Ann

I’ve always had the feeling that individuals within our Government had a hand Kennedy’s assassination. I was 9 at the time but I remember theorists talking about his support of the Civil Rights movement and especially his reluctance to get embroiled in Viet Nam. There was mention of no real love lost between Kennedy and Johnson. A great deal of money was made for a few people during the Viet Nam years.

The only real change I’ve made is that I try to shop at times I know the stores are less crowded. To be honest, that’s partly to avoid anyone who might be ill but mostly to avoid the crazy that has also infected daily life; in stores or in traffic.

My Grandmother started me on my letter writing journey when she showed me a letter from her brother who still lived in Ireland. I was 10 years old and asked her if I could write to him too and she included my letter with her’s. I remember my surprise and joy at receiving his letter addressed to me and that was the beginning of 20 plus years of correspondence between Uncle Pete and I. Letters are sharing parts of yourself with others, your thoughts, dreams, hope, they are love, advice when needed. Letters are wonderful and I’ve missed writing them. I think it’s time to begin writing again. Thank you for this reminder.

What I don’t understand is how these Albany Elites can’t see that what NYS is mandating to stop/heal climate change has no effect whatsoever on the world’s climate. As long as Countries like China, India, Russia and others continue using existing, reliable forms of energy it makes no difference. I believe it’s the desire to “be first” that is driving these ridiculous decisions. Instead of talk about Canada being the 51st State I’d like to see Upstate NY be the 51st State.

Not to mention local municipalities. When it came to my Dept.’s budget, if I didn’t need it I would not spend everything in my budget for supplies, equipment and things I could control. I still remember one situation where I needed a red marker. I normally used black markers so I went to other Depts. and asked if they’d trade a red marker for a black one. There were lots of laughs and I was told to order a box of 12. I replied I only needed 1 for a one time project not 12. I did get my trade. I always knew my budget (while some came from revenue my Dept. generated) was taxpayer money not the local Government’s.

We haven’t had corned beef in years. I thought I read somewhere that corned beef was an American idea to go with cabbage. I remember my Irish grandmother cooking ham and cabbage 🤷‍♀️

If we are growing more than what we need I can’t help but wonder why so many have food insecurity and prices ate so high. How much is shipped over seas?

I’m with you staying in Standard Time. I keep one clock at that time and that last hour of sunlight isn’t even a full hour.

I’m in favor of leaving standard time the norm. It follows the body’s natural circadian rythm.

Based on what I’ve seen of the behavior of the Democrats in the House and Senate I would not vote for a Democrate in 2026. You can loathe the individual holding the office but I have always believed that the Office of the President deserves respect and everyone should stand when whoever holds that office enters the room. You don’t have to like the person or agree with what’s being said. Stay silent, don’t applaud and your silence will speak volumes. Leaving in protest while the individual holding that Office is speaking, holding up your little signs, disrupting the moment by shouting and shaking your fist, not acknowledging the ordinary Americans mentioned and their struggles and achievements, well, in my humble opinion, that is immature, petty, and the American people deserve better from their Representatives be they Democrats or Republican. The Democrats did not listen to the American people during this last election and that’s on them. From what I’ve seen, they are still not listening and it will be to their detriment come the 2026 midterms. Listen and learn, you might finally understand who the people you represent are.

I just put 7 tall trash bag size bags of books in the back of our car to take to a used book and hopefully they’ll accept them. These are paperback and hard cover books in great condition. There are also books that follow various Authors series. If the Library throws books in the trash, well, I can do that myself but I’d rather they sell for Pennie’s and be read and enjoyed.

Today I learned what FAFO means. I might have to sign up for a class on acronyms to keep up and understand what I’m hearing and reading lol

This was a wonderful read, thank you.

I also believe electronic devices have become great babysitters for many individuals with small children. It keeps them occupied while they do their own thing, often on smart phone.

I think it’s going to get a bit worse before we see a turn around. I am by no means an economic expert but I know you can’t spend more than you make without consequences. I know that large debt can be a burden that is difficult to get out from under and it takes sacrifice and dedication to that. I understand the unfairness of Americans paying higher tariffs to purchase from other countries than those countries pay for American goods. I understand that America can not continue to be the World’s cash cow. I do believe that eventually the economy will get better.