The weekend in numbers…

The 4th of July celebration. 2021!

Youngest: 3 months, 3 weeks. Oldest: 72 years.

Total people celebrating: 20 – unless I mis-counted. Lol

Total dogs celebrating: 4.

Total hamburgers, hotdogs, ears of corn: Too many to count!

5 kinds of desserts.

2 Boat rides, 2 glasses broken. 2 people took a tumble (nothing broken.)

3 air mattresses.

4 fingers burned from sparklers.

Countless Super heroes.

Endless drinks of all kinds.

25 deviled eggs.

1 kiddie pool.

85 degrees – and sunny.

States covered: South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland.

1 country! Happy birthday America!!

I am lucky. So far. I have not had to be concerned about medical costs because I am a pretty healthy person. I am on little medications, and I don’t need insulin, or dialysis, or on-going treatments of any kind. I don’t see specialists often. I do my best to stay away from doctors’ offices. I’m really a blessing to my insurance company. I am one of those people who is on an insurance plan, yet, I rarely need help paying the bills. I pay in – But hardly ever need help covering my bills.

Well, if some of you remember, a few months ago I had a severe allergic reaction after eating egg rolls in a restaurant. The egg rolls had been deep fried in the same oil used for shellfish, and I am severely allergic to shellfish. Fried crab was the speciality of the day in fact – and I didn’t realize until it was too late. I ate my dinner and almost immediately had a horrible reaction. I passed out, and I sweated profusely. I lost all ability to make decisions on my care. Thankfully my hubby was with me – and he took me quickly to the ER at our local hospital.

I was in the ER for a few hours. During that time I had two tests run: a cat scan and an EKG. I was hooked up to an IV. I had blood drawn and tested. I was monitored until I came out of the reaction.

Last week the bill arrived for the ER visit. That event, because I ate the wrong food, cost over $5000! It was itemized – and yes, the tests that were run were expensive. But there was no hesitation in my need to have them. I am glad I did. I appreciate everything the doctor, the nurses, and staff did for me.

I have insurance. So my out of pocket cost is $600. And – I have a cap on what I have to pay per year. , I doubt I will reach it, unless something catastrophic happens to me. Ha! I hope I don’t reach that number! It turned out though – my bad meal cost me $600 (on top of the restaurant tab) – And I can handle it.

But, it sure got me thinking about those people who can not handle it, and the people who do not have any health insurance at all. One night in an ER can cost a person thousands of dollars And it can put a person into debt, on a payment plan with the hospital, or worse… unable to pay anything at all.

There is a way now – it’s called the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare. It’s rather inexpensive each month, and it’s a life saver for keeping some people out of financial devastation. I don’t know all the particulars about it, but I know some have complained that it has caused their Insurance rates to rise a little bit. Yet, We can’t forget that others who were unable to qualify for health insurance before it, now can get it. It’s a way of helping ALL, and therefore it comes with some drawbacks for those who previously could get cheaper private coverage.

What happened to me eating bad egg rolls, and being taken to the ER was an example of how expensive emergency medical care is. I was lucky that I didn’t need an ambulance, and I didn’t need to be admitted to the hospital, or I didn’t need on-going prescriptions and treatment. All of those would have jacked up the cost even more. And, thankfully, yes, I am in a situation where I have insurance and I can pay my part. Not everyone can.

I think about how one incident can set a person back – physically of course, but also financially – which turns into emotionally. A spiral downward. And I think about how if a person already had medical bills to pay then perhaps they would not seek future medical care when needed. I know someone who fell Last year, broke his hip, and needed ER care, then surgery, and physical therapy. He had no insurance. So he set up a program to pay a tiny bit each month, knowing he will never pay off the total bill. He won’t live long enough to do that.

I thank hospital systems who will not turn anyone away. And, I thank free clinics set up in areas where they are needed.

In the long run I realize that I am paying for those who can’t. My hospital bill has ‘hidden costs’ to cover the staff, the needs, the tests, the stays, of those who can’t pay. Yes – I am paying for my friend who fell and needed help – and many others like him. But I’m alright with that. Just like I needed help after bad egg rolls, others need it too – when they get sick, or hurt. Regardless of cost.

I just reread my last post and I was pretty cranked and positive having just come off the 4 day music festival, enjoying the summer weather and vibes, and feeling that things are calmer in the political arena.

When I wrote it, I definitely felt like life was ‘back to normal’ in many ways. And, I still feel that way. Two days ago I went into Wal-Mart and noticed most customers were without masks, so I am assuming they are all vaccinated. But, we don’t really know, do we? I also noticed that the employees are still wearing masks which means Wal-Mart must still require them to do so. And to tell you the truth, if I was an employee somewhere like Wal-Mart, and in close proximity to many people all day long, I would wear a mask for an abundance of caution. The last few days I have been hearing about this new Delta strain of Co-Vid and how it is showing up in young people and in the unvaccinated. Thankfully the three vaccine types are keeping Delta at bay. But, I think this will be an ongoing issue now. Just as with the flu each year, Co-Vid will keep popping up and mutating.

I saw on the news this morning about the hospital in Texas where over a hundred health professionals have quit due to being required to get the vaccine, and they won’t do it. Health professionals! Well, Texas is a very red state, and they have drunk the kool-aid so to speak for years now. They have been told personal freedom is above common good. They say they don’t want to be guinea pigs with this vaccine – yet they are IN the health community! They see day in and day out what viruses and diseases can do to people. Have they seen side effects of drugs also? Yes, they have. But, still I am amazed that the Fox/Trump mentality has ‘Infected’ them so strongly. Kudos for the hospital for sticking to what is best for the patients that they serve. Unfortunately the hospital has got to be short staffed now – and that is another big concern, especially in the health field.

Short staffed. We are seeing it everywhere these days. The “Help Wanted” signs are out front at so many businesses. Recently I drove through a drive thru to pick up lunch, and there was a sign placed right along the drive-in area, by the speaker, saying “Cook needed”. I laughed, and then wondered “Do I really want to get food here?” Well I was in line. So – Yes, I did – and it was fine.

My hubby and I disagree on this issue about unemployment right now. Well, we agree on WHY so many places are scrambling to get back the employees that they had to let go of when the pandemic hit. Our country stopped for over a year. It did a lot of damage. It changed how people work. But now, hubby feels that not enough Americans, especially young ones, are not willing to start with little pay and that they won’t put in the effort to work hard and ‘move on up’. And, I get that to some degree. But, I think many of the places looking for help are not offering ‘career jobs’ or are not respecting the employee that faces the customer, and that has to deal with ‘humanity’ (if you ever have done it you know it IS tough!)… the wait staff, the fast food worker, the store salesperson, etc. Underpaid. No incentive to get a better position. It’s the nature of that business. Until bosses and employers realize the young person is VITAL to the business, then the business will suffer. Chick-fil-a gets it. (I’m leaving out the religious aspect of it. That part is dividing.) But, they treat their young people well and offer them a fair wage with opportunities for the future. They reward with scholarships. They expect a lot from them – but they get it. Give respect – get respect.

A friend was talking about how some places have had to reduce hours or completely shut down a day of the week because they can’t get help. Even my bank had to close the inside for banking one day when I went there because they did not have the required number working to keep it safely open. So, maybe we all just need to get used to it…. BUT, I wish instead that bosses and owners would see that paying better, giving employees some respect, will come back to them ten-fold (okay – maybe two-fold… ) and it is worth it.

People are not a commodity. Treat them as expendable and you will lose them. Don’t complain. It’s not their fault. Hard work comes from feeling valued. Loyalty comes from feeling wanted – and knowing you make a difference.

Small business owners need to understand this. If they can’t respect their employees then they will not be successful. If they can’t pay them enough, even when the business is just starting out, then it will be a revolving door with employees – and ‘word of mouth’ will be bad. Can’t pay employees a fair wage? Maybe you should not open a business.

Okay. I’m off my soapbox for now.

Change of topic: The 4th of July – officially “Independence Day.” What are your plans? With the pandemic under control, are you gathering? We are – and I am looking forward to reviving our summer tradition. We are planning a classic American menu (burgers & dogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, etc.), and we will have lots of games to set out in the yard. In the past we have read the Declaration of Independence – and this year especially, it seems like a good idea to do again. What traditions do you do?

I’m wondering what other summer plans you have on tap. Is it still a quiet summer, or are you racing to vacation spots to make up for lost time? Up the road from me in Myrtle Beach all the hotels are booked (again unfortunately with less staff to take care of customers) and the beaches are packed. Many come here by car – from North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Tennessee. I see the license plates on the vehicles crowding our roads! Yes, people fly in but more drive, packed with everything they need for a week of fun on the beach, and with bicycles hooked on the back.

I am lucky to live in ‘vacationland.” So, I don’t plan to travel anywhere else this summer, but to my daughters’ homes for some time with them and the grandkids. I look forward to that!

If you happen to be hitting the roads, especially over the 4th weekend, be patient – and be prepared for delays. I have seen accidents lately and they shake you up. No reason to hurry and beat the GPS time – because it’s just too dangerous. Be safe. Be kind to other drivers. Good lord you never know how stressed or frustrated they are – and I won’t even go to the ‘road rage’ issues these days! It seems like we all need to bring it down a couple of notches. Take some deep breaths!

Kind of ironic that people drive like maniacs to hurry to get to a destination for ‘relaxation.’

Summer in the year 2021.

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today is June 15th and it is the birthday of my daughter Kristen. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her! She arrived on this morning 33 years ago… a planned c-section. Everything went smoothly and hubby and I were blessed with a healthy, happy girl. Now she has one too! Life goes by too quickly sometimes but it is always an interesting journey!

I was talking to someone the other day about how it seems that some people are good at bringing up the problems of this world, and are really, really good at complaining. Yes, there are always issues and serious needs to work on, but we need to balance our view and take time to be grateful, and we need to see the beauty around us.

Reminder: Most people are good! It’s easy to get skewed about humanity because media focuses on the ones that are not good. We need to constantly remind ourselves that the bad gets the attention – unfortunately. Not everyone is upset over masks, lashing out at store cashiers and flight attendants. Not everyone is spewing foul language on social media, and there are still wonderful reasons to be online.

I saw a lot of really good people during the four days of the Carolina Country Music Festival this past week. Everyone was there to share in a common interest and to experience live music together. Don’t get me wrong. We don’t all think alike on many topics. I’m sure many think differently than me politically. There is no doubt that country music fans tend to lean Republican, and they love all things patriotic, and they support freedoms especially when it comes to guns. (But, not freedoms when it comes to women’s choices.) I love country music but I know it’s not the place to speak up about politics! Ha

And, wow! I saw what seemed like half of the concert goers had tats on their bodies! All ages. All different kinds of tattoos, in all different parts of their bodies. Some wore full sleeves. Some had tats full of color. I saw a young lady with one whole leg tatted, and the other without a single one. That looked a bit odd. But I”m guessing she is not done with getting ink work done. As someone without a single tattoo I marvel at how some people so freely get them, knowing it will be on their bodies their whole life. I am too indecisive to do that. I also know as I age I change my mind about things. I would like to ask some that are fulls of tats what they represent – if they do at all. What was your reason for getting inked? At the music festival I saw lots of flowers, faces of people I assume are loved ones, and I Even saw baby feet on a woman’s back. Was it a sad or happy tat?? I’m not sure. Some tattoos are on people’s backs… which I find interesting because they can never see them. I guess it’s a safe place to put them because they are able to cover them up when at their jobs.

One more thing about tats: they cost a lot of money! So, I find it interesting that people who are not rich use their money to get them. Full sleeves and intricate tats cost thousands of dollars! So – if you have one, or many, respond and tell me the meaning of them. And wondering if you have any regrets about them.

Obviously, it’s different strokes for different folks. It’s the beauty of us all. We have a variety of interests and we go through unique life experiences. Each one of us an individual.

Which brings me to this point: Individuality is big these days. Maybe too big. I have had conversations lately about how we Americans seem to be pretty ego-centric and we don’t always think about ‘the common good.’ We live together, we rely on each other, we must have laws for safety and civil obedience – yet the loud voices on social media are pushing the whole ‘don’t tread on me’ agenda. I guess it’s always a pendulum swing…. personal freedom on one side, group socialism needs on the other. That big scary world: socialism! Ha Here in the US we have socialistic programs already. We need them. But people fear losing their freedom – and really, they fear losing their things – they fear too much will be given to some that have not worked for it. They fear sharing – and giving others a piece of the pie.

It’s interesting that we have 3 patriotic holidays in a row: Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day. The US flag flies a lot in early summertime! ALL Americans proudly fly them – and it should never be a political party statement. It represents everyone together: the 50 stars of equal size and color. All alike. The flag is a symbol. But it doesn’t mean that everything is rosy all the time in America. Yes, some who live here feel let down by our government, or are left out and are still not given equal rights. We need to understand that. We need to listen and keep working on true equality.

Change of subject: THANK YOU THANK YOU to all who got vaccinated! The music festival might not have happened without all of those who believed in the ‘common good’ and were willing to take the chance. Those who did believed in science had our best interests In mind. Masked, vaccinated, being careful for all these months – and we are now getting back to a more normal life.

In fact I took my first flight since the pandemic just last week. I was masked and I felt safe. I would not have flown 6 months ago. We ARE making progress!!!

So – go out now! Still be careful and stay safe. But go out and enjoy!!

Have a great day – and happy birthday again dear daughter!

I’m up before the crack of dawn this morning thanks to my pug who got off the bed and I figured had to go outside. I let her out and that woke up the three cats who wanted fed (and they certainly let you know when they want fed!) So, all pets are now well tended and it’s just 6:00am as I sit here with my coffee.

I was away earlier in the week, up at our family get-together at Lakeside, Ohio. As it happened to fall this year, it is also the week of the country music festival here in Myrtle Beach. So, I came home early from Lakeside to take in the fest and to see a couple of my favorite big name artists. There will be a bunch of “on the rise” performers also and I am always surprised at just how much wonderful talent there is out there. The first night is tonight. Jake Owen is the headliner. Bring it on!

If CoVid numbers don’t jump back up in the coming year I look forward to heading to the best of the best country music weekend in Nashville next year. The CMA Festival. But, for now, the Carolina Country Music Festival is certainly better than nothing – and I have missed ‘live’ music and being in a crowd of like minded people very much.

While in Ohio we went and visited my dad, and so we drove from Lakeside to Medina. Our GPS took us through rural areas, past farms, and into a couple of small towns along the way. I counted at least a dozen Trump flags and signs still up. One home had a huge barn size sign. A few had 2024 flags. Now, I live in a red state so it wasn’t a total surprise. But, there were more along this route than I am used to seeing. And – I thought to myself that these conservative, hard working, barely middle class people have been bamboozled, and still are. What began as a ‘new’ rhetoric turned them into devoted fans who can’t seem to give up on the man, even though he was defeated. Could you image seeing Gore signs after he lost? Or Hillary flags a’flyin even after she was defeated? No. These Trumpers somehow feel a connection to this man and they can’t shake it and move on.

An interesting thing happened yesterday as I was sitting in my living room. I often leave the sliding door ajar into our screened porch (and the screen door also ajar) so the dog and the kitties can come and go when they need to go. I happened to look up when I saw a figure about to come in through the slider… thinking it was a cat. But – no!!! It was a raccoon!! Thankfully I have good enough eyesight to know the difference. Ha! Remember the TV commercial about the poor sighted woman and her raccoon pet?? I thought to myself – oh no, I am not going to be her!! I jumped up and shoo’ed it back the other direction, and our pug Daisy ran after her faster than I have seen Daisy move in a long time! While I was away our dear neighbor fed one of the cats on the screened porch and I am guessing the raccoon came upon the food a few times. Thinking it found a good food source it was just going to come right on in the house! Hopefully Daisy and I scared it away for good.

Sum-sum-summertime! It’s my favorite season! Shorts and flip flops. Hot days, some pop up thundershowers. Pleasant evenings on the screened porch. It just don’t get any better. It’s a ‘vacation’ mentality – with a couple of fun holidays mixed in. We are in the midst of it now and It makes me happy!

So – This week is full. I had The Ohio trip, and I have the country music festival all in one week. Next week won’t be as busy. And that’s okay. Summer ebbs and flows like the tides around here. Nothing is ‘normal’ like the other seasons. And, I like that.

Enjoy your week!

Today is Memorial Day, a day to remember and honor those who went into the military to serve and to protect us from foreign enemies. And – They never made it back. Today we remember those who ‘gave the ultimate sacrifice.’ Oh, the US has been involved in too many wars and we have lost hundreds of thousands of young men and women in them. Families have been changed forever because of it. We can not forget.

But these brave men and women enlisted, or were drafted, for the common good. They left home, trained, and went overseas to keep the United States free and to protect our Allies. They went to Europe. Japan. Vietnam. Afghanistan.

The Star Spangled Banner, our flag, was on every uniform – during every war. A badge of courage.

We here in the United States celebrate The American flag with it’s own “Flag day” and we remember Francis Scott Key who saw it flying over Fort McHenry, and then wrote our national anthem after being moved by the flag ‘still there. ‘

Americans love the flag. It represents all the good that we have been – from the 13 original colonies then, to the 50 states of now. The Stars and Stripes.

For my whole lifetime I can never remember a time when it was not proudly displayed in public places, outside homes, on farms, in cities, and the like – and it was always a sign of unity. Until now. Yes – Even the American flag, the ole red, white and blue, has been made political these days. And it’s been changed to different colors. The American flag is now sometimes a sign of how patriotic you think you are. In fact instead of unity it is sometimes flown as a symbol of certain political leanings. I see on Facebook some memes about passing the American flag post on if you really believe in it – like others don’t as much. One party stating we are MORE patriotic than you. (Don’t pass it? Then you must not be patriotic.)

Well, this American is not going to accept that. Hubby and I fly two flags on our property. We love our country and we our proud of the people of this great land. We certainly want to honor ALL who have served, and given their livlihoods – and even their lives – to keep us in a land of democracy. As the expression goes “freedom isn’t free.” I know that. Many have given so much. There has been pain, and heartache, and loss.

So, fly the American flag proudly today – and on the 4th of July – and all year long if you want to do it. Respect it’s origin, and think about All who made it Possible to keep flying today.

We live in an amazing country, yet we continue to work on being a more perfect union. We will always have differences on policies. But we should never use the American flag as a symbol of one party over another. I have seen posts lately from my Democrat friends saying to fly the flag – to stop it from being used against some Americans. It’s for us all.

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice FOR ALL.

Tomorrow is Hubby and my 37th wedding anniversary! As I think about all the years together and the way life has gone for us over these years it is a bit mind-blowing. We started out wide-eyed, In love, ready to meet the world together. Married on May 26th, 1984.

We had an interesting wedding day with the AC going out at our reception location, on the beautiful lower level of a restaurant In Timonium called Shane’s. It is no longer there. There were many beers consumed due to the heat and we did lots of dancing. Bunny hop? Oh, yes we did!

. Then hubby started feeling the effects of a viral infection that neither of us knew would hit him hard and so we continued on with our plans. The wedding night we stayed in the Hyatt Harborplace in Baltimore, and by then the sickness was really kicking in. But, onward! We got up early and boarded our long flights to Hawaii. As we traveled hubby became weak, and he had a horrible headache. Somehow we arrived to our honeymoon destination but the virus was reeking havoc on my new hubs. So much so I begged to get a doctor to come to the hotel, and he suggested hubby go and get a spinal tap. So, in a taxi we went to Maui Memorial Hospital and hubby had the spinal tap and other tests run. I was a new bride with a severely sick husband. A long story (and it felt VERY long as it was happening) my hubby laid in that hotel room all week, unable to eat and barely able to keep water down. The blinds were pulled because his eyes hurt and he had a bad headache. Gift bottles of champagne were never opened. I only left the room to get food for myself and a quick walk to get fresh air.

It was a rough start and we can look back now and think about all the vacationing and traveling since that first trip. Thankfully, we have been to many places In this country and some around the world, and we have experienced so much together in these 37 years.

Our children have always given us such great joy – and pride. Those years raising them was wonderful and it went fast as I reflect back. And, now we are blessed with three amazing grandchildren (so far). Through the years we have had many pets that we loved like a part of the family. We started off right after getting married with our first dog. And – We have never in 37 years been without at least one pet, and most times we have had several.

We have moved – and moved – and moved. If my addition is accurate I think the home we are in now is our 11th home. We have lived in 7 states. This home we pray will be our forever home and we won’t need to go into assisted living for many years. No more moves thank you very much. We love where we live.

Hubby has worked hard – always.. And he has played hard – always! He is a fun, very like-able, very smart, and giving man. Oh, he loves all his driving toys, but he always thinks first about what someone else might want or need. His hard work has paid off with the ability to help others when he can. He doesn’t do it for his ego, or for receiving kudos. He does it because he can – and he wants to make someone else’s world a little brighter.

37 years is not a major milestone. We are working our way up to 40. We both are looking so forward to the coming years, and participating in special times in the lives of our daughters and their families.

My hubby is hard to buy for – he uses Amazon every day! When he wants something he gets it. Ha And he loves his cars (and now a motorcycle) hobbies. So, this year this Musings is his gift from me. I would not change ONE THING about our 37 years together! Nothing. I live with no regrets and I have enjoyed all the adventures (even when I have to betalked into them), having hubby as my life partner. ‘

I sure hope we have many, many more years together. It’s scary to ‘grow old together’ because we can already imagine that at some point in the future it will end.

37 years is an amazing run so far – and each year we add on to it is a blessing!

Happy anniversary Hubby!!! I love you.

Happy Saturday! Happy May! Happy mask choice time!

Yes, we can now decide whether or not we want to wear a mask or go mask-free in most places. We were hoping for this day. It’s here! But, we still have important choices about it and we need to respect each individual’s decision. Some people have health issues and want to continue to mask for an abundance of safety. Some want to help protect others. Some need a few days or weeks to stop masking. Going ‘cold turkey’ just feels weird. So, be kind to everyone, whatever their decision is right now.

Pet peeve of mine: People on social media who never use any periods, exclamation marks, and emojis! (Notice I just ended my sentence with one.) I may overuse them – I realize that. But, seriously, why wish someone a happy birthday and not make it ‘happy’? Or, send someone a note and not give a smiling face. This world needs more sharing of emojis! And, using other pics and videos is fun too. That’s what makes social media “social.”

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Does it seem like that is how we all are these days? Is it me or are people putting politics into deep division categories and people who believe ‘in the middle’ can’t exist. It’s all in – or not. There is no acceptance of having beliefs that might fall into the gray area, or seeing both sides and finding aa happy middle ground.

Last evening hubby and I sat with a couple of neighbors on our porch and rocked and talked, and sipped and rocked some more, and talked. It was a lovely way to spend a Friday night. Nothing better.

But, I do miss live music and being out with others who feel the same way! My first chance to do that has me in a dilemma. A while back, months ago, I got tickets to the Carolina Country Music Festival that takes place over a 4 day weekend each summer. Usually I go to the CMA Festival in Nashville instead, but since it was postponed due to CoVid, I got CCMF tickets instead. Not knowing, my hubby arranged and paid for a cottage for a trip to Lakeside, Ohio. Lakeside has been an annual event and time with family. Is this not the way life goes? Here I was in lockdown for a year and half, no live music anywhere, no vacationing anywhere – and now two things happen on the same week!! (Exclamation points needed.) . I have been in denial about it for awhile… but soon I need to make a decision. What to do, what to do??

Many of you know I read all the time. I’m on Goodreads.com – you can friend me and see what I read, what I like and don’t. Well, for something different after reading the heavy & sad book called Caste (about caste systems in the world, including here in the US) I chose a biography on Leonardo Di Vinci. Once upon a time, in college, I was an art major, and back then one of my favorite classes was an Art History class. So I knew a little about Leonardo. I thought I did anyway. This book was fascinating and I loved how history, the art world, and the rich rulers of the time all converged. Leonardo considered himself an architect, and an inventor, and he had a constant yearning for knowing how things worked and how to improve on them. Oh, and he was a painter! Ha A genius, never pleased with his work enough to call it ‘finished’ and never concerned with making money. A gay man who lived openly and often off the gifts of rulers and other artist friends. He was a fascinating man.

Speaking of Leonardo… At least the name. We had a friend & a past co-worker of Hubby’s died last week, Unexpectedly. Leo worked with hubby at Edy’s for years, and we went on business trips and g loved with him and his wife. Only 64 years old. My age. Life & death is a day by day thing. Leo left behind a wife and 4 children.

Which I guess makes me think about endings. This Sunday will be the last time the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church handbell choir will be led by Suzanne. She is starting a new and exciting chapter in her life. After many, many years of being the Music Director for our church she is retiring. No more having to be at both services every Sunday morning. She widowed a couple of years ago, and now has a new man in her life. they will wed in July. So, I am so happy for her in many ways. But, with endings comes sadness too. She is my friend, an amazing musician, and she has the ability to make everyone attempting music to feel accomplished. She is quick with a compliment, and never talks negatively. I thank her for telling me I could learn handbells, and her patience, and all the years of music we provided to worship. I also really thank her for giving me the push I needed to play my flute in church. I was pretty scared in the beginning, but Suzanne found the right music, and she gave me the “you can do it” smile each time we prepared, right before we started the first note.

I will finish today’s post with this:

To everything there is a season. Some seasons I want to last a long time. Some I can’t wait to end and see a new one. But, lately, as life changes I find myself saying it from time to time. Yes, to everything there is a season – and a time and a purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck that which has been planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away. A time to rend and a time to sew. A time to keep silence and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.

No, not from Footloose. Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8.

I live in South Carolina, and *just like that* this morning we have long lines at gas stations and we have some stations running out of gas completely. I remember well a similar scenario when I was in college, living in Maryland, and there was a gas shortage scare and long lines at the pumps. Fear spread quickly. People got in long queues to make sure they got a full tank.

Here we are again. The states effected are in the southeastern part of the US, where the pipeline owned by Colonial Oil runs. This time it’s a new and dangerous issue though: Colonial Oil’s computer systems were hacked into by Russians and they were able to shut things down. It’s the new form of warfare. No guns and tanks required. No planes and ships. Just smart, devious computer people who can find their ways into private systems, even when the systems are considered to be secure.

On a smaller scale, our town of Georgetown, SC also had their system hacked a few months ago. The town’s mayor and council decided not to pay the ransom money to get it up and going immediately. So, our town offices all went back to snail mail and in-person interactions. This happened in the height of the pandemic so it was not good timing. * Not that there is a good timing for any of this kind of attack to a town, or to a business, or to a government.

Let me say right now: It’s not President Biden’s fault. I don’t watch the conservative channels, like Fox, but I know they are twisting the event around to blame the current administration. That’s what mean politics and those who side with them do. In fact, President Biden is addressing the truth that Russians have been/and are using cyberspace to cause damage. The president before Biden pretended it didn’t happen, and that it was made up. He and Putin were friends. I hope you hear my heaping sarcasm in that statement.

So, as it is said, deja vu – I feel like I have been here before.

The effects of the pandemic are long reaching. Just as Americans are starting to return to a normal life we now get hit with this gas issue. We already had a gas shortage due to lack of demand because of the pandemic, and truck & train transportation was slow downed also from it. There is a ripple effect and shortages for goods are popping up across the country.

One shortage that is getting lots of talk is the need for employees for businesses reopening. I see “Help Wanted” signs all over the place. Retail stores, fast food places, restaurants, hotels, etc. The signs are up wherever those people were let go at the start of Co-Vid. Owners or bosses could not keep employees on the payroll – even with some federal assistance. There is frustration because these people are not running back to the old jobs. Well, some have moved on and found other employment. Some are living off of the government checks sent out to help make it through the pandemic. Others are holding out – and waiting for opportunities that will pay more. If I were a small business owner, I would see that this is a time for ‘re-booting’ the system. Not a cyberspace re-boot this time. It’s the time to hire smart, to offer a pay that will take care of employees, and that will keep them so they will not want to leave if a better offer comes around. Employers need to treat staff as the valuable front-line people that they are. And simply, they need to realize that there has not been a federal cost of living wage raise since the Reagan years. Employees can not live off of $8 an hour.

Don’t get me wrong. I admire small business owners. And, I am all for entrepreneurs, and people who want to ‘make it on their own’ in America. But, we are a capitalist society and part of that means the business or company that pays well and treats employees with respect, and gives incentives and benefits, will get a devoted worker, and a happier person. Happy staff – happy business. If an employer does not consider the worth of an employee than perhaps they should not run a business.

I’m all for raising the minimum wage. I remember when I was in my teens in high school – right before the last gas shortage – I worked fast food and made the minimum wage. I lived in my parents home and I worked part time to get some spending money. That job was never gonna make me rich. It would not have even given me enough money to buy my own food if I had to do it. To think the minimum wage has not been raised much since ‘back then’ is appalling.

Gas lines. Help Wanted signs. Low wages. It’s where we are now. Deja vu.

But – the good news is: It’s a time of recovery.. We went through 4 years of backwards thinking, and those years took away some good programs. We had a pandemic that messed up all our lives. Our country has gone through times like this before. We have had presidents who came along and created ‘new deals’ and transportation initiatives, and who put people to work with the Programs like the TVA.

This can be the start of a new season of growth. I think the Biden administration wants to see our country grow, and to move towards new and safer infrastructures. Our future may see more innovation then it has in a long while. From pain comes change. Old ways may have to die, but new, cleaner systems will emerge. I hope so. Progress is a good thing.

I never set out to make Marla’s Musings a place to talk politics. When I started writing and posting my musings they were for the benefit of my daughters to know their mom in a different light. It was to let them read about my life as their mom, and as a woman who has other interests, so they can know other parts of me that make me who I am. I’m not a celebrity. Nobody famous. This place was my spot to tell them, And for me to think aloud, and to do some journaling.

I have always been aware of the running of our government and when I was really young I took a so-so interest in it. Once married, raising children was my first priority. I was busy. I was able to rely on the News programs (local at 6:00pm and Network at 6:30pm) and I felt I heard what was important. I never doubted that what was reported was not truthful. I remember hearing the numbers of American soldiers dying in Vietnam, and I remember the incident at Three Mile Island, and the shooting deaths of the Kennedys, and of Lennon. The attempts on the lives of Reagan and Ford. Big news stories – with facts. “Breaking News” was actually when something really big happened and regular programming was interrupted.

I graduated college with a Mass Communications degree and during my senior year I worked as an intern in a busy AM radio news station. Then later, when we moved to California, I worked for a TV station that had it’s on local news hour, and other local news related shows.

So, always, I have had some interest in what is going on in our country, and I have always felt living in America we had some bad times and bad people, but generally life here was better than just about anywhere else in the world.

As I got older, with my daughters grown up, and with media expanded with endless channels and programs to fit every belief, I had more time to listen, to focus on what was happening in our country, and I even decided to become an activist for some causes.

I had the time, and good health, and I cared about issues…. gun safety in America, and the need for racial equity, and helping the less fortunate (note: not lazy), Womens’ rights, and in starting young children on an even playing field. So, my Marla’s Musings often talked about these subjects and where I stood. My beliefs have lined up with the Democratic Party more than what I hear from the Republicans. Always have. And, I have always voted – in every state and national election. In recent years I have wanted to speak out, and I strongly believe to do that I need to participate in the system.

I find myself today living in such a different political world and I’m really not sure how we can get back on track. Speaking up abut an issue can get you verbally attacked, especially on social media. Even people I don’t know lash out and call me names. The last three presidents (Obama, Trump, Biden) have been scrutinized like no others – thanks to social media and the 24/7 pseudo-news channels. Some how everyone seems to be an expert these days and is ready to pounce on opposing views. I used to be able to have a discussion about political differences and still be friends. It’s really, really hard now. It takes work to stay respectful, and to keep any conversation or thread on FB, from becoming personally mean. I think many of us, myself included, have given and felt the hurt from it.

I have learned over time (finally) that it’s really hard, maybe impossible, to change minds. People ask for facts, and explanations, and even when given they are not going to believe what you say. Or if I give my opinion, they reject it and call me names. There is no gray area in politics anymore. People stick their feet (or heads) deeper into the ground and will not move.

I admit that when Trump first ran, and then became president, I really thought those who voted for him were either uninformed or living in a delusional world. My sadness was great over my disappointment in my fellowmen No need to rehash his past, his lack of core values, etc. . I tried to help them ‘see the light’ and I wrote here hoping a lightbulb would go off in their heads. It didn’t happen.

And now, here we are post-Trump – oh, but not! It used to be that when a new president came into office the focus on the past one went away. Past presidents respectfully stayed quiet. Not this time. It is surprising/not surprising to still see the flags flying, the rhetoric is still so strong, and I know it is partly because he himself claims he did not lose the election. He ignored fact and used social media to keep doubt in his followers minds. Yes – the big lie. The big lie is real.

President Trump was impeached and was voted out of office after one term, and was even banned from social media platforms – but the damage is done. His lack of respect for the office of the President, and his mean language and tweets over 4 years, woke up a group that felt they could not speak before – at least in the ways that they wanted. They are now. They have turned him into an idol. They are pushing back on life as we know it.

A little stirring up is fine. In fact, it’s American. Freedom of speech and all that. But the speech has to be truthful and respectful. From all sides. It is near impossible to find truth anymore. There is so much noise out there.

Some days I get so depressed about the meanness, and our loss of vision for us all to be Acknowledged and treated equally, with kindness and respect. If we can’t agree to do it to each other, how can we do it to strangers? How can we care about people of different colors, backgrounds, financial situations, religions? How can we ever leave this messiness behind? Will a political person ever be smart enough and likeable enough to please both sides of the divisions? If not, how can anything get done?

I know my writing here on Marla’s Musings isn’t going to solve these big questions. But, it’s a place I can put down my thoughts and not expect/hope for at least, a mean comeback. It’s MY place. Yes, it’s often political now. I wish it didn’t have to be.