If the weather forecasters are to be believed, we will see almost 70 degrees here in Boston today and for most of this week.
It looks like we have dodged Old Man Winter this year and can look forward to the return of warmer weather. After the winter we had last year, it is a relief not to have to go through another one this year.
Gas prices are still inching up and that will curtail many people from traveling far this Spring and well into the Summer. The POLS are trying to paint a rosy picture of recovery but it still is not evident to those who pay attention on the local level. My mechanic has seen business falling off and his parts store echoed that when they did work on my truck this past week. Both said that even though people are holding on to the vehicles longer, people don't have the money to bring the cars in for regular maintenance either.
Right now, we will see "more of the same" from the POLS until the election in November. There isn't much that will be accomplished politically as no one in office wants to give the opposition any leverage.
For now, I say let's focus on the nicer weather, the return of baseball and all the things that will return to growing. The other items will not change much and are not as engaging right now. I am hopeful for a good season of growing and enjoying time on the patio with the pups. They are looking forward to getting back outside too.
I have spent time in Hawaii and in the islands, every Friday is " Aloha Friday "...There they look to live the " Aloha Spirit " and embrace the idea that "Aloha" is a way of living life with care and concern for others, along with enjoying life as it is a gift....I did this while overseas and wore my Aloha Shirt around Afghanistan on Fridays.....it made me stand out that was for sure and I had one Marine ask me, " What the hell do you do here? " in a tone that was uncharacteristic of most Marines (they are very polite when addressing civilians)....when I told him I was part of the company that supplies his life-support services, he eased up...it was a funny encounter as I would have likely wondered what the guy in the Aloha shirt was doing in Helmand Province if I were in his shoes too.....
Fridays also spur retrospective observations....You try to sum up the week's efforts and prepare yourself for some well earned weekend activity....so I'll take a bash at sharing some observations from my AOR (area of responsibility - Military speak for your present location)
- We are entering Spring but the weather here seems to not want to move away from winter....we had snow here twice this week and thankfully, it didn't add up to much...gone within hours once the temps rose back to the low 40s
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- The Herring are "running", which means returning to the rivers here in Southeastern Massachusetts as they do each Spring....you can tell because there is a large flock of Seagulls squawking and following them as they make their way up the river....and of course, leaving behind the calling cards that only seagulls can.....ewww
- "March Madness" is in full swing.....whatever. Too much attention is paid to the NCAA and it has turned March into a month dominated by college Basketball.....sorry, not interested. Spring Training for the Red Sox....more please.....Roundball just isn't that exciting, in my humble opinion.
- Two Oldest came by last night and we shared dinner and some early birthday cake along with the Mrs., daughter and daughter-in-law.....it was a good evening of humor, sibling rivalry and a game of Wii Golf....I actually won the round despite predictions that Dad would peter out on the tougher holes....I enjoy these evenings as the Number 1 and Number 2 sons have grown to be honorable men....I am proud of their efforts and it is very enjoyable to spend time in their company. The company of family in these tough times is something everyone needs more and less have the ability to enjoy....
- The political posturing for the 2012 Elections is already rearing it's ugly head and the field could not be more full of empty-headed fools who look in the mirror and see themselves as the next Thomas Jefferson....."Let me be clear about this"....the country is in serious need of leadership and we got nobody.......zero, zilch, nada.....no one.....not a single person has appeared on the horizon who the country can get behind and feel confident on the outcome.....Romney, Gingrich, Palin, Bachman, Trump, Barbour, Pawlenty, etc, etc. - All are woefully over matched and none of them has anything we want or need....they are all a bunch of self-centered fools......the "Empty Suit" who occupies the office is an abject lesson in what we should NOT do...elect some feckless idjit promising " hope & change " - We need to " Hope" we can "Change" him outta there as he is a blight upon the world stage and an embarrassment .....feckless, incompetent and lacking the sense God gave a dog.....really....and who will be the replacement???
- Meanwhile, we have Japan (prayers for them), Libya, Middle East unrest, Oil spiking, Deficit issues, etc, etc......did I miss anything ??
- I think this may be why we all are eager for Spring to come along....to allow us to enjoy the great outdoors and for a moment, leave the issues behind......especially on an ALOHA FRIDAY.
Spring Training is the time to work out any problems your players might have before the regular season starts.....Looks like this guy will be on the injured reserve for a bit....Ouch.
If the weather forecasters are to be believed, we will see almost 70 degrees here in Boston today and for most of this week.
