… I am so utterly disappointed in this election year I don’t even know what to say to express it accurately.  I will certainly not ever vote for Tr*mp,  Jeez, let me count the thousand reasons why,  but I am also  disappointed in H*llary in the ways she still thwarts her own campaign in unnecessary ways.  To be clear, I don’t believe she’s the villian or the murderer or the lying sociopath some of you believe her to be, and we’ve already been through all that so please… no more hashing it out here.  But I wish I felt better about casting a vote in her direction.  Honestly, even though she is far more qualified than the Tangerine Scream, it doesn’t feel great… and with such an important decision being made, I’d like it to feel great.   I bet many of us have the same feeling if we’re being honest, even if you’re a ….. Tr*mp…. supporter.  Surely.. you have reservations, even if you aren’t gonna come out with it.  If you’re a sane person, you’d have to have SOME reservations..   Ah, but I’m stepping over that line again. 
 
 

People let me tell ya ’bout my best friend

    Can anyone tell me where that line came from?   It should apply to our canine companions, truly wo(man)’s best friend.  So much we could learn from them, should learn from them.  They live in the moment, they forgive as quickly as the offense took place, they love unconditionally, they accept everything as it is, they don’t judge, their needs are so very simple. Uncomplicated beings.  If only we could all follow suit.  Alas, we are far too complex a creature. 
  I am lucky enough to work from home, whether it’s on the farm out back or in this house as it’s domestic engineer or at this computer editing, editing, editing. My coworkers are my dogs. Right now as I sit here typing, they surround me contented that I am near, the rat-tat-tat of the keyboard lulling them to sleep.   Their presence in my daily life is a treasure and I know many of you feel the same for your canine family members. 
   While I may feel  a little lost in this empty nest at times…. these characters keep me grounded with their expressions, their pure joys, their contentment at living in the moment in the company of the peoples that they love.  There are some that say dogs don’t feel or understand love.  I say they’ve never lived with a dog, never truly loved a dog. Because if they did, then they would know a whole new language and perhaps gain a new respect for these beings we are so lucky to have in our presence.  Is there any mistaking the look on that face above… he knows by the jangle of the car keys in my hand that I am going out on an errand and he is staying behind.  
  I’ve got a dog biscuit recipe to share with you today – the person who gave the recipe to me calls them Newf bars because she has a giant newfoundland  named Carbon who loves them. 
Home Made Newf Bars for Dogs

6 cups oatmeal
4 eggs
1/3 cup honey
1 cup milk 
2 mashed bananas (optional)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup molasses
1 large can solid pack pumpkin (also optional)

Preheat oven to 325. Grease cookie sheet that has lip. Dump all ingredients in large bowl. Mix the whole mess together using your hands (easiest- and tip: remove rings beforehand).  Pat onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 1 hour. Turn off oven, crack door open and allow cookies to cool in the oven. Break into whatever size you want.  These freeze really well too. 

When all that is golden is lost

    You’ve probably caught some of the Olympic fever going around, and I have watched a few bits and pieces while trying to beat the heat that has blanketed New England this week.  Last night I watched an HBO show hosted by Bryant Gumbal -( haven’t seen him in a while, reminds me of just how much I have aged, let alone him.)   He and three others discussed reporting they had done regarding the ghosts of Olympics past, and… questioned the role of the IOC.  What an intricate mess, these Olympics we herald. 
  What’s the IOC?  I’ve never paid attention before until now..  according to Wikipedia and their website… They are an all volunteer group  –

 international, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin, on 23 June 1894 with Demetrios Vikelas as its first president.  The IOC is the supreme authority of the worldwide modern Olympic movement. The IOC organises the modern Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, held in summer and winter, every four years. …. their mission –  Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The Olympic Movement works year-round to promote Olympism and use sport as an agent for positive social change around the world. 
   With the S*chi games we did hear some grumbling about the $51 Billion dollar Olympian Complex P*tin built, displacing many of the poorer sector by demolishing their housing complexes to create his show case.  A prominent journalist who spoke out against the obvious issues was executed not long after the games. Oddly, on a stretch of road/bridge where the lighting was out due to “repair work”.   The complex now sits mostly unused, and the company that owns part of it is going bankrupt.  In Be*jing, 134 human rights attorneys went missing, some jailed, some never to be heard from again. These are just some examples.   
   The Beijing complex – all but abandoned.  Ath*ns – ditto. S*chi, barely used.   Many many  human rights issues arose within those countries during the bidding, the building, and the ultimate abandonment of the olympic facilities.   In an interview with a retired member of the IOC, he was asked if they were aware of all the horrors bestowed on the locals as the Olympic stadiums are built?  His answer was basically –  we weren’t aware of them because they are not our business.  We are not there to change the governing or laws of the countries who host. That is not our job.      But you have to ask the question – shouldn’t it be their job, when decided who will win the bid to host… to make sure it’s all done humanely?  To benefit all, not just the leaders who want the publicity?  To not significantly negatively impact the society in which it is being held in the big picture?   As he was repeatedly asked why none of the offenses were the concern of the IOC, he simply stated, (annoyed)  that’s just not our job.     
But it should be. Look at their mission statement – Seeks to create a life based on the joy of effort, the education value of good example, social responsibility… etc etc etc.  
Apparently they didn’t get their own memo. 
  The Olympics are an inspiration and a unification in so many ways around the world – for these athletes and the people they represent.  On that we can all agree. 
 But.. There is so much more that happens in the underbelly.  I was truly shocked to see it’s underbelly.   I have often thought – why don’t they just build an Olympic Stadium somewhere for the winter games and one for the summer games and call it a day.  Use those for all games.  Wouldn’t that make the most sense?   I wasn’t even aware of  the above issues.. OR the below, for that matter. 
Be*jing

Ath*ns

S*chi

 At the games in Rio, water quality issues abound – severe pollution in the venues for sailing, rowing and other water sports has clouded athletes and visitors enthusiasm and frightened many.  Raw sewage seeps into the bay where these events take place –  it’s beaches 1.7 billion times more toxic than a US beach.  There is risk of contracting Hepatitis, Cholera, other bacterial infections, and Z*ka is still being transmitted by moquito, among other things.  Rio had 7 years to clean up it’s environment, which they said they would do, and yet they didn’t.  Officials had hoped the Olympics would force them to finally do the clean up but that’s not what happened.   Shouldn’t the IOC be concerned for the health and well being of participating athletes also instead of deliberately looking the other way and putting them in harms way? 
Link to the HBO show HERE

Getting back to what really matters

    I’ve been getting tangled up in the ugliness of our current political scene and my body has been telling me it doesn’t appreciate the stress.  I’m sure many of you can relate… when you’re the kind of person who can’t help but Give A Sh*t about what’s going on out there, how people are treating each other,  how disrespectful and downright hateful some of the conversation is…. well, it’s just hard to tune it out.  Every time I sit at the computer to work at my editing job or scan facebook, I peek at CNN and the headlines are always – not the good stuff-.  When the husband and I sit down at night to watch a little TV before bed, we check the news.  Same negative crap.   I was  just about to start a post on the increasingly obnoxious behaviors of our political candidates, one in particular who just keeps unraveling.. and yet!!…   (ah, but I digress).

   What’s a girl to do.

   I’m purposefully redirecting my attention to the little things.  They’re actually the big things, the most important things that bring me moments of peace and calm and absolutely, joy.

    My kids made me an empty nester this year – I’ve shared some of my horror at the thought with you in previous posts.   If you haven’t already experienced it yourself, I can tell you that it’s not all bad.  (Wow, did I just say that.)  Oh, I do miss the sound of their heavy footfalls upstairs as they rouse themselves in the morning, and the breakfast and dinner chatter that occurred on a near daily basis.  SOMETIMES I miss making big meals regularly that will feed four plus leftovers, but on that particular point I don’t miss the gigantic grocery shopping and I enjoy making simpler meals more often for just the two of us.   What’s awesome is both of my children live in the next town over, just ten minutes away, and they’re doing great – they are responsible with work,  love their own spaces and they take care of their “stuff”, including bill paying and learning to cook.   You know you did something right when they do those things and enjoy the process.

    Icing on the cake – we still see them regularly and they ENJOY coming home to visit.

A text I got from my son yesterday –   He had gone fishing after work…

 “So I didn’t catch anything but it was pretty awesome, no one else fishing, high tide, 3 people had easel set up and were painting the bridge, saw two horseshoe crabs and a really cool big dark brown bird with a huge beak was hanging out ten feet away. “

  …and this pic from my daughter –  Look at the  tomatoes on my girl’s window sill – she’s got two big patio pots on the back deck of her condo and she’s proud of the harvest, as am I.

  They’re noticing .. and appreciating.. the little things. The important stuff.

– It’s a beautiful thing.

  And because I can’t be anything but me…. let me just end this post today with these words of wisdom I would like to bestow upon the powers-that-might-be.….

 Enough said –

But does he really want the job? (Viewer Discreption advised once again)

      
      My husband is cheering the D*nald on, as are some of my good friends… friends I have long considered to have rational opinions on the subject of politics, even when our views didn’t align.  Something about this particular election has become so polarizing.  Entire relationships are being ruined over this circus. I’ve unfriended a HS acquaintance  because her views are so out there, and the humor mean and yes – stupid –  I could no longer look at her the same way, nor could I just shut up when I saw something flagrantly outrageous.  Her remarks were  reminiscent of the mean girl  or bully attitude we all remember or may even have been a victim of in our youth and the stupidity of the humor besides the meanness is just another example of how we are dumbing ourselves down.  I think that saddens me more than anything else. As for the Mr…. I understand his complaints, he has reason to gripe. I have to give him this  –  He’s a very hard working middle class business man who has seen obscene taxation and policy that undermines the success of our nations small businesses. Change Is Needed, to be clear. 
   So, back to the job – the POTUS.  I believe the D*nald was unhappy with the state of affairs here in the US and wanted change, a sentiment felt by many.  I believe he indeed thought the GOP needed a shake down, and rightly so. I think initially he intended to do just that and end it, but it snowballed.   I  don’t believe he actually wants the job,  I bet he didn’t think it would get this far.   Now he’s stuck.  BUT…. he’s already back- peddling, subtly. He is many things, but he  isn’t stupid.  He’s planting the seeds.  Yesterday at a campaign event in Ohio……. 
  “I fear the Election in November is Rigged”.  – Donald Tr*mp
   Already.  *sigh
   Think about this –  Can you imagine a man who takes orders from no one, (admitted and confirmed by his spouses, offspring and employees),…… conforming to the restraints of living in the white house, for four long years, maybe eight….  under the watchful eye of many, having to conform to centuries old rituals, the pomp, circumstance,.. and most importantly scrutiny?   The role of POTUS is so much more complex than the dictatorship he is accustomed to.     And  oh, that thin, thin skin is going to chaffe constantly.  At the age of 70 when he could be kicking back and enjoying that massive empire he has built, do you really believe he wants this job?  
 I think not.  I think yesterday’s statement at an event in Ohio was telling…. he’s already coming up with excuses for a possible loss.   Maybe hoping for it, and  he’s using inflammatory remarks, mocking the very Democracy that makes us the great nation that we are,  to achieve his goal.  Like us or not,  we are still Governed by the People, controlled by the majority. Don’t like what you see right now?  We have only ourselves to blame. 
 A line from a childhood classic comes to mind as I see a dictator before us whose position and  message should embody unity, yet only serves up inflammation… 
Don’t Drink the Milk, It’s Spoiled.