– Just sayin – Page 5 – This Old House 2

Banned

So the Mr. and I decided to take an evening ride down the shoreline on Saturday night, because it was such a glorious (summer!) evening. We went semi topless, as that’s a heck of a lot easier than taking the entire top off the Jeep. The evening was enjoyable, relaxing, a welcome reprieve… until…

Here’s where it got ugly.

I take pride in being one of those Jeep Wrangler owners who participate in the long standing tradition of the Jeep Wave. If you’re interested, here’s some insight from a serviceman on it’s origin… If not.. scroll down to the post, continued…

New Jeep owners soon discover a tradition that has been around perhaps as long as Jeeps, the Jeep wave. Some may think its strange or even silly, but before you judge perhaps take a moment and consider this.

During WWII the Jeep was always on the move, often running back and forth from the front lines delivering vital supplies or urgent messages, or carry wounded soldiers, attempt rescues or bring reinforcements. Some say this is where the Jeep wave began as a way to know friend from foe or acknowledge an officer without a salute that might alert enemies of a high ranking official. Or perhaps it was just a simple gesture from soldier in one Jeep to another Jeep as they passed. A sign of camaraderie and respect between courageous souls in dark and dangerous times.

Others say the Jeep wave began after the war when the soldiers returned home. During the war the Jeep had earned a place in the hearts of many soldiers and as a result, many of those who made it home, wanted to own their own Jeep. Often the drivers of Jeeps passing on roadways would wave at each other, as they knew most likely each other had served.

Finally some claim the wave began only when civilians started buying Jeeps and taking them off road. They shared fun and excitement of tackling seemingly impossible trails and obstacles in the nimble Jeep, naturally builds a kinship with other Jeepers. The wave acknowledges that shared understanding and appreciation of the Jeeps amazing capabilities and the enjoyment ownership can bring. So next time you see a Jeep, give a wave and if you don’t get one in return, don’t be offended. Just consider it a wave for the ‘One and Only Jeep’ and what it represents, our freedom and he brave souls who fought for it!

Being a Military Service Member myself, I think the wave started in WWII where many brave souls gave us our freedom we cherish to this day. For without what so many did for this country, we as fellow Jeepers would not be able to enjoy the freedoms of off road parks, trails, and just the simple freedom of driving down the road in the summer, top down and cruising.

So, particularly on Memorial Day Weekend, you see why the wave is increasingly important to uphold, right? Apparently.. the Mr… doesn’t wave. He’s one of those who thinks it’s silly, and if YOU are one of those, just hush.

My mistake was I let him drive. Every Wrangler we passed – and admittedly there are many – I could tell those who were going to wave as they approached. I can spot the snobs a mile away now, no kidding. I said, please wave.. don’t be a snob. He.. Did.. Not. I began waving FOR him as we rode down the waterline, the shoreline neighborhoods, The Boston Post Road. There are several waves, to be clear. Some hold up their hand, some stick them out the side window, a side wave. Some give the peace sign (me) and some lift there hand and wave the full out wave, side to side. He started holding my hands down, giggling!!… The nerve.

SO… He is no longer allowed to drive my Jeep, which while in my possession will represent the upholding of the time-honored tradition of the Jeep wave.

To all the service men, women and service animals who have given of themselves over the many years of our country’s history, Thank you for your bravery and courage. Thank you for the freedoms we have, Thank you for your service.

In the Toilet

Target is getting huge flack for allowing Transgender people to use the bathroom they feel comfortable using. This is what I wrote on their FB page –

Congratulations for being a company with a conscience. I don’t know what it’s like to be born with a mixed gender identity, nor do I know what it’s like to be born with black or red or lily white skin , blue eyes, mental illness or a physical handicap or gay. What I know is none of these things is a choice, we are who we are. Treating those who are not made exactly like we are with hateful behavior is ugly, prejudice, small minded. I think a separate bathroom for ignorance might be a good idea though. Target, I like you even more now. Thank you for standing up tall and treating all with the same respect. As for worrying about your kids and grandkids in public bathrooms- you shouldn’t send your kids into a public bathroom alone – creeps come in all shapes and sizes. Just read some of the comments on this thread. – and there were many nasty comments on that thread.

I’m sure some of you disagree with me. I ask you this – and these are questions that would have to be answered if you continue to go down this thought path logically. Who is going to monitor the “gender” of people as they enter bathrooms? Who’s going to verify the integrity of the monitor and who’s responsible for paying them? I guess they need to be EVERYWHERE, right? There are thousands of documented cases of priests, teachers, coaches… who are PREDATORS. Hell, some of them chose their profession because of it’s access to vulnerable victims, often children. Where are the stats on Trans?… is it such a non-issue that there aren’t any? Therefore…bare with me and keep going down this path of thought… should there be separate bathrooms for adults and children? Should there be separate bathrooms for priests, teachers, coaches?….. Sounds ridiculous, right?…. kinda not do-able at all. So where are you drawing the line? Transgender people were born feeling they were something different than what their parts told them. That alone doesn’t make them dangerous. One thing is clear – Their life ain’t easy if they choose to be what they feel is their genuine self – because of how some people perceive them – as freaks. They may be different than you and I, but that doesn’t make them predators.. or freaks. It makes them different than you and I.

Bottom line in the public restroom procession is…….you’ve been peeing next to trans all your life, maybe you just didn’t know it. It’s not a new phenomenon. It’s becoming more prominent because they are tired of hiding in the shadows. I can’t understand what it is to be them, and neither can you. We can only try understanding, show compassion, humanity. Every being deserves that.

And the sun will rise…

No matter what happens in life (and death) the sun always rises. Life goes on. Sometimes in the greatest losses, that concept seems surreal.

Mom and I flew down to Melbourne, Florida last week to be with family as we said good bye to our Uncle, Father, Husband, Grandfather, Father-in-law, Friend. While the occasion was a sad one, I couldn’t help but note that my Uncle also loved getting together with family and friends. He was always a big presence at gatherings, and more than a few of us felt he was among us in spirit as we gathered from all over the country on the beach and at his service and his home afterward.

I’m not religious, as I’ve stated here before.. but I do believe there is more to the human spirit than we fully understand… our bodies are a series of nuts and bolts that work together miraculously, but it’s our essence.. what makes us individuals, with feelings, emotion, empathy, etc… that cannot be explained by mechanical means. That energy in some form, I believe, remains.

We had a few days to soak up some Florida sun… the weather was perfect and we enjoyed the glorious sunrises and sunsets, as well as time spent with family.

Have you ever tried Frickles? ( basically beer battered fried pickles) Lord, let there be no Heaven where there are no dogs, horses and frickles. – Just sayin.

Shove It

We are all complaining about the candidates but one of the worst evils of our time is the power we have permitted the media. It’s not enough that we support them by viewing their spin- and on every single network they have their own spin- but so many follow their lead like sheep.
As for the reporter who pressed charges for being pulled back from harassing Trump, grow a skin. I saw the video like so many others- big f*cking deal- I’ve gotten jostled more on the Staten Island ferry. I don’t like the man himself- and now even less with his asshole remarks about women needing to be punished should they choose an abortion. Later amended to Doctors should be the incriminated for providing them. But incidents like this reporters complaint are making us all look just as bad as the crap coming out of candidates mouths. When did we become such a wuss nation?
One more thing for those of you who are cogs in the wheel in either party , still scratching your heads – Trump has such a big following because the parties have been screwing up and forgetting who they are representing for so long now, the people are fed up. You brought Trump to the table with your own ignorance and arrogance., the responsibility lies EVERYWHERE.

Just sayin-

The “C” word

So many people dread the idea – because it’s my generations time, I hear it so often. –OMG- I’m going to be 50. Holy crow, we’re FIFTY! HOW DID WE GET THIS OLD??…

I really and truly look at it as a blessing. So many people don’t get the opportunity. I can honestly tell you the only thing I have dreaded about becoming fifty years old was those heinous words I knew I would hear my GP utter as we wrapped up the 50 year physical…. “So the only other thing we should do is schedule a colonoscopy, a screening recommended to everyone 50 and older”. (gulp). And there it was.

Yes, I’ve been dreading the “C” word for many years… at least 20. I’m not exaggerating one little bit, either. I never thought… OMG, someday I’m gonna be 50!… no, I only thought… OMG someday I’m gonna be 50 and be told a colonoscopy is recommended because I’m 50! Now keep in mind, lest you think I’m nutz – As someone who has been a chronic worrier since the dawn of the ages, stress induced IBS has been a sometime companion throughout my adult life. Nothing drastic, just mild annoyances when major stresses… stressed. So the thought of someone looking up in there with a camera was terrifying… OMG, what would they see? It must be a mess in there!

And there’s all that embarrassment, or the idea of it, anyway.

If you’ve not gone through the ordeal already, I’m here to tell you… all those years of ridiculous worrying and the anxiety over the IDEA of a colonoscopy… were just a waste of precious time. Believe me when I tell you, it’s no big deal at all. NO BIG DEAL!!!!!!

The prep is better than it used to be, so I’m told. I had no problem drinking down the two 8 ounce glasses of salty lemony stuff. Holding your nose helps and drinking cold water immediately after too. The aftermath of drinking that stuff wasn’t horrible either. You just need to stay sorta near a bathroom for 24 hours. The hardest part for me was drinking only clear liquids or sucking on hard candies for that period of time, because this girl loves to eat.

The procedure itself – I have no knowledge of other than I changed into a gown, an IV was inserted, some pleasantries ensued… I was wheeled into a room with bright lights and friendly people who were joking about this and that and who’s going where on vacation and was a certain star related to me because we share the same name……………………………………….

And that was it.

I woke up and it was all over. The Dr. came in shortly thereafter and told me all was well. Yep… all those 20 or more years of anxiety over… nothing. The relief that comes with KNOWING there’s nothing is tremendous.

SO.. if you’re about that age and you’ve been putting it off, don’t. It’s nothing. And if they find something, those kinds of cancer are slow growing and the odds are you’ll be healed because you caught it early. It’s that simple.

Worry… it’s like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.

Palin? … or Progress.. …

If you dared to click on the post after reading that title, no, you won’t be subjected to another lengthy political rant because frankly, I’m too disgusted… her return to the arena produced it’s own sort of shock and awe around here, forgive me for resurrecting that phrase too…..

Maybe just a brief one – So.. If you’re still a Palin supporter after all this time… I have to ask you… WHY WHY WHY?… see transcript of her pathetic endorsement of Trump here. If he’s not regretting that action by now, there is no hope… at all.

And.. it gets better – if you really haven’t had enough… if you’re still standing strong in Palin territory – (can you see Russia?… just wonder’n) .. then take a gander at this… she flicks responsibility of her son’s assault of his girlfriend off on someone else…. The President of the United States…. shock and awe again. Read HERE

That being said.. I’m just gonna shut up and move on.. to progress… of the rocking horse variety.

You’re relieved, aren’t ya.

After discovering my rocking horse is indeed about 110 or so years old, but the paint was bastardized and the tack not original (actually vinyl and deteriorating quickly)… I decided to strip him of all the crud and give him a makeover. I used acetone to get all the debris off his frame, and my son and I pulled about 2,479 brads (tiny nails) out of his tack and stripped him bare.

Then I went to the hardware store for advice on the best paint to use – Amitha Verma chalk paint, clear wax and grey antique finish… I used painters tape to cut out circles and create the dappled grey effect with two shades of chalk paint –

… and this is where we’re at… Notice his new ears – courtesy of a grey pair of suede work glove thumbs. I’m waiting for a real horse hair bundle to arrive in the mail for his mane and tail, not the kind with hyde attached – no horses were injured in the acquisition of such hair – they regrow what is cut off, and yes I tell myself that regularly because I gotta believe it.

I’ve also ordered some leather. I’m not a saddle manufacturer, this is gonna be interesting. As for the base – I think I like it original, scuffs and chips and paint splatters and all. What say you?…

Randomocity

So tempted to talk about the pathetic list of presidential candidates and their debate behavior, but none of us need another one of those rants right now, do we. Something that irks me more than even Donald Trumps in-your-face obnoxious behavior? Get religion out of politics. It does not belong there. Your religion is not my religion is not their religion. Any of your religious beliefs should not hold law making or program cutting weight. Enough said.

We’re having a Christmas Eve gathering here of family and friends, and I’ve been making batches of cookies to set out as a big platter with the desserts. Two new fun things I tried, and they are no bake .. so easy to make, pretty .. and most importantly delicious.

Christmas confetti Truffles…. recipe HERE.

Chocolate covered oreos with crushed candy cane topping. No recipe. All you do is buy a package of oreos, two bags of Hersheys Special Dark Chocolate chips for baking, etc. and crush some candy canes. Melt the chocolate in a pot or the microwave, dip the oreos in the melted chocolate to coat them and place on wax paper, sprinkle with the crushed candy canes and allow to dry and harden before putting in tupperware in freezer or refrigerator until ready to serve. THEY ARE DELICIOUS!

An update on my father – He has settled in to nursing home life as well as can be expected. He did take a fall a few weeks back and cracked his hip – was walking around unassisted with his door closed, two no-nos they have asked him not to do and he fell into the door. A week later after pin insertion surgery at the hospital, he was back at the home and is once again not listening to care instructions. He complains constantly about the food, which is actually very good considering it’s a care facility – and when I bring him something different to eat it’s not the right thing and he would rather have had something else. The something else is not right the next time.

I have stopped getting angry. That’s a big step for me. Finally I see that all his issues have nothing to do with me. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. It must be very lonely, living in a self that is so – self centered. I am glad I don’t know what life is like for someone who doesn’t look beyond their own being, their wants, their ideas… to the vast and interesting and enriching world and relationships that are before us all.

His loss.

I’ve been running a lot of errands for the holidays and this… this is the face I get when I walk out the door with my Jeep keys in hand….

Frasier is my rescue dog. I’m telling you.. there is no greater love.

Speaking of which, we’re holding an adoption event in Cromwell, CT this weekend for two dogs that have been in a CT shelter and now foster for a while. We’d love to get them a home for the holidays at last. If you’re local and interested, go meet Dottie and Nanny this weekend!

Amen

WARNING: This post may offend you.

So, Cecil the beloved Lion is tortured and then finally killed by some asshole dentist in the Midwest who got a big thrill, apparently, out of watching a majestic and beloved Lion die a long slow painful death after he shot it with an arrow. He liked doing it so much he paid $55,000. for the -privilege-.

Asshole. He deserves all the negative backlash he’s getting because of it. And I have zero tolerance for his “regret” now… Hey Asshole Dentist – of course you regret it, you’re humiliated and your practice is in jeopardy. I’ll say it one more time for good measure. Asshole.

Some anti-abortion folks are actually outraged that there is outrage over the tragic death of Cecil. They want to know why we’re not all showing as much outrage for the current Planned Parenthood scandal that’s rocking CNN, Fox, facebook, Anderson Cooper and wherever else this stuff can be spewed.

I can only speak for myself, but here’s why I’m not outraged because there is more Cecil outrage. Planned Parenthood is not selling body parts. Stop the hysterics here. They do give -donated – fetal tissue to researchers who are trying to cure Parkinson’s, aids, cancers, etc. etc. etc. For those of you who think Planned Parenthood is evil, you’re not being real in the real world. Here’s why I say that…PP is responsible for making sure poor women have access to basic medical care including cancer screening, checkups and birth control. That should be important to you if you’re anti-abortion. They help them find resources when they are in crisis, such as abuse and rape. According to material I’ve read on the subject that I consider to be reliable, Three percent of all PP activities include abortions – more than 90 percent of those are conducted in the first trimester when you and I might disagree that this stage of development is a viable life.

***To be clear, I don’t agree with abortions at later stages when the forming cells inside the uterus is a viable life. I understand you may not agree and you have every right to your beliefs and what you would ever decide should you find yourself in the early stages of pregnancy after being raped, or finding out there is something significantly medically wrong with the developing fetal tissue or yourself, or if you’re economically unable to care for a child. But you don’t have the right to make that decision for me, nor does any politician or religious group.

I mentioned economic feasibility above – Think that’s not a problem?…. Don’t tell me all can be adopted until you honestly take a look at all the children living in below poverty level conditions in this country, all the children who go to school hungry every day, all those languishing in foster care after horrific abuse at home, all those looking to be adopted but not finding that family because they have issues of one sort or another. Am I saying those people shouldn’t have been born? No. I’m saying why aren’t we more outraged and focusing our productive energy on those lives that are here, now, aren’t getting the care or love or nurturing they need in order to live a decent life. And don’t the homeless, the mentally ill count for something? They’re already here, and yet they suffer.

Be outraged that we’re not doing more for those who are among us. Unfortunately those who walk among us no longer include Cecil the Lion, may he rest in peace.

OK, so I lied……..

… not intentionally. But today I came to this place and just wanted to blab on, so I guess I’m not – letting it be – as much as I originally thought. Perhaps I’ll just write when it appeals to me and I won’t fault any of you for not stopping by… because who wants to visit a vacant space? The main reason I started blogging was to document our journey for my family ( who might never bother with this blog ever, but hey, here it is regardless). Really, it’s for me.

SO … ME .. wants to share a few things with you today. Let me tell you about my love of JEEPS. I’ve had two… a Laredo years ago when I was very young and madly in love.. .with my Jeep. When it came time to trade it in for something more practical for our growing family, I cried. And cried. On the way to the dealership.. I cried. AT the dealership… there stood the shiny new Toyota 4 runner… the TRAITOR vehicle..and I cried. I cried as they handed me the keys and I handed them mine. I hated that 4 runner probably because it severed me from my beloved Jeep. I traded that in a year later. No tears shed.

There were other BIG rigs after that – to pull a horse trailer and loads of luggage when we went on family excursions and soccer games and baseball games and all the equipment and extra kids that come with it.

The kids grew up some and I landed another Jeep as the hauling requirements lessened. This next Jeep was the Overland… I did love it. The Hemi in particular. BUT… even though I was back in a Jeep, there was something missing… Something…

Time rolls on, the Jeep wracks up the miles, a few things start going wrong with the electrical stuff and the water pump blows. Big recall comes in the mail. That’s all the husband needs to say – Time to turn her in. And… I see Jeep Wranglers in my sleep, I’m so ready to own one. My kids have their own vehicles now, no need for all that practicality.

I stop by the dealership, get the numbers. Now I’m getting excited. There happens to be a YELLOW with black roof sitting right outside the office windows and my eyes keep going over to it as we’re discussing possible deals. I am not a fan of yellow, on me, at least. But something about it. The Salesman says – let me go get the keys – take it for the day, try it on.

OMG.

I drive it around, I drive it home. Everyone is looking at it because – BUMBLE BEE YELLOW to the 10th power. I’m starting to like it. Actually, I’m starting to love it. Not because everyone’s looking at it, but because I CAN’T STOP LOOKING AT IT.

And then there was Mike.

“Good God you are not parking a taxi cab in front of the house every single ever loving day. NO. Not happening. ANYTHING.. but THAT. It’s a piece of fruit, it’s not a vehicle!”.

You’re catching his vibe, right?

So I didn’t bother finishing out the day with my queen bee jeep. I took her right back because she went over like a _______________________________ you fill in the blank.

THIS…. is what I ended up with a few weeks down the road. And can I just tell you… I am madly in love again. Even bought her new sneakers.

Now let me tell you about the Jeep Wave. Have you heard of it? Do you know it intimately? Even though this is my third Jeep, it’s my first WRANGLER. Only Wranglers are worthy of the Jeep wave. If you’re buzzing down the road in your Overland or your Liberty, don’t wave – you’re not part of the phenomenon. And, to some, the Jeep Wave is only reserved for those who live the true Wrangler Lifestyle – meaning two door vehicles with doors and top off most of the time, mud and scratches and all that goes with off roading clearly visible on your TRUE Jeep… and there had better be some modifications. For those die hards – they wave only to those that apply. A middle aged FOUR DOOR Wrangler girl like myself? Not worthy of the wave. I’m not joking you here – just google the Jeep wave and holy hell, you’ll see all the forums. It’s actually comical.

So, I rolled out of the dealership on Saturday in my beloved new 4 door Sahara Wrangler and within five minutes I had passed three Wrangler folks who waved! Then there was the middle aged woman in the brand new 4 door Sahara Wrangler who didn’t wave. She’s probably been snubbed by the die-hards one too many times. And if she hasn’t.. then I want her to get this message – WAVE, you ninnie!.. you’re ruining the tradition, fortifying the myth that middle aged women in wranglers don’t wave because they’re snobs! ( There’s that too).

I’m a waving fool now… in the two days I’ve owned my adored Jeep, I’ve waved to about ten other Wrangler drivers and they were all obliging except the one. It’s a beautiful thing… the feeling of being a part of something bigger, of sharing a love for a vehicle, and showing a kindness, even just a two second wave, to a stranger.

Too bad there isn’t a wave just for the humanity of it, something we could all participate in. Something that represents the simple fact that we’re all in this together, regardless of our differences.

Oh wait.. there is.