I had a very long list of items to discuss this week. I think most of them were well highlighted in the real press and even on the “spin” media with some relation to the facts. So I am headed off in a more interesting direction, I hope. Megan and her family spent the last week in Florida at her companies Annual Meeting. The Magic Kingdom, Universal studios, Animal kingdom… you know the usual tourist spots that are memorable and fascinating for the kids. A good time was reported by all when I saw them early on the morning after their return.
What was your favorite part of the vacation? The various rides were well described and the pictures taken reinforce that they were scary, fun, exciting, and worth whatever wait it might have taken. I will note that the pictures do reflect that Margie was excited and Hank may have been less enthusiastic about some of the steep climbs and large drops encountered while floating or surrounded by Jurassic Park creatures. Everyone loved the Ride that is taken with Hagrid on his motorcycle as they evade the forces of evil and Valdemort.
The highlight for me was the hundred’s of shells collected on the Gulf of Mexico beach. The shells, rocks, and other stuff had to come home with the kids. Margie did find a star fish that she left because she was told they would start to smell very badly in her suitcase. Isn’t it great that the kids can still find joy in things that are not stuffed or glowing. The kids saw a giant spider crab that thoroughly got their attention and over reaction. The favorite’s were seeing the dolphins and manatees in the bay.
There is a company called Fahlo, they sell bracelets that track an animal and fund the protection of wildlife. In partnership with many animal rights and environmental groups the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance raises funds to “foster curiosity for wildlife and excitement for their conservation.” You choose the animals you want to follow and you can track their lives on a global map. Hank and Margie have a whale and a dolphin, the gps tracker allows you to follow their daily activity. I might not pick the turtle or the sloth, but the Snow Leopard, Red Wolf, and whales travel great distances and you can follow their journey. It is a very clever way to educate ourselves about the creatures after we see them or read about them. Since 2018, Fahlo has donated over $3 million to protection of animals on our planet.
I am a long time fan of Carole King. The l971 classic, “Where you lead, I will follow” gives us excellent direction for today. We need to pick a leader and a cause that means as much as life itself and commit to it. Protection of our democracy, our planet, the future for our children, equality, racial justice, women’s rights, civility, respect, freedom of speech, science, accurate history, access to health care—-you get it. These are all the things that the Orange Wanker and his hench-people want to take away from you. I do not want to live in an all white world under a dictator. A true leader will emerge as brave citizens united and stand up to the oppression we face.
Friends make such a difference in our lives. Enjoy the Carole King video link—“You’ve Got a Friend”. I am making a list of important people in my life that I need to talk with before I regret the missed opportunity. Mike
Where you Lead
