In these politically charged times I am amazed at the number of people who I truly like and respect who are diametrically opposed to my political point of view.   I think I have my feet on the ground and have a balanced point of view and am willing to listen to both sides. However, when I listen to some of my opposing view good friends I question my sanity. I think to myself,  Is this what the twilight zone is like? The cop out resort is not to discuss politics at dinner with good friends, but what good is that?

There is a new peril among pedestrians. I am sure that we’ve all fallen victim — hopefully without dire consequences. I was reminded of it just the other day as I was walking to the subway. I was about to step onto the first step of the stairs down to the subway when I bumped into the young woman in front of me who had stopped abruptly. After a moment, she proceeded. I noticed her smartphone and realized that she was texting. That explained her sudden stop. Perhaps an explanation but not an excuse.

"It is not the critic who counts;   not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles,   or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  

  I think about the lessons that we have imparted to our children.    

 

Last night we celebrated 33. And we crossed an item off Shelly’s bucket list. The item: Rod Stewart in concert. Rod the Mod performed tunes from his catalogue including his Dylan cover (in honor of Fred?) Forever Young. The band members played a wide variety of instruments beyond the usual guitars, bass, drums and keys. At times a banjo, sax, mandolin, two violins, even a harp. At times three backing vocalists.

Tooling along in the right lane, south on rte 135, last week at about 60 mph (cruise control), listening to a book, heat seater and steering wheel heater on, and I'm enjoying the moment.   A blue Subaru mini SUV pulls up to my left in the middle lane and slows down. They position themselves just off my left front bumper. Then, without notice, they move into my lane. I step on my brakes while simultaeously downshifting to avoid an accident. The Subaru, seemingly unfazed, continued driving and got off at the next exit a half mile later.  

Forgetting money, everything has an inherent tangible value (more or less to each person and in differing situations or contexts).   For example, when we visited Cuba in 2016 I brought little paper American flags which I saved after their use for decorations on the Fourth of July and inexpensive white Rawlings baseballs.