KISS AND MAKE-UP GENE SIMMONS

I took a chance and purchased an autographed book by fames singer with the long tongue - Gene Simmons! The uniqueness of this image makes for good conversation. If Ben wants the book it will serve as a good 45th birthday present!( 'Sorry, Dad, PASS!




Guess what? The sun has been paying peekaboo this afternoon. In talking with the public everybody looks forward to the month of June. Trivia question " how many sunny days will we have in June?" I have never seen such a weather pattern in all my life. Haven't had my AC on since Ben & family was here.




The Honda AC won't be delayed until Friday. Construction work going on at the Tavern. Highway work around the Common is almost finished! It will look defined and beautiful.




At lunch at the WB Senior Center.


Joke of the day came when I went to cash a crispy $100 bill. I carelessly put it in my shirt pocket. BINGO the wind grabbed it and I grabbed it in time to cash it! LOL.

Your Choice? $$$$$$$$$$

Ever see a 9 inch tongue? LOL

OLIVIA, RICKY AND THE REST

Today's sad news came with the fact Olivia-Newton John's breast cancer is spreading. I have loved Olivia's music and infectious ways since the days of "PHYSICAL!" The lady is a real charmer. My favorite ONJ is found in the DVD from the Sydney  Opera House. Check it out!


I was watching the Late Ricky Nelson, too, on You Tube. Ricky was the first Rock Star of our lives. Further back was the innocence of The Nelson Family when David and Ricky. Every American family could identify with the program!


Hey, did you see the sun shine for one minute? What a tease. Had lunch at the WB Senior Center... then came home to do a little house keeping. Son Josh unplugged the vacuum and I unplugged the slovenly ways of yours truly. Comet, if you may.


Happy 45th Birthday, Son Ben! May 30, 1972, OMG. 45 years, where did they go... 45 years, I don't know!

Little Hiawatha- Savannah

Mom & Dad

WEATHER FORECAST FOR NORTHEAST USA 5/30/2017

According to the New York Times the 'northeastern quarter of the nation will most likely avoid any sustained periodic heat over the next couple of weeks as the jet stream delivers rounds of cool  weather to the region. In addition to thee frequent shots of cool weather, showers and thunderstorms will be a common occurrence with the potential for heavy rainfall from time to time. The Southeast will remain steamy.'

DON KENT Boston weatherman..

No chance of this in the Northeast

"THIS TOO SHALL PASS"

This is a great biblical quotation for your present situation whatever it may be! Everyone must have some philosophical perch to endure whatever it may be. We don't think about the true meaning of life in good times. In not-so-good times we might struggle to crank up a smile?




I see it as the true key to happiness lies in helping your fellow man. Little things do mean a lot. Today my grandson Chase presented me with a hand-drawn photo of me. I'm flattered. Now I must find a place in my abode?




I like reading selected messages from Facebook, especially from my Senior Citizen compadres. Some messages reveal their human condition. Great. "Turning a new page of courage" helps us endure. I certainly enjoy writing. Ten years at it tells me I'm a "veteran blogger."




In 2003 I was stricken with my rare blood disease. Today after much I live! Sure I', an "Old Goat" as my "Punk Son" Josh said as a teenager, but the reality is I live! Don't try to escape from reality but to endure reality for 'This too shall pass!". Affirm: I AM, I CAN, AND I WILL. At any age it is never too ole to learn. I always enjoyed reading quotes. Go to Brainy Quotes for some Ideas!

Thank You Adams, Coney, Frew!

Take Their Advice!

YOUR BLOGGER  R>L>P>

Grand Grandkids

YOU TUBE AS THE BEST LISTENING/WATCHING ALTERNATIVE

Now that all of in the northeast are at wits end in finding "holiday happiness" on a dismal Monday I'm finding You Tube is the best as opposed to drinking ourselves to death. LOL. John Denver was with me for over an hour bringing back memories of the 70's and 80's and now Neil Diamond is "Crackling Rosie.!"


You Tube is in a category by itself. Videos dating back to Edison are available for free  just like the haircut I got from Son Josh.


IF the sun ever comes out again and the temperatures rise Planet Earth will be like a Super Greenhouse. Extremism will be in order and boy will our gardens grow not to mention our lawns. Too bad our bank accounts didn't grow the same way.


I think everyone will enjoy getting to bed early and ready to  face reality tomorrow.


I appreciate Glory and Susan commenting to my reference to Henry David Thoreau's quote of marching to the beat of a different drummer!


If you haven't logged into You Tube yet do yourself a favor. As arte Johnson of Laugh-in Fame said "Try it you'll like it!'


Good music can permeate your heart and souls!

WHAT A DEPRESSING MEMORIAL DAY!

The one good thing is West Brookfield was able to have the parade as usual. Townsfolks were dressed for winter and the bands played on. Lexington's Diamond Fife and Drum touched my heart with traditional renditions of the Spirit of 76. Bi-Centennial celebrations in America were awesome. I remember them well.








I sported a cane today and was authorized to ambulate the crowd without problem. I always enjoy chatting with people and today was no different. There are some patriots sensitive to my Vietnam Veteran War identity. One good lady was even tears. Wars leave eternal scars and Vietnam is no different. The biggest scar of the weekend is the weather.








I don't want to concentrate on how many millions are being lost because of the weather. Everybody looses. I didn't stay for a feast at the American Legion. Legionnaires work hard in feeding us.








Yes, it's a Monday, a Holiday Memorial Monday,

Willard's "Spirit of '76" oil painting

and I welcome my new readers to the BLOG.

Lexington Fife & Drum

THE MARCHES OF JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA

I have attended some major parades in my lifetime. The biggest was the Desert Storm Victory Parade in New York City in 1991. If anything military parades bring out the best in my patriotic spirit.




John Philip Sousa is synonymous with band music. Many a boy and girl once played a Sousa March in the high school band.. me included. But the reality is marches are a demonstration of patriotic fervor.




On YouTube you can watch military bands performing or listen  under Sounds of the Season. You can listen to American patriotic songs and others Music for hours... from The Washington Post March to that of Radetzky. Semper Fideles is also a favorite of my Marine friends Jeff and Ronnie.




There's no time like the present to honor all U.S. veterans both living and dead.

JFK AT 100 SEEMS TO BE AS POPULAR AS EVER

I did go to the JFK Library and Museum today and witnessed a presentation by NASA Engineer Su Curley. Su was informative going over all of the aspects of a Spacesuit. As I recall David Clark made some of the first spacesuits and maybe famed pilot Wiley Post invented the first spacesuit eons ago.


As I walked from the parking lot I observed license plates of 10 or more states! It's summer and folks have traveled from afar for this celebration. Su Curley had the 500 in attendance laughing in explaining astronaut diapers and "pee bags." What got me most was the interest very young students asking questions. Then there was a man who asked about a journey to Mars! Su said "Maybe in the 2020s."


I did present a book "Kennedy and the Press" to Bookstore Manager, Mike  Hancock, my main man.


Because of the nature of things and Kennedy's vision in going to the moon propagates futures for generations to come.


The clouzy weather continues. Son Ben just called from Charlotte saying their weekend weather was fabulous. Son Josh took Madeline to Bridgewater State for 3 soccer games. "The sun was out in Bridgewater. Younger sister Evelyn now has a new JEEP.. plastic, of course. Chase mowed my lawn again.


Maybe some old fashioned You Tube or Sounds of the Season  "BBQ Weekend!" I like Memorial Day as we remember the living and the dead.

PRESENT MOMENT AWARENESS

The Late Wayne Dyer, noted behavioral scientist brought the concept to the forefront: "PRESENT MOMENT AWARENESS"

Son Josh (L) & friend John Paolucci (R)

Grand Son Chase on Hover board

Single-Handed Chase
One Wheel Wonder


By looking at life "in the present moment" we hear the birds sing and smell the smoke from the campfire. The gentle breezes of the moment take on a new meaning: LIFE.I don't pretend to be anything that I am not I just enjoy being me.


Today's weather was descent. And why not? We have had an abundance of foul weather. Let's home JUNE is 30 days of sunshine. Now that's wishful thinking!


How was your day? Somehow the pain was less as I enjoyed life more. Tomorrow's another day! Right?

THE AMAZING WAYS OF COMPUTER INTELLIGENCE

After being solicited by some clown with an accent yesterday

I deferred to my amazing friend Roland at Staples.. Sturbridge, MA this morning. I had made a date. I left my HP All-in-One PC off at 10 AM. with no guaranties or promises. I went  on my way to Marshalls and found white clothing for the Summer Holidays 38 inch waste trousers and Bermuda shorts. I didn't give my friend Roland a second thought.



After enjoying a cheeseburger at Josh and Heidi's and relaxing watching Chase and his Paquette friends I received a surprise call from Roland! "Bob, you had over 2,100 viruses!" Further, the PC was fixed. What a delight for yours truly! I zoomed back to Sturbridge and picked up my repaired "brain" and a special caseload of 5 reams which earned me a whopping $21 rebate.

With the sun flirting in this cloudy day, I say all's well that ends well.

Contemplating a trip to Columbia Point tomorrow. The JFK Birthday Party is on. Chronicle on WCVB last night was superb.Well done by the reporters. I observed the program with great interest. I have lived the Kennedy Legacy from shaking "John-John's" hand to obtaining Jackie's autograph twice. Despite the looming controversies of JFK I appreciate what the man did and how he did it. I was young, once upon a time, and have memories beyond my wildest dreams.



The JFK Museum and Library will be open to the public on May 29th, Monday, to celebrate his 100th Birthday.

THREE INCHES OF RAIN OVERNIGHT!

Three and one quarter inches of rain overnight! Amazing, and yes beneficial. This seems like a record rainfall for May? Once the air mass dry out the benefit of a soaking rain just can't be equaled.


I took the offensive in laying out some bath towels in anticipation of precipitation but nothing like this. Glad I did. My home is so tight, otherwise, I didn't hear a thing. Maybe we'll be like Noah and his arc? LOL.


Never in my wildest dreams did I think of hear of any of it!

SHEER LUCK, AGAIN!

You can call me lucky, again or determined...I don't care. There are certain tell tale clues in my toolbar like the tiny triangle to the left of the padlock and refresh arrow.


I'm trapped in the confines of the Poodle awaiting any news on the Rhonda Honda. The best advice, ever, in having car problems came from Frank Cooke when my sway bar went. Mr. Cooke made an astute observation : "This car has been good to you, Bob, FIX IT AND FIX IT AGAIN!"


Too many times we look for excuses to get a different automobile or anything else in life! What's your excuse? LOL

TAKE A GOOD LOOK AROUND YOU!

Just now I made a return visit to Hannaford Brothers in North Brookfield. I stood in the line of 14 Items or less. I was appalled at what I saw. This young lady ahead of me was toting her Smartphone with her foot! Her hands were full as was her carriage. Yep, kick the device with your foot!


Then a young man's persona caught my eye with his double ringed nose. Are young folks seeking an identity unto their own? Aside me in line was a pleasant 77 year-old gentleman who was kind and agreed with me.


I am not damning the millennial-types as a whole but do raise the question just where in hell are we headed?






The dastardly May weather is necessitating homeowners to burn wood today. I saw two puffing white- smoked chimneys in force.




Reader Mike Lee may be interested of the activity on Ayer Street NB. Excavation reveals a break in the Bates Grove stonewall and a new house or two in the works. Check it out, Mike.

Mailed Ben a B-Day card just now. Had lunch at the WB Senior Center. Good intimate group of seniors!

THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A CAT!

First, I want to thank LEE'S Coins in East Brookfield for the lift

! My car has gone in for "brain surgery" tomorrow and there is no prognosis.


My computer skills grow as I am not afraid to try and try again! I read an obituary some time back of a man who was an early pioneer in developing skills."We tried and failed and tried again and failed. Then after the tenth time we succeeded." Some say I'm stubborn, others lucky and more say I am determined.


The PC, if anything, is a tool of trial and error. Somehow I found what I was looking for shear by luck. It is not the first time for me.


Knowledge, when applied, can give you results. Clearly I'm thrilled in succeeding. I may even try another BLOG just to push my luck! LOL


So how was your rainy Thursday? Get ready for more. Really despicable if you ask me!

THE CASE OF MY MISSING MUSCLE RELAXANT

Only after a call from the Worcester VA nurse did I realize I had a prescription I had never opened: Cyclobenzaprine HCL. Try again at bedtime!


I participated in 'chair yoga' at the W.B. Senior Center.4 in attendance! The teacher was good yet my limitations on my right shoulder persist. It was work.


Got "paid" today by Uncle Sam and paid my bills on line. We are in such a social transformation it isn't funny. People look different, people act  different, people are different!


Did some food shopping at Hannaford Brothers in North Brookfield. Deli, Grocery, Meat and Produce...Only 44.54 LOL. My favorite will be the Hormel Applewood Bacon. What the heck, I mixed up my "food bag."


Saw Sara Hunt while shopping and expressed my condolences for the loss of Sara's business partner the Late Joe Craig - Auctioneer. Tragic loss.


I mentioned the music of the late James Last and his 16 violin orchestra. Mr. Last's music can be seen and heard on You Tube. He was head and shoulders above Lawrence Welk. An a one an a two! LOL. Whose music do  favor the most? Sousa?


It looks like my Pageview campaign is back to square one. Remember a year ago when my efforts went into retreat? Not to worry....


Must obtain a B-Day card for Son Ben tomorrow. He will celebrate his 45th on Tuesday down in Charlotte! Happy birthday, son.

THE TRUMP KLAN AS SELF-SERVING

The jet-setting Trump family is costing taxpayers much much money

and according to New York Times headlines "Budget plan, the federal health program for the poor, while slicing$192 billion  from nutritional   and $272 billion overall from welfare programs, the whole thing seems to be helter-skelter.


The NYT editorial says 'The cuts in Social Security disability would be similarly cruel.'


Do rich people have a compassionate streak in their body. They seemingly want "more" and the flaunting of the Trump wealth, over all, is at the expense of the poor taxpayers!


The whole thing seems to be incomprehensible.  Trump critics are having a field day. Everybody has an opinion. Trump may have several thousand. Border security and work  on a wall at the border will cost millions.


Too much media coverage 24/7!