Riding the rails

First thing tomorrow morning, my nephew and I are off to Springfield to visit Abe Lincoln. We're going to the President's Tomb, the Museum and Library, and his home. I think part of why my nephew chose this for his summer outing the allure of going far away (at least by his rather circumscribed standards) by Amtrak.

Visiting the President's Tomb is not as grim as it may sound. Legend has it if you rub his nose, you will enjoy good luck.

My poor Mom

She had to put her cat to sleep yesterday. Now, for the first time ever, she is completely alone in her house. She is bereft. I wish there was something I could do to help her, but there isn't.

Losing a pet is losing a friend. It's a journey to get through it. She's in my thoughts and prayers.

"It was Paterno who ruined Paterno"

There is objective evidence that the beloved Joe Pa knew about Sandusky and the child molestation since 1998. He apologized for, and ultimately helped pay off, a pedophile. There is nothing that Paterno accomplished in his sports career that can wash this away.

It's like saying, "But the Juice won the Heisman!"

I am a sports fan. I indulge in hero worship. But I cannot stomach this. And no one should.