But First a Snack? in Everyday Ramblings

Love the lush color here between the green and the dark yellow. This is from a couple of days ago up on the Portland State campus.

I normally stay away from getting too worked up about this stuff but there is something so profoundly disturbing to me about having John McCain with a brain tumor come back to Washington to vote on a procedure to start the clock on a bill that will take away of coverage for thousands and thousands of folks less fortunate with brain tumors of their own.

My mother, my live in love Mr. POA, my friend Mr. Island and…oh yeah Mr. Finch had brain tumors. Brain tumors I understand, oh and all the kids on the cancer unit where I taught for 18 months…

Even though we have two Democratic Senators here that will vote against the bill anyway I called this morning and talked to a staffer about my concerns. I will rally out in the streets if it is needed.

I try to be open-minded but what I don’t get is how can we not be for each other? I want everyone to have health care coverage and food security.

It is going to be hot later today and it is the first Flex Day of the summer from my power company. I have volunteered to use as little power as possible between 4 and 7 PM. Peak air conditioning and cooking time.

We had a good (if lopsided) class last night. We were expecting more folks and so everybody left room in the back and to the right and if we had been a ship we would have listed. I had students that couldn’t be on their knees and one that can’t be on her side so the gives me an opportunity to be creative in how to present material.

Carlo and Diego are grooming each other. They clean each other’s ears but soon it will turn into a wrestling match. Their ears are itching because we are all allergic.

I finished the long mystery I was listening too in audiobook form, the 3rd in the Blake and Avery series by MJ Carter. They take place in the 1840’s, first in India and then London. This last one is full of food and is based on much historical fact. It is interesting to think about London then and how Portland was just being developed and that the white oak on Mrs. Sherlock’s block started growing at that time.

This living connection to such a different world.

Oh amazing the cats are now grooming separately waiting for their midday snack in about an hour and a half.

I still have some inflammation but what I have is better than it was. As those of you who did the Fitbit challenge with me this weekend know it is not because I am not getting exercise. :)

Next week I am taking Tuesday off to go hiking with Most Honorable so that means I need to work overtime this week. After being crazy busy at work for the last year things are relatively calm right now. I do wish I could take a proper vacation but if I can stay healthy and employed I can do that next year!

If they do pass the bill that is actually a tax break for those better off than me that is going to deny millions of people access to affordable healthcare coverage I will fight it.

We need to hold the flame of hope in our hearts and not give in to fear, cynicism and despair.

Diego says we need to have a snack first though.

Last updated July 25, 2017