I took a trip to Pennsylvania this week. I won't mislead you, getting to PA isn't far
on a well-maintained freeway; it's just far enough away to feel like I did
something out the ordinary. A friend
got a new car and we christened it with a day trip to Presque Isle (which is
actually a peninsula). I don't recall
seeing any squirrels, but "squirrel" was last week's word without a
sign of a new one.
I tried to take photos of Baltimore orioles while I was
there. I was mostly unsuccessful since
they're quick and camera shy. No
problem at all to walk up to Canada geese though, even with juveniles. They're everywhere. It's hard to believe they were an endangered
species 100 years ago.
I'm pretty sure the world knows about the recent US treatment
of immigrant children. It's
heart-breaking and a disgrace. Of
course this only applies to brown or black children as far as I know. I find it so upsetting, especially since
Trump goes out of his way to insult US allies and befriend dictators. I hope there is a significant change in
leadership in the next election and nobody blows up the world. I miss Obama.
Ohio is a bellwether state, and I live in a bellwether area
of it. Racism exists, it's stupid to
think otherwise, but people generally get along. I haven't heard overt racism for a long time -- until
lately. Now I hear it more than I can
bear. I had a week of migraines after a
woman I know well vented a racist tirade at me. She's gone from "liberal" to supporting Trump and the
Republican party. I'm shocked and
horrified. Whatever talking heads on tv
say about American voters, I suspect they're underestimating the liberation
racists feel under this regime. Be
warned. Get active.
I've been struggling with an existential crisis lately. Are people good or evil? I'm seeing too much horrible behavior and
it's making my head explode. I suspect
I'd be happier if I quit watching the news, but I can't help myself. The insanity is gripping because it's
planned that way. The reality tv star
is just producing in a different show which he goes to great pains to keep
interesting.
Let's change the tone of my lamentations. Since I live near an international border, I
see foreigners all the time. I used to
joke that Canada is our best state, but for some reason Canadians took
offense. Hey! I'm giving you a compliment!
I said "best"! I want
health care and a smart, handsome, and sane leader. Canada is beautiful and I really enjoy being around pleasant,
polite people.
However, since the current US leader is waging a war on the
borders, I suppose there's some sense in insulting Trudeau? Watch this video about Cleveland BorderControl here.
The painting is a tidbit of my current art therapy
project. Can you identify the
tools? If you can, you're showing your
age! But I'm not judging. These are things I know how to use and keep squirreled away.
And explain to me this... Why after bothering to drive to another state, why did my friend and I eat lunch at Applebee's?!
