New Shoes in the Rain

Happy Hump Day, everyone.  I suppose that's still something of a thing, even if so many of us are working exclusively from home these days. Looks like I will be for the immediate future, anyway.  I have a healthcare account management job that has me working in seven states under ideal conditions, and nearly every one of those states is considered a "red" status level state, meaning there is an uptick in positive cases.  So meeting the challenge of staying healthy and safe is certainly easier when remaining at home. I certainly wish that everyone felt that way.  I know that we as humans are social creatures and miss direct contact with friends whom we're not seeing in our home environments.  But people really need to think a little harder before going to bars or restaurants, where people congregate in close contact and wearing masks is not compatible with enjoying adult beverages. Think! I have to say that since our governor here in Kentucky instituted a mask or...

Good Monday morning, my friends.  Today is my 60th birthday! That may seem a little self-congratulatory, but, believe me, I'm very glad to be here! For a couple of weeks I've been thinking a lot about an old song by Elton John (co-written with his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin) called "Sixty Years On."  Its main character is an old retired soldier, as much as I can discern, but the lyrics are rather haunting, starting out this way: Who'll walk me down to church when I'm sixty years of age When the ragged dog they gave me has been ten years in the grave? Senorita plays guitar, plays it just for you And my rosary has broken, and my beads have all slipped through That'll make you think a little. I have a lot to be thankful for, a wonderful wife who shared her two amazing kids with me over thirty years ago, plus five grandchildren and a very full life!  I have a core of good friends and many friendly acquaintances from my past professional and personal assoc...

Happy hump-day, everyone. Is is raining where you are?  If you're about anywhere between Chicago southeast to the state of Virginia, the answer is likely "yes," as it's been rainy here in central Kentucky off and on for days.  And what we've had is a fraction of what has fallen in parts less than an hour away in several directions.  So hope that you've not experienced weather-related problems. Our current situation related to the coronavirus pandemic leaves one with time to consider a lot of things.  As in how we currently function, what we can change, etc.  I'm not immune, of course, so today's post will detail some of that type of introspective thinking. We still have a landline telephone account.  I know, that's so 1998, but we've kept it out of habit, I suppose.  And we've kept it for a long, long time, despite what I would call diminishing returns.  The cost continues to go up, and we've reached the point where all we have is local...