It has always seemed strange to me… the things we admire in men — kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling, are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest — sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest, are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second.
John Steinbeck
I’t been a few weeks of laying low. Processing. Seeking to understand after months (years) of seeking to be understood.
There is nothing I can say here about current political climate that would be news to anyone. So we’ll let it rest. For now. Inevitably, since society is dictated by our politics and we are inherently embedded in society — there is no escaping.
I was more than happy to not watch the Super Bowl — but then again I never watch it. I did stop by some friends of Brit’s and say hello for a few minutes and they had the game on. But Marti was in the car and I did not stay long.
We had a family dinner on Sunday. We finally took dad’s car keys. It was past time. So I did the driving last week. Larry will take this week and we will figure it out as we go. We want them to have as much independence as possible while also taking care of our other responsibilities. But things are a little touch-and-go as mom is not thrilled with this loss of decision-making. But she’s imminently practical and will go with it.
I’ve been walking Marti at Dawes arboretum. It’s an expansive and beautiful space not far from the Ohio home. The first day we were there, I found a large quiet field away from the main buildings and Marti went off leash and it was beautiful. There are few expressions of pure joy like an adventurous dog romping through field and forest.
The second day, I tried to recreate the experience only to have a Karen holler at me from 100 yards away – ‘control your animal‘ and ‘get your dog on a leash‘. She did not work there. Apparently is just one of those people who is upset by seeing joy in other beings. And probably likes the idea of animals in cages and on leashes. I dutifully clipped in Marti and we went on our way — a little less skip in our jump for having bumped into that ole hag.
Lots going on in Namibia which really makes me happy. Fulfills me. Makes me feel relevant.
I watched a little 6 Nations Rugby this weekend. Not really into as much as years past. If a pub is handy, that’s the better place to watch. Next week maybe we’ll find a place down in the south of Spain.
But I love the rugby commentators. A few sample quotes below.
He’s even more dangerous than climate change
Me oh my. I have enjoyed that. Yes boy!
He held that ball like a seagull clutching a crisp
Friday Night Martini was at home this time. I made a vegetarian lasagna and mom brought a salad and we had a big time. Family time. Nice.
I’m at the Delta ClubOne lounge at JFK now. Fairly decadent as lounges go. I’m having an excellent Gibson/vesper cocktail. On my way to Madrid and then south to the coast to spend a week with Sjoerd and Shane. One of our normally two annual trips somewhere interesting, which is a nice development these past few years.
No other news of note.
Humbly submitted
Rob Myres, Flanker – Portneuf Valley Rugby Football Club (ret.)
The Martini Tales 