It seems that as I age, memories come flooding back of people and positive events in life. My boss, mentor and friend, Gene is facing the end of his time on this planet. When I moved to Boise, Gene informed me I needed a place in McCall to invest time with my family. When Karen and I took a bit too long in our search, Gene found us a place we could afford. For the past 37 years we have never missed celebrating Xmas with the family in McCall. This is a reminder that we should not procrastinate in finding the time to thank those who have made a difference in our lives . Given that we all have an expiration date—connecting to friends, family, co workers is an activity that deserves our attention before it includes a eulogy.
I went to work for Idaho Bank and Trust in 1974. I worked with many great people, one of my favorite’s was Dolly Lotz. A brilliant smile and always a positive and encouraging word. If something went awry, she would say, “doesn’t that just frost your socks”. I understand the standard colloquialism was “frost your pickle”. The consensus seems to be that it was a unique way to express annoyance. Everything old is new again, as issues keep going badly for the Republican candidate for President and his truly offensive VP choice, I think of Dolly and smile.
Just as a recap: inflation is down to pre 2021 levels, economy is still robust, a soft landing is very likely, stock markets are at all time highs, prescription drug prices are down, Harris has momentum, Walz is a breath of fresh air, Republicans for Harris, white dude’s for Harris (not to forget Black women and Haley supporters), Pence won’t endorse the candidate, abortion on the ballot of more States, no immigrants for Abbott to deport, battle ground states rallying around the Democrats, sentencing for the convicted felon on September 15, UAW suing the Orange Wanker and Musk, Ai generated crowd size (lol)…….bet all of this is “frosting their socks.” I finally believe the light at the end of the tunnel is the end of Trumpism.
Please don’t take any of this for granted. The misogyny and racism of the Orange Cockwomble has its own misguided and misinformed allies. In a recent New York Times opinion column Charles Blow outlines the consistent behavior of the twice impeached ex President. He admires strong male leaders— women who stand up to him, like Harris are “incompetent, nasty, and not smart”. He plays on the idea that masculinity and specifically the white male are under attack. Anti trans and anti abortion were going to be his ticket back to the White House. Research done by Harvard Kennedy School scholars, Chenoweth and Marks explain, in the 21st century “misogyny and authoritarianism are not just common co-morbidities but mutually reinforce it ills.” Putin, Orban, Kim Jong, and Xi Jinping are the authoritarian leaders an immune Orange Gobshite wants to emulate. We cannot let that happen.
Everyone must get out and vote. Our democracy is at stake.
Margie and I are driving the boat at Payette Lake. A tradition worth protecting. Mike