Good day, all. Time has escaped me again, typical but not acceptable this year. So we crank up the engine again today and start anew. It’s always a good feeling to get moving and motivated again. Of course, I’m sure we were all hoping for a great start to the new year. And then there was this week.

In this post – Plowing Through – The Dentist – Seafood – Random Thoughts of the Day

Plowing Through – I’ve gone through so many emotions the last few days at the events I’ve seen. Yesterday I just stepped into my workroom and grabbed the Dremel tool and just started gouging some wood. It felt like a painter just throwing a bucket at a canvas. Rage equaled some sawdust after a while. But my mind is still swirling. Although I did learn that sometimes rage and art do mix.

I’ve tried using humor to lighten up. I’ve tried listening to music, but that seemed to rile me up. Sometimes I wander around the basement mumbling. Occasionally I curse the TV. I’m restraining myself from reacting and trying to keep in mind we all have to work together. I’m waiting for our collective government to come together but the extremes seem to be tearing it apart.

The misinformation and lies need to stop and the need to stop now, but they aren’t. The immediate question is how do we stop the radicals from both sides from starting down a road nobody wins except those that want chaos and death.

I know what I saw and I know what I heard and the results of that. And that was WRONG. And most are calling it wrong so WTF are we going to do about it. It was a hair-trigger away from being much more deadly, not to minimize the 5 who did pass. Accountability has gone out of the window. I’m sickened by all these flip/flops Republican elected officials who created this monster and the Genie got out of the bottle and now they disown it. And it’s not like the Democrats haven’t flipped on issues either.

So that was the first hour of my day and then my granddaughter came over and all was right with the world for the rest of the day.

The Dentist – It was my 6-month cleaning today. And given I’ve neglected a little care over the last 6 months I was expecting bad news but none came. Just another appointment 6 months from now. I’ve been blessed so far with strong teeth. No, they aren’t the straightest around. No, they aren’t the brightest after smoking for some years as a youth. But fortunately, I’ve only had 4-5 cavities in my life. And that was about it except for having my wisdom teeth extracted in my youth.

I’ve been blessed with one wonderful dental hygienist. Her name is Dawn and she has a wonderful touch. And my dentist is one of my neighbors who I’ve known now for nearly 4 decades and is also great. I can imagine he might be retiring in the coming years and I dread finding another one. I’m sure I’ll try the person who gets his practice with his recommendation of course. But I don’t like to change.

Sorry, I got off the point I was going to make. The dentist used to terrify me. I don’t know why but messing with my teeth or eyes makes me shiver. I’ve gotten used to the dentist over the years but not the eye doctor. I don’t think I could ever sit still for that Lasik surgery even though I could probably use it.

But the dentist appointment was just the trigger to worry about another appointment I have to make for my annual cancer check. That is the one that unnerves me. That is the one that takes processing cycles out of my mind I would have used constructively or had fun. I know I’m not the only one with those feelings, I’ve talked to others. Some are better dealing with it. I’ve been good at times and a basket case of worry at others. Even at the best, there is a base level of concern.

I can remember the times where test every 3 months a couple of times in the past few decades. Then they go to 6 months and then annually. It’s kind of sad but now every person shares that feeling nowadays when they think to themselves, is that sniffle or cough I have the Covid Virus? Just like cancer patients think about internal pains, is that something else growing in me? Or waiting on test results. At least it’s a universal reminder now to everyone that your Health is EVERYTHING.

Seafood – I have a taste for seafood tonight. Not sure where we will go. (only carry out for us) Yeah, it’s not really the season for great seafood here but there is never a bad time to eat it. The trouble is with most carry out is that it’s taken a great deal of enjoyment from the dining out experience. First of all, you don’t want to travel too far because it’s cold when you get home. I may miss that the most. A warm meal coming right out of the kitchen, hearing the sizzle, experiencing the smell, picking up that fork and knife.

I’m thinking about a place I haven’t been in a while. The Catonsville Gourmet. We have had some wonderful meals there but it’s been a long time so I think I’ll suggest that to my better half. Maybe I’ll put a candle out on the table and we can pretend to be having a meal out. When this does virus threat does end at some point there are going to be a lot of smiling faces at tables again.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It was wonderful to go for a drive yesterday, even though it was to the dentist.
• If you looking for hope and inspiration. Look at young children. Look at the innocence. Look at the wonderment. Look at the zest and energy for life. It’s our job to give them hope.
• One week into the new year and I’m already reprioritizing.
• I have a good feeling about today.
• Every day you make it through these difficult times is like a double victory.

Random Political Thoughts of the Day

• Nice move Twitter. Your timing is only off by 4 years.
• As the Capital was being overrun Ivanka Trump called those people American Patriots. Proof that parents can be toxic.
• I wonder what 4 years of undying loyalty, playing a fool and tool feels like after being betrayed at the last minute. Isn’t Karma wonderful? Have a royal day Mr. Pence. I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. I could have told you 4 years ago that man has no loyalty other than to himself.
• Oh, and that video of Linsey Graham being chased by Trump supporters yelling “traitor” and one woman saying “this is what it’s going to be like the rest of your life” to him was like music to my ears. Now I need some video of people chasing Ted Cruz in Texas.