Now I want to take a shower

 

I completely adore Carole Lombard. She's sophisticated and funny and completely unique. No one talked faster, moved more gracefully, or wore clothes better. Lucille Ball was, obviously, just as funny and also very pretty, but nowhere near as glamorous. They could both take a fall or a pie in the face, but Lucy was always Everywoman, and Carole was always a Vogue model. Whenever Carole Lombard shows up on my TV, I stop to watch her, enchanted.

But I hate her smoking. She smokes freaking constantly in her films. I just watched her in a trifle called Love Before Breakfast (1936), and her leading men match her puff for puff. When I see these handsome men with their skinny mustaches and this beautiful woman in her feather boas and fur stoles, I don't think of how captivating they look. I think of how terrible they must smell. I feel a little stinky myself after spending 90 minutes in their company.

WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

1. What are you currently reading? First Degree, by David Rosenfelt. Our hero, defense attorney Andy Carpenter, is irreverent and loves dogs and baseball. He's also newly wealthy and doesn't have to take cases out of financial necessity. It's no surprise, then, that he turns down the elegant man who comes into his office and confesses to a grisly murder that no one has yet been charged with. However, since the elegant man came to Andy as a possible client, privilege applies and Andy can't report him to the police. You can understand Andy's dilemma when someone else is arrested for the murder. The suspect is one of life's losers who not only didn't do it, he can't afford a good attorney. Andy offers to take his case pro bono, and we're off.

This is the second book in the Andy Carpenter series I discovered this past summer. I'm enjoying it as continued time with the characters I met in the first book, and for how different the story and plot are.

 

2. What did you recently finish reading? Hank and Jim by Scott Eyman. It's about the 50-year friendship between movie stars Henry Fonda and James Stewart. They met as struggling actors in New York, shared a house in Hollywood, and were confidantes until Fonda's death in 1982.  

They were a study in contrasts: Fonda was a liberal Democrat, Stewart a conservative Republican. Fonda was agnostic, Stewart a church-going Presbyterian. Fonda was a loner, Stewart never met anyone he didn't like. But they were loyal to one another through good times and bad -- and the bad times include World War II, Vietnam, divorces, suicide, the loss of a child, old age, ill health, and death. The one thing they didn't have to overcome was jealousy. I am amazed that two men of the same age, in the same industry, managed to not compete, but everyone agrees they never did. Not even the year they were both nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor.

If you enjoy old Hollywood dish, there are quite a few tasty morsels here. But mostly it was warm and touching. I was amused and heartened by their shared love of animals and lost track of all the dogs and especially cats that populate these pages. Toward the end of the book, Fonda gave a deeply grieving Stewart a animal-related gift that literally brought tears to my eyes.

3. What will read next? I'm not sure.

Monday Madness

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL QUESTIONS

1. Tell us about a special piece of cookware, dinnerware, or kitchen item in your home that has sentimental value. It's a little wooden cat ornament I have hanging from the pull on one of my kitchen cabinets. I originally brought it home to my mother as a souvenir from Key West and someone (my sister or my niece) found it among her things when they were preparing her house for auction. Every time I look at it, makes me happy that it made her happy.

2. Is there one piece of jewelry you always wear that reminds you of someone or brings back a special memory? If so, tell us about it. My niece is getting married this weekend. Anyway, when she was a little girl, she was fascinated by my pierced ears. She spent her own money at some school fair to buy me some truly wretched dolphin earrings for my birthday. I have never worn them, but I wouldn't part with them for the world. They've been on my earring tree for 20 years now and they, too, make me smile when I see them.

3. When you go out for a meal (yes, folks, those were the good 'ole days) do you make special requests having to do with food choices, extra condiments, seating arrangements, special instructions for how your food is cooked and the like? What are your special requests? Please, no onions on my burger. Thank you.

4. What makes your home special to you and your family? Me!

5. We've had a lot of time to think up ways to make our lives more interesting while on lockdown. What do you do to make an otherwise ordinary day/night more special?  In other words, what does your "special night" look like? A phone call from Henry or John, or a zoom get together with my movie group.

6. You are waiting for an exciting special delivery! What's in the box? Funny you mention this. My Cubs 2020 playoff t-shirt was supposed to arrive Sunday night by 9:00 PM but FedEx texted that "no updated estimated arrival time available." I WANT MY SHIRT.

7. When is the last time you went on a special assignment? I'm a creative director at an agency. I tell my clients every assignment they give me is special.

8. If you were saving a bottle of wine for a special occasion, what would the occasion be and who would be in attendance? I don't know because I wouldn't be there. I give any wine I receive away. Since menopause, even a sip of the stuff gives me the worst headache in the history of heads.

9. What is the last "special report" or "breaking news report" you heard? Perhaps you've heard that our President has contracted the corona virus. WEAR YOUR MASKS!

10. Who or what in your life gets special treatment? My cat Reynaldo. He is nearly 17 years old, which makes him about 80 in human years. He gets whatever he pleases. We are going to enjoy our remaining time together. 

Sunday Stealing

FUNNY QUESTIONS

1. If You Could Use A Time Machine To Go Back In Time To Fix One Thing Or Go To The Future To See What It Is Like Which Would You Do?  I am more curious about my future.

2. If All Of A Sudden There Was A Depression Or There Were No Stores To Buy Food, Clothing, Etc. How Would You Manage? Grumpily.

3. Are You Concerned With What Other People Think About You? More than I should.

4. How Do You Handle People You Don’t Like? Avoidance.

5. What Do You Think Of Garden Gnomes? I don't.

6. You’ve Been Given An Elephant. You Can’t Give It Away Or Sell It. What Would You Do With The Elephant? Research how to make it as happy and comfortable as I can.

7. How Would You Design A Spice Rack For The Blind? Braille labels and different sized bottles.

8. How Lucky Are You And Why? I still have a job, I'm able to work from home, and I'm healthy.

9. What’s your biggest kitchen fail? I am afraid to turn on my oven.

10. What’s the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in school? It's hard to narrow it down to one thing. I was miserable in high school.

11. If you could kill off any character from a current television show, who would it be? Judge Jeanine Pirro. She's worse than any Kardashian.

12 . If you could make a rule for a day and everyone had to follow it, what would it be? Wear a mask every time you leave your house!

13. Would you rather be a hobbit or an elf for 24 hours? I'm sorry, but I'm not clear on the difference.

14. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? Lie down in the middle of the street.

15. Would your rather shoot spaghetti out of your fingers or sneeze meatballs? Sneezing meatballs sounds kinda painful, whereas shooting spaghetti out of my fingers could be fun.

 

Slam, bam, tang

I don't usually drink martinis. They hit me too hard. But Saturday was a special occasion. Joanna and I celebrated her birthday. And a grapefruit martini is so pretty!

We were going to get together closer to her birthday -- two Saturdays ago -- but she got a shingles vaccine and was feeling tuckered out. We're old ladies now and have to be careful during a pandemic. 

We met up at our favorite tapas place, right up the street from where our movie group used to meet. We each had a cold plate (she had a salad, I had pecan/pears/goat cheese) and a hot plate (empanada de buey -- ground beef and mushrooms in a puff pastry). And we caught up.

She's still crazy about Sid. He's a handful -- bad tempered and forgetful at times as he deals with the aftermath of a stroke -- but he makes her laugh. There's a real connection there. I'm happy for her.

It was exciting to be in the city again. This is only the third time I've gotten together with one of my friend since February! I took Ubers to and fro. I still don't feel ready for public transportation.

And I enjoyed the grapefruit martini, even though it knocked me on my ass. There's an old song from the play, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. It refers to the "slam, bam, tang" of gin and vermouth. Frank Loesser wasn't kidding.

I miss them already

I am bereft. The Cubs' season ended Friday afternoon. But they made it to the play offs, and even more important, they were the only MLB to not have a single player test positive for the corona virus. They were upbeat, happy role models for all of us and I am proud of them.

 

My guys amused me and distracted me and kept me going through this pandemic. I fully expect some of the core players (Contreras? Schwarber? Baez? Bryant?) to be traded. This means tears will be shed.

I don't know where you sit as you read this, but if they trade my beloved #44, Anthony Rizzo, you will be able to hear me wail.

He's my President, too

Donald Trump is in the hospital with the corona virus. Naturally, I am very upset about this. First of all, he is my President. His illness throws both national security and the election process into chaos at precisely the time we don't need more chaos. Plus, he's a human being. I take no joy in anyone's illness. Even someone who flouted the very protocols that could have kept him safe. I pray that he recovers, just as I pray that everyone recovers from Covid19.

But here's the pebble in my shoe. The annoyance that makes me crazy every time I check on my President's condition. While I've never had the corona virus, I did suffer a bout of pneumonia when I was in my 30s. It was not a moral failing or a sign of weakness. It was an illness.

Yet four years ago, Donald Trump mocked Hillary Clinton for having the nerve to get sick with pneumonia during a campaign. He portrayed her as unfit to lead, just because she fell victim to an illness.  His followers thought this was funny. A knee slapper.

 

I know there are Trump supporters who decry how mean and hateful "liberals" and "progressives" are to Donald Trump while conveniently forgetting the above. Or how he mocked John McCain's military service and a reporter's physical disability and the Khizr Khan family. Or most recently, implied that Justice Ginsburg's grieving granddaughter lied about her grandmother's dying wish. These are just off the top of my head. His penchant for cruelty is well documented.    

Because he is my President, I would prefer he be a role model. That children learn how we should treat one another by watching him. But I have given up on expecting to ever see that from him.

But also, because he is my President and a fellow human being, I will continue to monitor news reports and hope that he's resting comfortably. And I'll close with this touch of class.

Saturday 9

What's Love Got to Do with It? (1984)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 
What's Love Got to Do with It is also the title of Tina Turner's film biography, which tells of Tina's escape from her abusive, controlling husband, Ike. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Spread the word that help is available.
 
1) The video was shot around New York City in spring. Kids are seen jumping rope. Were you good at jump rope? Has it ever been part of your workout routine as an adult? I was abysmal at jump rope back in the day. This was tough, because for us grammar school girls, it was the center of our playground social life. I've never tried it as an adult because the men at my health club are sooooo good and sooooo fast, I'm intimidated.

2) In real life, Tina Turner played basketball for her school. Were you good at team sports? Nope

3) In the video, Tina Turner wears a little black dress topped with a denim jacket. That jacket is a fashion staple 36 years later. Do you own a denim jacket? Yes! I love my Macy's Style & Co. denim jacket.

3) This song was first offered to Cliff Richard, a major pop star in England who never enjoyed gained superstar status in the US. Perhaps, if he had recorded "What's Love Got to Do with It?," he would have been better known on this side of the ocean. Tell us about a time when you said "no" when "yes" might have been the better answer. Back in the days when this song was popular, I was asked out on a third date by a very nice guy named Bill. He was sweet and liked to hold hands, but I didn't give him a chance. I was pining for someone else, who I was sure would come back into my life. "Someone Else" did come back, and I wasted a decade. I sometimes wonder how different my life would be if I'd said yes to Bill and no to Someone Else. Oh well, you can't force chemistry, and I wasn't attracted to Bill.

 4) Tina's first marriage, to Ike Turner, was a painful one. Her second marriage, to German music executive Erwin Bach has been far more supportive. This has been a blessing, since Tina has had serious health problems in recent years. Do you have any medical/dental appointments scheduled? Nope.

5) Tina met Erwin at Heathrow Airport in 1986. He was there to help her prepare for her London performances. They immediately liked one another, but didn't become romantically involved until months later and were surprised to find themselves falling in love. Have you ever had a romantic relationship that crept on you? Yes. We started out as friends and then one day, when I was trying to remember all the things I wanted to tell him next time we talked, I realized I was in love with him.

6) The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards referred to Tina as his "favorite aunt." Is there anyone who isn't a relative of yours by blood but you refer to as aunt, uncle, brother, sister, etc.? My friend Henry always tells me that we are brother and sister.

7) Former President George W. Bush is also a big Tina Turner fan, and has praised her for having "the most famous legs in show business." What do you believe is your best physical feature? With time, I like my dimples more and more. I think they make me look younger.

8) At home, Tina often doesn't always play music or TV because she appreciates quiet as much as music. What about you? Do you enjoy quiet? No. Complete silence makes me nervous.

9) Random question: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "very lazy" and 10 being "very productive," what number are you? 1.

 

 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

 

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

1. What are you currently reading? Hank and Jim by Scott Eyman. This examines the half century friendship between two film icons: Henry Fonda and James Stewart. They met as struggling actors in New York, shared a house in Hollywood, and were confidantes until Fonda's death in 1982. 

 

I hadn't intended to read this now, having just finished the disappointing biography I review below. But I'd been on the library waitlist and it finally became available so ... Anyway, I'm really enjoying it. Lately I've been reading quite a lot of women-centric stories and this one is all about two quintessentially American men. It's a nice change of pace: warm, understated and masculine. But these men were not perfect. They both did things in the mid/late-1930s that -- while not surprising, considering they were handsome and experiencing the first blush of fame and wealth -- were not admirable where ladies were concerned.

I'm at the part where they return to Hollywood after WWII (Fonda receiving the Navy's Bronze Star; Stewart the Croix De Guerre with Palm for missions flown during the liberation) and are resuming their careers. And oh, the careers they had! 8 Oscar nods between them. I'm a big classic film fan and I can't decide which one I love more. As I read this book, I realize I don't have to choose.

2. What did you recently finish reading?  The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger. This dual biography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her sister, Lee Radziwill, turned out to be a rather unsavory book. Because Lee Radziwill turned out to be a rather unlikable person. I'm surprised this book revealed that, because Lee, who died last year, cooperated with the authors. It makes me think that if Lee comes off this poorly here, she must have been twice as icky in real life.

I get the basic premise of the book: the shy, introspective older sister was for decades the most famous and photographed woman in the world and uncomfortable of the spotlight, while the outgoing kid sister who longed for recognition was consigned to her shadow. I have sisters, so in terms of the sibling rivalry, I am not without sympathy for both Lee and Jackie.

But Lee comes off as staggeringly shallow and self-obsessed. For example, after JFK's assassination, she said, "Finally, I'm free." Yes, it must have been a nightmare for her to be a satellite of the Kennedys, being feted at two White House dinners, traveling with the First Lady to India and Pakistan and with the President to the Berlin Wall. Not to mention that she was now "free" because of a murder.

If you've read anything about Jackie over the years, you won't learn much new here. 

To make my long review short, I don't recommend this book. It's not that it's badly written, it's just shallow and unpleasant.

3. What will read next? A mystery. First Degree, by David Rosenfelt. It's the second book in the Andy Carpenter series I just discovered this past summer.

Monday Madness

"FINISH THE SENTENCE" MEME

1. My uncle once... sent me a check for $160. It was 1978, I was in ongoing, miserable pain and needed a root canal and crown. I didn't have dental insurance, nor did I have the $160 to get the procedure done. To put the $160 in perspective, that was more than my entire week's take-home pay. My rent in those days was $300. I was trying very hard to be independent, but my mom called one night and I started to cry because of the unremitting agony. She didn't have the money just sitting around, either, but she knew who did. She called her brother and voila! A check showed up in the mail with note that just said, "Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas." I called and told him I couldn't accept it because I could never pay it back. He told me that's why he was happy to give it to me -- he knew I wouldn't advantage of his generosity.

Over the years, both my older and younger sisters clashed with my uncle over money. He was at that time a rich man and they thought he was selfish and cheap because he didn't share the wealth with them. I can tell you that isn't true. He just didn't want to be taken for granted.

2. Never in my life have I... smoked a cigarette.

3. When I was five my parents ... had a Lincoln Continental convertible. My dad loved it, my mom hated it. (Her hair!)

 4. High school was... as bad as the tooth ache referenced in #1.

 5. I will never forget to... feed my cat Reynaldo. He won't let me forget! 

 6. Once I met 7... That would be Pit Martin. At the time he played center for the Chicago Black Hawks. He wore #7 and I met him at an autograph event.

7. There’s this boy I know ... who was bullied in school. His classmates called him "gay" because he prefers cats to dogs and likes to hold babies. He was only 9 years old and didn't really know what "gay" meant. Anyway, his mom moved him out of that school district and he's doing better. He now lives downstairs from me.

8. Once, at a bar, I ... was asked if my drapes matched the carpet. I was en route to the ladies room, more than a little tipsy, and didn't understand why this stranger would be interested in how my apartment was decorated. While I was washing my hands and checking my makeup in the mirror, it dawned on me what he was asking. I was so angry, I went looking for him in the bar but couldn't find him.

9. By noon, I’m ... done with lunch.

10. Last night I ... fell asleep with the TV on.

A beautiful sight

 Ok, so this year there was none of the hoopla that accompanied 2016. No crowd, no police were required to keep order, no helicopters hovering overhead to cover the event for the national news. Management just changed the marquee sometime before midnight and released this photo.

But you know what? It's still sweet. Not a single Cub player has come down with the corona virus. Some of the guys have slumped, some have been injured, but they've been there to pick one another up. I'm proud of my guys.

Bad Covid19 Karma

In August I posted about Theresa. She just opened a fabric/yarn shop outside Chicago. It's been a tough go during the pandemic, but she's managed to keep the doors open.

The store's policy is simple: customers and employees both must wear masks when they interact. Theresa states it loud and often. So when an elderly woman placed an order by phone, she was told plainly that when she came to the store to pick up her thread, an employee would be happy to walk the order out to her car and wait while she checked it for accuracy, but that she had to be wearing a mask when she rolled down her window. This policy was reiterated in the confirmation email.

When this woman pulled up to pick up her order, she was defiantly maskless. Concerned about her employees' safety, Theresa took the order out herself, handed it to the woman through her car window, and wordlessly turned and walked away.

The woman shouted after her, "You're supposed to stand here while I check my order!"

"You're supposed to wear a mask," Theresa responded.

The woman got home and left Theresa a blistering Google review. Theresa was bereft. She's working so hard to keep her staff safe and employed, and being called "arrogant" and "rude" won't help her little business survive.

GUESS WHAT: The 78-year-old woman is now on a respirator. The others in her sewing circle have posted prayer requests for her recovery from the corona virus. I learned about this from Theresa, who was unable to sleep after hearing the news. The sewing circle was founded to help old friends from the Class of 1960 stay in touch. Now they're all at risk.

I feel the way Theresa does. This is a tragedy, and an avoidable one. It's probably playing out right now in all 50 states.

Covid is not red or blue. It's not a member of the deep state. It is a virus. Be smart. Be considerate of the people you meet. Wear a mask.

Sunday Stealing

 Life, Entirely

1. Something someone told you about yourself that you never forgot. I don't remember if my mom said it and my best friend agreed, or if my best friend said it and my mom agreed, but one evening in 2004 the two of them concluded that no one is as happy as I am when I'm happy.
 

2. What are your 3 top pet peeves. Special Covid edition: People who spread conspiracy theories about the virus and its treatment; people who don't wear masks; people who don't social distance.

3. List five places you want to visit. Special Covid edition: Wrigley Field, a movie theater, the zoo, Key West to see Henry and Reg, the voting booth (early voting begins October 19). 

4. Share something you struggle with. Special Covid edition: missing my friends; anger at assholes who spread conspiracy theories about the virus and its treatment; ping-ponging between anxiety and depression.

5. Post words of wisdom that speak to you. "What man has done, man can do."
 

6. Something you always think “what if....?” about. I try not to do this often because it makes me sad. But usually it's, "what if my oldest friend hadn't moved to Southern California?" I think she and I would both be happier.

7. Five blessings in your life. My cats, my health, my regular paycheck, my health insurance, my friends.

8. Something that you miss. MY OLD LIFE!

9. Post about your zodiac sign and whether or not it fits you. According to Cosmopolitan, Sagittarians are optimistic (usually, when there's not a fucking plague), restless (not really), progressive (REALLY!) and can't stand to be bossed around (oh, very, very true!).

10. Think of a word. Search for it on Google images.  Write something inspired by the 11th image. My word: "Gubernatorial." I love saying that word. The 11th image: Wikipedia's 2006 map of the nation's governors.

My inspired comment: I do not miss Rod Blagojevich.

 

11. Write about an area of your life that you’d like to improve. I would like to roll with it better. I'm not feeling as resilient as I once did.

12. What made you laugh out loud today. It's Saturday night as I answer these. Today I got my hair cut, and my stylist and I laughed a great deal. He just bought his first new car in a decade, and is freaked out by the advanced driving system. His car "nags" him.

13. What are your goals for the next 30 days. My niece is getting married in a couple weeks. I'd like to stay on budget and not overspend.

14. Your highs and lows for the month. My highs: In September, I've done some good work for my client and I'm happy with my home improvements (new ceiling fans and smoke detector). My lows: There was a shooting in my nephew's dorm at WIU. I'm still upset about it. Why the hell would a college freshman bring a gun to school? What is wrong with people?

15. Favorite movies that you never get tired of watching. So many! The first two that come to mind.

16. Books you have read more than once. The one I just reread recently is The Diary of Anne Frank. It's haunting. Especially now, when we have somehow elected a President who believes in "the racehorse theory" and complimented a white audience on their "good genes."

17. Something about which you feel strongly. That we vote out the President who talks about "the racehorse theory" and "good genes." Such a man would never be welcome in my home, yet he resides in The Peoples House. (There's a link to JoeBiden.com at right.)

18. Five things that make you really happy. The Central Division Champion Chicago Cubs; all the pumpkin spice foods at Trader Joe's; singing with my shower radio; when I do laundry and find I got all the stains out; my cats are happy and healthy.

19. What are you excited about? My niece's wedding and THE NL PLAYOFFS! Go, Cubs, go!

20. Three celebrity crushes. I'm reading a dual biography of Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart, so they're top of mind (and awful cute). And Redford is their heir.

 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to reach for my swoon bottle.

Go, Cubs, Go!

 

My guys finished first! Thank you, gentlemen!

 

Saturday 9

 
Saturday 9: Do You Want to Dance? (1972)

Even though I'm naturally blabby, I'm limiting myself to one word answers.

1) Do you check your cellphone first thing in the morning? NO

2) Are there dirty dishes in your sink right now? ALWAYS

3) Have you laughed yet today? NO

4) Have you written a check in the last week? NO

5) If you met someone who shared all your strengths and weaknesses, would you like him/her? NO

6) Is a bride ever too old to have a big wedding? YES

7) Do you put potato chips in your sandwich to make it crunchy? NO

8) Have you ever taken a nude photo of someone (not a baby)? NO

9) On Monday, will you be playing Bud and Mimi's cool new meme, Monday Madness? NATURALLY

 

"You got that right"

I took advantage of one of these last, lovely warm days (74º) and slipped out for a quick, half hour morning walk. Just to the bank and to Target for a six pack of Dr. Pepper (my new drink of choice). On the way home, I was approached by a 60-something woman pulling a cart.

"Do you know where the pantry is?"

Yes indeed I do. And she was almost there. Only I didn't know how to give her directions because I stupidly never took note of the name of the church that is home to the food pantry.  There are four houses of worship almost symmetrically located on four corners. The food pantry is in the basement of the one directly across the street from my church.  And it is ... dunno.

So I offered to walk her over there. She said she would appreciate that. She was wearing a mask, even though we were walking up the street. But I could see she'd put on eye makeup. Her hair was done. She was better dressed than I. So I was worried about her dignity. She'd obviously never visited the food pantry before and I imagine it wasn't easy for her.

So I made conversation. I told her how, when my nephew was very young (or maybe it was my niece), he asked why, if there's one God, we need four different churches. I told her that my first reaction was, "Why doesn't he come up with these deep questions when he's with his mother?" She laughed and said, "You got that right."

Then she brought up the weather, saying it was "a good day for a walk." I told her I don't mind the cooler days we know are on the horizon, but my toes will miss breathing free. She laughed and said, "You got that right."

I wanted to hug her and tell her not to be nervous or embarrassed, we were almost there.  Instead, I suggested she take the el back from a different nearby stop because it has escalators and stairs would be hard with that cart. She laughed and said, "You got that right."

I hope I made her comfortable. There but for the grace of God go I. I mean it. Walking with her felt uniquely spiritual.

I took note: it's the Presbyterian church that gives the food pantry space in their basement.

Our President just posted this on Twitter

 

He invited people to this Jacksonville, FL rally. Obviously he's proud of how he packed them in.

According to the CDC, more than 302,715 new cases if the corona virus were diagnosed last week. And this is how our President responds. 

Remember, these are people who support him. But his need for the cheap sugar high that comes from applause is more important to him than their safety.

No, he is not managing this pandemic well. No, he does not care about us.

This is why I'm ridin' with Biden. If you haven't contributed yet, please consider doing so. Even $5 would help. And, to borrow from Michelle Obama, our lives depend on it.

This happened last night

 PLAYOFF BOUND! Go, Cubs, go! 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

1. What are you currently reading? The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger. This dual biography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her sister, Lee Radziwill, is by the writers who authored Furious Love.  That book was the extraordinary, sweeping tale of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and their epic love affair. This one, alas, is nowhere near as good.

 

Lee, who died last year, cooperated with the authors. You'd think that would give the book greater authenticity, but it's weighed down by an unintended consequence: a lot of distracting Lee-centric detail. For example, in 1959, Lee acquired an English country home that she decorated in her own perfect taste. Pages are devoted to how she daringly chose theatrical designer Renzo Mongiardino and worked with him to realize her vision. OK ... but there was very little about Jackie's life in 1959. She was living in Washington with her toddler daughter and her husband -- the junior Senator from Massachusetts -- and the family was gearing up for his Presidential run. Nary a mention of any of that, which I find far more interesting than Lee's choice of wallpaper. 

I guess that's the problem with the book thus far (I'm about halfway through). Lee's life is seldom as interesting as Jackie's -- an observation Radziwill heard often and resented mightily. But "the fabulous Bouvier sisters" remain the subject of enduring interest not because they were once the star debutantes of Newport society. It's because Jackie became a historical figure when she married John F. Kennedy, and then from the White House, she captivated the world. Sorry, Lee. I'll finish the book, but so far, I wouldn't recommend it.

2. What did you recently finish reading?  Eighteen Acres by Nicolle Wallace. This novel is about a quartet of Type A Washington women: our first female President, Charlotte Kramer; her first-ever female running mate, the colorful Tara Meyers; her first-ever female White House Chief of Staff, Melanie Kingston; and network reporter Dale Smith, who is having an extramarital affair with America's First Gentleman.

The author is the same Nicolle Wallace who has her own show on MSNBC every day. Before that, she was briefly a co-host on The View, and before that, she was a Washington insider -- a veteran of George W. Bush's White House and John McCain's Presidential campaign. She puts her entire resume to use in this gossipy, sexy political thriller. I'm guessing that while on The View, she learned to be conversant on designer duds. Dior, Jimmy Choo and Vera Wang are name-dropped here to entertaining effect. First in the White House Press Room and now at MSNBC, she's probably picked up on how alternately competitive, resentful and supportive TV reporters can be. Working for President Bush, she experienced how the White House responds to fast-moving events. And as part of McCain's campaign, she learned a thing or two about sassy Vice Presidential candidates who can't resist the limelight.

I had great fun with this book. It's like a drugstore candy bar: empty calories, not too memorable, but pleasurable while it lasts. (PS The acreage of the title refers to the White House grounds.)

3. What will read next? I don't know.

One less thing to worry about

It's taken him a week to mention it, but my friend John is fine.  Our little drama began last Wednesday, when my friend -- aged 65, with diabetes and heart trouble -- mentioned that he was feeling rundown and "monitoring for symptoms." I texted back that now would be a good time for him to take his "Medicare out of the box and give it a try," though if I know my bud, he still hasn't signed up for. (He has until October 3, and I'll bet you anything he'll wait until October 2.)

We exchanged messages throughout the week like always -- Cubs, mostly, with a rather poignant exchange about RBG -- but I scrupulously avoided nagging him because it does more harm than good. He just shuts down and goes into hiding.

Today he rewarded my patience and restraint with a text letting me know he's "fine." PHEW!

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, my art director found out over the weekend that she was exposed to the virus. She went to look at a condo and the realtor who showed her the place reported that he's tested positive. Today she went and got a walk up test. She'll find out definitively later this week, but the tech who administered the test was upbeat. Since my AD was with the realtor 9 days ago now and has shown no symptoms, odds are very good she's OK.

I'm very glad that, although she and I work together for hours every day, we do it from our respective homes.

And I am so fucking ready for this virus to be over.

Monday Madness

 Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out

1. When did you last feel down and out? On the 1st. I get paid 2x/month, and that paycheck on the 1st just doesn't go far enough.

2. What do you do to feel sexy? I haven't felt sexy since this quarantine began. It's just not on my mind.

3. If you could be somewhere else, where would you be and why? The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. This is the first season I haven't been to a Cub game since sometime in the 1980s.

4. What have you always wanted to do? Cross country ski. I think I would enjoy it because I like snow and bright, still, cold days.

5.  What do you appreciate the most about your life at this time? That I'm not sick. Really. We've lost more than 199,900 Americans to the corona virus this year. I feel lucky it hasn't come closer to me.

6. If you could be someone else, who would you be and why? Jennifer Aniston. Because she's talented and pretty and she seems very nice. And rich. Rich would be good. I think of her when I'm doing something really inconvenient or unpleasant, like standing in the mud while waiting in the rain for the bus. I think, "This wouldn't happen to Jennifer Aniston." Last time I mentioned that I wonder what similar vexations she does suffer, someone responded that Brad Pitt left her. (Really? I hadn't heard!) I don't consider losing one's husband equal to being caught in the rain and I still wonder what little things can go wrong in life when you're talented and pretty and nice and really rich.

7. Have you ever made a fool of yourself? If yes, spill. In March, at the beginning of covid work from home, I was invited to my first remote webex meeting. Distracted, I dialed from my home phone as if it was my office desk phone -- meaning I hit 9 for an outside line, then 1 and then 1 for the meeting code. Which means I had accidentally called 911 and summoned the police. I am such an idiot.

8. What have you always wanted to do but haven't? I haven't yet tried cross country skiing since I answered #4. 😉

9. What do you think about the talk about traveling to Mars? I don't. I'm not against space exploration, it just doesn't interest me.

10.  If you could bring back someone who has passed, who would it be? My answer to this changes, depending on when it's asked. I know I recently answered by saying my grandfather. But right now, I miss my mom.

 

SUNDAY STEALING

STOLEN FROM ANGIE
 

1. A person I’m glad to have in my life. My shrink. I went back into therapy in February, when I was wrestling with how deeply my friend Henry hurt me. (Henry is recovering from a traumatic brain injury and I know his behavior is going to be erratic. However understanding that intellectually and dealing with emotionally are two different things.) ANYWAY, during this pandemic I've been similarly struggling. I get anxious and I worry that I'm no longer able to keep anything in perspective. She's been a very valuable, objective sounding board for me.

 

2. Something I find comfort in. The crack of the bat. I really love baseball.

3. My favorite part of the morning. Feeding the cats. Seeing them healthy, happy and content is a good way to start the day.

4. My favorite memory. The final out of the 2016 World Series. CUBS WIN!

5. An accomplishment I’m proud of. I won a Clio. In my industry, it's a big deal.

6. An opportunity I’m grateful for. Every day is an opportunity I'm grateful for.

7. My favorite song (and why). This one always lifts my spirit. BTW, Monday is the 21st of September.

8. A future event I’m excited about. Seeing Joe Biden take the oath of office.

9. My favorite area in my home. My bathroom. I love soaking in the tub.

10. Something beautiful I saw today. Blue skies and green lawns.

11. My guilty pleasure. The most fabulous bad movie EVER. I love every wretched moment.

12. Something I love about a family member. My niece's commitment to her cat, Annabelle. She adopted Annabelle as four years ago. Suddenly the cat has developed some very unsavory behavioral problems. My niece and her fiance have been ferrying this cat to and from the vet for months now and trying everything anyone suggests. The only time she bristles is when it's suggested they just "get rid of Annabelle." The way my niece looks at it, Annabelle is giving her and her future husband a good exercise in how they deal, as a couple, with adversity. I'm very proud of her.

13. A compliment that made me feel good. Al from my classic movie group thinks every one of my insights is brilliant and repeats them on the group's web page.

14. The item I treasure the most. There's a ceramic trolley car that belonged to my favorite grandfather. He kept his cufflinks, tie clasps and licorice throat lozenges in there. When I was a little girl, it fascinated me, and he'd take it off his dresser and let me examine it. After my grandparents died, and their house was being prepared for sale, my mom slipped over there and rescued it for me. I love it because of it reminds me of Grandpa, and because my mother so thoughtfully retrieved it for me.

15. My favorite part about nature. My cats. It's like having a little nature in here with me.

16. A book I loved reading. These are the two that are currently beside by bed. I don't know why, but as The Trump Show spins faster and further out of control, I find terrific comfort in the pages of big picture books, looking at icons doing beautiful, graceful things.

17. A freedom I’m grateful for. My First Amendment right to dissent.

18. My favorite part of the evening. Bedtime.

19. One good thing that happened today. I'm answering this on Saturday, and I had a nice, chatty conversation with my friend Joanna. It was good to reconnect.

20. How I show gratitude for my friends. I make myself available.