Reminiscing June 19th and Father’s Day

           We moved to Oregon on June 17, 2015 and attended the South Umpqua ward for the first time on June 21which happened to be Fathers’ Day.  I remember thinking how it felt like such an odd meeting as both speakers seemed to be promoting social media.  There was absolutely no mention about Fathers’ Day.  Jaime was disappointed as the ward we had come from always provided light entertainment to those who were fathers. Perhaps the primary children had sung to the men during priesthood? 

          I hadn’t made the connection of Juneteenth holiday being today.  Each year facebook reminds me of our move to Oregon, our return to Utah in 2017 and our trip to New York in 2020.  And this year of regaining possession of our house as the other three have moved out and they are NOT going to return.  I am grateful for some of the experiences I had as a result of their living here but honestly am more grateful having them gone. So Juneteenth will always have another meaning for me as these are the memories I have recorded.

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.