No one remembers this!

So far this week -- and I believe it's Wednesday* -- I've had to remind three people to use my landline. My coworker was upset that my cell went directly to voicemail when she knew I was there. That's why she should call my landline.

Patrick called and wanted to talk to me right away, but my cellphone was charging in the kitchen and I was in my bedroom. I didn't hear the ring, nor was I immediately aware of his urgent texts. That's why he should call my landline.

John complained about the quality of our connection. Um ... oh, hell, don't make me say it.

via GIFER

There's an extension in my living room and one in my bedroom. I cannot NOT hear it. The sound quality is almost always perfect. It's the same number I've had for freaking decades, so I know it's programmed into all their phones.

I will never be one of those people who carries her phone with her from room to room. I'll just lose it.† When we return to regular life, my cell phone will languish in my purse all day, because I have a perfectly serviceable landline on my office desk.

No, it doesn't accept texts or take photos. But it rings. It takes voicemail messages. It's the most dependable way to reach me when I'm at home. To borrow from Bruce Springsteen, "Use it, Rosie, that's what it's there for!"

 

*I lose track of the days while on shutdown.

†You have no idea how much time I waste looking for my glasses in this Covid19 days when it's unwise to wear my contacts.

When did we all get old?

My aunt is having surgery today. She has a heel spur that has been bedeviling her for almost a year now and, after a Covid-related rescheduling, she's getting it taken care of. It's not a complicated procedure. It requires only a local and she'll be home tomorrow morning. But naturally she's nervous about it. I had a gift box of chocolate raspberry cookies delivered to cheer her up. You know, a spoonful of sugar and all.

My cousin Rose had her master bathroom remodeled. This surprised me, since she hasn't lived in this house that long, and she never mentioned the bathroom one way or the other before. Not even when we discussed my own bathroom remodeling ad nauseum. Turns out her knee has been giving her grief and she just can't get in or out of the tub as easily as she used to. Not even with the grip bar. This doesn't sound like Rose! She's a traveler who recently traipsed all over Poland, checking out churches and cemeteries, looking up her ancestors. Now all of a sudden she needs a walk-in shower?

Both of these women have the unique capacity to get on my last nerve, as only family can. Yet I love them both. I hate that they are both in their 70s.

May Music Meme -- Day 13

A song you like from the 70s. Still one of my favorite lyrics: "Hold me in your hands like a bunch of flowers. Set me moving to your sweetest song. And I'll know what I think I've known all along: Loving you's the right thing to do." (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

May Music Meme -- Day 12

A song from your pre-teen years. My first concert! My oldest friend and I still talk and laugh about it. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

May Music Meme -- Day 11

A song you never get tired of. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

Yeah, I cried. So what?

There's a documentary about Natalie Wood on HBO that takes her from her birth to immigrant Russian parents to her death in Catalina. Produced by her daughter, Natasha Gregson-Wagner, it concentrates more on the period preceding her 1981 death, and that's fine with me. It's always bothered me that Natalie Wood is considered more a drowning victim than an actress.

There are many clips from her movies and interviews, but also excerpts of her unpublished autobiography, written for a woman's magazine. Wood seems like a smart, self-aware woman who wanted it all: family and career.

She never chose to be an actress. Her stage mother engineered her early career. But she came to derive satisfaction from it. She learned her craft and was aware of her worth to the producers. In the 60s and 70s, she was remarkable for her willingness to exercise her power and insist on being treated as equal to her male costars.

She chose to be a mother, worked hard at it, and her daughters love and miss her still. I was also touched that her step children -- Josh Donen and Katie Wagner -- felt welcome in Wood's extended family. If there was any tension between Wood and Robert Wagner's former wife (and it would be only natural if there was), she made sure the children never felt the effects.

Her friends and costars are interviewed. Mia Farrow, Mart Crowley, George Segal, Robert Redford and Robert Wagner are among those who share their memories. Next to her daughters, Redford and Wagner were toughest for me. Because they've grown old before my eyes (Redford is 83, Wagner is 90) and Natalie wasn't given that opportunity. She is forever frozen at 43. I miss seeing how a woman with her sensitivity and sensibility approached aging.

In honor of the day

I love this handwritten note from Evelyn Lincoln to her boss.

If you're lucky enough to still have your mom in your life, make like JFK and give her a call.

Sunday Stealing

BLACK FEATHERS

1. Do you prefer writing with black or blue pen? Blue. Although it's not really a preference. It's just that I have liberated more blue pens than black from the office and Chase Bank. This is not intentional either. I don't recall consciously stealing any of these pens. Blue pens just somehow make their way into my pencil cup.

2. Do you prefer living in the country or the city? City. Though during the shelter-at-home pandemic, I'm not sure it makes any difference.

3. How do you drink your tea or coffee? I don't drink coffee. I prefer my tea hot, and with two sugars.

4. Do you prefer bath or shower? Shower. Unless I'm shaving my legs.

5. Do you prefer reading paper or electronic books? Paper.

6. Would you ever want to be famous? I'd rather be rich. To put a finer point on it, here are the opening credits to a justifiably forgotten movie. I remember watching it as a high school student, doing my homework while babysitting.


 

7. Are you a restless sleeper? Yes.

8. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten? Shark vera cruz.

9. Do you like cereal crunchy or soggy? Crunchy.

10. Do you like ice in your drinks? Water, yes. Mixed drinks, no.

11. Do you prefer swimming in pools or the ocean? Of these choices, pools. Though I like lakes. Fresh water is nice is better than sea salt or chlorine.

12. What can you hear right now? The TV

13. Where do you feel the safest? Right here at home.

14. What would you like your legacy to be? At this historic time, I want to do right by my faith and by my country. It may sound corny, but I'm doing the patriotic thing and the Christian thing by staying home as much as possible and wearing a mask every time I go out. I'm honored to do right by my country and my community.

15. Do you like spicy food? No.

 

May Music Meme -- Day 10

A song that makes you sad.  I dearly wish it had worked out. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

Water seeks its own level

I'm so glad I live in this community! It was sunny, clear and cold for this time of year (45º). I had to pick up prescription cat food at the vet's office and I walked. It took about 30 minutes and it was lovely. The sidewalks were, of course, empty except for joggers and people walking their dogs. Yet I felt so connected to my neighbors.

Encouragement from a local house of worship

The sign says:
• Doctors  • Nurses • ER Staff  • Police • Firefighters • First Responders • Pharmacies • Teachers • Grocery Stores • USPS • UPS • FedEx • DHL • Amazon • Food Delivery • & More
THANK YOU! Family, Friends and Neighbors • Stay Safe • Stay Healthy.

Doesn't it make your heart happy to think of the fun this family had, making these positive and supportive decorations?

However, just as water reaches its own level, so does sewage. My vet tech and I caught up on life as she rung up my pet food. I hadn't been there since mid-March, something of a record for me! We were both in our masks. Mostly we talked about Reynaldo, but naturally the unusual protocol for picking up the food -- I had to ring the bell to be let in -- came up. I thanked her for wiping down the pen before I used it. She told me about her sister, who lives in downstate IL near the KY border. Sis was waiting in line to enter a grocery store. Everyone in line was wearing a mask except one woman, who had a Confederate flag bandana around her neck that she could easily have pulled up to cover her nose and mouth.

Sis asked the woman if she wouldn't mind putting on her mask. "Yes, I would! My body, my choice." It was obvious she was just waiting for someone to engage her so she could use that line.

A small, white haired woman asked her to "please, put on your mask to protect me." Can you guess what Ms. Confederate Flag said? "No. My body, my choice."

It's amusing that Ms. Confederate Flag was willing to wear her offensive bandana as a mask inside the store. She doesn't care enough about her "rights" to risk roughing it without toilet paper.

And by the way, it isn't her "right." As Americans have been saying since the 1880s, "Your liberty to swing your arm ends where my nose begins." Our neighbors have a right to feel safe, too. And oh, yeah, masks are the law here in IL. The Land of Lincoln. You know, the side that won the Civil War. The Confederate flag was purposely provocative, too.

Enough about the silly live-free-or-die, fight-the-tyranny, I-blame-Obama's-deep-state crowd. I'm glad I'm here. Where we care about each other and our country. Where I belong.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: I'll Always Love My Mama (1973)

1) This week's featured artists, The Intruders, sing that they don't know how their mama made it through the week without ever getting a good night's sleep. How did you sleep last night? I slept OK, I suppose. I woke up with a headache, though. One of those where your head just feels stuffy. I think it's from dust and dirt and all the other airborne stuff kicked up by the freight trains that run just nearby. Part of why I chose this condo is the proximity to the tracks. Really, my commute couldn't be easier. But there's a downside to that convenience.

2) The Intruders performed this song on Soul Train, a syndicated show that ran for more than 3 decades. What show do you try never to miss? TCM's Noir Alley on Saturday nights. I love Eddie Mueller's introductions to these classics. He really knows his shit and I always end up learning a lot. I'm nowhere near caught up. My backlog of Noir Alley movies have contributed to those "space is limited!" warnings I get on my DVR.

3) On Soul Train, the Intruders wore solid black shirts beneath their brightly colored jackets. Black, white, khaki, navy and gray are considered neutral colors, because they go with everything. If we were to check your closet, which would we find you wear most often: black, white, khaki, navy or gray? Navy. Lots of navy! I wear so much blue that I even ordered my covid19 masks in blue.

4) Especially for Mother's Day: Access Hollywood named Carol Brady of The Brady Bunch TV's #1 mom. Who is your favorite TV mom? When it comes to TV, Lucy is almost always my favorite answer. I love the episode where Little Ricky has his tonsils out. In the cab (offscreen) Lucy comforts the toddler by assuring him that, when he wakes up in his hospital bed, she will be there. After he's admitted, the staff tells Lucy she cannot spend the night in his room. Oh yeah? Those starched hospital nurses don't know who they're dealing with! Lucy will not be deterred. As she keeps reminding everyone, "I promised!" In many (OK, most) situations, Lucy Ricardo may have been a child herself, but she was a good and loving mom.

Who says a mom can't spend the night in her baby's hospital room?

5) Mother Winters always gave Sam peppermint tea to calm her stomach. Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies to share? Limit yourself to saltines and ginger ale after tummy trouble. I learned that my own mom.
 
6) Sam's mother always tips 15% in restaurants. Sam has worked in food service and is more judgmental, tipping between 10% and 25%, depending on the quality of the service. What's your tipping policy? Are you more like Sam or her mother? How do you handle tips for carry out or delivery during this Covid-19 crisis? Under normal circumstances, I'm more like Mrs. Winters and tip between 15% and 20%. During the crisis, I'm more generous. I'm lucky to be working and I know my favorite small, local businesses are suffering.


7) When the tip of her shoelace becomes frayed, Sam's mother snips off the end and then paints the tip with clear nail polish. Good as new! Sam thinks that's crazy because you can just buy new laces for less than $2. Are you more frugal like mother or spendthrift like daughter? I'm terrible with money.

8) Mother Winters loves how french vanilla smells and burns her Yankee Candles all year around. Do you use scented candles or air fresheners? I have an Airwick Freshmatic that "automatically delivers a burst of freshness" near the cats' litter box.

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds? Milk chocolate with almonds.

It can hit anyone. Even Gregory.

Friday I heard about Gregory. He's tall, slender and handsome. And sophisticated -- Gregory knows which wine to order and can explain the three grades of cashmere. And very depressed. The pandemic has thrown him for a loop.

He worked with John and me at the beginning of our careers, back in the long-ago 1980s. He and John have remained close. I see him occasionally, but dependably for our "orphans Thanksgiving" celebration in November.

Around 1990, Gregory decided advertising wasn't for him and switched careers. He became office manager for an established, family-owned real estate firm on the North Side. They were pleased by how organized he is and, frankly, how good he looked at the front desk. He was one of the few non-family employees, but they treated him well: health care, vacation time, retirement fund.

Then, after nearly 25 years, they made a change. "The old man" retired and the next generation decided that they no longer needed anyone at the front desk or to manage supplies, appointments and vacation schedules. The real estate agents could do Gregory's job themselves from their smart phones. He was let go. As he likes to say, "Being like family and being family are two different things."

So now here he is, retired. On their timeline, not his own. He's 67 or 68 years old. Healthy. Bored. He's spent the last couple years taking short trips to family and friends in Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio. Now on a fixed income, this man who owns his own tux takes Megabus. It's been an adjustment. He's been making noises about signing on with a temp agency -- to augment his income and to feel useful again.

Enter Covid19. Gregory quit leaving his apartment altogether in mid-March. He has his groceries delivered. He monitors the media a little too closely and is concerned about the spike in deaths and lack of testing. Hell, we all are. We all wish Donald Trump had handled this situation more wisely. But we get on with life as best we can while observing the commonsense rules in place to protect us.

Not Gregory. He's filled with anxiety. He feels vulnerable. It took John days -- literally, several calls over several days -- to convince Gregory it was OK to meet outside and visit together on public benches. They chose a date (Tuesday) and time and then Gregory cancelled it, worried that it wasn't safe.

Finally, Thursday, the old friends got together. They wore masks. Each man had his own bench. They looked at the green leaves and felt sun on (at least part) of their faces. Gregory couldn't relax, and after less than 30 minutes, they each returned to their apartments.

But John is going to try again next week. He's a good friend. But I knew that.

What I didn't realize was how fragile anyone's mental health can be. I was aware of goofy conspiracy theories embraced by the silly live-free-or-die, fight-the-tyranny, I-blame-Obama's-deep-state crowd, and that's its own special brand of crazy. But Gregory is the first person in my circle to be so caught up in his own fears and concerns that he's nearly paralyzed. I must remind myself to be more sensitive to everyone I interact with. Some of us are suffering.

May Music Meme -- Day 9

A song that makes you happy. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

May Music Meme -- Day 8

A song about drugs or alcohol. Give the piano player a drink because he's bringing me down.
(Play along! Click here for prompts.)

Working from home, spring 2020

From the New Yorker

May Music Meme -- Day 7

A song to drive to. OK, this one is tough because I don't drive. But I do recall one night, after a birthday dinner, when my friend Barb drove me to the train. This song came on the radio and she went nuts, singing along and slapping time on the ceiling of her jeep. It made me happy to see her so happy.  (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

I miss the pear salad!

Stumbled on this photo in The Sun Times and it touched my heart. How well I know that corner! How often I made my way down Randolph, past the State of Illinois building, juggling purse and briefcase, checking my watch, upset at myself for being late but confident my friend Barb would be later. The hostess station and bar at 312 were always buzzing, and the popularity of the show next store at the Cadillac Palace determined whether it was packed or not. Upstairs -- just above the "walk" light -- the seating is more spacious and the view is nicer but downstairs, the service was faster. Since we always ate here before a show, I learned to specify a table downstairs when I called for reservation and to never check my coat or bags. That allowed a faster getaway to make the 7:30 curtain.

The mixed drinks were potent. I only ever had one to Barb's two glasses of wine. And my favorite dish there? The pear salad! I'm not a massive salad fan, but I loved this one. It was so pretty, with the walnuts and cranberries arranged just so around the pears on top of the lettuce and spinach leaves. The white china plate was full and about the size of an old vinyl LP. That pear salad was always the healthiest thing I ate all week.

The only two people in this photo are blocks in the distance, and that's what's wrong with this picture. I miss busy sidewalks and people watching. I miss gossiping about office politics with Barb. I miss seeing big musical numbers performed live. I miss having someone design a beautiful plate for me. I miss downtown.

How different our lives would be today if President Trump had behaved responsibly back in January! Read this and remember it in November.

May Music Meme -- Day 6

A song that makes you want to dance. Ba de ah!  (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

I, Me, Mine

The pandemic has not brought out the best in us, I'm afraid. I'm not just talking about selfish and silly live-free-or-die, fight-the-tyranny, I-blame-Obama's-deep-state crowd. I'm thinking of the rest of us, too. Everyone is so consumed with the artificial weirdness of our current day-to-day lives that we forget who the real victims are.

And the victims are not those who can't buy ammo* or find beef or Purell on the store shelves. Or me for hating mass WebEx meetings and my fast-growing hair with its alarmingly gray roots.

It's people with Covid19. It's the first responders and hospital workers who not only have to fight the virus, they have to endure the selfishness of those who won't social distance or wear masks. It's the parents who have to put food on the table, often without paychecks and definitely without the help of school lunches. It's the poor who can't shelter in place because they have no home.

That's why I'm glad Giving Tuesday came early this year. I eventually do the right thing, but I admit I have to be reminded. Today I'm making a contribution to the local homeless shelter. 378 people right here in my community make less than $10,000/year and turned to the shelter for safety and stability in 2019. These crazy days are scary for all of us, but imagine what it must be like for them.

I'm proud and thankful I can help.

*An actual complaint!

May Music Meme -- Day 5

A song that needs to be played loud. I dearly love this one ... loud. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

May Music Meme -- Day 4

A song that reminds you of someone you'd rather forget. We broke up briefly. This song was popular. We reconciled, and I wasted an additional three years. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

When every choice is of consequence

I've now received four letters in all from Darius, the lifer at Western Illinois Correctional Center that I correspond with through my church's penpal program. 

His letters are difficult because his life is difficult. His cell is 11.5 x 8 ft. It contains a bunk bed, a set of book shelves, a sink and a metal toilet. Metal is key. First of all, the sound of anyone in the cell block urinating carries, and secondly, it takes quite a few flushes before a grown man's solid waste finally makes its way down. Darius and his cellmate are in that little room 10 to 16 hours each day.

He would prefer I email him because my messages would reach him faster, but I won't. I refuse to share my personal information. He addresses his letters back to my first name only, c/o the church, and that's fine. I don't worry about him getting out, but I do know that every bit of his correspondence -- electronic or otherwise -- is reviewed by corrections officers. I have heard horror stories about some (naturally not all) of these men and don't want them to know too much about me. Also, Darius has to pay for each email he writes or receives. Yes, he has to pay for paper and stamps, too, but that's still cheaper for him than email.

He has been living like this for more than two decades.

When I write back, I keep his situation top of mind. I'm careful about everything I say. For example, when writing to anyone else, I'd mention something about my setting -- "I have the windows open so I can hear the kids playing outside." Nope, don't want to say that to Darius. It would be cruel.

I don't want to mention how hard sheltering in place has been for me, since I can go to the store, for a walk or to pick up carry out. And I do go out every other day. These are choices he does not have.

I have not forgotten that Darius is where he is because of what he did. He killed two people. I don't think that's a debt he can ever fully repay to society.

But I didn't join this program to see criminal justice done. I write to Darius for two reasons:

1) It's wrong to judge someone's entire life by his worst moment -- no matter how bad that moment is 

2) Christ said, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

And so I answer each letter. It's not so much that it feels right, because honestly, it no longer does. In fact, it's downright uncomfortable. But I know it's the right thing to do. I understand that each of us needs to feel a personal connection, and so I'm here to for Darius.

May Music Meme -- Day 3

A song that reminds you of summertime. Hearing everyone's favorite Cubbie blue monster singing the stretch fills my heart with sunshine. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

Sunday Stealing

CONVERSATION STARTERS


1. What is your favorite song lyric? Why? "You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches on ahead ..." Because now that my friends and I are all in the fourth quarter of our lives, it's poignant to realize we've known one another longer than we have left, and important to treasure our 30-, 40-, and even 50-year histories. Amazingly, Paul McCartney wrote "Two of Us" when he was only 27.

2. Who was the worst teacher you ever had? My English teacher in freshman year of high school. We were studying Romeo & Juliet and I wondered aloud why they didn't just run off together. She was so annoyed with me. "Because then there wouldn't be a story, would there?" That's the attitude that will make young people love Shakespeare!


3. What were 3 things that scared you as a child? (1) Richard Speck. I was 8 years old the summer he killed 8 student nurses. Even after he was arrested and sentenced, I was sure he was going to escape. (2) That my cat, Tommy, would sneak out and be lost forever. (3) Guns.

4. What are 3 things that scare you now? (1) Being in a plane crash. (2) Outliving my retirement money. (3) A second Trump term.

5. Would you rather have the power of time travel or the power to see the future? See the future.

6. Money, power, or good looks – which would you rather have an unlimited supply of? Money. I think the other two would follow.

7. Are you jealous of anything? Oh, sure. I try not to indulge those feelings, but they're there.

8. What makes you feel most loved? When my friends reach out.

9. Do you believe in soulmates? Yes

10. What is something that made you laugh the most? I love all of Animal House, but especially Tim Matheson as Otter. 


 
11. What were 3 of the happiest days of your life? Falling in love, seeing Sir Paul at Wrigley Field, watching the Cubs win the World Series.

12. What is your biggest flaw I have no discipline whatsoever

13. Who would play you in a movie about your life? Sally Field. I'm sure this honor will mean the world to her.

14. What is something you experienced that you have no explanation for. Faith. For me, that's a big component of believing in God. I don't have to be able to explain it all. I have  faith. I know God is there and I know He loves me.

15. What is the saddest book you ever read? Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larsen. There's as much love and good intention as there is heartache in this true story, and that's what makes it so tragic.

16. What is your dream home like? See that kinda mid-sized building, center left? The one that's just behind the Drake Hotel's pink neon sign. That's Chicago's Palmolive Building. It's an art deco beauty. If I lived there, I'd be in the center of everything and I'd get to gaze at the Lake all the time.

17. What creature/insect would most creep you out if you found it crawling on you? A bed bug. Because they seldom go anywhere alone.

18. What’s your preferred Monopoly piece? The Scottie dog.

19. What was your most embarrassing moment? So many to choose from. I have definite Lucy Ricardo tendencies. For example, last month I tried to dial into a meeting but accidentally called 911 instead.

20. Could the earth be flat? OF COURSE it's flat! And the Covid19 virus is just a tool used by fascist governors to take our civil rights. Why listen to immunologists when the misinformation is so much more pleasant? Science is for suckers. Reopen America NOW!

May Music Meme -- Day 2

A song you like with a number in the title. This not only has two numbers in the title, it's perfect Beatle symmetry. One of the first songs Paul and John ever wrote together, it's one of the last they were seen performing together. (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

Saturday 9

LITTLE THINGS
  
1) In this song, Bobby Goldsboro celebrates the "little things" that delight him, like seeing his girl smile. What are some little every day things that reliably lighten your mood? Oh, lots of things! These are top of mind ...

•  My cats. 

•  That I was able to find Cubbie blue masks (I miss baseball!). 

•  When the online technology works and I'm able to have a good meeting with my coworkers or client.

•  Watching That Girl on Antenna TV and checking out Ann's clothes. 

It would never occur to me to wear  these colors together, but she looks adorable

2) Bobby is a lifelong sports fan. While in high school, he came to terms with physical limitations -- slender build, slow speed -- that would prevent him from having a career as a professional athlete. That's when he turned his attention to music. Given your choice, would you rather make your living in music or sports? Explain your decision. Music, because it's a longer career. My cousin is in his 50s, and he's been a working musician for decades (both performing and teaching). Athletes are pretty much done before 40.

3) Shortly before "Little Things" was released, Bobby toured England for two weeks, backing up Roy Orbison. They opened for The Beatles. Bobby fondly recalls spending time with Paul McCartney, teaching him how to imitate the croak of an Alabama tree frog. Are you good at imitations (human or otherwise)? No. This is another area -- like singing -- where I'm hampered by being tone deaf.

4) Back in the States, Goldsboro (again with Orbison) opened for the Rolling Stones in New York. Which band did you listen to more recently, the Stones or the Beatles? The lads from Liverpool.

5) Bobby worked on projects with Burt Reynolds, doing the music for the movie Gator and the TV show Evening Shade. Burt said it was not only Bobby's musical ability but also his wit that made him fun to work with. What qualities do you value in a coworker? Willingness. Enthusiasm for the task at hand is almost as important as competence.

6) These days, Bobby spends more time painting than performing music. He regularly

donates his artwork to be auctioned off for charity. Have you ever tried your hand at painting? Not since paint-by-number kits were the rage. 

7) In 1964, when this song was on the radio, women spent more on styling gels and sprays than they do today. Are you having a good hair day? Or has the pandemic made dealing with your hair something of an adventure? My hair has become all cowlicky and wavy.

8) Nationally and internationally, one of 1964's biggest news stories was the marriage of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The bride wore a yellow dress and white and yellow flowers in her hair. The groom was decked out in a sedate dark suit with a red tie and a yellow boutonniere. What did you wear the last time you got really dressed up? I don't remember the occasion, but I know I wore my paisley cardigan because I was hoping to wear it again before I washed it. Since it's May, that's not going to happen this season.
 
9) Random question: Imagine you're stranded on a desert island with a complete stranger. Would you prefer your one and only companion be a man or a woman? A man. My upper body strength would be woefully inadequate to the tasks of survival. I'm hoping a man would balance that out. Of course, I'd rather not be stranded on a desert island at all.

Nothing but good news

Wednesday night, Chicago's athletes participated in a telethon to benefit those feeling the negative effect of the corona virus crisis. The Cubs' Anthony Rizzo appeared.

Of course he did.

Sports columnist Dave Kaplain rattled off Rizz' impressive off-the-field stats.

•  Since mid-March, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation has provided 5000 meals to healthcare workers at 30 hospitals in 6 states.

•  That's nearly 115 meals a day, purchased from local, independently-owned restaurants struggling to stay afloat.


Then Kaplan joked, "Aren't you ever going to stop?"

"I don't want to stop," he said seriously.

And sure enough, on Thursday his foundation delivered 500 KN95 masks to Lurie Children's Hospital.

Rizz is now 30. He doesn't have many seasons left. If he wanted to mention how detrimental the pandemic and the truncated season will be to his career, I don't think anyone would blame him.

But then, he wouldn't be Anthony Rizzo. Instead he talked about his parents (they're healthy but bored) and staying in shape (riding bikes with his wife and taking swings in a batting cage) and his beloved Kevin.

Kevin is a good boy. He understands "sit," "stay" and "go out." However, Kevin doesn't get "rollover" and looks confused when asked to give his paw.

Anthony Rizzo is a good boy, too. When his as-yet unborn kids ask him what he did during the 2020 pandemic, he can be proud of his answer.

Those who pay the dearest price

I am, naturally, appalled by the self-important whiners who act as though their civil rights have been severely impeded by a once-in-a-century pandemic. It's offensive to see safety precautions akin to those put in place for hurricanes and tornadoes compared to "fascism."

It also belittles the true victims: Those who have lost their lives and lost their loved ones. Those who will continue to suffer loss of life. Look at this headline. Consider that six-figure number.

Here's a link to this story

I close with the quote by the Montebello company executive fulfilling the body bag order: "I hope to God that they don't need my order and that they cancel it." Here's hoping this government estimate is far off, and the anguish represented by that number is never realized.

May Music Meme -- Day 1

A song you like with a color in the title. Aha! This song has two colors in the title! And I do adore it.  (Play along! Click here for prompts.)

Hello, Moto!

Here's my brand spanking new phone, the Motorola Moto E6. It took me just under 3 hours to be up and running -- apps, contacts and all. That sounds worse than it was. I never once felt like crying during the process, and considering how tech challenged I am, that's an accomplishment!

I switched to Consumer Cellular. Yes, they're cheaper, but I made the change now because I couldn't just take my cracked phone over to the TMobile retail location and have them do everything for me. That would be my preference. Because I'm lazy and because tech is not always my friend.

But I've taken a call, received texts and sent an IM on this new phone, so I think Moto and I going to be fine.

Answer these musical questions

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Sign of the times

Yesterday, when I wandered over to my favorite coffee shop for brunch to go, I saw a sign in the window of a local salon. Through the window I could see price tags on the salon chairs, mirrors and display cases. The doors were locked tight, of course, but there was a number displayed to make an appointment to see the salon fixtures.

I felt a pang. I don't get my hair cut there, but I've gone to them in the past for pedicures and massages. They've been in this neighborhood since the mid-1980s.

Neither their website nor their Facebook page say they're going out of business, so maybe they're using this time of enforced closure to remodel. They were going to have a rough go of it this month, anyway, since the main drag is torn up; the long-planned sewer upgrade is going on as planned and, under normal circumstances, would have played havoc with foot traffic and parking.

I hope they reopen. I know how hard this pandemic is for mom-and-pop businesses like this one.

And once again, I feel fortunate that I will have a check direct deposited on the 30th.

One Gal's Truth Bomb

'Truth bomb" is a much-loved phrase among a subset of Americans, employed when they're about to say something they feel isn't PC. As in, "Here's a truth bomb: You've given up your rights for a virus that's not even a threat."

Many insist they're Christians, yet you never hear them mention this: as of today, more than 60,000 of their fellow citizens are dead from this virus. More than one million have been stricken by it.

Instead they take to their keyboards to complain. "I'm bored!" "I can't find my favorite cut of beef at the store." "I have to wear a mask!" "My doctor postponed my elective surgery!" Me, me, me.

You never read prayers for those who have a cough and fever and are terrified they may have the virus, or compassion for those who have lost loved ones but can't hold a funeral service to say goodbye. 

Where's the sympathy for pregnant women who have to deliver during a pandemic? Or concern for the poor who can't shelter at home because they are homeless?

These proselytizers, who have spent decades working to repeal every woman's right to choose, are now suddenly upset because their personal comforts are impeded for a few months for the greater good.

Here's a "truth bomb:" Maybe God would smile upon them more warmly if they cared as much about their fellow Americans as they do about the unborn. Or their own comfort.

Look at these figures. More American citizens have died from Covid19 than were killed in the Vietnam war. 

I am grateful right now. Thankful that I have a job, that I am healthy, that my governor is looking out for our safety. I wish I was able to do more for first responders and the homeless right now. And I'm grateful that God knows this about me, and that I'm on the right side of my faith and of my nation's history.

I know this makes me what "truth bombers" like to call "a sheeple." I'm good with that. I'd rather bleat than be selfish and bitter.

PS Here's a link to homeless shelters all across the country.

Click here

And the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation is working with local restaurants to provide hot meals for essential health care staff. That not only feeds the hospital workers, it helps independently owned restaurants stay afloat.

Click here

Home-made masks are most welcome, too! Schools, oncology centers, and long-term care facilities can use help.

Click here

"I'm your doctor now."

The sweetest words I've heard in a long time! I had a teleconference with an internist yesterday and it was so cool!

I've been without a doctor since mid-January, when my new doctor chose to leave the practice. (Good riddance, by the way.) The nurse practitioner I saw for my bronchitis recommended this doctor, but every time I tried to get an appointment, she had to reschedule. When there's a pandemic, my annual check up simply isn't a priority.

But here's the thing: my Epipen expires in July. I'm allergic to bee sting and I need a new prescription. Sooner rather than later. As warmer weather approaches, Epipens are often in short supply.

I called my prospective doctor's office and explained my plight. Her front desk scheduled the teleconference and sent me some e-paperwork. Yesterday doc and I kinda met. We talked for 15 minutes, she asked some high hard ones about my health history, and promised to submit my new prescription immediately. She's already been more responsive than her predecessor.

When I mentioned that I've felt vulnerable, going through this pandemic without a doctor, she reassured me, "I'm your doctor now."

Yea!

Tuesday 4

Extremes

1) Besides a house or car, what is the most expensive thing you've ever bought?
I've splurged on vacations, but I think the question refers to something more tangible. So I'll answer with this, a print I purchased and had professionally matted and framed. (To the uninitiated, it's the cover art for The Beatles Anthology.) Klaus Voormann himself signed it! I adore it, and have alerted my niece and nephew to its value. After I croak, I don't want it sold at a garage sale for $5.

2) What is the coldest temperature you've experienced? The warmest?
In January 2019, the mercury dipped to -21º. In July 1995, we saw it soar to 106º. The heat was worse, more uncomfortable and more deadly.

3) Can you name a favorite TV/Radio program that you secretly can't get enough of or one that you will watch every chance you get? Perhaps binge watch?
Now that I'm working from home I spend a little time with him. Every day there's a mini Magnum marathon on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. I love returning to paradise before 9/11, Trump and the pandemic. Also, Selleck was so charming then, before he became a dour Blue Blood obsessed with reverse mortgages. Smile, Tom! Do the eyebrow thing again!




4) What is very wrong but sounds good to most people at first?
Ending self-isolation. Yes, we're all bored with it! I get it that if you live in downstate IL, western NY or northern CA, you may not see many cases of Covid19 and are eager to get on with your life. But stop being so self-centered and think. How will you prevent people in your town from interacting with Chicagoans, New Yorkers or Los Angelenos? Obviously, you cannot.

Here's your chance to put others first in a very real way. Be patriotic. Think of first responders and law enforcement and give them a chance to keep us all safe. As our governor reminds us, "You can't have a livelihood if you don't have a life."