Praying For The Lincoln Project

         I believe it was Corey’s senior year in high school when the student directory came out.  On the cover was an art student’s work depicting the mascot and school spirit.  He had signed his artwork “Zion” as he had with many (if not all) of his other pieces.  It wasn’t meant to stand out as the main theme of his drawing but rather blend into the design.  However an instructor who was anti-religion especially anti-LDS had discovered the “hidden” Zion and made such a great fuss over it that it drew much more attention to the drawing and the word than was intended. 

            It’s quite a small example of how even negative criticism can be used to boost something positive.  Take the Lincoln Project (here) for instance, a group of former Republicans no longer affiliated with the party either by choice or perhaps they were asked to leave.  Each may have killed their political career for not standing by Trump.  They now create anti-Trump ads which frankly are quite clever.  Of course, Trump gets mad and has to tweet to his followers about how “fake” it is which evidently works to the advantage of the Lincoln project according to this interview with 60 minutes.

            I don’t know any of those who personally started the Lincoln Project but I know many who support their cause.  An entire family in Utah who would campaign and run for office under the Republican party are advocates of NOT voting for Trump.  And I respect them.  I know them.  I have had intimate conversations with many family members who are involved.  All of the people I know who are anti-Trumpers are highly educated, focused, learned in a variety of topics, well read.  I’m learning that I really don’t know my Trump supporting friends, and many of the ones I do know seem have their heads in the same mind-set as these people.

            Our nation is hurting.  Our nation is not going to heal in the next four years if Trump is voted back into office.  And even if he’s not, he already made it known that he is not exiting gracefully.  I think it’s the only thing he’s ever said that I actually believe.

Rain!

 It Rained!

Beautiful Rain!

Pouring over my roof.

What a pleasant sound!

Our thirsty world is 

greatly in need.

Halloween and Elections: Both Haunting

 Jenna LOVES Halloween!  For her it is the most exciting holiday of all federal and non federal holidays. Halloween starts early each election year – especially in this decade we call 2020.  Halloween that started in March and has introduced each month with a new “scare” tactic.  California has denounced having Halloween this year.  Not so much to do with Corona but because of the wild fires. Our nation has looked at Halloween head-on.  The latest has been with the presidential and vice-presidential debates.  Is demonstrating childish behavior really a part of the politician’s criteria?

“I want to hear what your credentials are – not what crazy theories (or made up lies) you may have about your opponent.” 

When both opponents are slinging mud, it’s really hard to decide.  What is up with the “leadership” of this nation?  Enough with the mudslinging, name calling and so forth!  I would like to hear each side without the constant interruptions or immaturity.  At least the vice presidential debate was not as childish as the presidential.  That was shear torture!

Both candidates skirted around each question answering with the typical political “let me avoid the question by talking about the issue at hand without really saying anything” or else point fingers about how their opponent will or will not handle instead of volunteering what their own merits are.  The most interesting thing about the VP debate was the fly that landed on Mike Pence’s head.  

I wish they had picked Judge Judy to monitor the debates.

 Journalists had timed the fly’s landing for over two minutes.  Pence hadn’t even noticed.  Roland said he thought the fly was stuck in whatever goop Mike Pence had placed on his head. I loved Trevor Noah’s commentary here.

 

I am not near as bothered by the presidential as I am with the two running for congressman for district 4 in the state of Oregon.  I had never heard of Alek Skarlatos until he was made a “celebrity” on Dancing With the Stars here.  If that doesn't scream pollical choice, I don't know what does.

 He is one of two running for congress.  I told my brother he might have a good chance of being voted in as his was the only name that was ever mentioned either for or against.  The anti Skarlatos ads came with “This is Peter D. and I approve this message” – I wasn’t even certain I about his last name until Alek Skarlatos commercials started slamming whatever credentials DeFazio has or does not have - mostly his age and having been in office for far too long.  Way to go, Skarlatos campaigning.  Should have left well alone and allowed Alek’s name to remain without slinging (or trying to sling) mud about his opponent.  Thus I am not impressed with either one.  

I HATE mudslinging.  Again, I would like to know your merits based on the candidate who is talking. 

Here’s another great Trevor Noah on government hiding health issues.  I still have my doubts about Trump ever having got Corona in the first place, but did take down my “Suspicions and Disbelief” post for a few days until he made this “miraculous” exit from the hospital.  Trump is such an ass.  Elephants have great memories.  Perhaps he ran under the wrong party?

That may be for another post.

Smokey Haze

 When I laid down on Sunday night

I could see the stars

I have not seen the sky since then.

It’s hazy in the morning. 

Eerie fog

And when the fog disappears

Hazy Sky

Smoke from the California fires.

And we still don’t have the worst of it.

I could smell the smoke through the window

Two weeks ago when it was combined with

Oregon fires.

I don’t smell it now.  But I can see the haze.

It’s like a taking a beautiful scenic picture

With a dirty lens.

Typical Pandemic Birthday

 

I failed to mention that Saturday was

Roland’s birthday.

It wasn’t much of a celebration. 

Roland believes no birthday is

complete without cake.

He had handed a cake mix to

Jenna the night before.

On the box was a picture of chocolate waffles.

She made the mixture Friday night and we

made poured the mixture into the waffle iron. 

I poured a pecan frosting over the best pieces and

placed a candle on top. 

We wished Roland a happy birthday and ate

chocolate waffles for breakfast.

 

Later on the elders called to ask

if Roland had a key to the television room. 

They wanted General Conference to be made

available for those who chose to watch it at the Church.

Roland left the house to meet the elders at

the church and learned he the key he has

does not work in the room where the

televised devices are kept.

 

Later we met our former bishop at the animal clinic. 

Typical pandemic birthday.

Healing Bonnie

                 Jenna started caring for Bonnie on September 11.  The initial plan was to go to her house to feed her and let her out.  The air was full of smoke when Jenna started.  Roland insisted that we bring Bonnie to our house for the next nine weeks – which will now be closer to three months as she will be with us at least until the first week of December. 

                Bonnie had an itch.  She was always scratching and licking herself.  Roland told us to take her to the vets.  I first called the number of the clinic belonging to our former bishop.  No answer.  I tried his house.  No answer.  I knew that he had been looking to retire and perhaps he had.  Roland suggested I try the new clinic that just opened on Main Street.  The clinic workers had to talk with Bonnie’s “mom” before we could take her in.

                We took her to the doctors during her first week with us.  Jenna took her into the clinic (after we had called to report our presence) and I waited in the car.  Bonnie received three shots – one for her itch.  We were told to come back for a second shot and had set up an appointment for today. 

Bonnie did stop scratching for about a week or so. She doesn’t scratch as much as she used to.  Meanwhile we received a call from Bonnie’s “mom” to inform us that today’s appointment would need to be rescheduled because of some conflict at the Canyonville clinic. ????  We had made her appointment in Myrtle Creek, not Canyonville.  I called to change the appointment but could not be found.  What???  You called us – or somebody did.  Somebody from Canyonville?  I made the appointment for tomorrow.

Meanwhile I have been picking up Jenna from seminary each morning.  Sometimes I will take Bonnie with me.  On Wednesday we had stopped at the dog park and let Bonnie loose in the fenced area.  She seemed to enjoy herself.  After we returned home Jenna noticed some redness on Bonnie’s paw.  Bonnie would lick her sore which made it worse.  And so when I rescheduled Bonnie’s shot appointment I mentioned her sore paw.  But by Friday she was limping – and even more on Saturday.  I did not want three more days to pass before returning to the vets.  I called our former bishop and met him at his clinic on Saturday afternoon.  He gave us two bottles of medication.  Jenna has been diligently giving her the medication ever since and Bonnie is feeling better.  As soon as I post this I will call the other vet to cancel the appointment that I just made and we will contact the former bishop on Thursday.

Suspicions and Disbelief

             The media has picked up the story that Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid and he and Malania are going to quarantine themselves for the next two weeks.  The story says that Ivana Trumps personal assistant had tested positive and therefore Trump was tested too?  Of course FOX was probably the first to build up this story and I think that is all it is.  A story.  Another lie.  A scam.  Another ploy to build sympathy among his faithful followers.  The debates of course can’t possibly take place now.

            My guess would be that after he screwed things up for himself at the debate – his new campaign manager or whoever had suggested that Donald Trump pose in front of a church holding a Bible (like what would Donald Trump know about religion?) told Donald to Tweet and others followed.  I have absolutely no proof, but I think it’s a hoax.

            First of all, since when has he ever acknowledged anyone else in the Whitehouse?  Each time someone has tested positive he is always like, “Well I don’t even know this person.  I’ve never met this person.” And yet there are photographs to say otherwise.

            Secondly, since when has Donald Trump EVER been responsible?  He mocks the mask, even quarantine, and now he wants to give the impression that he cares?!?!?  I don’t believe him.  Everything that has ever come out of his mouth has been a lie.

            And third, as I have mentioned in my last post, Trump is a villain.  Villain’s don’t test positive for Coronavirus.  I’m not unsympathic if he really does have the disease.  But if this overweight 74 year old man with pasty skin isn’t hospitalized and magically survives this I am certain it will be to get out of finishing the debates and not because he really even took a test.  

    Granted, there were tight spaces, no social distancing, little wearing of masks - so it is possible but too "convenient" or "coincidental" to be at this time. What a kroc!!!! (I may have to repent of these thoughts as tomorrow is Conference)

Perhaps It Was a Conspiracy Theory

                 I often wonder if Trump didn’t pay off the Chinese (or make another hollow promise to pay) to create a virus that would infect the entire planet (villain proof of course) knowing that it would eventually make its way to the U.S. before elections took place.  Trump would pronounce himself to continue as president and not hold an election until after the virus had disappeared.  What a JERK!  The absolute worst president in American history.  Should NOT be worthy of the title president.  Should be the part of history that gets erased.  Remove his name from the title.  He’s a villain!  Presidents should not be villains!

        Donald Trump and Joe Biden are three and a half years apart.  Three years!  Not three decades.  Pharisees act like they’re decades apart and Trump has a much younger and fresher mind.  He is quite juvenile and bratty – I’ll give him that.  Except that he’ll end up in jail for tax fraud same as Al Capone.  Tax fraud is generally not a juvenile problem.  OMG.  We cannot do another four years under his (lack of) leadership.  This country is already in terrible condition.  No other country wants to deal with us!  Can you blame them?  What a bunch of spoiled babies!  Sadly Trump and his posse are not what make up the majority of values and decency that others would like to bring back to this continent.  Why can’t the IRS dump Trump in jail right now?

        Kudos to those willing to run against Donald Trump not so much because they want to be in that position but just to succeed in getting Trump out.  He already made it clear that he won't be leaving gracefully (was there ever any doubt?) God bless us all.  Our future depends on it.

What a Difference

           When the stay-at-home order was given in March, there was a great number of people who did stay home but there were many who had the attitude that “I still have freedom . . . nobody tells me what to do . . .” and have contributed to American stupidity ever since.

I don’t like Walmart for many reasons but Roland just so happens to have a Walmart card and Roseburg has a Walmart and so we have been there numerous times – though I have not accompanied him as often as Jenna who wanted to go to Roseburg last and I wanted to stay home with Bonnie (the dog) but Roland had me go and Jenna stay.

Because there was no iodized salt offered at Costco, Roland wanted to stop by Walmart first to get some.  The last time we had gone to Walmart there was a line of people waiting for consumers to exit the store and were allowed so many at a time (depending on the amount leaving) maintaining a social distancing.  Everybody required to wear masks.

Now it’s every man for himself, masks are optional.  And evidently a client can clean a shelf off of product and it doesn’t seem to matter how much is being hordered.  (We purchased 24 cans of salt which pretty much wiped out the inventory on the floor).  Wal-Mart caters to Pharisees.

We then went to Costco to purchase other bulk items such as toilet paper and paper towels.  Everyone was social distancing.  Everyone was wearing masks.  That’s how it should be.  We should still be on a stay-at-home order because our moving to phases one and two were not gradual enough.  At least I am in Oregon and not in Florida right now.  There’s a state with many problems.  Is their governor good friends with Donald Trump?   Is he trying to outshine his criminal mind?  It’s as though the leadership (or lack thereof) in the state is experiencing PMS.

We had wanted to purchase three large packages of toilet paper but were allowed only one.  Costco knows that there is still a pandemic.  I like Costco.  Don’t like Walmart.  Chewed Roland out this morning and said I don’t ever want him going to Walmart again.  Not during the pandemic.  He has made the decision not to attend church and I guarantee you that the Church is being so much more careful than Walmart and we have a lot more room than we did on the airplaine going to New York (which was a careless thing on our part – I don’t ever want to fly again even when the pandemic is over.  I do not like being squashed! 

Thank you Costco for sticking by your guns. 

The Advantages to Lost or Dulled Senses

 

https://ercare24.com/five-senses/

          I had always been under the impression that if one sense stopped working another may be enhanced.   For instance, my mom has never had a keen sense of smell.  She lost it due to growing up in a smoke infested apartment.  (I think both of her parents were chain smokers) but had exceptional hearing.  Even on her deathbed I believe she could hear well.

          None of my senses are sharp.  I control/plus each screen in order to see the font.  I wear glasses and hearing aids.  My sense of smell seems to be a thing of the past.  My taste comes and goes.  I suppose my strongest sense would be touch.

          I know Jenna has bathed the dog, but evidently she still has an odor about her.  Jenna and Roland have both mentioned that she expels gas which leaves an unpleasant stench.  Those situations make me grateful that I can’t smell. 

          Not used to the hearing aids.  I have heard sounds that I really don’t care about – like the clacking of the buttons on the keyboard or the squeaky floors.  Often I feel like I am listening to echoing as though in a tunnel.  I can turn the volume down or off if something gets too loud like the organ at Church or the television. 

          My taste buds do not seem to dull enough.  I still want things that are bad for me – such as sweets. I have added more salt to my dishes over the years or the things that are good for me will taste bland.  I don’t think I oversalt anything.  But maybe I do.  I don’t eat as much when I cannot taste the food.  That is a plus for losing weight.

          I don’t know what the plus for losing the sense of touch would be.  Hopefully I won’t have to learn.

Virtual Hugs Just Don’t Cut It

         It was the third week of Church for the ward I’m in.  My sister Kayla said her ward had returned last month – or possibly in July.  She said that the members will attend every other week in order to allow social distancing.  I think that’s great that there are that many in attendance as the last time I had gone to her ward the attendance seemed even less than what this ward has been – a lot of empty pews and much social distancing – even before it was a thing.

         Wearing a mask can be bothersome, but it’s not a tremendous sacrifice on my part nor am I too proud to wear one.  I appreciate surgeons and dentists wearing masks, all the frontline workers required to wear a mask all day.  Surely if they can do it for 4 – 10 hour shifts, a few minutes to a few hours shouldn’t be a big deal for me.  The mask is not the problem.  It’s not being able to connect in the way that we did pre-COVID.  It’s a learning curve, I suppose.  Finding things that we may have been unaware of or had taken for granted.  I want to be to be fed but also assist in feeding  - which I do not.  It feels lonely like I am observing through plated glass and cannot break my way through.  But it isn’t meant for me to break through and I’m just having a hard time accepting it.

         We did have a testimony meeting today which was nice.  I enjoy hearing from those in the congregation – especially as it has been almost seven months since our last testimony meeting.  Most talked about having opportunities and finding peace within the turmoil or stopping to appreciate what strengths were learned from the trials that we’ve had.

         One sister came up to me after the meeting.  The sparkle in my eye was obviously not there and she was concerned.  I just don’t care for the distance that’s been created.  I had smiled a couple of times during the meeting.  Apparently it hadn’t reached or remained in my eyes.  I did pray that I would be spiritually fed and to a degree I was but still left feeling hungry as I had two weeks prior.  As of now I think Jenna and I will do just every other week.

         I’m supposed to meet with the missionaries which I guess is every other Wednesday prior to or right after the Book of Mormon class. Jenna had been attending with the secretary for the Young Women’s.  But YW is now the same day as Book of Mormon.  It used to be the same day as Relief Society but we no longer have activities and will meet once a month for lessons.  It will in mornings so our older sisters can participate.  Many cannot see to drive in the darkness. I can’t see to drive in the dark. 

        I look forward to General Conference next week and hope my heart is more open than it has been.  I have been so wrapped up in emotions toward the direction the country has gone.  I struggle with thoughts I had when I had learned about this revelation in primary now turned into a reality that I’m really not happy to be a part of. 

    When Jesus spoke in parables those who had the spirit with them were able to find the message that spoke to them.  The Pharisees, so set in their ways, did not recognize truth.  I am overwhelmed by how many Pharisees I encounter today.  I am shocked and I am saddened and have come to learn that I really don't know these people.  I pray that the members may be blessed as they prepare to vote in the elections that they will be open to whatever direction that God may lead us and may we always rely on him.

Hodgepodge of Thoughts

  

        I have been thinking of an assortment of things lately – none seem post worthy however.  I haven’t come up with any great ways to transfer my thoughts.  So perhaps I’ll just assign numbers.

 

1.     I’ve driven many mornings without having to deal with school buses and I always forget.  Thus I have been leaving the house a wee bit earlier in order to pick up Jenna who does go to seminary in person – at least for the time being.

2.     On our return we pass the middle school which has always had a flashing light signal before the turn.  But I have not seen the signal since mid-summer.  I told the crossing guard about it.  Thus far it isn’t working still.

3.     I’ve seen a lot more construction signs and reflective cones set up all over Myrtle Creek.  And they somehow become permanent additions as they had in Utah traffic.  I don’t like that.

4.     At the end of August Douglas County was instructed to turn all fire meters to extreme.  We’ve had over twenty-five fires across the state.  I think we are down to seven now. Our country meters have gradually gone down.  This morning the MCFD was set to moderate and now they have been set to low.  But this is still considered fire season so the restrictions are still in force.

The horrible air quality has been surrounding the state for over a month now, but Myrtle Creek got only a taste of it for two weeks or so before it rained.  The skies have been overcast and the air is more breathable and appears to be clean.  Fog no longer mingled with smoke – though there is smoke north and east of us.

5.     We see helicopters flying with their buckets.  It seems like the fires are further to make such a trip to fill the buckets and haul the water to where the fires are burning.  At least we’re told that the tough winds that we recently had did not spread the fires any.  Most of them are at least 50% contained.

6.     Before the month started the news channels started off the program with the newest and total of coronavirus cases.  After the month started fires were the leading story and cornona cases weren’t reported until after the first commercial break like it was an after thought of “oh, yea, and by the way . . .” almost as though COVID had disappeared.  But it was back to the first report and then the fires

7.     I have not returned to work.  I’ll wait until flu season and Christmas break if I do decide to return.  With these new hearing aids it is probably not a good idea as I haven’t gotten used to them yet.  Or at least the right one – which is the one I really need.  I think I’m okay without the left one right now.  As though the hearing aid isn’t challenging enough I will have to learn to wear them with a mask.  Doesn’t that sound fun?

8.     Saw the black flag as a symbol of our divided nation (politically) and had some Pharisees (my new nickname for Trump supporters) rattle on about the evils of abortion if I voted for Biden as though that is the one and only thing his campaign is built upon.  Beats dictatorship.  But I never said anything about Biden.  I never said anything about race.  But the Pharisees don’t understand that the definition of a civil war is a war between two organized groups living in the same state or nation and does not necessarily have to do with race.

9.     I’ll go on facebook to post a little trivial fact about a past president or presidency.  I will no longer be viewing news feed.