View from a townhouse: the 2nd blizzard, of this and that

I hate to admit it but I am bored by this year's American Idol. Even Ellen couldn't save the show last night though it was good to see her add some light to the dull. Earlier episodes showed a really not with it Simon who seemed angry at everyone. It really apears that he barely tolerated Kara. Maybe he should have left this year.

On the other hand, Project Runway is back to its best. Love it.

Ok late yesterday we got some snow which seemed to stop for a few hours last night. Since 6AM EST its been snowing like crazy, our second blizzard in 4 days. This is the view from my front door: that's my Honda in the driveway and the snow is piled high to the left of it from shoveling 2 days ago combined with about 10 innches so far on top of it, taken early in am. Now cannot take pictures because the wind has kicked up and the snow is blowing so fast and furious, it seems like a blur of white everywhere. I am praying my power stays on. By the way, DC can't get it together to clear snow? This is our nation's capital. And the Federal Government is closed? Spare me. though it has been quiet with the Congress not in the news. And that is great!

Now from my kitchen looking out on the deck and trees in the background. Snow combined from other day that was impossible to move due to ice on the top.

the deck is abou 12 feet above the ground but it looks like one with the ground and trees which are about 100 feet tall.

Forest of Fools or Schmuck's Forest revisited

Watch this blog for a new announcement on a new website coming soon. I am relaunching a site I had in the 1990's, the Schmucks' Forest, a virtual tree planting site for all the fools/schmucks in the world. It will be a place to plant a tree in the name of a person or entity that is beyond the realm of usual dorks.

Why? Because the time is right to release stress and negative emotions in a clandestine manner (no one will know you planted the tree except for you). You will feel better and have a great laugh....I can hardly wait so I want to nominate some fools/schmucks now. These are MY OPINION as to whom I believe deserve trees:

Heidi Montague: why do we have to hear her name or hear her ridiculous escapades anymore?
The Supreme Court (I know I go for the big guns) for their ridiculous ruling that will allow elections to be bought by those with money.
Tiger Woods: if you have to ask why, perhaps you should consider a tree of your own.
John Edwards: ditto to the above


So many fools; so little time.  I feel better already. Got a nominee? More to come....

Ravens, American Idol, Project Runway; the distractions from reality are back!

Yeah, nothing like reality to shake up one's actual reality and put some fun back in a dull unemployed existance.

The Baltimore Ravens: who knew? they lost so many games this year due to penalties and frankly poor performance. I had no expectations when they played New England but wow what a turn around. Does good for the souls of the underdogs doesn't it? Now if they can bring it again to the thieves of the Colts name and history, life would really be good.

American Idol: it's back without Paula but with Ellen and I can't wait. Simon said no more after this year. Did he forget Idol made him rich and famous? He was doing very little prior to Britains Pop Idol when he came here with American Idol. Personally, I think he is making a big mistake and hope Idol will hire a major record executive to take his place. That said, I can hardly wait for this to start even if its on opposite Biggest Loser. Thank goodness for the DVR.

Project Runway is back in New York with Michael and Nina. HURRAY. This is the greatest distraction and who doesn't love fashion?

Yep, life is good. More to come.....................

Of this and that

First and foremost, healthcare reform, yes I am still at it. (Two different views and I actually agree with both of them but then, I am a Gemini). You should read BOTH of them:

National Coalition on Healthcare statement on healthcare reform bill passed by Senate: click here

And, the Pittsburgh Trib on Democrats playing doctor: click here

Ok, moving on to lighter topics. I saw 2 great movies this year, total opposites (just like me). That's 2 more then I saw last year!

Precious: brutal truth, heart wrenching. A must see.

It's Complicated: Brilliantly hysterical yet poignant story of divorce. Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin are superb but so is John Krasinski who is absolutely HYSTERICAL. I would see this movie again. I never laughed  so hard and that felt great. GO SEE IT.

David and Shaun Goldman reunion: does NBC have no shame since it provided the charter plane...do they have to report on this time when these two need time alone?

Ok, am done. Happy and healthy new year to all!

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Part 7??

I have done so many posts with this title I can't remembe what number I am on. But here goes:

What makes me happy?

American Idol starts in 2 weeks as does Project Runway, back in New York, Hurray! Biggest loser starts their next season in 1 week and new cooking competition shows. Yeah, life is good. These are such great distractions from the incredible burden of trying to find a job.

My grandchildren and family. Over the holidays, we got together with family and friends. Here are some pictures which of course feature my grandkids as well as their cousins:

Lexi, 8 1/2 months delicious

Chloe almost 3 with cousins (and my cell phone!)

Family, Kids, Joy

I wish for all of us the happiest and healthiest new year with joy, peace, and love.

Scrooge and the Good in the Holidays

The holidays are here. Yeah. But they are tempered by some scrooge visits already happening. So here are my nominations, my opinions, for Scrooge of the Year:

The entire Republican Party: they know nothing about compromise and constituents and pay more attention to PAC funds from Managed Care Insurers then the health and well being of their constituents.

Senator Lieberman: who cares more about getting his name in the press then about health care or common sense issues.

President Obama: this one pains me greatly as I supported him and believed in him; and to an extent, I still do. But he did not step up to health care and is happy about a bill that will take 4 years to implement (unneccessarily) while impacting the over 160,000 people who will die over those years. Keep it simple and make it happen should be the mantra here.

My former employer which also pains me greatly. While this company does good things for people who reside in their communities, public documents filed in their recent bankruptcy show they made sure to financially stuff the pockets of the chosen few executives just 4 days prior to the filing while not paying the accrued time off earned by employees who agreed to stay to the end as part of a signed agreement with those people. These are people like you and me; good workers with families who got no money; no payment for time earned and not used which is a policy of this company, no severance and are struggling to live and provide for their children. Chances are these individuals will become part of the uninsured, the foreclosed and more. While executives were enriched. I wonder how the leaders can sleep at night, especially this holiday season.

The good: the kindness of strangers, friends and family to help each other in good times and bad. I wish for these people the best life has to offer. I wish for peace and joy and justice in 2010 and I want to especially acknowledge the employees of Social Security who are kind and never recognized. They helped me to get Medicare health coverage for 2010 so I would not be one of the uninsured. Thank YOU!

So Happy Holidays to all and to all, thoughts and prayers for a healthy and happy 2010!

The Good Life

So last night we went to my daughter and son in law's new home that they moved into during the snow, 1 week ago. Of course, all of us are sick with colds but it was Chanukah, festival of lights and chance for gifts and sharing time with those we love most: our children and grandchildren.

My Daughter's oldest daughter loved the bow on the gift most and proceeded to wear it through the night. My son's daughter was more interested in exploring and trying to get the two of them to take a picture was hysterical as you will see. Each doing their own thing. The baby was asleep and missed the festivities; the older kids more interested in toys and exploring then in picture taking.

But all in all, it was a great warm night on a very cold outside weather. Meet the stars of the evening that allow me to experience more joy then I ever thought possible: