I make over four figures a year.

I grew up in a home where any form of off-color or dirty language was certain to bring serious consequences. "Heck" was over the line, and "phooey" was right up against it. Because there isn't a lot of foul language in the orchestra room, at least not in the string section, I didn't hear much at school either. Maybe that's why I'm still bothered by people who use foul language as a matter of course. But I am completely and totally put off by females who swear and use profanity. She may be the hottest babe on the planet, but if she opens her mouth and talks like the proverbial sailor, cussing and using what we charitably call a potty-mouth, I find myself repulsed, not attracted. Even minimal swearing from a woman (ladies don't) has that effect.
Is that sexist? Just me?
Doesn't really matter. It is.

The govt. now has 20 czars. The next one is a czar czar.

Did you want to be something when you grew up? Was it something real? Maybe kooky, but real - not like a lion or a rope. A friend's daughter who was about six at the time wanted to be a bus driver when she grew up because her school bus driver seemed like she had the greatest gig in the world.
My goals were more modest. I just wanted to grow up.
There were days that wasn't a given.

I read a movie review that described the new Will Ferrell movie, Land of the Lost, as an example of a story where a guy goes back and lives out his childhood dream of what he wanted to be when he grew up - in this case an adventurous hero. That made me think about other possible story lines based on that dynamic. So if you wanted to be something when you grew up you could have the basis for a great movie. Hey, they turned "bus driver" into Speed.

My friend Sherry sent me a picture for my blog. She also gave me the link to the site from which it came, so I went to
Awkward Family Photos.
It's a little like watching those TV programs that show bad crashes. You know it's wrong to look but something holds you there, watching more and more until you're so ashamed of yourself that you feel like you need a shower.
I'm betting you'll click "Older Entries" at the bottom of the page. And the next, and the next....

I have a pretty important announcement to make.
Pam and I talked about whether or not my blog was the correct forum to make public this kind of news, and frankly, she was pretty hesitant. But I convinced her it would be OK.

Pam has had some blood tests done recently and the doctor's office called today to give her the news.
She's pregnant.
Seriously. The doctor says her blood tests are conclusive; she is pregnant.

You can imagine this comes as quite a surprise to both of us, particularly as we weren't trying to get pregnant at this time. But apparently there is no possibility that any error occurred anywhere along the line by any of the dozen or so people who are part of collecting, testing, recording and filing medical tests and results. So Pam has an appointment with an OB-GYN on the 24th so we can nail down things like due date and whatever else it is that is part of being pregnant these days (it's been awhile since we did this). In fact, Pam didn't even have an OB-GYN until this most recent news. That particular part of the medical sciences had finally become unnecessary for her.

And I have very clear and distinct memories of my encounter with a doctor back in the late 70's who assured me there would be no more arrows in my quiver.

This presents all kinds of issues for our future. Because Sun City is an age restricted retirement community no one under the age of 18 is allowed as a permanent resident. They can only stay here a maximum of 90 days a year. So we're going to have to rent this kid out. And they told us Greyhounds don't do well with very young children. Don't know what we'll do about that.

Frankly, my head is spinning with all kinds of questions. But the nurse who called insisted Pam is pregnant so we just have to accept it as our new reality and consider it the latest adventure in our life.

Don't worry. I'll be posting regular updates as things develop. And if you have suggestions for a name please let me know.
I'm thinking Isaac.